TICKLISH STOCK Alaric returned from his office worn and almost as wretched as he had been on the day before.

He had spent a miserable day.

In the morning Sir Gregory had asked him whether he had finally made up his mind to address the electors of Strathbogy.

'No, not finally,' said Alaric, 'but I think I shall do so.' 'Then I must tell you, Tudor,' said Sir Gregory, speaking more in sorrow than in anger, 'that you will not have my countenance.

I cannot but think also that you are behaving with ingratitude.' Alaric prepared to make some petulant answer, but Sir Gregory, in the meantime, left the room.
Every one was falling away from him.