enlightens themselves,
from the intellect which commands their interests, and compels their
attention. Egerton, then, forever! If our party must subscribe to the
return of one opponent, let all unite to select the worthiest. My
Lord L'Estrange, when I quit this room, it will be to announce my
resignation, and to solicit those who have promised me their votes to
transfer them to Mr. Audley Egerton."

Amidst the uproarious huzzas which followed this speech, Leonard drew
near to Harley. "My Lord, I have obeyed your wishes, as conveyed to me
by my uncle, who is engaged at this moment elsewhere in carrying them
into effect."

"Leonard," said Harley, in the same undertone, "you have insured to
Audley Egerton what you alone could do,--the triumph over a perfidious
dependent, the continuance of the sole career in which he has hitherto
found the solace or the zest of life. He must thank you with his own
lips. Come to the Park after the close of the poll. There and then shall
the explanations yet needful to both be given and received."

Here Harley bowed to the assembly and raised his voice: "Gentlemen,
yesterday, at the nomination of the candidates, I uttered remarks that
have justly pained Mr. Fairfield. In your presence I wholly retract and
frankly apologize for them. In your presence I entreat his forgiveness,
and say, that if he will accord me his friendship, I will place him
in my esteem and affection side by side with the statesman whom he has
given to his country."

Leonard grasped the hand extended to him with both his own, and then,
overcome by his emotions, hurried from the room; while Blues and Yellows
exchanged greetings, rejoiced in the compromise that would dispel all
party irritation, secure the peace of the borough, and allow quiet
men, who had detested each other the day before, and vowed reciprocal
injuries to trade and custom, the indulgence of all amiable and
fraternal feelings--until the next general election.

In the mean while the polling had gone on slowly as before, but still to
the advantage of Randal. "Not two-thirds of the constituency will poll,"
murmured Levy, looking at his watch. "The thing is decided. Aha, Audley
Egerton! you who once tortured me with the unspeakable jealousy that
bequeaths such implacable hate; you who scorned my society, and called
me 'scoundrel,' disdainful of the very power your folly placed within my
hands,--aha, your time is up! and the spirit that administered to your