In another hour Rowford was forgotten, and I was deep in the preparations for Hallett's machine, which was rapidly approaching completion; while a fortnight later I was dining with Miss Carr, and bearing her the news of the successful point to which Hallett had climbed, making her flush with pleasure, as I told her that the machine was to be set up at Mr Ruddle's place of business, and be tried there. "Send me word the day and hour of the trial, Antony," she said, in a low voice. "Will you come?" I said eagerly. "No, Antony, no," she said softly. "I could not come, but I shall pray for a triumphant success." She spoke warmly, for she seemed off her guard, and then hurriedly changed the conversation. CHAPTER FIFTY FIVE. THE DAY OF TRIUMPH. The day of trial came at last; and after a sleepless night, I was trying to make a good breakfast before going down to Mr Ruddle's with the inventor. I believe I felt as nervous and excited as Hallett himself; for Mr Ruddle had spoken to me the night before about some unpleasant suspicions that he had. "I don't like to accuse any body, Grace," he said; "but I'm afraid a certain person who shall be nameless has been setting some of the ignorant, drunken loafers of the trade against the machine." That was all then, but it was enough to make me uneasy, though I did not believe in the possibility of any trade outrage in the middle of London. Hallett looked very pale, but I never saw him seem more manly, thoughtful, and handsome, as he stood there in his mother's room, holding her hands. "I shall come back, dear," he said, kissing her tenderly, "telling you of my success. No, no, don't shake your head. Good-bye, dear, wish me success. Good-bye, Linny, darling! Ah! Mr Girtley, you here?" "To be sure," cried Tom Girtley; "I've come to wish you success. Linny and I are going to throw old shoes after you. Mind! a champagne supper if you succeed. Tony and I will find the champagne. Hallo! here's Papa Rowle." There was no mistaking that step, without the sound of the old man taking snuff, and he entered directly after; got up in grand style, and with a flower in his button-hole. He had a bunch of flowers, too, for Mrs Hallett, and a kiss for Linny; and then, shaking hands all round, he began to rub his hands. "It's a winner, Hallett--a winner!" he exclaimed. "Come along, Girtley, you'll make one. We want some big boys to cry `Hooray!'" "I'll come, then," said Tom merrily; and directly after we went off, trying to look delighted, but all feeling exceedingly nervous and strange. Hallett and Girtley went on in front, and Mr Jabez took my arm, holding me a little back. "I'm glad Girtley's coming, Grace," he said; "he's a big, strong fellow, and we may want him." "Why?" I said excitedly.