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228 Hallett—who was seated in that house on the front Opposition bench, which was next best to being in the ministry, Elsie's affianced husband, having gained his dearest wishes both of the head and of the heart, and altogether the most fortunate of men, and if so why he did not feel more elated at his success. Perhaps the reason lay in the fact that Morres Blake was sitting opposite to him. Morres Blake made a speech, too. All his speeches were brilliant, but this was more than usually so. As he listened, Frank Hallett had a dull sense of defeat and disappointment. He did not grudge his rival the glory, but was glad that Elsie was not there to listen to his eloquence. Perhaps it was remorse for his pettiness that made him congratulate Blake when, later on, he passed him in the lobby.

"I hear that I have to congratulate you on a different and far more important matter," said Blake, after he had thanked him. "I think you have won a prize, and I do congratulate you in sincerity."

He did not wait for Hallett's answer, but turned away with an abruptness that was out of keeping with his ordinary courteous self-command.

Another of Elsie's admirers received the news that day. This was Trant. He heard it at Fermoy's on his arrival there early in the afternoon. Some business had detained him at Baròlin, and he had not arrived in time for the Government House ball. It was Lord Horace who gave him the intelligence. Lord Horace was loafing about the verandah, looking rather the worse for his late evening. He observed with a mischievous amusement the red flush that mounted to Trant's cheek, and took a delight in aggravating his discomfiture. Lord Horace was quite aware that Trant was one of the number of Elsie's hopeless admirers.

"Yes, it is quite settled. I think very likely the marriage will be soon. We are all delighted. She couldn't have done better, you know—not even if you had been the favoured individual, you know, Trant. You ought to go and offer your congratulations."

"Yes, I will," said Trant, sulkily.