ur name brings up her memory; and he
talks in a breath of her and of you. Come, let us walk together to his
house; it is close by the Park Lodge."

The drops stood on Audley's brow! He fixed his dark handsome eyes, in
mournful amaze, upon Harley's tranquil face.

"Harley, at last, then, you have forgotten the Past."

"No; but the Present is more imperious. All my efforts are needed to
requite your friendship. You stand against her brother,--yet her father
votes for you. And her mother says to her son, 'Let the old man alone.
Conscience is all that is well alive in him; and he thinks if he were to
vote against the Blues, he would sin against honour.' 'An electioneering
prejudice,' some sceptics would say. But you must be touched by this
trait of human nature,--in her father, too,--you, Audley Egerton, who
are the soul of honour. What ails you?"

EGERTON.--"Nothing; a spasm at the heart; my old complaint. Well, I will
call on the poor man later, but not now,--not with you. Nay, nay, I will
not,--I cannot. Harley, just as you joined us, I was talking to your
mother."

HARLEY.--"Ay, and what of?"

EGERTON.--"Yourself. I saw you from my windows walking with your
betrothed. Afterwards I observed her coming home alone; and by the
glimpse I caught of her gentle countenance, it seemed sad. Harley, do
you deceive us?"

HARLEY.--"Deceive! I! How?"

EGERTON.--"DO you really feel that your intended marriage will bestow on
you the happiness, which is my prayer, as it must be your mother's?"

HARLEY.--"Happiness, I hoped so. But perhaps--"

EGERTON.--"Perhaps what?"

HARLEY.--"Perhaps the marriage may not take place. Perhaps I have a
rival; not an open one,--a secret, stealthy wooer, in one, too, whom
I have loved, served, trusted. Question me not now. Such instances of
treachery make one learn more how to prize a friendship honest, devoted,
faithful as your own, Audley Egerton. But here comes your protege,
released awhile from his canvass, and your confidential adviser, Baron
Levy. He accompanied Randal through the town to-day. So anxious is he to
see that that young man does not play false, and regard his own interest
before yours! Would that surprise you?"

EGERTON.--"You are too severe upon Randal Leslie. He is ambitious,
worldly, has no surplus of affection at the command of his heart--"

HARLEY.--"Is it Randal Leslie you describe?"

EGERTON (with a languid smile).--"Yes, you see I do not flatter. But he
is born