"Sir Leslie tells me," she said, raising her eyes and looking him in the
face, "that his party is prepared to find you a safe seat to-morrow. I
want you to give up your hermit's life and accept it."

"And the alternative?"

"You have it already before you. Your reception of it was not, I must
admit, altogether flattering."

"I am allowed," he said, "some short space of time for consideration?"

"Until to-morrow, if you wish," she answered. "I imagine you know pretty
well what you mean to do."

He picked up his hat and turned towards the door.

"Yes," he said, "I suppose I do!"




BOOK II




CHAPTER I

BORROWDEAN MAKES A BARGAIN