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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Coningsby, by Benjamin Disraeli
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Coningsby
+
+Author: Benjamin Disraeli
+
+
+Release Date: February, 2005  [EBook #7412]
+This file was first posted on April 25, 2003
+Last Updated: September 30, 2017
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CONINGSBY ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Anne Soulard, Tiffany Vergon, and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CONINGSBY
+
+OR THE NEW GENERATION
+
+By Benjamin Disraeli
+
+Earl Of Beaconsfield
+
+
+
+
+PUBLISHERS’ NOTE
+
+
+As a novelist, Benjamin Disraeli belongs to the early part of the
+nineteenth century. “Vivian Grey” (1826-27) and “Sybil” (1845) mark
+the beginning and the end of his truly creative period; for the two
+productions of his latest years, “Lothair” (1870) and “Endymion” (1880),
+add nothing to the characteristics of his earlier volumes except the
+changes of feeling and power which accompany old age. His period, thus,
+is that of Bulwer, Dickens, and Thackeray, and of the later years of Sir
+Walter Scott--a fact which his prominence as a statesman during the last
+decade of his life, as well as the vogue of “Lothair” and “Endymion,”
+ has tended to obscure. His style, his material, and his views of English
+character and life all date from that earlier time. He was born in 1804
+and died in 1881.
+
+“Coningsby; or, The New Generation,” published in 1844, is the best
+of his novels, not as a story, but as a study of men, manners, and
+principles. The plot is slight--little better than a device for
+stringing together sketches of character and statements of political and
+economic opinions; but these are always interesting and often brilliant.
+The motive which underlies the book is political. It is, in brief, an
+attempt to show that the political salvation of England was to be sought
+in its aristocracy, but that this aristocracy was morally weak and
+socially ineffective, and that it must mend its ways before its duty to
+the state could be fulfilled. Interest in this aspect of the book has,
+of course, to a large extent passed away with the political conditions
+which it reflected. As a picture of aristocratic life in England in
+the first part of the nineteenth century it has, however, enduring
+significance and charm. Disraeli does not rank with the great writers
+of English realistic fiction, but in this special field none of them
+has surpassed him. From this point of view, accordingly, “Coningsby” is
+appropriately included in this series.
+
+
+
+
+TO HENRY HOPE
+
+
+It is not because this work was conceived and partly executed amid the
+glades and galleries of the DEEPDENE that I have inscribed it with your
+name. Nor merely because I was desirous to avail myself of the most
+graceful privilege of an author, and dedicate my work to the friend
+whose talents I have always appreciated, and whose virtues I have ever
+admired.
+
+But because in these pages I have endeavoured to picture something of
+that development of the new and, as I believe, better mind of England,
+that has often been the subject of our converse and speculation.
+
+In this volume you will find many a thought illustrated and many a
+principle attempted to be established that we have often together
+partially discussed and canvassed.
+
+Doubtless you may encounter some opinions with which you may not
+agree, and some conclusions the accuracy of which you may find cause
+to question. But if I have generally succeeded in my object, to scatter
+some suggestions that may tend to elevate the tone of public life,
+ascertain the true character of political parties, and induce us for
+the future more carefully to distinguish between facts and phrases,
+realities and phantoms, I believe that I shall gain your sympathy, for
+I shall find a reflex to their efforts in your own generous spirit and
+enlightened mind.
+
+GROSVENOR GATE: May Day 1844.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+
+‘CONINGSBY’ was published in the year 1844. The main purpose of its
+writer was to vindicate the just claims of the Tory party to be the
+popular political confederation of the country; a purpose which he had,
+more or less, pursued from a very early period of life. The occasion
+was favourable to the attempt. The youthful mind of England had just
+recovered from the inebriation of the great Conservative triumph of
+1841, and was beginning to inquire what, after all, they had conquered
+to preserve. It was opportune, therefore, to show that Toryism was not
+a phrase, but a fact; and that our political institutions were the
+embodiment of our popular necessities. This the writer endeavoured to do
+without prejudice, and to treat of events and characters of which he had
+some personal experience, not altogether without the impartiality of the
+future.
+
+It was not originally the intention of the writer to adopt the form
+of fiction as the instrument to scatter his suggestions, but, after
+reflection, he resolved to avail himself of a method which, in the
+temper of the times, offered the best chance of influencing opinion.
+
+In considering the Tory scheme, the author recognised in the CHURCH the
+most powerful agent in the previous development of England, and the most
+efficient means of that renovation of the national spirit at which
+he aimed. The Church is a sacred corporation for the promulgation and
+maintenance in Europe of certain Asian principles, which, although
+local in their birth, are of divine origin, and of universal and eternal
+application.
+
+In asserting the paramount character of the ecclesiastical polity and
+the majesty of the theocratic principle, it became necessary to ascend
+to the origin of the Christian Church, and to meet in a spirit worthy
+of a critical and comparatively enlightened age, the position of the
+descendants of that race who were the founders of Christianity. The
+modern Jews had long laboured under the odium and stigma of mediaeval
+malevolence. In the dark ages, when history was unknown, the passions
+of societies, undisturbed by traditionary experience, were strong, and
+their convictions, unmitigated by criticism, were necessarily fanatical.
+The Jews were looked upon in the middle ages as an accursed race, the
+enemies of God and man, the especial foes of Christianity. No one in
+those days paused to reflect that Christianity was founded by the Jews;
+that its Divine Author, in his human capacity, was a descendant of King
+David; that his doctrines avowedly were the completion, not the change,
+of Judaism; that the Apostles and the Evangelists, whose names men daily
+invoked, and whose volumes they embraced with reverence, were all Jews;
+that the infallible throne of Rome itself was established by a Jew; and
+that a Jew was the founder of the Christian Churches of Asia.
+
+The European nations, relatively speaking, were then only recently
+converted to a belief in Moses and in Christ; and, as it were, still
+ashamed of the wild deities whom they had deserted, they thought they
+atoned for their past idolatry by wreaking their vengeance on a race to
+whom, and to whom alone, they were indebted for the Gospel they adored.
+
+In vindicating the sovereign right of the Church of Christ to be the
+perpetual regenerator of man, the writer thought the time had arrived
+when some attempt should be made to do justice to the race which had
+founded Christianity.
+
+The writer has developed in another work [‘Tancred’) the views
+respecting the great house of Israel which he first intimated in
+‘Coningsby.’ No one has attempted to refute them, nor is refutation
+possible; since all he has done is to examine certain facts in the truth
+of which all agree, and to draw from them irresistible conclusions which
+prejudice for a moment may shrink from, but which reason cannot refuse
+to admit.
+
+D.
+
+GROSVENOR GATE: May 1894.
+
+
+
+
+CONINGSBY
+
+
+
+
+BOOK I.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+It was a bright May morning some twelve years ago, when a youth of still
+tender age, for he had certainly not entered his teens by more than two
+years, was ushered into the waiting-room of a house in the vicinity
+of St. James’s Square, which, though with the general appearance of
+a private residence, and that too of no very ambitious character,
+exhibited at this period symptoms of being occupied for some public
+purpose.
+
+The house-door was constantly open, and frequent guests even at this
+early hour crossed the threshold. The hall-table was covered with sealed
+letters; and the hall-porter inscribed in a book the name of every
+individual who entered.
+
+The young gentleman we have mentioned found himself in a room which
+offered few resources for his amusement. A large table amply covered
+with writing materials, and a few chairs, were its sole furniture,
+except the grey drugget that covered the floor, and a muddy mezzotinto
+of the Duke of Wellington that adorned its cold walls. There was not
+even a newspaper; and the only books were the Court Guide and the London
+Directory. For some time he remained with patient endurance planted
+against the wall, with his feet resting on the rail of his chair; but
+at length in his shifting posture he gave evidence of his restlessness,
+rose from his seat, looked out of the window into a small side court of
+the house surrounded with dead walls, paced the room, took up the Court
+Guide, changed it for the London Directory, then wrote his name over
+several sheets of foolscap paper, drew various landscapes and faces of
+his friends; and then, splitting up a pen or two, delivered himself of a
+yawn which seemed the climax of his weariness.
+
+And yet the youth’s appearance did not betoken a character that, if
+the opportunity had offered, could not have found amusement and even
+instruction. His countenance, radiant with health and the lustre of
+innocence, was at the same time thoughtful and resolute. The expression
+of his deep blue eyes was serious. Without extreme regularity of
+features, the face was one that would never have passed unobserved. His
+short upper lip indicated a good breed; and his chestnut curls clustered
+over his open brow, while his shirt-collar thrown over his shoulders
+was unrestrained by handkerchief or ribbon. Add to this, a limber and
+graceful figure, which the jacket of his boyish dress exhibited to great
+advantage.
+
+Just as the youth, mounted on a chair, was adjusting the portrait of the
+Duke, which he had observed to be awry, the gentleman for whom he had
+been all this time waiting entered the room.
+
+‘Floreat Etona!’ hastily exclaimed the gentleman, in a sharp voice; ‘you
+are setting the Duke to rights. I have left you a long time a prisoner;
+but I found them so busy here, that I made my escape with some
+difficulty.’
+
+He who uttered these words was a man of middle size and age, originally
+in all probability of a spare habit, but now a little inclined to
+corpulency. Baldness, perhaps, contributed to the spiritual expression
+of a brow, which was, however, essentially intellectual, and gave some
+character of openness to a countenance which, though not ill-favoured,
+was unhappily stamped by a sinister cast that was not to be mistaken.
+His manner was easy, but rather audacious than well-bred. Indeed, while
+a visage which might otherwise be described as handsome was spoilt by
+a dishonest glance, so a demeanour that was by no means deficient in
+self-possession and facility, was tainted by an innate vulgarity, which
+in the long run, though seldom, yet surely developed itself.
+
+The youth had jumped off his chair on the entrance of the gentleman, and
+then taking up his hat, said:
+
+‘Shall we go to grandpapa now, sir?’
+
+‘By all means, my dear boy,’ said the gentleman, putting his arm within
+that of the youth; and they were just on the point of leaving
+the waiting-room, when the door was suddenly thrown open, and two
+individuals, in a state of great excitement, rushed into the apartment.
+
+‘Rigby! Rigby!’ they both exclaimed at the same moment. ‘By G----
+they’re out!’
+
+‘Who told you?’
+
+‘The best authority; one of themselves.’
+
+‘Who? who?’
+
+‘Paul Evelyn; I met him as I passed Brookes’, and he told me that Lord
+Grey had resigned, and the King had accepted his resignation.’
+
+But Mr. Rigby, who, though very fond of news, and much interested in the
+present, was extremely jealous of any one giving him information, was
+sceptical. He declared that Paul Evelyn was always wrong; that it was
+morally impossible that Paul Evelyn ever could be right; that he knew,
+from the highest authority, that Lord Grey had been twice yesterday with
+the King; that on the last visit nothing was settled; that if he had
+been at the palace again to-day, he could not have been there before
+twelve o’clock; that it was only now a quarter to one; that Lord Grey
+would have called his colleagues together on his return; that at
+least an hour must have elapsed before anything could possibly have
+transpired. Then he compared and criticised the dates of every rumoured
+incident of the last twenty-four hours, and nobody was stronger in dates
+than Mr. Rigby; counted even the number of stairs which the minister
+had to ascend and descend in his visit to the palace, and the time their
+mountings and dismountings must have consumed, detail was Mr. Rigby’s
+forte; and finally, what with his dates, his private information, his
+knowledge of palace localities, his contempt for Paul Evelyn, and his
+confidence in himself, he succeeded in persuading his downcast and
+disheartened friends that their comfortable intelligence had not the
+slightest foundation.
+
+They all left the room together; they were in the hall; the gentlemen
+who brought the news looked somewhat depressed, but Mr. Rigby gay, even
+amid the prostration of his party, from the consciousness that he had
+most critically demolished a piece of political gossip and conveyed a
+certain degree of mortification to a couple of his companions; when a
+travelling carriage and four with a ducal coronet drove up to the house.
+The door was thrown open, the steps dashed down, and a youthful noble
+sprang from his chariot into the hall.
+
+‘Good morning, Rigby,’ said the Duke.
+
+‘I see your Grace well, I am sure,’ said Mr. Rigby, with a softened
+manner.
+
+‘You have heard the news, gentlemen?’ the Duke continued.
+
+‘What news? Yes; no; that is to say, Mr. Rigby thinks--’
+
+‘You know, of course, that Lord Lyndhurst is with the King?’
+
+‘It is impossible,’ said Mr. Rigby.
+
+‘I don’t think I can be mistaken,’ said the Duke, smiling.
+
+‘I will show your Grace that it is impossible,’ said Mr. Rigby, ‘Lord
+Lyndhurst slept at Wimbledon. Lord Grey could not have seen the King
+until twelve o’clock; it is now five minutes to one. It is impossible,
+therefore, that any message from the King could have reached Lord
+Lyndhurst in time for his Lordship to be at the palace at this moment.’
+
+‘But my authority is a high one,’ said the Duke.
+
+‘Authority is a phrase,’ said Mr. Rigby; ‘we must look to time and
+place, dates and localities, to discover the truth.’
+
+‘Your Grace was saying that your authority--’ ventured to observe Mr.
+Tadpole, emboldened by the presence of a duke, his patron, to struggle
+against the despotism of a Rigby, his tyrant.
