194 CHAPTER IX. “What do I hear? Is this thy vow?" "And will Matilda wed the Græme, MICHAEL BRUCE. Old Ballad. N walking aimlessly about the streets of Leeds-passing beauty without observation, squalor without disgust, beggary without disgust, beggary without attention: James passed the greater part of the day. At length, he became aware that he was tired. -exceedingly tired. He paused, looked at his watch. It was past five o'clock; in less than an hour, his train would start. He made the best of his way back to the station. At the counter of the refreshment-room, stood a lanky gentleman, with red hair, and a red countenance, in no wise remarkable for wits. He was asking, as James entered -addressing the young lady in attendance -while his great-coat slided unperceived from over his arm: "Can you tell me the next train to Rotherbridge?" "What is the next train to Rotherbridge, Miss Andrews?" screeched the young lady. She was answered by a corresponding screech from regions unknown. "That's the Rothridge train as is just gone; and there's not another to-night." "Rotherbridge," the young lady screeched again. James came to the rescue: the more readily, since the lanky gentleman was none other than Lord Joseph Postlethwaite. On 0 2 seeing James, he looked stupid and aghast, eyed askance his offered hand; finally, with evident reluctance, took it slowly, and shook it feebly. But not one syllable did he utter. "The Rotherbridge train starts at six o'clock," said James: "I am going by it myself." "Oh! Ah!" replied Lord Joseph, his colour deepening: "Fact is-" and he appeared to make a tremendous effort—“Fact is, Gordon, you're just exactly the fellow I wanted. I was on my way to Farnley. I have... I have something of importance to say to you.' "Suppose we come out on the platform?" proposed James: perceiving that the young lady was attentively listening, with every symptom of unbounded interest. "Well!" assented Lord Joseph: "Fact is -suppose we do." And to the platform they repaired: James having first stooped to pick up the greatcoat, which, by this time, had reached the ground. Why did you wish to see me?" he inquired, as Lord Joseph remained silent and confused. "It isn't fair now, Gordon. 'Pon my word, it isn't." "What isn't fair, Lord Joseph ?" "Oh, come! Joseph. You know," said Lord "Indeed I do not know," said James, staring. "Everybody says so, you see; shouldn't have objected. or I I don't mind a little flirting. But, you know, when it comes to that, you know, it is going a leetle too far. And everybody says so. "Would you oblige me," returned James, "by informing me what it is that everybody says ?" "Well!" said Lord Joseph, stammering: "Well! you know . . . fact is . . . I've heard from reliable quarters, that you're... that you're spoony. . . that you're making up to 66 Ay-" intensely relieved-"You and Miss Featherstone. That you're talked of together, you know; that you're likely to ... to... make a match of it, in fact. And that can't be right, you know-can it?— when she's engaged to . . . to.. "To you?" again assisted James. "There. You've guessed it. I haven't told you; now have I?" inquired Lord Joseph, with evident anxiety. 66 No... no you have not told me,' replied James, hardly knowing what he said. |