the hook, and observe with complacency
that the vivacity of its wriggles will attract the bite. If the worm
could but make the angler respect, or even fear it, the barb would find
some other bait. Few anglers would impale an estimable silkworm, and
still fewer the anglers who would finger into service a formidable
hornet.

"Pooh, my--dear Frank," said Randal; "I have given you my advice; you
reject it. Well, what then will you do?"

"I shall ask for leave of absence, and run away some where," said Frank,
drying his tears. "I can't face London; I can't mix with others. I want
to be by myself, and wrestle with all that I feel here--in my heart.
Then I shall write to my mother, say the plain truth, and leave her to
judge as kindly of me as she can."

"You are quite right. Yes, leave town! Why not go abroad? You have never
been abroad. New scenes will distract your mind. Run over to Paris."

"Not to Paris--I don't want gayeties; but I did intend to go abroad
somewhere,--any dull dismal hole of a place. Good-by! Don't think of me
any more for the present."

"But let me know where you go; and meanwhile I will see the squire."

"Say as little of me as you can to him. I know you mean most kindly, but
oh, how I wish there never had been any third person between me and my
father! There: you may well snatch away your hand. What an ungrateful
wretch to you I am. I do believe I am the wickedest fellow. What! you
shake hands with me still! My dear Randal, you have the best heart--God
bless you!" Frank turned away, and disappeared within his dressing-room.

"They must be reconciled now, sooner or later,--squire and son," said
Randal to himself, as he left the lodgings. "I don't see how I can
prevent that,--the marchesa being withdrawn,--unless Frank does it for
me. But it is well he should be abroad,--something maybe made out
of that; meanwhile I may yet do all that I could reasonably hope
to do,--even if Frank had married Beatrice,--since he was not to be
disinherited. Get the squire to advance the money for the Thornhill
purchase, complete the affair; this marriage with Violante will help;
Levy must know that; secure the borough;--well thought of. I will go to
Avenel's. By-the-by, by-the-by, the squire might as well keep me still
in the entail after Frank, supposing Frank die childless. This love
affair may keep him long from marrying. His hand was very hot,--a hectic
colour; those strong-looking fellows often go off in rapid