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foolish marriage with Madame di Negra, who told you Frank meant to take such a step?

"He told me himself; but it is no matter. Randal and I both did all we could to dissuade him; and Randal advised me to come to you."

"He has acted generously, then, our kinsman Randal-I am glad to hear it" said Audley, his brow somewhat clearing. "I have no influence with this lady; but, at least, I can counsel her. Do not consider the marriage fixed because a young man desires it. Youth is ever hot and rash."

"Your youth never was," retorted the Squire bluntly. "You married well enough, I'm sure. I will say one thing for you: you have been, to my taste, a bad politician-beg pardon-but you were always a gentleman. You would never have disgraced your family and married a"

"Hush!" interrupted Egerton gently. "Do not make matters worse than they are. Madame di Negra is of high birth in her own country; and if scandal"

"Scandal!" cried the Squire, shrinking and turning pale. Are you speaking of the wife of a Hazeldean? At least she shall never sit by the hearth at which now sits his mother; and whatever I may do for Frank, her children shall not succeed. No mongrel cross-breed shall kennel in English Hazeldean. Much obliged to you, Audley, for your good feeling-glad to have seen you; and harkye, you startled me by that shake of your head, when I spoke of your wealth; and, from what you say about Randal's prospects, I guess that you London gentlemen are not so thrifty as we are. You shall let me speak. I say again, that I have some thousands quite at your service. And though you are not a Hazeldean, still you are my mother's son; and now that I am about to alter my will, I can as well scratch in the name of Egerton as that of Leslie. Cheer up, cheer up; you are younger than I am, and you have no child; so you will live longer than I shall."

"My dear brother, "answered Audley, "believe me I shall never live to want your aid. And as to

Leslie, add to the £5000 I mean to give him, an equal sum in your will, and I shall feel that he has received justice."

Observing that the Squire, though he listened attentively, made no ready answer, Audley turned the subject again to Frank; and with the adroitness of a man of the world, backed by cordial sympathy in his brother's distress, he pleaded so well Frank's lame cause, urged so gently the wisdom of patience and delay, and the appeal to filial feeling rather than recourse to paternal threats, that the Squire grew mollified in spite of himself, and left his brother's house a much less angry, and less doleful man.

Mr Hazeldean was still in the square, when he came upon Randal himself, who was walking with a dark whiskered, showy gentleman, towards Egerton's house. Randal and the gentleman exchanged a hasty whisper, and the former then exclaimedWhat, Mr Hazeldean, have you just left your brother's house? Is it possible?

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"Why, you advised me to go there, and I did. I scarcely knew what I was about. I am very glad I did go. Hang politics! hang the landed interest! what do I care for either now?"

"Foiled with Madame di Negra ?" asked Randal, drawing the Squire aside.

"Never speak of her again !” cried the Squire fiercely. "And as to that ungrateful boy-but I don't mean to behave harshly to him-he shall have money enough to keep her if he likes-keep her from coming to mekeep him, too, from counting on my death, and borrowing post-obits on the Casino-for he'll be doing that next-no, I hope I wrong him there; I have been too good a father for him to count on my death already. After all," continued the Squire, beginning to relax, "as Audley says, the marriage is not yet made; and if the woman has taken him in, he is young, and his heart is warm. Make yourself easy, my boy. don't forget how kindly you took his part; and before I do anything rash, I'll at least take advice with his poor mother."

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Randal gnawed his pale lip, and a momentary cloud of disappointment passed over his face.

"True, sir," said he gently; "true, you must not be rash. Indeed, I was thinking of you and poor dear Frank at the very moment I met you. It occurred to me whether we might not make Frank's very embarrassments a reason to induce Madame di Negra to refuse him; and I was on my way to Mr Egerton, in order to ask his opinion, in company with the gentleman yonder."

"Gentleman yonder! Why should he thrust his long nose into my family affairs? Who the devil is he?" "Don't ask, sir. Pray let me act."

But the Squire continued to eye askant the dark-whiskered personage thus thrust between himself and his son, and who waited patiently a few yards in the rear, carelessly readjusting the camelia in his buttonhole.

"He looks very outlandish. Is he a foreigner too?" asked the Squire at last.

No, not exactly. However, he knows all about Frank's embarrassments; and"

"Embarrassments! what, the debt he paid for that woman? How did he raise the money?"

"I don't know," answered Randal, "and that is the reason I asked Baron Levy to accompany me to Egerton's, that he might explain in private what I have no reason

"Baron Levy !" interrupted the Squire. "Levy, Levy-I have heard of a Levy who has nearly ruined my neighbour Thornhill-a money-lender. Zounds! is that the man who knows my son's affairs? I'll soon learn, sir." Randal caught hold of the Squire's arm: "Stop, stop; if you really insist upon learning more about Frank's debts, you must not appeal to Baron Levy directly, and as Frank's father: he will not answer you. But if I present you to him as a mere acquaintance of mine, and turn the conversation, as if carelessly, upon Frankwhy, since, in the London world, such matters are never kept secret except from the parents of young men-I have no doubt he will talk out openly."

