, into which weakness rather than vice had
tempted him, the vicar had watched and prayed by his bed, nursed him
as tenderly as a mother, and so won over his better heart that he
became completely reclaimed, and took holy orders with the most
earnest intention to play the man therein, as repentant rakes will
often do, half from a mere revulsion to asceticism, half from real
gratitude for their deliverance. This good deed had placed the
banker in the vicar's debt, and he loved and reverenced him in spite
of his dread of 'Popish novelties.' And now the good priest was
going to open to him just as much of his heart as should seem fit;
and by saying a great deal about Lancelot's evil doings, opinions,
and companions, and nothing at all about the heiress of Whitford,
persuade the banker to use all his influence in drawing Lancelot up
to London, and leaving a clear stage for his plans on Argemone. He
caught the up-train, he arrived safe and sound in town, but what he
did there must be told in another chapter.

CHAPTER XII: THUNDERSTORM THE SECOND

Weary with many thoughts, the vicar came to the door of the bank.
There were several carriages there, and a crowd of people swarming
in and out, like bees round a hive-door, entering with anxious
faces, and returning with cheerful ones, to stop and talk earnestly
in groups round the door. Every moment the mass thickened--there
was a run on the bank. An old friend accosted him on the steps,--

'What! have you, too, money here, then?'

'Neither here nor anywhere else, thank Heaven!' said the vicar.
'But is anything wrong?'

'Have not you heard? The house has sustained a frightful blow this
week--railway speculations, so they say--and is hardly expected to
survive the day. So we are all getting our money out as fast as
possible.'

'By way of binding up the bruised reed, eh?'

'Oh! every man for himself. A man is under no obligation to his
banker, that I know of.' And the good man bustled off with his
pockets full of gold.

The vicar entered. All was hurry and anxiety. The clerks seemed
trying to brazen out their own terror, and shovelled the rapidly
lessening gold and notes across the counter with an air of indignant
nonchalance. The vicar asked to see the principal.

'If you want your money, sir--' answered the official, with a
disdainful look.

'I want no money. I must see Mr. Smith on private business, and
instantly