days He is in an excellent frame of mind."

MR. DALE (shaking Randal's hand warmly).--"You speak admirably--a post-
obit!--so often as he has heard his father's opinion on such
transactions. No, I will not see him; I should be too angry--"

RANDAL (leading the parson back, resumes, after an exchange of
salutations with Avenel, who, meanwhile, had been conferring with his
nephew).--"You should not be so long away from your rectory, Mr. Dale.
What will your parish do without you?"

MR. DALE.--"The old fable of the wheel and the fly. I am afraid the
wheel rolls on the same. But if I am absent from my parish, I am still
in the company of one who does me honour as an old parishioner. You
remember Leonard Fairfield, your antagonist in the Battle of the Stocks?"

MR. AVENEL.--"My nephew, I am proud to say, sir." Randal bowed with
marked civility, Leonard with a reserve no less marked.

MR. AVENEL (ascribing his nephew's reserve to shyness).--"You should be
friends, you two youngsters. Who knows but you may run together in the
same harness? Ah, that reminds me, Leslie, I have a word or two to say
to you. Your servant, Mr. Dale. Shall be happy to present you to Mrs.
Avenel. My card,--Eaton Square, Number ---. You will call on me
to-morrow, Leonard. And mind, I shall be very angry if you persist in
your refusal. Such an opening!" Avenel took Randal's arm, while the
parson and Leonard walked on.

"Any fresh hints as to Lansmere?" asked Randal.