nment, it is not the
way with the Hazeldeans. Well, but to come back to the point: Whom do
you think I mean by the pretty girl?"

"Miss Sticktorights?"

"Zounds, no!--your own little sister, Randal. Sweet pretty face! Harry
liked her from the first, and then you'll be Frank's brother, and your
sound head and good heart will keep him right. And as you are going to
be married too (you must tell me all about that later), why, we shall
have two marriages, perhaps, in the family on the same day."

Randal's hand grasped the squire's, and with an emotion of human
gratitude,--for we know that, hard to all else, he had natural feelings
for his fallen family; and his neglected sister was the one being on
earth whom he might almost be said to love. With all his intellectual
disdain for honest simple Frank, he knew no one in the world with whom
his young sister could be more secure and happy. Transferred to the
roof, and improved by the active kindness, of Mrs. Hazeldean, blest
in the manly affection of one not too refined to censure her own
deficiencies of education, what more could he ask for his sister, as he
pictured her to himself, with her hair hanging over her ears, and her
mind running into seed over some trashy novel. But before he could
reply, Violante's father came to add his own philosophical consolations
to the squire's downright comfortings.

"Who could ever count on popular caprice? The wise of all ages had
despised it. In that respect, Horace and Machiavelli were of the same
mind," etc. "But," said the duke, with emphatic kindness "perhaps your
very misfortune here may serve you elsewhere. The female heart is prone
to pity, and ever eager to comfort. Besides, if I am recalled to Italy,
you will have leisure to come with us, and see the land where, of all
others, ambition can be most readily forgotten, even" added the Italian
with a sigh--"even by her own sons!"

Thus addressed by both Hazeldean and the duke, Randal recovered his
spirits. It was clear that Lord L'Estrange had not conveyed to them
any unfavourable impression of his conduct in the Committee-room. While
Randal had been thus engaged, Levy had made his way to Harley, who
retreated with the baron into the bay of the great window.

"Well, my Lord, do you comprehend this conduct on the part of Richard
Avenel? He secure Egerton's return!--he!"

"What so natural, Baron Levy,--his own brother-in-law?" The baron
started, and turned very pale.

"But how