ver Audley
Egerton, two over Dick Avenel, Leonard Fairfield heading the poll by
five. Randal owed his place in the lists to the voters that Harley's
personal efforts had procured for him; and he was well pleased to see
that Lord L'Estrange had not withdrawn from him a single promise so
obtained. This augured well for Harley's ready belief in his appointed
"explanations." In short, the whole election seemed going just as he
had calculated. But by twelve o'clock there were some changes in the
relative position of the candidates. Dick Avenel had gradually gained
ground,--passing Randal, passing even Leonard. He stood at the head
of the poll by a majority of ten. Randal came next. Audley was twenty
behind Randal, and Leonard four behind Audley. More than half the
constituency had polled, but none of the Committee on either side, nor
one of the redoubted corps of a Hundred and Fifty.

The poll now slackened sensibly. Randal, looking round, and longing for
an opportunity to ask Dick whether he really meant to return himself
instead of his nephew, saw that Harley had disappeared; and presently a
note was brought to him requesting his presence in the Committee-room.
Thither he hastened.

As he forced his way through the bystanders in the lobby, towards the
threshold of the room, Levy caught hold of him and whispered, "They
begin to fear for Egerton. They want a compromise in order to secure
him. They will propose to you to resign, if Avenel will withdraw
Leonard. Don't be entrapped. L'Estrange may put the question to you;
but--a word in your ear--he would be glad enough to throw over Egerton.
Rely upon this, and stand firm."

Randal made no answer, but, the crowd giving way for him, entered the
room. Levy followed. The doors were instantly closed. All the Blue
Committee were assembled. They looked heated, anxious, eager. Lord
L'Estrange, alone calm and cool, stood at the head of the long table.
Despite his composure, Harley's brow was thoughtful. "Yes," said he
to himself, "I will give this young man the fair occasion to prove
gratitude to his benefactor; and if he here acquit himself, I will spare
him, at least, public exposure of his deceit to others. So young, he
must have some good in him,--at least towards the man to whom he owes
all."

"Mr. Leslie," said L'Estrange, aloud, "you see the state of the poll.
Our Committee believe that, if you continue to stand, Egerton must be
beaten. They fear that, Leonard Fairfield ha