The Heir Of Bendersleigh; Or, The Freemason's Promise.

a desire to compress his observations into the smallest possible compass . It was strange that Mr . Grainger did not seem at all desirous of interrupting the merriment , which the two friends apparently were enjoying ; while they amused themselves at the expense of Rachel , he threw himself back iu his chair , and though the exhibition was an unusual

and an unseemly one in his office , yet he did not attempt to curb , or in any way interfere with the proceedings of his client , lie seemed by his bearing , to think that the connection existing between himself and Mr . Raker , was such as to give the latter a presumptive right to conduct himself as he pleased there . In fact , the bearing of the two towards each other , had all the appearance of that which exists between

patrons and dependants , and on Mr . Raker ' s part , the resemblance was effectively kept up . " Well , Grainger , my boy , " said Mr . Raker , as soon as Rachel had left the room , and that gentleman and his friend had fully enjoyed the joke they had created , "Well , Grainger , I suppose everything is ready for to-morrow ?"

"I believe nothing now remains bat the ceremony , Mr . Raker ;" replied Mr . Grainger , " but I will take the last opportunity of appealing to you in the matter . " " Now , I want no more preaching , Grainger . Damn it , " said he , " I never come into this infernal office , but you commence some long winded oration about a person ' s feelingsancl something being outraged ; I ' m

, sick of it ; " continued he , confirming the declaration with an oath . " I have only your welfare at heart , Mr . Raker ; and I would appeal to you to forego this marriage , if you would wish for happiness ; " said Mr . Grainger .

" Why you don ' t take me for such a precious flat , do you Grainger ? inquired Mr . Raker , " as to suppose that I would give up the game now it ' s all in my own hands ; " and he laughed scornfully at the idea . "It does not follow that , because possession seems so very near , it must necessarily be certain , " replied Mr . Grainger , "Why , what the devil do you mean ? " asked Mr . Raker , '' What the

devil can prevent my having her ?" "Her own will , if strained too much , " said Mr . Grainger . " It is true that she has yielded to you on account of the power which you have over her family ; but the great test of her submission is yet to come , she may refuse you , even at the last hour , and then your mortification would scarcely be revenged , even if you exercised the power which you possess upon her

mother ' s property ; consider of this , Mr . Raker . " " Did you ever hear of such croaking ? - ' inquired Mr . Raker , of his friend , who was beginning to exhibit signs of impatience . The gentleman appealed to , intimated that the old buffer was a rum un , and the sooner he cut the matter short , the better . " Come , come , Grainger , " said Mr . Raker , in rather an authoritative tone , which evidently chafed Mr . Grainger ; " Come , no more of this nonsense ; let ' s see what has been done for to-morrow . "