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Squire.

Randal took Mr Hazeldean's arm, and joined Levy-" A friend of mine from the country, Baron." Levy bowed profoundly, and the three walked slowly on.

"By the by," said Randal, pressing significantly upon Levy's arm, "my friend has come to town upon the somewhat unpleasant business of settling the debts of another-a young man of fashion-a relation of his own. No one, sir, (turning to the Squire,) could so ably assist you in such arrangements, as could Baron Levy."

BARON, (modestly, and with a moralising air.)—“I have some experience in such matters, and I hold it a duty to assist the parents and relations of young men who, from want of reflection, often ruin themselves for life. I hope the young gentleman in question is not in the hands of the Jews?"

RANDAL.-" Christians are as fond of good interest for their money as ever the Jews can be."

BARON.-" Granted, but they have not always so much money to lend. The first thing, sir, (addressing the Squire,)—the first thing for you to do is to buy up such of your relation's bills and notes of hand as may be in the market. No doubt we can get them a bargain, unless the young man is heir to some property that may soon be his in the course of nature."

RANDAL.-"Not soon-heaven forbid! His father is still a young mana fine healthy man," leaning heavily on Levy's arm; and as to postobits"

BARON." Post-obits on sound security cost more to buy up, however healthy the obstructing relative may be."

RANDAL." I should hope that there are not many sons who can calculate, in cold blood, on the death of their fathers."

BARON.- "Ha, ha-he is young, our friend Randal; eh, sir?"

RANDAL.-" Well, I am not more scrupulous than others, I daresay; and I have often been pinched hard for money, but I would go barefoot rather than give security upon a father's grave! I can imagine nothing

more likely to destroy natural feeling, nor to instil ingratitude and treachery into the whole character, than to press the hand of a parent, and calculate when that hand may be dust-than to sit down with strangers and reduce his life to the measure of an insurance table-than to feel difficulties gathering round one, and mutter in fashionable slang, But it will be all well if the governor would but die.' And he who has accustomed himself to the relief of post-obits must gradually harden his mind to all this."

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BARON, (who with the apt docility of a managed charger to the touch of a rider's hand, had comprehended and complied with each quick sign of Randal's.)" Pooh! the young fellow we are talking of? Nonsense. He would not be so foolish as to give five times the percentage he otherwise might. Not sign post-obits! Of course he has signed one."

RANDAL.—“ Hist-you mistake, you mistake."

SQUIRE, (leaving Randal's arm and seizing Levy's.)-" Were you speaking of Frank Hazeldean?"

BARON.--"My dear sir, excuse me; I never mention names before strangers."

SQUIRE." Strangers again! Man, I am the boy's father! Speak out, sir," and his hand closed on Levy's arm with the strength of an iron vice.

BARON.- Gently; you hurt me, sir; but I excuse your feelings. Randal, you are to blame for leading me into this indiscretion; but I beg to assure Mr Hazeldean, that though his son has been a little extravagant". t❞—

RANDAL." Owing chiefly to the arts of an abandoned woman."

BARON." Of an abandoned woman-still he has shown more prudence than you would suppose; and

this very post-obit is a proof of it. A simple act of that kind has enabled him to pay off bills that were running on till they would have ruined even the Hazeldean estate; whereas a charge on the reversion of the Casino"

SQUIRE." He has done it then? He has signed a post-obit ?” RANDAL." No, no; Levy must be wrong."

BARON." My dear Leslie, a man of Mr Hazeldean's time of life cannot have your romantic boyish notions. He must allow that Frank has acted in this like a lad of sense-very good head for business has my young friend Frank! And the best thing Mr Hazeldean can do is quietly to buy up the post-obit, and thus he will place his son henceforth in his own power."

SQUIRE. "Can I see the deed with my own eyes?"

BARON.-"Certainly, or how could you be induced to buy it up? But on one condition; you must not betray me to your son. And, indeed, take my advice, and don't say a word to him on the matter."

SQUIRE."Let me see it, let me see it, with my own eyes. His mother else will never believe itnor will I."

BARON. "I can call on you this evening.'

SQUIRE." Now-now."

BARON. "You can spare me, Randal; and you yourself can open to Mr Egerton the other affair, respecting Lansmere. No time should be lost, lest L'Estrange suggest a candidate."

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"I am glad to see you, Leslie," said the ex-minister. "What is it I have heard? My nephew, Frank Hazeldean, proposes to marry Madame di Negra against his father's consent? How could you suffer him to entertain an idea so wild? And how never confide it to me?

RANDAL." My dear Mr Egerton, it is only to-day that I was informed of Frank's engagement. I have already seen him, and expostulated in vain; till then, though I knew your nephew admired Madame di Negra, I could never suppose he harboured a serious intention."

EGERTON. "I must believe you, Randal. I will myself see Madame di Negra, though I have no power, and no right, to dictate to her. I have but little time for all such private business. The dissolution of Parliament is so close at hand."

