decline,
especially if anything preys on their minds,--their minds are so very
small.

"Ah, the Hazeldean parson,--and with Avenel! That young man, too, who
is he? I have seen him before some where.--My dear Mr. Dale, this is
a pleasant surprise. I thought you had returned to Hazeldean with our
friend the squire?"

MR. DALE.--"The squire! Has he left town, and without telling me?"

RANDAL (taking aside the parson).--"He was anxious to get back to Mrs.
Hazeldean, who was naturally very uneasy about her son and this foolish
marriage; but I am happy to tell you that that marriage is effectually
and permanently broken off."

MR. DALE.--"How, how? My poor friend told me he had wholly failed to
make any impression on Frank,--forbade me to mention the subject. I was
just going to see Frank myself. I always had some influence with him.
But, Mr. Leslie, explain this very sudden and happy event. The marriage
broken off!"

RANDAL.--"It is a long story, and I dare not tell you my humble share in
it. Nay, I must keep that secret. Frank might not forgive me. Suffice
it that you have my word that the fair Italian has left England, and
decidedly refused Frank's addresses. But stay, take my advice, don't
go to him; you see it was not only the marriage that has offended the
squire, but some pecuniary transactions,--an unfortunate post-obit bond
on the Casino property. Frank ought to be left to his own repentant
reflections. They will be most salutary; you know his temper,--he don't
bear reproof; and yet it is better, on the other hand, not to let him
treat too lightly what has passed. Let us leave him to himself for a few
days He is in an excellent frame of mind."

MR. DALE (shaking Randal's hand warmly).--"You speak admirably--a
post-obit!--so often as he has heard his father's opinion on such
transactions. No, I will not see him; I should be too angry--"

RANDAL (leading the parson back, resumes, after an exchange of
salutations with Avenel, who, meanwhile, had been conferring with his
nephew).--"You should not be so long away from your rectory, Mr. Dale.
What will your parish do without you?"

MR. DALE.--"The old fable of the wheel and the fly. I am afraid the
wheel rolls on the same. But if I am absent from my parish, I am still
in the company of one who does me honour as an old parishioner. You
remember Leonard Fairfield, your antagonist in the Battle of the
Stocks?"

MR. AVENEL.--"My nephew, I am proud to say, sir." Ra