+
+‘Was the highest,’ rejoined the Duke, smiling, ‘for it was Lord
+Lyndhurst himself. I came up from Nuneham this morning, passed his
+Lordship’s house in Hyde Park Place as he was getting into his carriage
+in full dress, stopped my own, and learned in a breath that the Whigs
+were out, and that the King had sent for the Chief Baron. So I came on
+here at once.’
+
+‘I always thought the country was sound at bottom,’ exclaimed Mr. Taper,
+who, under the old system, had sneaked into the Treasury Board.
+
+Tadpole and Taper were great friends. Neither of them ever despaired
+of the Commonwealth. Even if the Reform Bill were passed, Taper was
+convinced that the Whigs would never prove men of business; and when his
+friends confessed among themselves that a Tory Government was for the
+future impossible, Taper would remark, in a confidential whisper, that
+for his part he believed before the year was over the Whigs would be
+turned out by the clerks.
+
+‘There is no doubt that there is considerable reaction,’ said Mr.
+Tadpole. The infamous conduct of the Whigs in the Amersham case has
+opened the public mind more than anything.’
+
+‘Aldborough was worse,’ said Mr. Taper.
+
+‘Terrible,’ said Tadpole. ‘They said there was no use discussing the
+Reform Bill in our House. I believe Rigby’s great speech on Aldborough
+has done more towards the reaction than all the violence of the
+Political Unions put together.’
+
+‘Let us hope for the best,’ said the Duke, mildly. ‘’Tis a bold step on
+the part of the Sovereign, and I am free to say I could have wished it
+postponed; but we must support the King like men. What say you, Rigby?
+You are silent.’
+
+‘I am thinking how very unfortunate it was that I did not breakfast with
+Lyndhurst this morning, as I was nearly doing, instead of going down to
+Eton.’
+
+‘To Eton! and why to Eton?’
+
+‘For the sake of my young friend here, Lord Monmouth’s grandson. By the
+bye, you are kinsmen. Let me present to your Grace, MR. CONINGSBY.’
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+The political agitation which for a year and a half had shaken England
+to its centre, received, if possible, an increase to its intensity and
+virulence, when it was known, in the early part of the month of May,
+1832, that the Prime Minister had tendered his resignation to the King,
+which resignation had been graciously accepted.
+
+The amendment carried by the Opposition in the House of Lords on the
+evening of the 7th of May, that the enfranchising clauses of the
+Reform Bill should be considered before entering into the question of
+disfranchisement, was the immediate cause of this startling event. The
+Lords had previously consented to the second reading of the Bill with
+the view of preventing that large increase of their numbers with which
+they had been long menaced; rather, indeed, by mysterious rumours than
+by any official declaration; but, nevertheless, in a manner which had
+carried conviction to no inconsiderable portion of the Opposition that
+the threat was not without foundation.
+
+During the progress of the Bill through the Lower House, the journals
+which were looked upon as the organs of the ministry had announced with
+unhesitating confidence, that Lord Grey was armed with what was then
+called a ‘carte blanche’ to create any number of peers necessary to
+insure its success. But public journalists who were under the control of
+the ministry, and whose statements were never contradicted, were not
+the sole authorities for this prevailing belief. Members of the House of
+Commons, who were strong supporters of the cabinet, though not connected
+with it by any official tie, had unequivocally stated in their places
+that the Sovereign had not resisted the advice of his counsellors to
+create peers, if such creation were required to carry into effect what
+was then styled ‘the great national measure.’ In more than one instance,
+ministers had been warned, that if they did not exercise that power with
+prompt energy, they might deserve impeachment. And these intimations and
+announcements had been made in the presence of leading members of the
+Government, and had received from them, at least, the sanction of their
+silence.
+
+It did not subsequently appear that the Reform ministers had been
+invested with any such power; but a conviction of the reverse, fostered
+by these circumstances, had successfully acted upon the nervous
+temperament, or the statesman-like prudence, of a certain section of the
+peers, who consequently hesitated in their course; were known as being
+no longer inclined to pursue their policy of the preceding session; had
+thus obtained a title at that moment in everybody’s mouth, the title of
+‘THE WAVERERS.’
+
+Notwithstanding, therefore, the opposition of the Duke of Wellington and
+of Lord Lyndhurst, the Waverers carried the second reading of the Reform
+Bill; and then, scared at the consequences of their own headstrong
+timidity, they went in a fright to the Duke and his able adviser to
+extricate them from the inevitable result of their own conduct.
+The ultimate device of these distracted counsels, where daring and
+poltroonery, principle and expediency, public spirit and private
+intrigue, each threw an ingredient into the turbulent spell, was the
+celebrated and successful amendment to which we have referred.
+
+But the Whig ministers, who, whatever may have been their faults, were
+at least men of intellect and courage, were not to be beaten by ‘the
+Waverers.’ They might have made terms with an audacious foe; they
+trampled on a hesitating opponent. Lord Grey hastened to the palace.
+
+Before the result of this appeal to the Sovereign was known, for its
+effects were not immediate, on the second morning after the vote in the
+House of Lords, Mr. Rigby had made that visit to Eton which had summoned
+very unexpectedly the youthful Coningsby to London. He was the orphan
+child of the youngest of the two sons of the Marquess of Monmouth. It
+was a family famous for its hatreds. The eldest son hated his father;
+and, it was said, in spite had married a lady to whom that father was
+attached, and with whom Lord Monmouth then meditated a second alliance.
+This eldest son lived at Naples, and had several children, but
+maintained no connection either with his parent or his native country.
+On the other hand, Lord Monmouth hated his younger son, who had married,
+against his consent, a woman to whom that son was devoted. A system of
+domestic persecution, sustained by the hand of a master, had eventually
+broken up the health of its victim, who died of a fever in a foreign
+country, where he had sought some refuge from his creditors.
+
+His widow returned to England with her child; and, not having a
+relation, and scarcely an acquaintance in the world, made an appeal to
+her husband’s father, the wealthiest noble in England and a man who was
+often prodigal, and occasionally generous. After some time, and
+more trouble, after urgent and repeated, and what would have seemed
+heart-rending, solicitations, the attorney of Lord Monmouth called
+upon the widow of his client’s son, and informed her of his Lordship’s
+decision. Provided she gave up her child, and permanently resided in
+one of the remotest counties, he was authorised to make her, in four
+quarterly payments, the yearly allowance of three hundred pounds, that
+being the income that Lord Monmouth, who was the shrewdest accountant in
+the country, had calculated a lone woman might very decently exist upon
+in a small market town in the county of Westmoreland.
+
+Desperate necessity, the sense of her own forlornness, the utter
+impossibility to struggle with an omnipotent foe, who, her husband had
+taught her, was above all scruples, prejudices, and fears, and who,
+though he respected law, despised opinion, made the victim yield. But
+her sufferings were not long; the separation from her child, the bleak
+clime, the strange faces around her, sharp memory, and the dull routine
+of an unimpassioned life, all combined to wear out a constitution
+originally frail, and since shattered by many sorrows. Mrs. Coningsby
+died the same day that her father-in-law was made a Marquess. He
+deserved his honours. The four votes he had inherited in the House of
+Commons had been increased, by his intense volition and unsparing means,
+to ten; and the very day he was raised to his Marquisate, he commenced
+sapping fresh corporations, and was working for the strawberry leaf. His
+honours were proclaimed in the London Gazette, and her decease was not
+even noticed in the County Chronicle; but the altars of Nemesis are
+beneath every outraged roof, and the death of this unhappy lady,
+apparently without an earthly friend or an earthly hope, desolate and
+deserted, and dying in obscure poverty, was not forgotten.
+
+Coningsby was not more than nine years of age when he lost his last
+parent; and he had then been separated from her for nearly three years.
+But he remembered the sweetness of his nursery days. His mother,
+too, had written to him frequently since he quitted her, and her fond
+expressions had cherished the tenderness of his heart. He wept bitterly
+when his schoolmaster broke to him the news of his mother’s death. True
+it was they had been long parted, and their prospect of again meeting
+was vague and dim; but his mother seemed to him his only link to human
+society. It was something to have a mother, even if he never saw her.
+Other boys went to see their mothers! he, at least, could talk of his.
+Now he was alone. His grandfather was to him only a name. Lord Monmouth
+resided almost constantly abroad, and during his rare visits to England
+had found no time or inclination to see the orphan, with whom he felt
+no sympathy. Even the death of the boy’s mother, and the consequent
+arrangements, were notified to his master by a stranger. The letter
+which brought the sad intelligence was from Mr. Rigby. It was the first
+time that name had been known to Coningsby.
+
+Mr. Rigby was member for one of Lord Monmouth’s boroughs. He was the
+manager of Lord Monmouth’s parliamentary influence, and the auditor of
+his vast estates. He was more; he was Lord Monmouth’s companion when in
+England, his correspondent when abroad; hardly his counsellor, for Lord
+Monmouth never required advice; but Mr. Rigby could instruct him
+in matters of detail, which Mr. Rigby made amusing. Rigby was not a
+professional man; indeed, his origin, education, early pursuits, and
+studies, were equally obscure; but he had contrived in good time to
+squeeze himself into parliament, by means which no one could ever
+comprehend, and then set up to be a perfect man of business. The world
+took him at his word, for he was bold, acute, and voluble; with no
+thought, but a good deal of desultory information; and though destitute
+of all imagination and noble sentiment, was blessed with a vigorous,
+mendacious fancy, fruitful in small expedients, and never happier than
+when devising shifts for great men’s scrapes.
+
+They say that all of us have one chance in this life, and so it was with
+Rigby. After a struggle of many years, after a long series of the
+usual alternatives of small successes and small failures, after a
+few cleverish speeches and a good many cleverish pamphlets, with a
+considerable reputation, indeed, for pasquinades, most of which he
+never wrote, and articles in reviews to which it was whispered he had
+contributed, Rigby, who had already intrigued himself into a subordinate
+office, met with Lord Monmouth.
+
+He was just the animal that Lord Monmouth wanted, for Lord Monmouth
+always looked upon human nature with the callous eye of a jockey. He
+surveyed Rigby; and he determined to buy him. He bought him; with his
+clear head, his indefatigable industry, his audacious tongue, and his
+ready and unscrupulous pen; with all his dates, all his lampoons; all
+his private memoirs, and all his political intrigues. It was a good
+purchase. Rigby became a great personage, and Lord Monmouth’s man.
+
+Mr. Rigby, who liked to be doing a great many things at the same time,
+and to astonish the Tadpoles and Tapers with his energetic versatility,
+determined to superintend the education of Coningsby. It was a relation
+which identified him with the noble house of his pupil, or, properly
+speaking, his charge: for Mr. Rigby affected rather the graceful dignity
+of the governor than the duties of a tutor. The boy was recalled
+from his homely, rural school, where he had been well grounded by
+a hard-working curate, and affectionately tended by the curate’s
+unsophisticated wife. He was sent to a fashionable school preparatory
+to Eton, where he found about two hundred youths of noble families
+and connections, lodged in a magnificent villa, that had once been
+the retreat of a minister, superintended by a sycophantic Doctor of
+Divinity, already well beneficed, and not despairing of a bishopric by
+favouring the children of the great nobles. The doctor’s lady, clothed
+in cashmeres, sometimes inquired after their health, and occasionally
+received a report as to their linen.
+
+Mr. Rigby had a classical retreat, not distant from this establishment,
+which he esteemed a Tusculum. There, surrounded by his busts and books,
+he wrote his lampoons and articles; massacred a she liberal (it was
+thought that no one could lash a woman like Rigby), cut up a rising
+genius whose politics were different from his own, or scarified some
+unhappy wretch who had brought his claims before parliament, proving,
+by garbled extracts from official correspondence that no one could refer
+to, that the malcontent instead of being a victim, was, on the contrary,
+a defaulter. Tadpole and Taper would back Rigby for a ‘slashing reply’
+against the field. Here, too, at the end of a busy week, he found it
+occasionally convenient to entertain a clever friend or two of equivocal
+reputation, with whom he had become acquainted in former days of equal
+brotherhood. No one was more faithful to his early friends than Mr.
+Rigby, particularly if they could write a squib.
+
+It was in this refined retirement that Mr. Rigby found time enough,
+snatched from the toils of official life and parliamentary struggles,
+to compose a letter on the study of History, addressed to Coningsby.
+The style was as much like that of Lord Bolingbroke as if it had been
+written by the authors of the ‘Rejected Addresses,’ and it began, ‘My
+dear young friend.’ This polished composition, so full of good feeling
+and comprehensive views, and all in the best taste, was not published.
+It was only privately printed, and a few thousand copies were
+distributed among select personages as an especial favour and mark
+of high consideration. Each copy given away seemed to Rigby like a
+certificate of character; a property which, like all men of dubious
+repute, he thoroughly appreciated. Rigby intrigued very much that the
+headmaster of Eton should adopt his discourse as a class-book. For this
+purpose he dined with the Doctor, told him several anecdotes of the
+King, which intimated personal influence at Windsor; but the headmaster
+was inflexible, and so Mr. Rigby was obliged to be content with
+having his Letter on History canonized as a classic in the Preparatory
+Seminary, where the individual to whom it was addressed was a scholar.
