he did eye Randal as we eye some rare
curiosity. "I am happy to inform you, too," continued L'Estrange, "that
if your marriage with the Duke of Serrano's daughter take place--"

"If!" echoed Randal.

"I beg pardon for making an hypothesis of what you claim the right to
esteem a certainty,--I correct my expression: when your marriage with
that young lady takes place, you will at least escape the rock on which
many young men of ardent affections have split at the onset of the grand
voyage. You will form no imprudent connection. In a word, I received
yesterday a despatch from Vienna, which contains the full pardon and
formal restoration of Alphonso, Duke di Serrano. And I may add, that the
Austrian government (sometimes misunderstood in this country) is bound
by the laws it administers, and can in no way dictate to the duke, once
restored, as to the choice of his son-in-law, or as to the heritage that
may devolve on his child."

"And does the duke yet know of his recall?" exclaimed Randal, his cheeks
flushed and his eyes sparkling.

"No. I reserve that good news, with other matters, till after the
election is over. But Egerton keeps us waiting sadly. Ah, here comes his
valet."

Audley's servant approached. "Mr. Egerton feels himself rather more
poorly than usual, my Lord; he begs you will excuse his going with
you into the town at present. He will come later if his presence is
absolutely necessary."

"No. Pray tell him to rest and nurse himself. I should have liked him to
witness his own triumph,--that is all. Say I will represent him at the
polling-place. Gentlemen, are you ready? We will go on."

The polling booth was erected in the centre of the marketplace. The
voting had already commenced; and Mr. Avenel and Leonard were already at
their posts, in order to salute and thank the voters in their cause who
passed before them. Randal and L'Estrange entered the booth amidst loud
hurrahs, and to the national air of "See the Conquering Hero comes." The
voters defiled in quick succession. Those who voted entirely according
to principle or colour--which came to much the same thing--and were
therefore above what is termed "management," flocked in first, voting
straightforwardly for both Blues or both Yellows. At the end of the
first half-hour the Yellows were About ten ahead of the Blues. Then
sundry split votes began to perplex conjecture as to the result; and
Randal, at the end of the first hour, had fifteen majority o