CHAPTER V.

“See how the skilful lover spreads his toils.’ —STILLINGFLEET,
THE party had not long returned to the rectory, and the Pnira’s carriage was ordered, when Lord Vargrave made his ppearance. He descanted with gay good-humour on his long © rive—the bad roads—-and his disappointment at the contre- — temps that awaited him}; then, drawing aside Colonel Legard, who seemed unusually silent and abstracted, he said to him— “My dear colonel, my visit this morning was rather to you _ a an to Doltimore. I confess that I should like to see your — bilities enlisted on the side of the Government; and knowing — _ that the post of Storekeeper to the Ordnance will be vacant in) a day or two by the promotion of Mr. , I wrote to secure the refusal—to- day’s post brings me the answer. I offer the place to you; and I trust, before long, to procure you alsoa _ seat in parliament. But you must start for London imme- diately.” _ Aweek ago, and Legard’s utmost ambition would have been amply gratified by this post; he now hesitated. _ “My dear lord,” said he, “I cannot say how grateful I feel for your kindness; but—but, _ “Enough: no thanks, my dear Legard. Can you go to town _ to-morrow ?” : _ “Indeed,” said Legard, “I fear not; I must consult my uncle.” ~“T can answer for him; I sponded him before I wrote— e reflect ! You are not rich: my dear Legard ; it is an excellent _ opening: a seat in Parliament, too! Why, what caz be your ~ reason for hesitation ?” There was something meaning and inquisitive in the tone of
_ voice in which this question was put that brought the colour to _ the colonel’s cheek. . He knew not well what to reply; and he began, too, to think that he eught not to refuse the appointment. Nay, would his uncle, on whom he was dependent, consent to
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3 : Se re eee - - : —— ae such a refusal? Lord Vargrave saw the irresolution, and pro- — ceeded. He spent ten miuntes in combating every scruple, every —
objection: he placed all the advantages of the post, real or ima- -
ginary, in every conceivable point of view before the coloncl’s eyes; he sought to flatter, to wheedle, to coax, to weary him into accepting it; and he at length partially succeeded. The colonel petitioned for three days’ consideration, which Vargrave reluctantly acceded to; and Legard then stepped into his uncle’s carriage, with the air rather of a martyr, than a maiden placeman.
“ Aha!” said Vargrave, chuckling to himself as he took a turn - in the grounds, “I have got rid of that handsome knave; and now I shall have Evelyn all to myself!”
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