+
+This change in the life of Coningsby contributed to his happiness. The
+various characters which a large school exhibited interested a young
+mind whose active energies were beginning to stir. His previous
+acquirements made his studies light; and he was fond of sports, in which
+he was qualified to excel. He did not particularly like Mr. Rigby. There
+was something jarring and grating in that gentleman’s voice and modes,
+from which the chords of the young heart shrank. He was not tender,
+though perhaps he wished to be; scarcely kind: but he was good-natured,
+at least to children. However, this connection was, on the whole, an
+agreeable one for Coningsby. He seemed suddenly to have friends: he
+never passed his holydays again at school. Mr. Rigby was so clever that
+he contrived always to quarter Coningsby on the father of one of his
+school-fellows, for Mr. Rigby knew all his school-fellows and all their
+fathers. Mr. Rigby also called to see him, not unfrequently would give
+him a dinner at the Star and Garter, or even have him up to town for
+a week to Whitehall. Compared with his former forlorn existence, these
+were happy days, when he was placed under the gallery as a member’s son,
+or went to the play with the butler!
+
+When Coningsby had attained his twelfth year, an order was received from
+Lord Monmouth, who was at Rome, that he should go at once to Eton.
+This was the first great epoch of his life. There never was a youth
+who entered into that wonderful little world with more eager zest than
+Coningsby. Nor was it marvellous.
+
+That delicious plain, studded with every creation of graceful
+culture; hamlet and hall and grange; garden and grove and park; that
+castle-palace, grey with glorious ages; those antique spires, hoar with
+faith and wisdom, the chapel and the college; that river winding through
+the shady meads; the sunny glade and the solemn avenue; the room in the
+Dame’s house where we first order our own breakfast and first feel we
+are free; the stirring multitude, the energetic groups, the individual
+mind that leads, conquers, controls; the emulation and the affection;
+the noble strife and the tender sentiment; the daring exploit and the
+dashing scrape; the passion that pervades our life, and breathes in
+everything, from the aspiring study to the inspiring sport: oh! what
+hereafter can spur the brain and touch the heart like this; can give us
+a world so deeply and variously interesting; a life so full of quick and
+bright excitement, passed in a scene so fair?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+Lord Monmouth, who detested popular tumults as much as he despised
+public opinion, had remained during the agitating year of 1831 in his
+luxurious retirement in Italy, contenting himself with opposing the
+Reform Bill by proxy. But when his correspondent, Mr. Rigby, had
+informed him, in the early part of the spring of 1832, of the
+probability of a change in the tactics of the Tory party, and that
+an opinion was becoming prevalent among their friends, that the great
+scheme must be defeated in detail rather than again withstood on
+principle, his Lordship, who was never wanting in energy when his own
+interests were concerned, immediately crossed the Alps, and travelled
+rapidly to England. He indulged a hope that the weight of his presence
+and the influence of his strong character, which was at once shrewd and
+courageous, might induce his friends to relinquish their half measure,
+a course to which his nature was repugnant. At all events, if they
+persisted in their intention, and the Bill went into committee, his
+presence was indispensable, for in that stage of a parliamentary
+proceeding proxies become ineffective.
+
+The counsels of Lord Monmouth, though they coincided with those of the
+Duke of Wellington, did not prevail with the Waverers. Several of these
+high-minded personages had had their windows broken, and they were of
+opinion that a man who lived at Naples was not a competent judge of the
+state of public feeling in England. Besides, the days are gone by for
+senates to have their beards plucked in the forum. We live in an age of
+prudence. The leaders of the people, now, generally follow. The truth
+is, the peers were in a fright. ‘Twas a pity; there is scarcely a less
+dignified entity than a patrician in a panic.
+
+Among the most intimate companions of Coningsby at Eton, was Lord Henry
+Sydney, his kinsman. Coningsby had frequently passed his holydays of
+late at Beaumanoir, the seat of the Duke, Lord Henry’s father. The
+Duke sat next to Lord Monmouth during the debate on the enfranchising
+question, and to while away the time, and from kindness of disposition,
+spoke, and spoke with warmth and favour, of his grandson. The polished
+Lord Monmouth bowed as if he were much gratified by this notice of one
+so dear to him. He had too much tact to admit that he had never yet
+seen his grandchild; but he asked some questions as to his progress
+and pursuits, his tastes and habits, which intimated the interest of an
+affectionate relative.
+
+Nothing, however, was ever lost upon Lord Monmouth. No one had a more
+retentive memory, or a more observant mind. And the next day, when he
+received Mr. Rigby at his morning levee, Lord Monmouth performed this
+ceremony in the high style of the old court, and welcomed his visitors
+in bed, he said with imperturbable calmness, and as if he had been
+talking of trying a new horse, ‘Rigby, I should like to see the boy at
+Eton.’
+
+There might be some objection to grant leave to Coningsby at this
+moment; but it was a rule with Mr. Rigby never to make difficulties, or
+at least to persuade his patron that he, and he only, could remove
+them. He immediately undertook that the boy should be forthcoming, and
+notwithstanding the excitement of the moment, he went off next morning
+to fetch him.
+
+They arrived in town rather early; and Rigby, wishing to know how
+affairs were going on, ordered the servant to drive immediately to the
+head-quarters of the party; where a permanent committee watched every
+phasis of the impending revolution; and where every member of the
+Opposition, of note and trust, was instantly admitted to receive or to
+impart intelligence.
+
+It was certainly not without emotion that Coningsby contemplated his
+first interview with his grandfather. All his experience of the ties of
+relationship, however limited, was full of tenderness and rapture. His
+memory often dwelt on his mother’s sweet embrace; and ever and anon a
+fitful phantom of some past passage of domestic love haunted his gushing
+heart. The image of his father was less fresh in his mind; but still
+it was associated with a vague sentiment of kindness and joy; and the
+allusions to her husband in his mother’s letters had cherished these
+impressions. To notice lesser sources of influence in his estimate of
+the domestic tie, he had witnessed under the roof of Beaumanoir the
+existence of a family bound together by the most beautiful affections.
+He could not forget how Henry Sydney was embraced by his sisters when he
+returned home; what frank and fraternal love existed between his kinsman
+and his elder brother; how affectionately the kind Duke had welcomed his
+son once more to the house where they had both been born; and the dim
+eyes, and saddened brows, and tones of tenderness, which rather looked
+than said farewell, when they went back to Eton.
+
+And these rapturous meetings and these mournful adieus were occasioned
+only by a separation at the most of a few months, softened by constant
+correspondence and the communication of mutual sympathy. But Coningsby
+was to meet a relation, his near, almost his only, relation, for the
+first time; the relation, too, to whom he owed maintenance, education;
+it might be said, existence. It was a great incident for a great drama;
+something tragical in the depth and stir of its emotions. Even the
+imagination of the boy could not be insensible to its materials; and
+Coningsby was picturing to himself a beneficent and venerable gentleman
+pressing to his breast an agitated youth, when his reverie was broken by
+the carriage stopping before the gates of Monmouth House.
+
+The gates were opened by a gigantic Swiss, and the carriage rolled into
+a huge court-yard. At its end Coningsby beheld a Palladian palace, with
+wings and colonnades encircling the court.
+
+A double flight of steps led into a circular and marble hall, adorned
+with colossal busts of the Caesars; the staircase in fresco by Sir James
+Thornhill, breathed with the loves and wars of gods and heroes. It led
+into a vestibule, painted in arabesques, hung with Venetian girandoles,
+and looking into gardens. Opening a door in this chamber, and proceeding
+some little way down a corridor, Mr. Rigby and his companion arrived at
+the base of a private staircase. Ascending a few steps, they reached a
+landing-place hung with tapestry. Drawing this aside, Mr. Rigby opened a
+door, and ushered Coningsby through an ante-chamber into a small saloon,
+of beautiful proportions, and furnished in a brilliant and delicate
+taste.
+
+‘You will find more to amuse you here than where you were before,’ said
+Mr. Rigby, ‘and I shall not be nearly so long absent.’ So saying, he
+entered into an inner apartment.
+
+The walls of the saloon, which were covered with light blue satin, held,
+in silver panels, portraits of beautiful women, painted by Boucher.
+Couches and easy chairs of every shape invited in every quarter to
+luxurious repose; while amusement was afforded by tables covered with
+caricatures, French novels, and endless miniatures of foreign dancers,
+princesses, and sovereigns.
+
+But Coningsby was so impressed with the impending interview with his
+grandfather, that he neither sought nor required diversion. Now that the
+crisis was at hand, he felt agitated and nervous, and wished that he was
+again at Eton. The suspense was sickening, yet he dreaded still more the
+summons. He was not long alone; the door opened; he started, grew pale;
+he thought it was his grandfather; it was not even Mr. Rigby. It was
+Lord Monmouth’s valet.
+
+‘Monsieur Konigby?’
+
+‘My name is Coningsby,’ said the boy.
+
+‘Milor is ready to receive you,’ said the valet.
+
+Coningsby sprang forward with that desperation which the scaffold
+requires. His face was pale; his hand was moist; his heart beat with
+tumult. He had occasionally been summoned by Dr. Keate; that, too,
+was awful work, but compared with the present, a morning visit. Music,
+artillery, the roar of cannon, and the blare of trumpets, may urge a man
+on to a forlorn hope; ambition, one’s constituents, the hell of previous
+failure, may prevail on us to do a more desperate thing; speak in the
+House of Commons; but there are some situations in life, such, for
+instance, as entering the room of a dentist, in which the prostration of
+the nervous system is absolute.
+
+The moment had at length arrived when the desolate was to find a
+benefactor, the forlorn a friend, the orphan a parent; when the youth,
+after a childhood of adversity, was to be formally received into the
+bosom of the noble house from which he had been so long estranged, and
+at length to assume that social position to which his lineage entitled
+him. Manliness might support, affection might soothe, the happy anguish
+of such a meeting; but it was undoubtedly one of those situations
+which stir up the deep fountains of our nature, and before which the
+conventional proprieties of our ordinary manners instantaneously vanish.
+
+Coningsby with an uncertain step followed his guide through a
+bed-chamber, the sumptuousness of which he could not notice, into
+the dressing-room of Lord Monmouth. Mr. Rigby, facing Coningsby as
+he entered, was leaning over the back of a large chair, from which as
+Coningsby was announced by the valet, the Lord of the house slowly rose,
+for he was suffering slightly from the gout, his left hand resting on
+an ivory stick. Lord Monmouth was in height above the middle size, but
+somewhat portly and corpulent. His countenance was strongly marked;
+sagacity on the brow, sensuality in the mouth and jaw. His head was
+bald, but there were remains of the rich brown locks on which he once
+prided himself. His large deep blue eye, madid and yet piercing,
+showed that the secretions of his brain were apportioned, half to
+voluptuousness, half to common sense. But his general mien was truly
+grand; full of a natural nobility, of which no one was more sensible
+than himself. Lord Monmouth was not in dishabille; on the contrary, his
+costume was exact, and even careful. Rising as we have mentioned when
+his grandson entered, and leaning with his left hand on his ivory cane,
+he made Coningsby such a bow as Louis Quatorze might have bestowed on
+the ambassador of the United Provinces. Then extending his right hand,
+which the boy tremblingly touched, Lord Monmouth said:
+
+‘How do you like Eton?’
+
+This contrast to the reception which he had imagined, hoped, feared,
+paralysed the reviving energies of young Coningsby. He felt stupefied;
+he looked almost aghast. In the chaotic tumult of his mind, his memory
+suddenly seemed to receive some miraculous inspiration. Mysterious
+phrases heard in his earliest boyhood, unnoticed then, long since
+forgotten, rose to his ear. Who was this grandfather, seen not before,
+seen now for the first time? Where was the intervening link of blood
+between him and this superb and icy being? The boy sank into the chair
+which had been placed for him, and leaning on the table burst into
+tears.
+
+Here was a business! If there were one thing which would have made Lord
+Monmouth travel from London to Naples at four-and-twenty hours’ notice,
+it was to avoid a scene. He hated scenes. He hated feelings. He saw
+instantly the mistake he had made in sending for his grandchild. He
+was afraid that Coningsby was tender-hearted like his father. Another
+tender-hearted Coningsby! Unfortunate family! Degenerate race! He
+decided in his mind that Coningsby must be provided for in the Church,
+and looked at Mr. Rigby, whose principal business it always was to
+disembarrass his patron from the disagreeable.
+
+Mr. Rigby instantly came forward and adroitly led the boy into the
+adjoining apartment, Lord Monmouth’s bedchamber, closing the door of the
+dressing-room behind him.
+
+‘My dear young friend,’ said Mr. Rigby, ‘what is all this?’
+
+A sob the only answer.
+
+‘What can be the matter?’ said Mr. Rigby.
+
+‘I was thinking,’ said Coningsby, ‘of poor mamma!’
+
+‘Hush!’ said Mr. Rigby; ‘Lord Monmouth never likes to hear of people
+who are dead; so you must take care never to mention your mother or your
+father.’
+
+In the meantime Lord Monmouth had decided on the fate of Coningsby. The
+Marquis thought he could read characters by a glance, and in general
+he was successful, for his natural sagacity had been nurtured by great
+experience. His grandson was not to his taste; amiable no doubt, but
+spooney.
+
+We are too apt to believe that the character of a boy is easily read.
+‘Tis a mystery the most profound. Mark what blunders parents constantly
+make as to the nature of their own offspring, bred, too, under their
+eyes, and displaying every hour their characteristics. How often in the
+nursery does the genius count as a dunce because he is pensive; while a
+rattling urchin is invested with almost supernatural qualities because
+his animal spirits make him impudent and flippant! The school-boy, above
+all others, is not the simple being the world imagines. In that young
+bosom are often stirring passions as strong as our own, desires not less
+violent, a volition not less supreme. In that young bosom what burning
+love, what intense ambition, what avarice, what lust of power; envy that
+fiends might emulate, hate that man might fear!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+‘Come,’ said Mr. Rigby, when Coningsby was somewhat composed, ‘come with
+me and we will see the house.’
