"And how goes the great cause? No, seriously, how are you progressing; what are the chances of success? You know how interested I am about it!"
"We are progressing admirably, and if we can only hold out as we are doing, there is very little doubt of our triumph!"
"And you will enter upon the career which I suggested to you, Mr. Joyce, and you will work in it as you have worked in everything else which you have undertaken, with zeal, energy, and success!" said Lady Caroline, with flashing eyes. "But what has brought you to London at this particular time?"
"You, Lady Caroline!"
"I?" and the flush again overspread her face.
"You. I wanted your advice and assistance."
"Ah! I recollect you said just now, 'if we could only hold out as we are doing.' How foolish of me not at once to---- Mr. Joyce, you--you want money to pursue this election, and you have shown your friendship for me by----"
"No, indeed, Lady Caroline, though there is no one in the world to whom I would so gladly be under an obligation. No; this is a matter of a very different kind;" and he briefly explained to her the state of affairs at Woolgreaves, and the position of Maude and Gertrude Creswell.
After he had concluded there was a momentary pause, and then Lady Caroline said, "And you do not know either of these young ladies, Mr. Joyce?"
"I do not. I have scarcely seen them since they were children."