RANDAL, (looking_down.)—“It is on that subject that I wished to speak to you, sir. You think of standing for Lansmere. Well, Baron Levy has suggested to me an idea that I could not, of course, even countenance, till I had spoken to you. It seems that he has some acquaintance with the state of parties in that borough! He is informed that it is not only as easy to bring in two of our side, as to carry one; but that it would make your election still more safe, not to fight single-handed against two opponents; that if canvassing for yourself alone, you could not carry a sufficient number of plumper votes; that split votes would go from you to one or other of the two adversaries; that, in a word, it is necessary to pair you with a colleague. If it really be so, you of course will learn best from your own Committee; but should they concur in the opinion Baron Levy has formed-do I presume too much on your kindness-to deem it possible that you might allow me to be the second candidate on your side? I should not say this, but that Levy told me you had some wish to see me in Parliament, amongst the supporters of your policy. And what other opportunity can occur? Here the cost of carrying two would be scarcely more than that of carrying one. And

Levy says, the party would subscribe for my election; you, of course, would refuse all such aid for your own; and indeed, with your great name, and Lord Lansmere's interest, there can be little beyond the strict legal expenses."

As Randal spoke thus at length, he watched anxiously his patron's reserved unrevealing countenance.

EGERTON, (drily.)-I will consider. You may safely leave in my hands any matter connected with your ambition and advancement. I have before told you I hold it a duty to do all in my power for the kinsman of my late wife-for one whose career I undertook to forward-for one whom honour has compelled to share in my own political reverses."

Here Egerton rang the bell for his hat and gloves, and walking into the hall, paused at the street door. There beckoning to Randal, he said slowly, "You seem intimate with Baron Levy; I caution you against him-a dangerous acquaintance, first to the purse, next to the honour."

RANDAL. "I know it, sir; and am surprised myself at the acquaintance that has grown up between us. Perhaps its cause is in his respect for yourself."

EGERTON.

"Tut."

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CHAPTER XIV.

On entering the drawing-room of Madame di Negra, the peculiar charm which the severe Audley Egerton had been ever reputed to possess with women, would have sensibly struck one who had hitherto seen him chiefly in his relations with men in the businesslike affairs of life. It was a charm in strong contrast to the ordinary manners of those who are emphatically called "Ladies' men." No artificial smile, no conventional hollow blandness, no frivolous gossip, no varnish either of ungenial gaiety or affected grace. The charm was in a simplicity that unbent more into kindness than it did with men. Audley's nature, whatever its faults and defects, was essentially masculine; and it was the sense of masculine power that gave to his voice a music when addressing the gentler sex-a sort of indulgent tenderness that appeared equally void of insincerity and presumption.

Frank had been gone about half-anhour, and Madame di Negra was scarcely recovered from the agitation into which she had been thrown by the affront from the father and the pleading of the son.

Egerton took her passive hand cordially, and seated himself by her

side.

"My dear Marchesa," said he, 66 are we then likely to be near connections? And can you seriously contemplate marriage with my young nephew, Frank Hazeldean? You turn away. Ah, my fair friend, there are but two inducements to a free woman to sign away her liberty at the altar. I say a free woman, for widows are free, and girls are not. These inducements are, first, worldly position; secondly, love. Which of these motives can urge Madame di Negra to marry Mr Frank Hazeldean?"

"There are other motives than those you speak of-the need of protection-the sense of solitude-the curse of dependence-gratitude for honourable affection. But you men never know women!"

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know men. And yet each sex contrives to dupe and to fool the other! Listen to me. I have little acquaintance with my nephew, but I allow he is a handsome young gentleman, with whom a handsome young lady in her teens might fall in love in a ball-room. But you who have known the higher order of our species-you who have received the homage of men, whose thoughts and mind leave the small talk of drawing-room triflers — so poor and bald-you cannot look me in the face and say that it is any passion resembling love which you feel for my nephew. And as to position, it is right that I should inform you that if he marry you he will have none. He may risk his inheritance. You will receive no countenance from his parents. You will be poor, but not free. You will not gain the independence you seek for. The sight of a vacant discontented face in that opposite chair will be worse than solitude. And as to grateful affection," added the man of the world, "it is a polite synonym for tranquil indifference."

"Mr Egerton," said Beatrice, "people say you are made of bronze. Did you ever feel the want of a

home?"

"I answer you frankly," replied the statesman, "if I had not felt it, do you think I should have been, and that I should be to the last, the joyless drudge of public life? Bronze though you call my nature, it would have melted away long since like wax in the fire, if I had sat idly down and dreamed of a Home!"

"But we women," answered Beatrice, with pathos, "have no public life, and we do idly sit down and dream. Oh," she continued, after a short pause, and clasping her hands firmly together, "you think me worldly, grasping, ambitious; how different my fate had been had I known a home!-known one whom I could love and venerate-known one whose smiles would have developed the good that was once within me, and the fear of whose rebuking or sorrowful eye would have corrected what is evil."

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