say; and every time he coughed he became hotter-looking than ever. I am
ashamed to say, we were nearly laughing at him; half because we, too,
were so shy that we understood what his awkwardness meant.

My lady came in, with her quick active step--she always walked quickly
when she did not bethink herself of her cane--as if she was sorry to have
us kept waiting--and, as she entered, she gave us all round one of those
graceful sweeping curtsies, of which I think the art must have died out
with her,--it implied so much courtesy;--this time it said, as well as
words could do, "I am sorry to have kept you all waiting,--forgive me."

She went up to the mantelpiece, near which Mr. Gray had been standing
until her entrance, and curtseying afresh to him, and pretty deeply this
time, because of his cloth, and her being hostess, and he, a new guest.
She asked him if he would not prefer speaking to her in her own private
parlour, and looked as though she would have conducted him there. But he
burst out with his errand, of which he was full even to choking, and
which sent the glistening tears into his large blue eyes, which stood
farther and farther out with his excitement.

"My lady, I want to speak to you, and to persuade you to exert your kind
interest with Mr. Lathom--Justice Lathom, of Hathaway Manor--"

"Harry Lathom?" inquired my lady,--as Mr. Gray stopped to take the breath
he had lost in his hurry,--"I did not know he was in the commission."

"He is only just appointed; he took the oaths not a month ago,--more's
the pity!"

"I do not understand why you should regret it. The Lathoms have held