han men in these things, and understand
one another."

"Oh, Miss Clifford," said Walter, "this is good of you! Of course it will
be a great blessing to us both to have your sympathy and assistance."

"Well, then," said Julia, "begin by telling me--have you spoken to
her father?"

"No."

"Then that is the very first thing to be done. Come, order our horses. We
will ride over directly. I will call on _Miss_ Bartley, and you on
_Mister_. Now mind, you must ignore all that has passed, and just ask his
permission to court his daughter. Whilst you are closeted with him, the
young lady and I will learn each other's minds with a celerity you poor
slow things have no idea of."

"I see one thing," said Walter, "that I am a child in such matters
compared with you. What decision! what promptitude!"

"Then imitate it, young man. Order the horses directly;" and she stamped
her foot impatiently.

Walter turned to the stables without another word, and Julia flew
upstairs to put on her riding-habit.

* * * * *

Bartley was in his study with a map of the farm before him, and two
respectable but rather rough men in close conference over it. These were
practical men from the county of Durham, whom he had ferreted out by
means of an agent, men who knew a great deal about coal. They had already
surveyed the farm, and confirmed Hope's opinion that coal lay below the
surface of certain barren fields, and the question now was as to the
exact spot where it would be advisable to sink the first shaft.

Bartley was heart and soul in this, and elevated by love of gain far
above such puny considerations as the happiness of Mary Bartley and her
lover. She, poor girl, sat forlorn in her little drawing-room, and tried
to draw a bit, and tried to read a bit, and tried to reconcile a new
German symphony to her ear as well as to her judgment, which told her it
was too learned not to be harmonious, though it sounded very discordant.
But all these efforts ended in a sigh of despondency, and in brooding on
innocent delights forbidden, and a prospect which, to her youth and
inexperience, seemed a wilderness robbed of the sun.

Whilst she sat thus pensive and sad there came a sudden rush and clatter
of hoofs, and Miss Clifford and Walter Clifford reined up their horses
under the very window.

Mary started up delighted at the bare sight of Walter, but amazed and
puzzled. The next moment her quick intelligence told her