Belfield winked at Meriton. If he had asked for a week! Five minutes meant a favourable answer. All the factors were before him; they could be judged in five minutes. It was a venture, but Meriton said it was his duty. Nobody could tell where it would lead, but it was honourable work, for which responsible men thought him fitted. It was Harry's shoes, but they were empty. That last thought made him speak. "If I accept, and win, I hold the seat at the disposal of those who've chosen me for it." Half-consciously he addressed himself especially to Belfield. "If at any time--" "I knew you'd feel that way about it; but at present, at all events, it's not a practical question, Andy." "I'm grateful for your confidence," Andy said, now turning to Meriton. "Since you think me fit for it, I'll take it and do my best with it, Lord Meriton." "Capital!" his lordship exclaimed. Wigram's face was wreathed in smiles. Belfield patted Andy on the shoulder affectionately. "I don't believe either party to the bargain will regret it." "I know Mr. Hayes will have an honourable, and I believe he will have a distinguished, career," Meriton said, and, rising from his chair, broke up the council. Andy lingered for a little while alone with Belfield, to thank him again, to make some arrangements for the future, to tell him that he had seen Harry, and that Harry was well and in good spirits. "You saw him on Thursday? After you got my wire? Did you say anything about it?" "It came while he was there, and I showed it to him. He was surprised." "You mean he wasn't pleased?" "I can understand how he must feel. I feel just the same thing myself--terribly strongly sometimes." Belfield pressed his arm. "You mustn't give way to that feeling. It's loyal, but it's not reasonable. Never let that weigh with you in anything." The feeling might not be reasonable; it seemed to Andy inevitable. It must weigh with him. Yet it could not outweigh his natural and legitimate satisfaction that day. His mind reached forth to the new work, fortified by the confidence that his friends gave him. The thought of Harry seemed now rather a sobering reminder that this thing had come to him, in part at least, by accident. He was the more bound to do well with it, that the evil effects of the accident might be minimized. He made for Jack Rock's house in High Street, where he was to lodge. Jack had just got off his horse at the door, and was standing facing his shop, apparently regarding his sign. Andy came up and clapped him on the back. "I know what you've been doing," he said. "At it again, Jack!" "You've not refused?" "No; I've accepted." Jack wrung his hand hard. "That takes a weight off my mind," he said with a sigh. "But it seems a low-down thing to take all that money--more of yours too!" Jack smiled triumphantly. "Well, I happen to be a bit flush o' cash just now--that's the truth, Andy--so you needn't mind. D'ye see that sign?"