AN UNWELCOME VISITOR. 337 



" No, Ayrshire, not a word has escaped Mr. Harcourt' s lips, 

 that I am aware of, on this subject ;• but Lady Malcolm has oi 

 course confided to me your proposal for my cousin, which you 

 may feel assured will go no further." 



" I thank you, Malcolm, for this kind consideration, as you 

 know it would not be very agreeable to have this little affair 

 going the round of the clubs. But may I know to whom your 

 too lovely cousin is engaged, for such I am told is the case 1 " 



" You expect me to keep your secret, Ayrshire, and ask me 

 at the same time to reveal another's ; is this consistent 1 " 



" No, my dear fellow, obviously not ; but my reason for 

 inquiring is, that were the thing not definitively arranged, I 

 should be disposed to renew my suit to the young lady 

 herself." 



" And that would unquestionably be attended with the same 

 result," added Lord Malcolm ; which at once put a stop to 

 further questions. 



The second morning after this explanation, while Mr. Har- 

 court was busily engaged reading the deba' 4a in the House of 

 Commons, the footman brought in a card, saying the gentleman 

 was waiting in the hall. 



" Mangle ! " exclaimed Mr. Harcourt ; " I don't know any 

 such person — why did you admit him ? " 



" He stepped in before I could shut the door, sir,*' replied 

 the man, "although I said you were not at home." 



" Most extraordinary conduct," muttered Mr. Harcourt, fuss- 

 ing and fuming with nervous trepidation ; " but I suppose, my 

 dear," turning to his wife, " I had better know what his business 

 may be." 



" Certainly, Mr. Harcourt, let him be shown in here." 



A tall, portly man made his appearance, who, with a low 

 bow, apologised for calling at such an unfashionable hour, 

 alleging important business as his excuse. " My name is 

 Mangle, sir," addressing Mr. Harcourt. 



" So I presume, sir, by your card," replied that gentleman, 

 turning as white as his own table-cloth. 



" Of the old established firm of Mangle, Smasher, and Nibble, 

 of Lincoln's Inn Fields." 



Mr. Harcourt acknowledged this unsolicited information by 

 a bow only, looking as if the whole of the respectable firm were 

 at him already, tooth and nail. 



"I conclude I have the honour of addressing Mr. Har- 

 court," resumed the lawyer, with an ill-suppressed smile oi 



V 



