hearing the remark.

"I was a saying that no race would come off to-day, in consequence of
the inclemency of the weather," said Grog, as he adjusted his shirt
collar.

"Am I to conclude, then," said Beecher, "that you have not any
communication to make to me?"

"No, you ain't," broke in Grog, quickly. "He don't like me, that's all,
and he has n't the manliness to say it."

"On the contrary, sir, I feel all the advantage of your presence on this
occasion, all the benefit of that straightforward manner of putting the
question which saves us so much valuable time."

Grog bowed an acknowledgment of the compliment, but with a grin on his
face that showed in what spirit he accepted it.

"Lord Lackington did not speak to you about my allowance?" asked
Beecher, losing all patience.

"No, sir, not a word."

"He did not allude to a notion--he did not mention a plan--he did not
discuss people called O'Reilly, did he?" asked he, growing more and more
confused and embarrassed.

"Not a syllable with reference to such a name escaped him, sir."

"Don't you see," said Grog, rising, "that you 'll have to look for the
explanation to the second column of the 'Times,' where 'A. B. will hear
something to his advantage if he calls without C.D.'?"

Davenport Dunn paid no attention to this remark, but stood calmly
impassive before them.

"It comes to this, then, that Lackington has been hoaxing me," said
Beecher, rising, with an expression of ill-temper on his face.

"I should rather suggest another possibility," said Dunn, politely;
"that, knowing how far his Lordship has graciously reposed his own
confidence in me, he has generously extended to me the chance of
obtaining the same position of trust on the part of his brother,--an
honor I am most ambitious to attain. If you are disengaged on Sunday
next," added he, in a low voice, "and would favor me with your company
at dinner, alone,--quite alone--"

Beecher bowed an assent in silence, casting a cautious glance towards
Davis, who was scanning the contents of the morning paper.

"Till then," muttered Dunn, while he added aloud, "A good-morning," and
bowed them both to the door.

"Well, you are a soft un, there's no denying it," said Davis, as they
gained the street.

"What d'ye mean?" cried Beecher, angrily.

"Why, don't you see how you spoiled all? I'd have had the whole story
out of him, but you would n't give me time to 'work the oracle.' He only
wanted to show us ho