t spare epithets in his designation of the opposing party, Mr. Buxton
took it upon trust that the defendant or the prosecutor (as it might
happen) was a "pettifogging knave," or a "miserly curmudgeon," and rejoiced
accordingly in the triumph over him gained by the ready wit of "our
governor," Mr. Bish. At last he became so deeply impressed with Edward's
knowledge of law, as to consult him about some cottage property he had in
Woodchester.

"I rather think there are twenty-one cottages, and they don't bring me in
four pounds a-year; and out of that I have to pay for collecting. Would
there be any chance of selling them? They are in Doughty-street; a bad
neighborhood, I fear."

"Very bad," was Edward's prompt reply. "But if you are really anxious to
effect a sale, I have no doubt I could find a purchaser in a short time."

"I should be very much obliged to you," said Mr. Buxton. "You would be
doing me a kindness. If you meet with a purchaser, and can manage the
affair, I would rather that you drew out the deeds for the transfer of the
property. If would be the beginning of business for you; and I only hope I
should bring you good luck."

Of course Edward could do this; and when they left the table, it was with
a feeling on his side that he was a step nearer to the agency which he
coveted; and with a happy consciousness on Mr. Buxton's of having put a few
pounds in the way of a deserving and remarkably clever young man.

Since Edward had left home, Maggie had gradually, but surely, been gaining
in importance. Her judgment and her untiring unselfishness could not fail
to make way. Her mother had some respect for, and great dependence on her;
but still it was hardly affection that she felt for her; or if it was it
was a dull and torpid kind of feeling, compared with the fond love and
exulting pride which she took in Edward. When he came back for occasional
holidays, his mother's face was radiant with happiness, and her manner
toward him was even more caressing than he approved of. When Maggie saw him
repel the hand that fain would have stroked his hair as in childish days,
a longing came into her heart for some of these uncared-for tokens of her
mother's love. Otherwise she meekly sank back into her old secondary place,
content to have her judgment slighted and her wishes unasked as long as he
stayed. At times she was now beginning to disapprove and regret some things
in him; his flashiness of manner jarred against her ta