+
+So they descended once more the private staircase, and again entered the
+vestibule.
+
+‘If you had seen these gardens when they were illuminated for a fête to
+George IV.,’ said Rigby, as crossing the chamber he ushered his charge
+into the state apartments. The splendour and variety of the surrounding
+objects soon distracted the attention of the boy, for the first time in
+the palace of his fathers. He traversed saloon after saloon hung with
+rare tapestry and the gorgeous products of foreign looms; filled with
+choice pictures and creations of curious art; cabinets that sovereigns
+might envy, and colossal vases of malachite presented by emperors.
+Coningsby alternately gazed up to ceilings glowing with color and with
+gold, and down upon carpets bright with the fancies and vivid with the
+tints of Aubusson and of Axminster.
+
+‘This grandfather of mine is a great prince,’ thought Coningsby, as
+musing he stood before a portrait in which he recognised the features of
+the being from whom he had so recently and so strangely parted. There
+he stood, Philip Augustus, Marquess of Monmouth, in his robes of state,
+with his new coronet on a table near him, a despatch lying at hand that
+indicated the special mission of high ceremony of which he had been the
+illustrious envoy, and the garter beneath his knee.
+
+‘You will have plenty of opportunities to look at the pictures,’ said
+Rigby, observing that the boy had now quite recovered himself. ‘Some
+luncheon will do you no harm after our drive;’ and he opened the door of
+another apartment.
+
+It was a pretty room adorned with a fine picture of the chase; at a
+round table in the centre sat two ladies interested in the meal to which
+Rigby had alluded.
+
+‘Ah, Mr. Rigby!’ said the eldest, yet young and beautiful, and speaking,
+though with fluency, in a foreign accent, ‘come and tell me some news.
+Have you seen Milor?’ and then she threw a scrutinizing glance from a
+dark flashing eye at his companion.
+
+‘Let me present to your Highness,’ said Rigby, with an air of some
+ceremony, ‘Mr. Coningsby.’
+
+‘My dear young friend,’ said the lady, extending her white hand with
+an air of joyous welcome, ‘this is Lucretia, my daughter. We love you
+already. Lord Monmouth will be so charmed to see you. What beautiful
+eyes he has, Mr. Rigby. Quite like Milor.’
+
+The young lady, who was really more youthful than Coningsby, but of a
+form and stature so developed that she appeared almost a woman, bowed
+to the guest with some ceremony, and a faint sullen smile, and then
+proceeded with her Perigord pie.
+
+‘You must be so hungry after your drive,’ said the elder lady, placing
+Coningsby at her side, and herself filling his plate.
+
+This was true enough; and while Mr. Rigby and the lady talked an
+infinite deal about things which he did not understand, and persons
+of whom he had never heard, our little hero made his first meal in his
+paternal house with no ordinary zest; and renovated by the pasty and
+a glass of sherry, felt altogether a different being from what he
+was, when he had undergone the terrible interview in which he began to
+reflect he had considerably exposed himself. His courage revived,
+his senses rallied, he replied to the interrogations of the lady with
+calmness, but with promptness and propriety. It was evident that he had
+made a favourable impression on her Highness, for ever and anon she put
+a truffle or some delicacy in his plate, and insisted upon his taking
+some particular confectionery, because it was a favourite of her own.
+When she rose, she said,--
+
+‘In ten minutes the carriage will be at the door; and if you like, my
+dear young friend, you shall be our beau.’
+
+‘There is nothing I should like so much,’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘Ah!’ said the lady, with the sweetest smile, ‘he is frank.’
+
+The ladies bowed and retired; Mr. Rigby returned to the Marquess, and
+the groom of the chambers led Coningsby to his room.
+
+This lady, so courteous to Coningsby, was the Princess Colonna, a Roman
+dame, the second wife of Prince Paul Colonna. The prince had first
+married when a boy, and into a family not inferior to his own. Of this
+union, in every respect unhappy, the Princess Lucretia was the sole
+offspring. He was a man dissolute and devoted to play; and cared for
+nothing much but his pleasures and billiards, in which latter he was
+esteemed unrivalled. According to some, in a freak of passion, according
+to others, to cancel a gambling debt, he had united himself to his
+present wife, whose origin was obscure; but with whom he contrived to
+live on terms of apparent cordiality, for she was much admired, and
+made the society of her husband sought by those who contributed to his
+enjoyment. Among these especially figured the Marquess of Monmouth,
+between whom and Prince Colonna the world recognised as existing the
+most intimate and entire friendship, so that his Highness and his family
+were frequent guests under the roof of the English nobleman, and now
+accompanied him on a visit to England.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+In the meantime, while ladies are luncheoning on Perigord pie, or
+coursing in whirling britskas, performing all the singular ceremonies of
+a London morning in the heart of the season; making visits where nobody
+is seen, and making purchases which are not wanted; the world is in
+agitation and uproar. At present the world and the confusion are limited
+to St. James’s Street and Pall Mall; but soon the boundaries and the
+tumult will be extended to the intended metropolitan boroughs; to-morrow
+they will spread over the manufacturing districts. It is perfectly
+evident, that before eight-and-forty hours have passed, the country will
+be in a state of fearful crisis. And how can it be otherwise? Is it not
+a truth that the subtle Chief Baron has been closeted one whole hour
+with the King; that shortly after, with thoughtful brow and compressed
+lip, he was marked in his daring chariot entering the courtyard of
+Apsley House? Great was the panic at Brookes’, wild the hopes of
+Carlton Terrace; all the gentlemen who expected to have been made peers
+perceived that the country was going to be given over to a rapacious
+oligarchy.
+
+In the meantime Tadpole and Taper, who had never quitted for an instant
+the mysterious head-quarters of the late Opposition, were full of
+hopes and fears, and asked many questions, which they chiefly answered
+themselves.
+
+‘I wonder what Lord Lyndhurst will say to the king,’ said Taper.
+
+‘He has plenty of pluck,’ said Tadpole.
+
+‘I almost wish now that Rigby had breakfasted with him this morning,’
+said Taper.
+
+‘If the King be firm, and the country sound,’ said Tadpole, ‘and Lord
+Monmouth keep his boroughs, I should not wonder to see Rigby made a
+privy councillor.’
+
+‘There is no precedent for an under-secretary being a privy councillor,’
+said Taper.
+
+‘But we live in revolutionary times,’ said Tadpole.
+
+‘Gentlemen,’ said the groom of the chambers, in a loud voice, entering
+the room, ‘I am desired to state that the Duke of Wellington is with the
+King.’
+
+‘There _is_ a Providence!’ exclaimed an agitated gentleman, the patent
+of whose intended peerage had not been signed the day that the Duke had
+quited office in 1830.
+
+‘I always thought the King would be firm,’ said Mr. Tadpole.
+
+‘I wonder who will have the India Board,’ said Taper.
+
+At this moment three or four gentlemen entered the room in a state of
+great bustle and excitement; they were immediately surrounded.
+
+‘Is it true?’ ‘Quite true; not the slightest doubt. Saw him myself. Not
+at all hissed; certainly not hooted. Perhaps a little hissed. One
+fellow really cheered him. Saw him myself. Say what they like, there is
+reaction.’ ‘But Constitution Hill, they say?’ ‘Well, there was a sort
+of inclination to a row on Constitution Hill; but the Duke quite firm;
+pistols, and carriage doors bolted.’
+
+Such may give a faint idea of the anxious inquiries and the satisfactory
+replies that were occasioned by the entrance of this group.
+
+‘Up, guards, and at them!’ exclaimed Tadpole, rubbing his hands in a fit
+of patriotic enthusiasm.
+
+Later in the afternoon, about five o’clock, the high change of political
+gossip, when the room was crowded, and every one had his rumour, Mr.
+Rigby looked in again to throw his eye over the evening papers, and
+catch in various chit-chat the tone of public or party feeling on the
+‘crisis.’ Then it was known that the Duke had returned from the
+King, having accepted the charge of forming an administration. An
+administration to do what? Portentous question! Were concessions to
+be made? And if so, what? Was it altogether impossible, and too late,
+‘stare super vias antiquas?’ Questions altogether above your Tadpoles
+and your Tapers, whose idea of the necessities of the age was that they
+themselves should be in office.
+
+Lord Eskdale came up to Mr. Rigby. This peer was a noble Croesus,
+acquainted with all the gradations of life; a voluptuary who could be a
+Spartan; clear-sighted, unprejudiced, sagacious; the best judge in the
+world of a horse or a man; he was the universal referee; a quarrel about
+a bet or a mistress was solved by him in a moment, and in a manner which
+satisfied both parties. He patronised and appreciated the fine arts,
+though a jockey; respected literary men, though he only read French
+novels; and without any affectation of tastes which he did not possess,
+was looked upon by every singer and dancer in Europe as their natural
+champion. The secret of his strong character and great influence was his
+self-composure, which an earthquake or a Reform Bill could not disturb,
+and which in him was the result of temperament and experience. He was
+an intimate acquaintance of Lord Monmouth, for they had many tastes
+in common; were both men of considerable, and in some degree similar
+abilities; and were the two greatest proprietors of close boroughs in
+the country.
+
+‘Do you dine at Monmouth House to-day?’ inquired Lord Eskdale of Mr.
+Rigby.
+
+‘Where I hope to meet your lordship. The Whig papers are very subdued,’
+continued Mr. Rigby.
+
+‘Ah! they have not the cue yet,’ said Lord Eskdale.
+
+‘And what do you think of affairs?’ inquired his companion.
+
+‘I think the hounds are too hot to hark off now,’ said Lord Eskdale.
+
+‘There is one combination,’ said Rigby, who seemed meditating an attack
+on Lord Eskdale’s button.
+
+‘Give it us at dinner,’ said Lord Eskdale, who knew his man, and made an
+adroit movement forwards, as if he were very anxious to see the _Globe_
+newspaper.
+
+In the course of two or three hours these gentlemen met again in the
+green drawing-room of Monmouth House. Mr. Rigby was sitting on a sofa
+by Lord Monmouth, detailing in whispers all his gossip of the morn:
+Lord Eskdale murmuring quaint inquiries into the ear of the Princess
+Lucretia.
+
+Madame Colonna made remarks alternately to two gentlemen, who paid her
+assiduous court. One of these was Mr. Ormsby; the school, the college,
+and the club crony of Lord Monmouth, who had been his shadow through
+life; travelled with him in early days, won money with him at play, had
+been his colleague in the House of Commons; and was still one of his
+nominees. Mr. Ormsby was a millionaire, which Lord Monmouth liked. He
+liked his companions to be very rich or very poor; be his equals, able
+to play with him at high stakes, or join him in a great speculation; or
+to be his tools, and to amuse and serve him. There was nothing which he
+despised and disliked so much as a moderate fortune.
+
+The other gentleman was of a different class and character. Nature had
+intended Lucian Gay for a scholar and a wit; necessity had made him a
+scribbler and a buffoon. He had distinguished himself at the University;
+but he had no patrimony, nor those powers of perseverance which success
+in any learned profession requires. He was good-looking, had great
+animal spirits, and a keen sense of enjoyment, and could not drudge.
+Moreover he had a fine voice, and sang his own songs with considerable
+taste; accomplishments which made his fortune in society and completed
+his ruin. In due time he extricated himself from the bench and merged
+into journalism, by means of which he chanced to become acquainted with
+Mr. Rigby. That worthy individual was not slow in detecting the treasure
+he had lighted on; a wit, a ready and happy writer, a joyous and
+tractable being, with the education, and still the feelings and manners,
+of a gentleman. Frequent were the Sunday dinners which found Gay a
+guest at Mr. Rigby’s villa; numerous the airy pasquinades which he
+left behind, and which made the fortune of his patron. Flattered by
+the familiar acquaintance of a man of station, and sanguine that he had
+found the link which would sooner or later restore him to the polished
+world that he had forfeited, Gay laboured in his vocation with
+enthusiasm and success. Willingly would Rigby have kept his treasure
+to himself; and truly he hoarded it for a long time, but it oozed out.
+Rigby loved the reputation of possessing the complete art of
+society. His dinners were celebrated at least for their guests. Great
+intellectual illustrations were found there blended with rank and high
+station. Rigby loved to patronise; to play the minister unbending and
+seeking relief from the cares of council in the society of authors,
+artists, and men of science. He liked dukes to dine with him and hear
+him scatter his audacious criticisms to Sir Thomas or Sir Humphry.
+They went away astounded by the powers of their host, who, had he not
+fortunately devoted those powers to their party, must apparently have
+rivalled Vandyke, or discovered the safety-lamp.
+
+Now in these dinners, Lucian Gay, who had brilliant conversational
+powers, and who possessed all the resources of boon companionship, would
+be an invaluable ally. He was therefore admitted, and inspired both
+by the present enjoyment, and the future to which it might lead, his
+exertions were untiring, various, most successful. Rigby’s dinners
+became still, more celebrated. It, however, necessarily followed that
+the guests who were charmed by Gay, wished Gay also to be their guest.
