'I'm going to the House of Commons,--won't you come?'

'What are you going there for?'

Directly she spoke of it I knew why she was going,--and she knewthat I knew, as her words showed.

'You are quite well aware of what the magnet is. You are not soignorant as not to know that the Agricultural Amendment Act is onto-night, and that Paul is to speak. I always try to be there whenPaul is to speak, and I mean to always keep on trying.'

'He is a fortunate man.'

'Indeed,--and again indeed. A man with such gifts as his isinadequately described as fortunate.--But I must be off. Heexpected to be up before, but I heard from him a few minutes agothat there has been a delay, but that he will be up within half-an-hour.--Till our next meeting.'

As I returned into the home, in the hall I met Percy Woodville.He had his hat on.

'Where are you off to?'

'I'm off to the House.'

'To hear Paul Lessingham?'

'Damn Paul Lessingham!'

'With all my heart!'

'There's a division expected,--I've got to go.'

'Someone else has gone to hear Paul Lessingham,--Marjorie Lindon.'

'No!--you don't say so!--by Jove!--I say, Atherton, I wish I couldmake a speech,--I never can. When I'm electioneering I occasionally have tohave my speeches written for me, and then I occasionally have to read 'em. But,by Jove, if I knew Miss Lindon was in the gallery, and if I knewanything about the thing, or could get someone to tell mesomething, hang me if I wouldn't speak,--I'd show her I'm not thefool she thinks I am!'

'Speak, Percy, speak!--you'd knock 'em silly, sir!--I tell youwhat I'll do,--I'll come with you! I'll to the House as well!--Paul Lessingham shall have an audience of three.'