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'I wish you could congratulate er man, sadly no less than modestly

'Nonsense! that will co: all your life is before you Now look--see how far back in the mists of antiquity my own family of Swancourt have a root Here, you see,' he continued, turning to the page, 'is Geoffrey, the one a my ancestors who lost a barony because he would cut his joke Ah, it's the sort of us! But the story is too long to tell now Ay, I'entleman, in fact: those I would be friends with, won't be friends withto be friends with hbouring incumbent or two, and an occasional chat--sometimes dinner--with Lord Luxellian, a connection of mine, I am in absolute solitude--absolute'

'You have your studies, your books, and your--daughter'

'Oh yes, yes; and I don't complain of poverty Canto coraer in a sick rooer days' Here the vicar began a series of shs, and Stephen looked inquiry 'Oh, no, no! it is too bad--too bad to tell!' continued Mr Swancourt in undertones of grihterAsk her to sing to you--she plays and sings very nicely Good-night; I feel as if I had known you for five or six years I'll ring for somebody to show you down'

'Never mind,' said Stephen, 'I can find the way' And he went downstairs, thinking of the delightful freedom of manner in the remoter counties in coot to tell you that my father was rather deaf,' said Elfride anxiously, when Stephen entered the little drawing-rooreat friends,' the man of business replied enthusiastically 'And, Miss Swancourt, will you kindly sing to me?'

To Miss Swancourt this request seeh she guessed that her father had so, rather to her cost, of his uncere her for the benefit of dull sojourners At the same time, as Mr Se too little to inspire fear, she was ready--not to say pleased--to accede Selecting froone by had been played and sung by her an, ''Twas on the evening of a winter's day,' in a pretty contralto voice