+Rigby was very jealous of this, but it was inevitable; still by constant
+manoeuvre, by intimations of some exercise, some day or other, of
+substantial patronage in his behalf, by a thousand little arts by
+which he carved out work for Gay which often prevented him accepting
+invitations to great houses in the country, by judicious loans of
+small sums on Lucian’s notes of hand and other analogous devices, Rigby
+contrived to keep the wit in a fair state of bondage and dependence.
+
+One thing Rigby was resolved on: Gay should never get into Monmouth
+House. That was an empyrean too high for his wing to soar in. Rigby kept
+that social monopoly distinctively to mark the relation that subsisted
+between them as patron and client. It was something to swagger about
+when they were together after their second bottle of claret. Rigby kept
+his resolution for some years, which the frequent and prolonged absence
+of the Marquess rendered not very difficult. But we are the creatures
+of circumstances; at least the Rigby race particularly. Lord Monmouth
+returned to England one year, and wanted to be amused. He wanted a
+jester: a man about him who would make him, not laugh, for that was
+impossible, but smile more frequently, tell good stories, say good
+things, and sing now and then, especially French songs. Early in life
+Rigby would have attempted all this, though he had neither fun, voice,
+nor ear. But his hold on Lord Monmouth no longer depended on the mere
+exercise of agreeable qualities, he had become indispensable to his
+lordship, by more serious if not higher considerations. And what with
+auditing his accounts, guarding his boroughs, writing him, when absent,
+gossip by every post and when in England deciding on every question and
+arranging every matter which might otherwise have ruffled the sublime
+repose of his patron’s existence, Rigby might be excused if he shrank a
+little from the minor part of table wit, particularly when we remember
+all his subterranean journalism, his acid squibs, and his malicious
+paragraphs, and, what Tadpole called, his ‘slashing articles.’
+
+These ‘slashing articles’ were, indeed, things which, had they appeared
+as anonymous pamphlets, would have obtained the contemptuous reception
+which in an intellectual view no compositions more surely deserved; but
+whispered as the productions of one behind the scenes, and appearing in
+the pages of a party review, they were passed off as genuine coin, and
+took in great numbers of the lieges, especially in the country. They
+were written in a style apparently modelled on the briefs of those sharp
+attorneys who weary advocates with their clever commonplace; teasing
+with obvious comment, and torturing with inevitable inference. The
+affectation of order in the statement of facts had all the lucid method
+of an adroit pettifogger. They dealt much in extracts from newspapers,
+quotations from the _Annual Register_, parallel passages in forgotten
+speeches, arranged with a formidable array of dates rarely accurate.
+When the writer was of opinion he had made a point, you may be sure
+the hit was in italics, that last resource of the Forcible Feebles. He
+handled a particular in chronology as if he were proving an alibi at
+the Criminal Court. The censure was coarse without being strong, and
+vindictive when it would have been sarcastic. Now and then there was
+a passage which aimed at a higher flight, and nothing can be conceived
+more unlike genuine feeling, or more offensive to pure taste. And
+yet, perhaps, the most ludicrous characteristic of these facetious
+gallimaufreys was an occasional assumption of the high moral and
+admonitory tone, which when we recurred to the general spirit of
+the discourse, and were apt to recall the character of its writer,
+irresistibly reminded one of Mrs. Cole and her prayer-book.
+
+To return to Lucian Gay. It was a rule with Rigby that no one, if
+possible, should do anything for Lord Monmouth but himself; and as a
+jester must be found, he was determined that his Lordship should have
+the best in the market, and that he should have the credit of furnishing
+the article. As a reward, therefore, for many past services, and a fresh
+claim to his future exertions, Rigby one day broke to Gay that the hour
+had at length arrived when the highest object of reasonable ambition
+on his part, and the fulfilment of one of Rigby’s long-cherished and
+dearest hopes, were alike to be realised. Gay was to be presented to
+Lord Monmouth and dine at Monmouth House.
+
+The acquaintance was a successful one; very agreeable to both parties.
+Gay became an habitual guest of Lord Monmouth when his patron was in
+England; and in his absence received frequent and substantial marks
+of his kind recollection, for Lord Monmouth was generous to those who
+amused him.
+
+In the meantime the hour of dinner is at hand. Coningsby, who had lost
+the key of his carpet-bag, which he finally cut open with a penknife
+that he found on his writing-table, and the blade of which he broke
+in the operation, only reached the drawing-room as the figure of his
+grandfather, leaning on his ivory cane, and following his guests,
+was just visible in the distance. He was soon overtaken. Perceiving
+Coningsby, Lord Monmouth made him a bow, not so formal a one as in the
+morning, but still a bow, and said, ‘I hope you liked your drive.’
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+A little dinner, not more than the Muses, with all the guests clever,
+and some pretty, offers human life and human nature under very
+favourable circumstances. In the present instance, too, every one was
+anxious to please, for the host was entirely well-bred, never selfish in
+little things, and always contributed his quota to the general fund of
+polished sociability.
+
+Although there was really only one thought in every male mind present,
+still, regard for the ladies, and some little apprehension of the
+servants, banished politics from discourse during the greater part
+of the dinner, with the occasional exception of some rapid and flying
+allusion which the initiated understood, but which remained a mystery
+to the rest. Nevertheless an old story now and then well told by Mr.
+Ormsby, a new joke now and then well introduced by Mr. Gay, some
+dashing assertion by Mr. Rigby, which, though wrong, was startling;
+this agreeable blending of anecdote, jest, and paradox, kept everything
+fluent, and produced that degree of mild excitation which is desirable.
+Lord Monmouth sometimes summed up with an epigrammatic sentence, and
+turned the conversation by a question, in case it dwelt too much on the
+same topic. Lord Eskdale addressed himself principally to the ladies;
+inquired after their morning drive and doings, spoke of new fashions,
+and quoted a letter from Paris. Madame Colonna was not witty, but she
+had that sweet Roman frankness which is so charming. The presence of
+a beautiful woman, natural and good-tempered, even if she be not a
+L’Espinasse or a De Stael, is animating.
+
+Nevertheless, owing probably to the absorbing powers of the forbidden
+subject, there were moments when it seemed that a pause was impending,
+and Mr. Ormsby, an old hand, seized one of these critical instants to
+address a good-natured question to Coningsby, whose acquaintance he had
+already cultivated by taking wine with him.
+
+‘And how do you like Eton?’ asked Mr. Ormsby.
+
+It was the identical question which had been presented to Coningsby in
+the memorable interview of the morning, and which had received no reply;
+or rather had produced on his part a sentimental ebullition that had
+absolutely destined or doomed him to the Church.
+
+‘I should like to see the fellow who did not like Eton,’ said Coningsby,
+briskly, determined this time to be very brave.
+
+‘Gad I must go down and see the old place,’ said Mr. Ormsby, touched by
+a pensive reminiscence. ‘One can get a good bed and bottle of port at
+the Christopher, still?’
+
+‘You had better come and try, sir,’ said Coningsby. ‘If you will come
+some day and dine with me at the Christopher, I will give you such a
+bottle of champagne as you never tasted yet.’
+
+The Marquess looked at him, but said nothing.
+
+‘Ah! I liked a dinner at the Christopher,’ said Mr. Ormsby; ‘after
+mutton, mutton, mutton, every day, it was not a bad thing.’
+
+‘We had venison for dinner every week last season,’ said Coningsby;
+‘Buckhurst had it sent up from his park. But I don’t care for dinner.
+Breakfast is my lounge.’
+
+‘Ah! those little rolls and pats of butter!’ said Mr. Ormsby. ‘Short
+commons, though. What do you think we did in my time? We used to send
+over the way to get a mutton-chop.’
+
+‘I wish you could see Buckhurst and me at breakfast,’ said Coningsby,
+‘with a pound of Castle’s sausages!’
+
+‘What Buckhurst is that, Harry?’ inquired Lord Monmouth, in a tone of
+some interest, and for the first time calling him by his Christian name.
+
+‘Sir Charles Buckhurst, sir, a Berkshire man: Shirley Park is his
+place.’
+
+‘Why, that must be Charley’s son, Eskdale,’ said Lord Monmouth; ‘I had
+no idea he could be so young.’
+
+‘He married late, you know, and had nothing but daughters for a long
+time.’
+
+‘Well, I hope there will be no Reform Bill for Eton,’ said Lord
+Monmouth, musingly.
+
+The servants had now retired.
+
+‘I think, Lord Monmouth,’ said Mr. Rigby, ‘we must ask permission to
+drink one toast to-day.’
+
+‘Nay, I will myself give it,’ he replied. ‘Madame Colonna, you will, I
+am sure, join us when we drink, THE DUKE!’
+
+‘Ah! what a man!’ exclaimed the Princess. ‘What a pity it is you have
+a House of Commons here! England would be the greatest country in
+the world if it were not for that House of Commons. It makes so much
+confusion!’
+
+‘Don’t abuse our property,’ said Lord Eskdale; ‘Lord Monmouth and I have
+still twenty votes of that same body between us.’
+
+‘And there is a combination,’ said Rigby, ‘by which you may still keep
+them.’
+
+‘Ah! now for Rigby’s combination,’ said Lord Eskdale.
+
+‘The only thing that can save this country,’ said Rigby, ‘is a coalition
+on a sliding scale.’
+
+‘You had better buy up the Birmingham Union and the other bodies,’ said
+Lord Monmouth; ‘I believe it might all be done for two or three hundred
+thousand pounds; and the newspapers too. Pitt would have settled this
+business long ago.’
+
+‘Well, at any rate, we are in,’ said Rigby, ‘and we must do something.’
+
+‘I should like to see Grey’s list of new peers,’ said Lord Eskdale.
+‘They say there are several members of our club in it.’
+
+‘And the claims to the honour are so opposite,’ said Lucian Gay; ‘one,
+on account of his large estate; another, because he has none; one,
+because he has a well-grown family to perpetuate the title; another,
+because he has no heir, and no power of ever obtaining one.’
+
+‘I wonder how he will form his cabinet,’ said Lord Monmouth; ‘the old
+story won’t do.’
+
+‘I hear that Baring is to be one of the new cards; they say it will
+please the city,’ said Lord Eskdale. ‘I suppose they will pick out
+of hedge and ditch everything that has ever had the semblance of
+liberalism.’
+
+‘Affairs in my time were never so complicated,’ said Mr. Ormsby.
+
+‘Nay, it appears to me to lie in a nutshell,’ said Lucian Gay; ‘one
+party wishes to keep their old boroughs, and the other to get their new
+peers.’
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+The future historian of the country will be perplexed to ascertain what
+was the distinct object which the Duke of Wellington proposed to himself
+in the political manoeuvres of May, 1832. It was known that the passing
+of the Reform Bill was a condition absolute with the King; it was
+unquestionable, that the first general election under the new law must
+ignominiously expel the Anti-Reform Ministry from power; who would then
+resume their seats on the Opposition benches in both Houses with the
+loss not only of their boroughs, but of that reputation for political
+consistency, which might have been some compensation for the
+parliamentary influence of which they had been deprived. It is difficult
+to recognise in this premature effort of the Anti-Reform leader to
+thrust himself again into the conduct of public affairs, any indications
+of the prescient judgment which might have been expected from such a
+quarter. It savoured rather of restlessness than of energy; and, while
+it proved in its progress not only an ignorance on his part of the
+public mind, but of the feelings of his own party, it terminated
+under circumstances which were humiliating to the Crown, and painfully
+significant of the future position of the House of Lords in the new
+constitutional scheme.
+
+The Duke of Wellington has ever been the votary of circumstances. He
+cares little for causes. He watches events rather than seeks to produce
+them. It is a characteristic of the military mind. Rapid combinations,
+the result of quick, vigilant, and comprehensive glance, are generally
+triumphant in the field: but in civil affairs, where results are
+not immediate; in diplomacy and in the management of deliberative
+assemblies, where there is much intervening time and many counteracting
+causes, this velocity of decision, this fitful and precipitate action,
+are often productive of considerable embarrassment, and sometimes of
+terrible discomfiture. It is remarkable that men celebrated for military
+prudence are often found to be headstrong statesmen. In civil life
+a great general is frequently and strangely the creature of impulse;
+influenced in his political movements by the last snatch of information;
+and often the creature of the last aide-de-camp who has his ear.
+
+We shall endeavour to trace in another chapter the reasons which on
+this as on previous and subsequent occasions, induced Sir Robert Peel to
+stand aloof, if possible, from official life, and made him reluctant
+to re-enter the service of his Sovereign. In the present instance, even
+temporary success could only have been secured by the utmost decision,
+promptness, and energy. These were all wanting: some were afraid to
+follow the bold example of their leader; many were disinclined. In
+eight-and-forty hours it was known there was a ‘hitch.’
+
+The Reform party, who had been rather stupefied than appalled by the
+accepted mission of the Duke of Wellington, collected their scattered
+senses, and rallied their forces. The agitators harangued, the mobs
+hooted. The City of London, as if the King had again tried to seize the
+five members, appointed a permanent committee of the Common Council to
+watch the fortunes of the ‘great national measure,’ and to report daily.
+Brookes’, which was the only place that at first was really frightened
+and talked of compromise, grew valiant again; while young Whig heroes
+jumped upon club-room tables, and delivered fiery invectives. Emboldened
+by these demonstrations, the House of Commons met in great force, and
+passed a vote which struck, without disguise, at all rival powers in the
+State; virtually announced its supremacy; revealed the forlorn position
+of the House of Lords under the new arrangement; and seemed to lay for
+ever the fluttering phantom of regal prerogative.
