al Leslie's gain should be Audley Egerton's loss.
Besides, he was flurried in the expectation of seeing the squire, and
of appropriating the money which was to secure the dearest object of his
ambition. Breakfast was soon despatched. The Committee-men, bustling for
their hats, and looking at their watches, gave the signal for departure;
yet no Squire Hazeldean had made his appearance. Harley, stepping from
the window upon the terrace, beckoned to Randal, who took his hat and
followed.

"Mr. Leslie," said Harley, leaning against the balustrade, and
carelessly patting Nero's rough, honest head, "you remember that
you were good enough to volunteer to me the explanation of certain
circumstances in connection with the Count di Peschiera, which you gave
to the Duke di Serrano; and I replied that my thoughts were at present
engaged on the election, but as soon as that was over, I should be very
willing to listen to any communications affecting yourself and my old
friend the duke, with which you might be pleased to favour me."

This address took Randal by surprise, and did not tend to calm his
nerves. However, he replied readily,

"Upon that, as upon any other matter that may influence the judgment you
form of me, I shall be but too eager to remove a single doubt that, in
your eyes, can rest upon my honour."

"You speak exceedingly well, Mr. Leslie; no man can express himself more
handsomely; and I will claim your promise with the less scruple because
the duke is powerfully affected by the reluctance of his daughter
to ratify the engagement that binds his honour, in case your own is
indisputably cleared. I may boast of some influence over the young lady,
since I assisted to save her from the infamous plot of Peschiera; and
the duke urges me to receive your explanation, in the belief that, if
it satisfy me, as it has satisfied him, I may conciliate his child in
favour of the addresses of a suitor who would have hazarded his very
life against so redoubted a duellist as Peschiera."

"Lord L'Estrange," replied Randal, bowing, "I shall indeed owe you much
if you can remove that reluctance on the part of my betrothed bride,
which alone clouds my happiness, and which would at once put an end to
my suit, did I not ascribe it to an imperfect knowledge of myself, which
I shall devote my life to improve into confidence and affection."

"No man can speak more handsomely," reiterated Harley, as if with
profound admiration; and indeed