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278 you all the better in consequence. Trample them underfoot, and then, being in their proper places, they know how to behave." "It is very discouraging," answered the other, "to find how often kindness is thrown away; but it will not be so in the present instance." "That is a hint, is it not, to go on with my story?" asked Lord Norbourne, smiling. "Well, I found Sir Robert in a very bad humour: some silly vote, and still sillier speech, of Lord Marchmont had irritated him the night before; and the names of the very gentlemen to whom Miss Churchill had referred as their securities, enraged him to the last degree. It was owing to their opposition that our member lost his election for the county." "How unfortunate!" cried Courtenaye. "'All's well that ends well,'" replied his uncle. "Sir Robert was, at first, very much surprised at my taking up the case, and obviously did not know to the influence of which lady he was to attribute it. I believe his opposition, in the first instance, originated in the