+
+It was on the 9th of May that Lord Lyndhurst was with the King, and on
+the 15th all was over. Nothing in parliamentary history so humiliating
+as the funeral oration delivered that day by the Duke of Wellington
+over the old constitution, that, modelled on the Venetian, had governed
+England since the accession of the House of Hanover. He described his
+Sovereign, when his Grace first repaired to his Majesty, as in a
+state of the greatest ‘difficulty and distress,’ appealing to his
+never-failing loyalty to extricate him from his trouble and vexation.
+The Duke of Wellington, representing the House of Lords, sympathises
+with the King, and pledges his utmost efforts for his Majesty’s
+relief. But after five days’ exertion, this man of indomitable will and
+invincible fortunes, resigns the task in discomfiture and despair, and
+alleges as the only and sufficient reason for his utter and hopeless
+defeat, that the House of Commons had come to a vote which ran counter
+to the contemplated exercise of the prerogative.
+
+From that moment power passed from the House of Lords to another
+assembly. But if the peers have ceased to be magnificoes, may it
+not also happen that the Sovereign may cease to be a Doge? It is not
+impossible that the political movements of our time, which seem on
+the surface to have a tendency to democracy, may have in reality a
+monarchical bias.
+
+In less than a fortnight’s time the House of Lords, like James II.,
+having abdicated their functions by absence, the Reform Bill passed; the
+ardent monarch, who a few months before had expressed his readiness to
+go down to Parliament, in a hackney coach if necessary, to assist its
+progress, now declining personally to give his assent to its provisions.
+
+In the protracted discussions to which this celebrated measure gave
+rise, nothing is more remarkable than the perplexities into which the
+speakers of both sides are thrown, when they touch upon the nature of
+the representative principle. On one hand it was maintained, that, under
+the old system, the people were virtually represented; while on the
+other, it was triumphantly urged, that if the principle be conceded, the
+people should not be virtually, but actually, represented. But who are
+the people? And where are you to draw a line? And why should there
+be any? It was urged that a contribution to the taxes was the
+constitutional qualification for the suffrage. But we have established
+a system of taxation in this country of so remarkable a nature, that the
+beggar who chews his quid as he sweeps a crossing, is contributing
+to the imposts! Is he to have a vote? He is one of the people, and he
+yields his quota to the public burthens.
+
+Amid these conflicting statements, and these confounding conclusions, it
+is singular that no member of either House should have recurred to
+the original character of these popular assemblies, which have always
+prevailed among the northern nations. We still retain in the antique
+phraseology of our statutes the term which might have beneficially
+guided a modern Reformer in his reconstructive labours.
+
+When the crowned Northman consulted on the welfare of his kingdom, he
+assembled the ESTATES of his realm. Now an estate is a class of the
+nation invested with political rights. There appeared the estate of the
+clergy, of the barons, of other classes. In the Scandinavian kingdoms
+to this day, the estate of the peasants sends its representatives to the
+Diet. In England, under the Normans, the Church and the Baronage were
+convoked, together with the estate of the Community, a term which then
+probably described the inferior holders of land, whose tenure was
+not immediate of the Crown. This Third Estate was so numerous, that
+convenience suggested its appearance by representation; while the
+others, more limited, appeared, and still appear, personally. The Third
+Estate was reconstructed as circumstances developed themselves. It was a
+Reform of Parliament when the towns were summoned.
+
+In treating the House of the Third Estate as the House of the People,
+and not as the House of a privileged class, the Ministry and Parliament
+of 1831 virtually conceded the principle of Universal Suffrage. In this
+point of view the ten-pound franchise was an arbitrary, irrational, and
+impolitic qualification. It had, indeed, the merit of simplicity, and so
+had the constitutions of Abbé Siéyès. But its immediate and inevitable
+result was Chartism.
+
+But if the Ministry and Parliament of 1831 had announced that the time
+had arrived when the Third Estate should be enlarged and reconstructed,
+they would have occupied an intelligible position; and if, instead of
+simplicity of elements in its reconstruction, they had sought, on the
+contrary, various and varying materials which would have neutralised the
+painful predominance of any particular interest in the new scheme, and
+prevented those banded jealousies which have been its consequences, the
+nation would have found itself in a secure condition. Another class not
+less numerous than the existing one, and invested with privileges not
+less important, would have been added to the public estates of the
+realm; and the bewildering phrase ‘the People’ would have remained,
+what it really is, a term of natural philosophy, and not of political
+science.
+
+During this eventful week of May, 1832, when an important revolution
+was effected in the most considerable of modern kingdoms, in a manner
+so tranquil, that the victims themselves were scarcely conscious at
+the time of the catastrophe, Coningsby passed his hours in unaccustomed
+pleasures, and in novel excitement. Although he heard daily from the
+lips of Mr. Rigby and his friends that England was for ever lost, the
+assembled guests still contrived to do justice to his grandfather’s
+excellent dinners; nor did the impending ruin that awaited them
+prevent the Princess Colonna from going to the Opera, whither she
+very good-naturedly took Coningsby. Madame Colonna, indeed, gave such
+gratifying accounts of her dear young friend, that Coningsby became
+daily a greater favourite with Lord Monmouth, who cherished the idea
+that his grandson had inherited not merely the colour of his eyes, but
+something of his shrewd and fearless spirit.
+
+With Lucretia, Coningsby did not much advance. She remained silent and
+sullen. She was not beautiful; pallid, with a lowering brow, and an eye
+that avoided meeting another’s. Madame Colonna, though good-natured,
+felt for her something of the affection for which step-mothers are
+celebrated. Lucretia, indeed, did not encourage her kindness, which
+irritated her step-mother, who seemed seldom to address her but to rate
+and chide; Lucretia never replied, but looked dogged. Her father, the
+Prince, did not compensate for this treatment. The memory of her mother,
+whom he had greatly disliked, did not soften his heart. He was a man
+still young; slender, not tall; very handsome, but worn; a haggard
+Antinous; his beautiful hair daily thinning; his dress rich and
+effeminate; many jewels, much lace. He seldom spoke, but was polished,
+though moody.
+
+At the end of the week, Coningsby returned to Eton. On the eve of
+his departure, Lord Monmouth desired his grandson to meet him in his
+apartments on the morrow, before quitting his roof. This farewell visit
+was as kind and gracious as the first one had been repulsive. Lord
+Monmouth gave Coningsby his blessing and ten pounds; desired that he
+would order a dress, anything he liked, for the approaching Montem,
+which Lord Monmouth meant to attend; and informed his grandson that he
+should order that in future a proper supply of game and venison should
+be forwarded to Eton for the use of himself and his friends.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+After eight o’clock school, the day following the return of Coningsby,
+according to custom, he repaired to Buckhurst’s room, where Henry
+Sydney, Lord Vere, and our hero held with him their breakfast mess. They
+were all in the fifth form, and habitual companions, on the river or on
+the Fives’ Wall, at cricket or at foot-ball. The return of Coningsby,
+their leader alike in sport and study, inspired them to-day with unusual
+spirits, which, to say the truth, were never particularly depressed.
+Where he had been, what he had seen, what he had done, what sort of
+fellow his grandfather was, whether the visit had been a success; here
+were materials for almost endless inquiry. And, indeed, to do them
+justice, the last question was not the least exciting to them; for the
+deep and cordial interest which all felt in Coningsby’s welfare far
+outweighed the curiosity which, under ordinary circumstances, they
+would have experienced on the return of one of their companions from
+an unusual visit to London. The report of their friend imparted to
+them unbounded satisfaction, when they learned that his relative was a
+splendid fellow; that he had been loaded with kindness and favours; that
+Monmouth House, the wonders of which he rapidly sketched, was hereafter
+to be his home; that Lord Monmouth was coming down to Montem; that
+Coningsby was to order any dress he liked, build a new boat if he chose;
+and, finally, had been pouched in a manner worthy of a Marquess and a
+grandfather.
+
+‘By the bye,’ said Buckhurst, when the hubbub had a little subsided, ‘I
+am afraid you will not half like it, Coningsby; but, old fellow, I
+had no idea you would be back this morning; I have asked Millbank to
+breakfast here.’
+
+A cloud stole over the clear brow of Coningsby.
+
+‘It was my fault,’ said the amiable Henry Sydney; ‘but I really wanted
+to be civil to Millbank, and as you were not here, I put Buckhurst up to
+ask him.’
+
+‘Well,’ said Coningsby, as if sullenly resigned, ‘never mind; but why
+should you ask an infernal manufacturer?’
+
+‘Why, the Duke always wished me to pay him some attention,’ said
+Lord Henry, mildly. ‘His family were so civil to us when we were at
+Manchester.’
+
+‘Manchester, indeed!’ said Coningsby; ‘if you knew what I do about
+Manchester! A pretty state we have been in in London this week past with
+your Manchesters and Birminghams!’
+
+‘Come, come, Coningsby,’ said Lord Vere, the son of a Whig minister; ‘I
+am all for Manchester and Birmingham.’
+
+‘It is all up with the country, I can tell you,’ said Coningsby, with
+the air of one who was in the secret.
+
+‘My father says it will all go right now,’ rejoined Lord Vere. ‘I had a
+letter from my sister yesterday.’
+
+‘They say we shall all lose our estates, though,’ said Buckhurst; ‘I
+know I shall not give up mine without a fight. Shirley was besieged, you
+know, in the civil wars; and the rebels got infernally licked.’
+
+‘I think that all the people about Beaumanoir would stand by the Duke,’
+said Lord Henry, pensively.
+
+‘Well, you may depend upon it you will have it very soon,’ said
+Coningsby. ‘I know it from the best authority.’
+
+‘It depends on whether my father remains in,’ said Lord Vere. ‘He is the
+only man who can govern the country now. All say that.’
+
+At this moment Millbank entered. He was a good looking boy, somewhat
+shy, and yet with a sincere expression in his countenance. He was
+evidently not extremely intimate with those who were now his companions.
+Buckhurst, and Henry Sydney, and Vere, welcomed him cordially. He looked
+at Coningsby with some constraint, and then said:
+
+‘You have been in London, Coningsby?’
+
+‘Yes, I have been there during all the row.’
+
+‘You must have had a rare lark.’
+
+‘Yes, if having your windows broken by a mob be a rare lark. They could
+not break my grandfather’s, though. Monmouth House is in a court-yard.
+All noblemen’s houses should be in court-yards.’
+
+‘I was glad to see it all ended very well,’ said Millbank.
+
+‘It has not begun yet,’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘What?’ said Millbank.
+
+‘Why, the revolution.’
+
+‘The Reform Bill will prevent a revolution, my father says,’ said
+Millbank.
+
+‘By Jove! here’s the goose,’ said Buckhurst.
+
+At this moment there entered the room a little boy, the scion of a noble
+house, bearing a roasted goose, which he had carried from the kitchen of
+the opposite inn, the Christopher. The lower boy or fag, depositing
+his burthen, asked his master whether he had further need of him; and
+Buckhurst, after looking round the table, and ascertaining that he had
+not, gave him permission to retire; but he had scarcely disappeared,
+when his master singing out, ‘Lower boy, St. John!’ he immediately
+re-entered, and demanded his master’s pleasure, which was, that he
+should pour some water in the teapot. This being accomplished, St. John
+really made his escape, and retired to a pupil-room, where the bullying
+of a tutor, because he had no derivations, exceeded in all probability
+the bullying of his master, had he contrived in his passage from the
+Christopher to have upset the goose or dropped the sausages.
+
+In their merry meal, the Reform Bill was forgotten. Their thoughts were
+soon concentrated in their little world, though it must be owned that
+visions of palaces and beautiful ladies did occasionally flit over the
+brain of one of the company. But for him especially there was much of
+interest and novelty. So much had happened in his absence! There was a
+week’s arrears for him of Eton annals. They were recounted in so fresh
+a spirit, and in such vivid colours, that Coningsby lost nothing by his
+London visit. All the bold feats that had been done, and all the bright
+things that had been said; all the triumphs, and all the failures,
+and all the scrapes; how popular one master had made himself, and how
+ridiculous another; all was detailed with a liveliness, a candour, and
+a picturesque ingenuousness, which would have made the fortune of a
+Herodotus or a Froissart.
+
+‘I’ll tell you what,’ said Buckhurst, ‘I move that after twelve we five
+go up to Maidenhead.’
+
+‘Agreed; agreed!’
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+Millbank was the son of one of the wealthiest manufacturers in
+Lancashire. His father, whose opinions were of a very democratic bent,
+sent his son to Eton, though he disapproved of the system of education
+pursued there, to show that he had as much right to do so as any duke in
+the land. He had, however, brought up his only boy with a due prejudice
+against every sentiment or institution of an aristocratic character,
+and had especially impressed upon him in his school career, to avoid the
+slightest semblance of courting the affections or society of any member
+of the falsely-held superior class.
+
+The character of the son as much as the influence of the father, tended
+to the fulfilment of these injunctions. Oswald Millbank was of a
+proud and independent nature; reserved, a little stern. The early and
+constantly-reiterated dogma of his father, that he belonged to a class
+debarred from its just position in the social system, had aggravated the
+grave and somewhat discontented humour of his blood. His talents were
+considerable, though invested with no dazzling quality. He had not that
+quick and brilliant apprehension, which, combined with a memory of rare
+retentiveness, had already advanced Coningsby far beyond his age,
+and made him already looked to as the future hero of the school. But
+Millbank possessed one of those strong, industrious volitions whose
+perseverance amounts almost to genius, and nearly attains its results.
