this post; he now hesitated.

"My dear lord," said he, "I cannot say how grateful I feel for your
kindness; but--but--"

"Enough; no thanks, my dear Legard. Can you go to town to-morrow?"

"Indeed," said Legard, "I fear not; I must consult my uncle."

"I can answer for him; I sounded him before I wrote. Reflect! You
are not rich, my dear Legard; it is an excellent opening: a seat in
parliament, too! Why, what can be your reason for hesitation?"

There was something meaning and inquisitive in the tone of voice in
which this question was put that brought the colour to the colonel's
cheek. He knew not well what to reply; and he began, too, to think that
he ought not to refuse the appointment. Nay, would his uncle, on whom
he was dependent, consent to such a refusal? Lord Vargrave saw the
irresolution, and proceeded. He spent ten minutes in combating every
scruple, every objection: he placed all the advantages of the post, real
or imaginary, in every conceivable point of view before the colonel's
eyes; he sought to flatter, to wheedle, to coax, to weary him into
accepting it; and he at length partially succeeded. The colonel
petitioned for three days' consideration, which Vargrave reluctantly
acceded to; and Legard then stepped into his uncle's carriage, with the
air rather of a martyr than a maiden placeman.

"Aha!" said Vargrave, chuckling to himself as he took a turn in the
grounds, "I have got rid of that handsome knave; and now I shall have
Evelyn all to myself!"

CHAPTER VI.

I AM forfeited to eternal disgrace if you do not commiserate.
......
Go to, then, raise, recover.--BEN JONSON: _Poetaster_.

THE next morning Admiral Legard and his nephew were conversing in the
little cabin consecrated by the name of the admiral's "own room."

"Yes," said the veteran, "it would be moonshine and madness not to
accept Vargrave's offer; though one can see through such a millstone as
that with half an eye. His lordship is jealous of such a fine, handsome
young fellow as you are,--and very justly. But as long as he is under
the same roof with Miss Cameron, you will have no opportunity to
pay your court; when he goes, you can always manage to be in her
neighbourhood; and then, you know--puppy that you are--her business will
be very soon settled." And the admiral eyed the handsome colonel with
grim fondness.

Legard sighed.

"Have you any commands at -----?" said he; "I am just going to canter
over there before