Louis gave a debonnaire glance of resignation; and the farmer, rising in the full current of feeling caused by Madison’s speech, said, with thorough downright emotion, that he knew it was of no use to try to enhance what had been already so well expressed, but he believed there was scarcely a person present who did not feel, equally with Mr. Madison, the right to claim Lord Fitzjocelyn as a personal friend,—­and an irrepressible hum of fervent assent proved how truly the farmer spoke.  ’Yes,—­each had in turn experienced so much of his friendly kindness, and, what was more, of his sympathy, that he could confidently affirm that there was scarcely one in the neighbourhood who had not learnt the news of his happiness as if some good thing had happened to himself individually.  They all as one man were delighted to have him at home again, and to wish him joy of the lady, whom many of them know already well enough to rejoice in welcoming her for her own sake, as well as for that of Lord Fitzjocelyn.’

Again and again did the cheers break forth—­hearty, homely, and sincere; and such were the bright, tearful, loving eyes, which sought those of Fitzjocelyn on every side, that his own filled so fast that all seemed dazzled and misty, and he hastily strove to clear them as he arose; but the swelling of his heart brought the happy dew again, and would scarcely let him find voice.  ’My friends, my dear, good friends, you are all very kind to me.  It is of no use to tell you how little I deserve it, but you know how much I wish to do so, and here is one who has helped me, and who will help me.  We thank you with all our hearts.  You may well wish my father and me joy, and yourselves too.  Thank you; you should not look at me so kindly if you wish me to say more.’

The Earl, who had studied popularity as a useful engine, but had never prized love beyond his own family, was exceedingly touched by the ardour of enthusiastic affection that his son had obtained,—­not by courting suffrages, not by gifts, not by promises, but simply by real open-hearted love to every one.  Lord Ormersfield himself came in for demonstrations of warm feeling which he would certainly never have sought nor obtained ten years ago, when he was respected and looked up to as an upright representative of certain opinions; but personally, either disliked or regarded with coldness.

He knew what these cheers were worth, and that even Fitzjocelyn might not long be the popular hero; but he was not the less gratified and triumphant, and felt that no success of his whole life had been worth the present.

‘After all, Clara,’ said Oliver Dynevor, as his nephew and niece were assisting him to the carriage, ’they have managed these things better than we did, though they did not have Gunter.’

‘Gunter can’t bring heart’s love down from town in a box,’ said Clara, in a flash of indignation.  ’No, dear uncle, there are things that can’t be got unless by living for them.’