+Though Coningsby was by a year his junior, they were rivals. This
+circumstance had no tendency to remove the prejudice which Coningsby
+entertained against him, but its bias on the part of Millbank had a
+contrary effect.
+
+The influence of the individual is nowhere so sensible as at school.
+There the personal qualities strike without any intervening and
+counteracting causes. A gracious presence, noble sentiments, or a happy
+talent, make their way there at once, without preliminary inquiries as
+to what set they are in, or what family they are of, how much they
+have a-year, or where they live. Now, on no spirit had the influence of
+Coningsby, already the favourite, and soon probably to become the idol,
+of the school, fallen more effectually than on that of Millbank, though
+it was an influence that no one could suspect except its votary or its
+victim.
+
+At school, friendship is a passion. It entrances the being; it tears
+the soul. All loves of after-life can never bring its rapture, or its
+wretchedness; no bliss so absorbing, no pangs of jealousy or despair
+so crushing and so keen! What tenderness and what devotion; what
+illimitable confidence; infinite revelations of inmost thoughts; what
+ecstatic present and romantic future; what bitter estrangements and what
+melting reconciliations; what scenes of wild recrimination, agitating
+explanations, passionate correspondence; what insane sensitiveness, and
+what frantic sensibility; what earthquakes of the heart and whirlwinds
+of the soul are confined in that simple phrase, a schoolboy’s
+friendship! Tis some indefinite recollection of these mystic passages of
+their young emotion that makes grey-haired men mourn over the memory
+of their schoolboy days. It is a spell that can soften the acerbity of
+political warfare, and with its witchery can call forth a sigh even amid
+the callous bustle of fashionable saloons.
+
+The secret of Millbank’s life was a passionate admiration and affection
+for Coningsby. Pride, his natural reserve, and his father’s injunctions,
+had, however, hitherto successfully combined to restrain the slightest
+demonstration of these sentiments. Indeed, Coningsby and himself
+were never companions, except in school, or in some public game. The
+demeanour of Coningsby gave no encouragement to intimacy to one, who,
+under any circumstances, would have required considerable invitation to
+open himself. So Millbank fed in silence on a cherished idea. It was
+his happiness to be in the same form, to join in the same sport, with
+Coningsby; occasionally to be thrown in unusual contact with him,
+to exchange slight and not unkind words. In their division they were
+rivals; Millbank sometimes triumphed, but to be vanquished by Coningsby
+was for him not without a degree of mild satisfaction. Not a gesture,
+not a phrase from Coningsby, that he did not watch and ponder over and
+treasure up. Coningsby was his model, alike in studies, in manners,
+or in pastimes; the aptest scholar, the gayest wit, the most graceful
+associate, the most accomplished playmate: his standard of excellent.
+Yet Millbank was the very last boy in the school who would have had
+credit given him by his companions for profound and ardent feeling. He
+was not indeed unpopular. The favourite of the school like Coningsby, he
+could, under no circumstances, ever have become; nor was he qualified
+to obtain that general graciousness among the multitude, which the sweet
+disposition of Henry Sydney, or the gay profusion of Buckhurst, acquired
+without any effort. Millbank was not blessed with the charm of manner.
+He seemed close and cold; but he was courageous, just, and inflexible;
+never bullied, and to his utmost would prevent tyranny. The little boys
+looked up to him as a stern protector; and his word, too, throughout the
+school was a proverb: and truth ranks a great quality among boys. In
+a word, Millbank was respected by those among whom he lived; and
+school-boys scan character more nicely than men suppose.
+
+A brother of Henry Sydney, quartered in Lancashire, had been wounded
+recently in a riot, and had received great kindness from the Millbank
+family, in whose immediate neighbourhood the disturbance had occurred.
+The kind Duke had impressed on Henry Sydney to acknowledge with
+cordiality to the younger Millbank at Eton, the sense which his family
+entertained of these benefits; but though Henry lost neither time nor
+opportunity in obeying an injunction, which was grateful to his own
+heart, he failed in cherishing, or indeed creating, any intimacy
+with the object of his solicitude. A companionship with one who was
+Coningsby’s relative and most familiar friend, would at the first
+glance have appeared, independently of all other considerations, a most
+desirable result for Millbank to accomplish. But, perhaps, this
+very circumstance afforded additional reasons for the absence of all
+encouragement with which he received the overtures of Lord Henry.
+Millbank suspected that Coningsby was not affected in his favour, and
+his pride recoiled from gaining, by any indirect means, an intimacy
+which to have obtained in a plain and express manner would have deeply
+gratified him. However, the urgent invitation of Buckhurst and
+Henry Sydney, and the fear that a persistence in refusal might be
+misinterpreted into churlishness, had at length brought Millbank to
+their breakfast-mess, though, when he accepted their invitation, he did
+not apprehend that Coningsby would have been present.
+
+It was about an hour before sunset, the day of this very breakfast, and
+a good number of boys, in lounging groups, were collected in the
+Long Walk. The sports and matches of the day were over. Criticism had
+succeeded to action in sculling and in cricket. They talked over the
+exploits of the morning; canvassed the merits of the competitors, marked
+the fellow whose play or whose stroke was improving; glanced at another,
+whose promise had not been fulfilled; discussed the pretensions, and
+adjudged the palm. Thus public opinion is formed. Some, too, might
+be seen with their books and exercises, intent on the inevitable
+and impending tasks. Among these, some unhappy wight in the remove,
+wandering about with his hat, after parochial fashion, seeking relief
+in the shape of a verse. A hard lot this, to know that you must be
+delivered of fourteen verses at least in the twenty-four hours, and to
+be conscious that you are pregnant of none. The lesser boys, urchins of
+tender years, clustered like flies round the baskets of certain vendors
+of sugary delicacies that rested on the Long Walk wall. The pallid
+countenance, the lacklustre eye, the hoarse voice clogged with
+accumulated phlegm, indicated too surely the irreclaimable and hopeless
+votary of lollypop, the opium-eater of schoolboys.
+
+‘It is settled, the match to-morrow shall be between Aquatics and
+Drybobs,’ said a senior boy; who was arranging a future match at
+cricket.
+
+‘But what is to be done about Fielding major?’ inquired another. ‘He has
+not paid his boating money, and I say he has no right to play among the
+Aquatics before he has paid his money.’
+
+‘Oh! but we must have Fielding major, he is such a devil of a swipe.’
+
+‘I declare he shall not play among the Aquatics if he does not pay his
+boating money. It is an infernal shame.’
+
+‘Let us ask Buckhurst. Where is Buckhurst?’
+
+‘Have you got any toffy?’ inquired a dull looking little boy, in a
+hoarse voice, of one of the vendors of scholastic confectionery.
+
+‘Tom Trot, sir.’
+
+‘No; I want toffy.’
+
+‘Very nice Tom Trot, sir.’
+
+‘No, I want toffy; I have been eating Tom Trot all day.’
+
+‘Where is Buckhurst? We must settle about the Aquatics.’
+
+‘Well, I for one will not play if Fielding major plays amongst the
+Aquatics. That is settled.’
+
+‘Oh! nonsense; he will pay his money if you ask him.’
+
+‘I shall not ask him again. The captain duns us every day. It is an
+infernal shame.’
+
+‘I say, Burnham, where can one get some toffy? This fellow never has
+any.’
+
+‘I will tell you; at Barnes’ on the bridge. The best toffy in the
+world.’
+
+‘I will go at once. I must have some toffy.’
+
+‘Just help me with this verse, Collins,’ said one boy to another, in an
+imploring tone, ‘that’s a good fellow.’
+
+‘Well, give it us: first syllable in _fabri_ is short; three false
+quantities in the two first lines! You’re a pretty one. There, I have
+done it for you.’
+
+‘That’s a good fellow.’
+
+‘Any fellow seen Buckhurst?’
+
+‘Gone up the river with Coningsby and Henry Sydney.’
+
+‘But he must be back by this time. I want him to make the list for the
+match to-morrow. Where the deuce can Buckhurst be?’
+
+And now, as rumours rise in society we know not how, so there was
+suddenly a flying report in this multitude, the origin of which no one
+in his alarm stopped to ascertain, that a boy was drowned.
+
+Every heart was agitated.
+
+What boy? When, where, how? Who was absent? Who had been on the river
+to-day? Buckhurst. The report ran that Buckhurst was drowned. Great were
+the trouble and consternation. Buckhurst was ever much liked; and now no
+one remembered anything but his good qualities.
+
+‘Who heard it was Buckhurst?’ said Sedgwick, captain of the school,
+coming forward.
+
+‘I heard Bradford tell Palmer it was Buckhurst,’ said a little boy.
+
+‘Where is Bradford?’
+
+‘Here.’
+
+‘What do you know about Buckhurst?’
+
+‘Wentworth told me that he was afraid Buckhurst was drowned. He heard it
+at the Brocas; a bargeman told him about a quarter of an hour ago.’
+
+‘Here is Wentworth! Here is Wentworth!’ a hundred voices exclaimed, and
+they formed a circle round him.
+
+‘Well, what did you hear, Wentworth?’ asked Sedgwick.
+
+‘I was at the Brocas, and a bargee told me that an Eton fellow had been
+drowned above Surley, and the only Eton boat above Surley to-day, as I
+can learn, is Buckhurst’s four-oar. That is all.’
+
+There was a murmur of hope.
+
+‘Oh! come, come,’ said Sedgwick, ‘there is come chance. Who is with
+Buckhurst; who knows?’
+
+‘I saw him walk down to the Brocas with Vere,’ said a boy.
+
+‘I hope it is not Vere,’ said a little boy, with a tearful eye; ‘he
+never lets any fellow bully me.’
+
+‘Here is Maltravers,’ halloed out a boy; ‘he knows something.’
+
+‘Well, what do you know, Maltravers?’
+
+‘I heard Boots at the Christopher say that an Eton fellow was drowned,
+and that he had seen a person who was there.’
+
+‘Bring Boots here,’ said Sedgwick.
+
+Instantly a band of boys rushed over the way, and in a moment the
+witness was produced.
+
+‘What have you heard, Sam, about this accident?’ said Sedgwick.
+
+‘Well, sir, I heard a young gentleman was drowned above Monkey Island,’
+said Boots.
+
+‘And no name mentioned?’
+
+‘Well, sir, I believe it was Mr. Coningsby.’
+
+A general groan of horror.
+
+‘Coningsby, Coningsby! By Heavens I hope not,’ said Sedgwick.
+
+‘I very much fear so,’ said Boots; ‘as how the bargeman who told me saw
+Mr. Coningsby in the Lock House laid out in flannels.’
+
+‘I had sooner any fellow had been drowned than Coningsby,’ whispered one
+boy to another.
+
+‘I liked him, the best fellow at Eton,’ responded his companion, in a
+smothered tone.
+
+‘What a clever fellow he was!’
+
+‘And so deuced generous!’
+
+‘He would have got the medal if he had lived.’
+
+‘And how came he to be drowned? for he was such a fine swimmer!’
+
+‘I heerd Mr. Coningsby was saving another’s life,’ continued Boots in
+his evidence, ‘which makes it in a manner more sorrowful.’
+
+‘Poor Coningsby!’ exclaimed a boy, bursting into tears: ‘I move the
+whole school goes into mourning.’
+
+‘I wish we could get hold of this bargeman,’ said Sedgwick. ‘Now stop,
+stop, don’t all run away in that mad manner; you frighten the people.
+Charles Herbert and Palmer, you two go down to the Brocas and inquire.’
+
+But just at this moment, an increased stir and excitement were evident
+in the Long Walk; the circle round Sedgwick opened, and there appeared
+Henry Sydney and Buckhurst.
+
+There was a dead silence. It was impossible that suspense could be
+strained to a higher pitch. The air and countenance of Sydney and
+Buckhurst were rather excited than mournful or alarmed. They needed no
+inquiries, for before they had penetrated the circle they had become
+aware of its cause.
+
+Buckhurst, the most energetic of beings, was of course the first to
+speak. Henry Sydney indeed looked pale and nervous; but his companion,
+flushed and resolute, knew exactly how to hit a popular assembly, and at
+once came to the point.
+
+‘It is all a false report, an infernal lie; Coningsby is quite safe, and
+nobody is drowned.’
+
+There was a cheer that might have been heard at Windsor Castle. Then,
+turning to Sedgwick, in an undertone Buckhurst added,
+
+‘It _is_ all right, but, by Jove! we have had a shaver. I will tell you
+all in a moment, but we want to keep the thing quiet, and so let the
+fellows disperse, and we will talk afterwards.’
+
+In a few moments the Long Walk had resumed its usual character; but
+Sedgwick, Herbert, and one or two others turned into the playing fields,
+where, undisturbed and unnoticed by the multitude, they listened to the
+promised communication of Buckhurst and Henry Sydney.
+
+‘You know we went up the river together,’ said Buckhurst. ‘Myself, Henry
+Sydney, Coningsby, Vere, and Millbank. We had breakfasted together, and
+after twelve agreed to go up to Maidenhead. Well, we went up much higher
+than we had intended. About a quarter of a mile before we had got to the
+Lock we pulled up; Coningsby was then steering. Well, we fastened the
+boat to, and were all of us stretched out on the meadow, when Millbank
+and Vere said they should go and bathe in the Lock Pool. The rest of us
+were opposed; but after Millbank and Vere had gone about ten minutes,
+Coningsby, who was very fresh, said he had changed his mind and should
+go and bathe too. So he left us. He had scarcely got to the pool when he
+heard a cry. There was a fellow drowning. He threw off his clothes and
+was in in a moment. The fact is this, Millbank had plunged in the pool
+and found himself in some eddies, caused by the meeting of two currents.
