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 half his secret as yet, and that not the most important half. To Sir Peregrine the tidings, as far as he had heard them, were very pleasant. He did not say to himself that he would purchase his grandson's assent to his own marriage by giving his consent to his grandson's marriage. But it did seem to him that the two affairs, acting upon each other, might both be made to run smooth. His heir could have made no better choice in selecting the lady of his love. Sir Peregrine had feared much that some Miss Tristram or the like might have been tendered to him as the future Lady Orme, and he was agreeably surprised to find that a new mistress for The Cleeve had been so well chosen. He would be all kindness to his grandson and win from him, if it might be possible, reciprocal courtesy and complaisance. 'Your mother will be very pleased when she hears this,' he said.

'I meant to tell my mother,' said Peregrine, still very dolefully, 'but I do not know that there is anything in it to please her. I only said that I—I admired Miss Staveley.'

'My dear boy, if you'll take my advice you'll propose to her at once. You have been staying in the same house with her, and'

'But I have.'

'Have what?'

'I have proposed to her.'

'Well?'

'And she has refused me. You know all about it now, and there's no such great cause for joy.'

'Oh, you have proposed to her. Have you spoken to her father or mother?'

'What was the use when she told me plainly that she did not care for me? Of course I should have asked her father. As to Lady Staveley, she and I got on uncommonly well. I'm almost inclined to think that she would not have objected.'

'It would be a very nice match for them, and I dare say she would not have objected.' And then for some ten minutes they sat looking at the fire. Peregrine had nothing more to say about it, and the baronet was thinking how best he might encourage his grandson.

'You must try again, you know,' at last he said.

'Well; I fear not. I do not think it would be any good. I'm not quite sure she does not care for some one else?'

'Who is he?'

'Oh, a fellow that's there. The man who broke his arm. I don't say she does, you know, and of course you won't mention it.'

Sir Peregrine gave the necessary promises, and then endeavoured to give encouragement to the lover. He would himself see the judge, if it were thought expedient, and explain what liberal settlement would be made on the lady in the event of her altering her