training in town."

"Ran away from home, of course?"

"Oh, no, my lady. Simpkins had her educated in London for that sort of
thing--singing and dancing."

"Shocking! Shocking!"

"Yes, my lady. Her father has shares in one of the great music-halls,
the Orphoean. I am told that she is quite the rage. You see, some of
the young people here knew her at school. Such things quite spoil them
for service."

"And all originating in this dreadful racing, Mr Trimmer. If it had not
been for this, Mr Simpkins--"

"Exactly, my lady; but I beg your pardon for introducing so unpleasant a
subject."

"Do not apologise, Mr Trimmer; it was quite right. I must see the
parents of any of the girls who have tendencies in that direction, and
Daniel Smart's daughter must certainly be brought back."

"Yes, my lady," said the agent. "Now let us change the subject. How is
Sir Hilton's canvass progressing?"

"Admirably, my lady. You see, we have all the influence upon our side;
but I think it is about time now for Sir Hilton to show a little--just a
little--more interest in the matter."

"Of course, Mr Trimmer; he shall."

"He need not do much, my lady, beyond a little visiting amongst the
voters, and, say, addressing three or four meetings. Our Parliamentary
agent has prepared the heads of a very telling speech for him, a summary
of which, my lady, you will find in that packet marked `b' and endorsed
`Address.'"

"Certainly! Will go into the matter with Sir Hilton. His election will
follow in due course."

"Yes, my lady--it is a certainty. Lord Beltower has withdrawn."

"Very wise of him."

"There is that Mr Watcombe, the big brewer, still in the field, and he
has some influence, especially at Tilborough amongst the racing people;
but, of course, he has not a chance."

"A brewer? Faugh!"

"Yes, my lady; the man's pretensions are absurd. Will you go through
the estate accounts this morning?"

"Impossible now, Mr Trimmer; the news you have given me is too
disturbing, and besides, Sir Hilton will be down here to breakfast.
That will do now."

"Thank you, my lady--er--er--"

"Yes, Mr Trimmer?" said the lady, looking up inquiringly.

"I am very sorry to make a request, my lady, at such a time, especially
as there is a good deal requires looking over at the farm just now; but
I should be greatly obliged if your ladyship could spare me for the rest
of the day."

"Oh, certainly, Mr Trimmer," said Lady Lisle,