+He called out to Vere not to come, and tried to swim off. But he was
+beat, and seeing he was in danger, Vere jumped in. But the stream was
+so strong, from the great fall of water from the lasher above, that Vere
+was exhausted before he could reach Millbank, and nearly sank himself.
+Well, he just saved himself; but Millbank sank as Coningsby jumped in.
+What do you think of that?’
+
+‘By Jove!’ exclaimed Sedgwick, Herbert, and all. The favourite oath of
+schoolboys perpetuates the divinity of Olympus.
+
+‘And now comes the worst. Coningsby caught Millbank when he rose, but
+he found himself in the midst of the same strong current that had before
+nearly swamped Vere. What a lucky thing that he had taken into his head
+not to pull to-day! Fresher than Vere, he just managed to land Millbank
+and himself. The shouts of Vere called us, and we arrived to find the
+bodies of Millbank and Coningsby apparently lifeless, for Millbank was
+quite gone, and Coningsby had swooned on landing.’
+
+‘If Coningsby had been lost,’ said Henry Sydney, ‘I never would have
+shown my face at Eton again.’
+
+‘Can you conceive a position more terrible?’ said Buckhurst. ‘I declare
+I shall never forget it as long as I live. However, there was the Lock
+House at hand; and we got blankets and brandy. Coningsby was soon all
+right; but Millbank, I can tell you, gave us some trouble. I thought it
+was all up. Didn’t you, Henry Sydney?’
+
+‘The most fishy thing I ever saw,’ said Henry Sydney.
+
+‘Well, we were fairly frightened here,’ said Sedgwick. ‘The first
+report was, that you had gone, but that seemed without foundation; but
+Coningsby was quite given up. Where are they now?’
+
+‘They are both at their tutors’. I thought they had better keep quiet.
+Vere is with Millbank, and we are going back to Coningsby directly; but
+we thought it best to show, finding on our arrival that there were all
+sorts of rumours about. I think it will be best to report at once to my
+tutor, for he will be sure to hear something.’
+
+‘I would if I were you.’
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+
+What wonderful things are events! The least are of greater importance
+than the most sublime and comprehensive speculations! In what fanciful
+schemes to obtain the friendship of Coningsby had Millbank in his
+reveries often indulged! What combinations that were to extend over
+years and influence their lives! But the moment that he entered the
+world of action, his pride recoiled from the plans and hopes which his
+sympathy had inspired. His sensibility and his inordinate self-respect
+were always at variance. And he seldom exchanged a word with the being
+whose idea engrossed his affection.
+
+And now, suddenly, an event had occurred, like all events, unforeseen,
+which in a few, brief, agitating, tumultuous moments had singularly and
+utterly changed the relations that previously subsisted between him and
+the former object of his concealed tenderness. Millbank now stood with
+respect to Coningsby in the position of one who owes to another the
+greatest conceivable obligation; a favour which time could permit him
+neither to forget nor to repay. Pride was a sentiment that could no
+longer subsist before the preserver of his life. Devotion to that being,
+open, almost ostentatious, was now a duty, a paramount and absorbing
+tie. The sense of past peril, the rapture of escape, a renewed relish
+for the life so nearly forfeited, a deep sentiment of devout gratitude
+to the providence that had guarded over him, for Millbank was an
+eminently religious boy, a thought of home, and the anguish that might
+have overwhelmed his hearth; all these were powerful and exciting
+emotions for a young and fervent mind, in addition to the peculiar
+source of sensibility on which we have already touched. Lord Vere, who
+lodged in the same house as Millbank, and was sitting by his bedside,
+observed, as night fell, that his mind wandered.
+
+The illness of Millbank, the character of which soon transpired, and was
+soon exaggerated, attracted the public attention with increased interest
+to the circumstances out of which it had arisen, and from which the
+parties principally concerned had wished to have diverted notice. The
+sufferer, indeed, had transgressed the rules of the school by bathing at
+an unlicensed spot, where there were no expert swimmers in attendance,
+as is customary, to instruct the practice and to guard over the lives of
+the young adventurers. But the circumstances with which this violation
+of rules had been accompanied, and the assurance of several of the party
+that they had not themselves infringed the regulations, combined with
+the high character of Millbank, made the authorities not over anxious
+to visit with penalties a breach of observance which, in the case of
+the only proved offender, had been attended with such impressive
+consequences. The feat of Coningsby was extolled by all as an act
+of high gallantry and skill. It confirmed and increased the great
+reputation which he already enjoyed.
+
+‘Millbank is getting quite well,’ said Buckhurst to Coningsby a few days
+after the accident. ‘Henry Sydney and I are going to see him. Will you
+come?’
+
+‘I think we shall be too many. I will go another day,’ replied
+Coningsby.
+
+So they went without him. They found Millbank up and reading.
+
+‘Well, old fellow,’ said Buckhurst, ‘how are you? We should have come up
+before, but they would not let us. And you are quite right now, eh?’
+
+‘Quite. Has there been any row about it?’
+
+‘All blown over,’ said Henry Sydney; ‘C*******y behaved like a trump.’
+
+‘I have seen nobody yet,’ said Millbank; ‘they would not let me till
+to-day. Vere looked in this morning and left me this book, but I was
+asleep. I hope they will let me out in a day or two. I want to thank
+Coningsby; I never shall rest till I have thanked Coningsby.’
+
+‘Oh, he will come to see you,’ said Henry Sydney; ‘I asked him just now
+to come with us.’
+
+‘Yes!’ said Millbank, eagerly; ‘and what did he say?’
+
+‘He thought we should be too many.’
+
+‘I hope I shall see him soon,’ said Millbank, ‘somehow or other.’
+
+‘I will tell him to come,’ said Buckhurst.
+
+‘Oh! no, no, don’t tell him to come,’ said Millbank. ‘Don’t bore him.’
+
+‘I know he is going to play a match at fives this afternoon,’ said
+Buckhurst, ‘for I am one.’
+
+‘And who are the others?’ inquired Millbank.
+
+‘Herbert and Campbell.’
+
+‘Herbert is no match for Coningsby,’ said Millbank.
+
+And then they talked over all that had happened since his absence; and
+Buckhurst gave him a graphic report of the excitement on the afternoon
+of the accident; at last they were obliged to leave him.
+
+‘Well, good-bye, old fellow; we will come and see you every day. What
+can we do for you? Any books, or anything?’
+
+‘If any fellow asks after me,’ said Millbank, ‘tell him I shall be glad
+to see him. It is very dull being alone. But do not tell any fellow to
+come if he does not ask after me.’
+
+Notwithstanding the kind suggestions of Buckhurst and Henry Sydney,
+Coningsby could not easily bring himself to call on Millbank. He felt a
+constraint. It seemed as if he went to receive thanks. He would rather
+have met Millbank again in school, or in the playing fields. Without
+being able then to analyse his feelings, he shrank unconsciously from
+that ebullition of sentiment, which in more artificial circles is
+described as a scene. Not that any dislike of Millbank prompted him to
+this reserve. On the contrary, since he had conferred a great obligation
+on Millbank, his prejudice against him had sensibly decreased. How it
+would have been had Millbank saved Coningsby’s life, is quite another
+affair. Probably, as Coningsby was by nature generous, his sense of
+justice might have struggled successfully with his painful sense of the
+overwhelming obligation. But in the present case there was no element
+to disturb his fair self-satisfaction. He had greatly distinguished
+himself; he had conferred on his rival an essential service; and the
+whole world rang with his applause. He began rather to like Millbank;
+we will not say because Millbank was the unintentional cause of his
+pleasurable sensations. Really it was that the unusual circumstances had
+prompted him to a more impartial judgment of his rival’s character.
+In this mood, the day after the visit of Buckhurst and Henry Sydney,
+Coningsby called on Millbank, but finding his medical attendant with
+him, Coningsby availed himself of that excuse for going away without
+seeing him.
+
+The next day he left Millbank a newspaper on his way to school, time not
+permitting a visit. Two days after, going into his room, he found on his
+table a letter addressed to ‘Harry Coningsby, Esq.’
+
+ETON, May--, 1832.
+
+‘DEAR CONINGSBY, I very much fear that you must think me a very
+ungrateful fellow, because you have not heard from me before; but I was
+in hopes that I might get out and say to you what I feel; but whether I
+speak or write, it is quite impossible for me to make you understand the
+feelings of my heart to you. Now, I will say at once, that I have always
+liked you better than any fellow in the school, and always thought you
+the cleverest; indeed, I always thought that there was no one like you;
+but I never would say this or show this, because you never seemed to
+care for me, and because I was afraid you would think I merely wanted to
+con with you, as they used to say of some other fellows, whose names I
+will not mention, because they always tried to do so with Henry Sydney
+and you. I do not want this at all; but I want, though we may not speak
+to each other more than before, that we may be friends; and that you
+will always know that there is nothing I will not do for you, and that
+I like you better than any fellow at Eton. And I do not mean that this
+shall be only at Eton, but afterwards, wherever we may be, that you will
+always remember that there is nothing I will not do for you. Not because
+you saved my life, though that is a great thing, but because before that
+I would have done anything for you; only, for the cause above mentioned,
+I would not show it. I do not expect that we shall be more together than
+before; nor can I ever suppose that you could like me as you like Henry
+Sydney and Buckhurst, or even as you like Vere; but still I hope you
+will always think of me with kindness now, and let me sign myself, if
+ever I do write to you, ‘Your most attached, affectionate, and devoted
+friend,
+
+‘OSWALD MILLBANK.’
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+
+About a fortnight after this nearly fatal adventure on the river, it was
+Montem. One need hardly remind the reader that this celebrated
+ceremony, of which the origin is lost in obscurity, and which now occurs
+triennially, is the tenure by which Eton College holds some of its
+domains. It consists in the waving of a flag by one of the scholars, on
+a mount near the village of Salt Hill, which, without doubt, derives its
+name from the circumstance that on this day every visitor to Eton, and
+every traveller in its vicinity, from the monarch to the peasant, are
+stopped on the road by youthful brigands in picturesque costume, and
+summoned to contribute ‘salt,’ in the shape of coin of the realm, to
+the purse collecting for the Captain of Eton, the senior scholar on the
+Foundation, who is about to repair to King’s College, Cambridge.
+
+On this day the Captain of Eton appears in a dress as martial as his
+title: indeed, each sixth-form boy represents in his uniform, though not
+perhaps according to the exact rules of the Horse Guards, an officer of
+the army. One is a marshal, another an ensign. There is a lieutenant,
+too; and the remainder are sergeants. Each of those who are intrusted
+with these ephemeral commissions has one or more attendants, the number
+of these varying according to his rank. These servitors are selected
+according to the wishes of the several members of the sixth form, out of
+the ranks of the lower boys, that is, those boys who are below the
+fifth form; and all these attendants are arrayed in a variety of fancy
+dresses. The Captain of the Oppidans and the senior Colleger next to
+the Captain of the school, figure also in fancy costume, and are called
+‘Saltbearers.’ It is their business, together with the twelve senior
+Collegers of the fifth form, who are called ‘Runners,’ and whose
+costume is also determined by the taste of the wearers, to levy the
+contributions. And all the Oppidans of the fifth form, among whom ranked
+Coningsby, class as ‘Corporals;’ and are severally followed by one or
+more lower boys, who are denominated ‘Polemen,’ but who appear in their
+ordinary dress.
+
+It was a fine, bright morning; the bells of Eton and Windsor rang
+merrily; everybody was astir, and every moment some gay equipage
+drove into the town. Gaily clustering in the thronged precincts of
+the College, might be observed many a glistening form: airy Greek or
+sumptuous Ottoman, heroes of the Holy Sepulchre, Spanish Hidalgos who
+had fought at Pavia, Highland Chiefs who had charged at Culloden, gay in
+the tartan of Prince Charlie. The Long Walk was full of busy groups in
+scarlet coats or fanciful uniforms; some in earnest conversation, some
+criticising the arriving guests; others encircling some magnificent
+hero, who astounded them with his slashed doublet or flowing plume.
+
+A knot of boys, sitting on the Long Walk wall, with their feet swinging
+in the air, watched the arriving guests of the Provost.
+
+‘I say, Townshend,’ said one, ‘there’s Grobbleton; he _was_ a bully. I
+wonder if that’s his wife? Who’s this? The Duke of Agincourt. He wasn’t
+an Eton fellow? Yes, he was. He was called Poictiers then. Oh! ah!
+his name is in the upper school, very large, under Charles Fox. I say,
+Townshend, did you see Saville’s turban? What was it made of? He says
+his mother brought it from Grand Cairo. Didn’t he just look like the
+Saracen’s Head? Here are some Dons. That’s Hallam! We’ll give him a
+cheer. I say, Townshend, look at this fellow. He doesn’t think small
+beer of himself. I wonder who he is? The Duke of Wellington’s valet come
+to say his master is engaged. Oh! by Jove, he heard you! I wonder if the
+Duke will come? Won’t we give him a cheer!’
+
+‘By Jove! who is this?’ exclaimed Townshend, and he jumped from the
+wall, and, followed by his companions, rushed towards the road.
+
+Two britskas, each drawn by four grey horses of mettle, and each
+accompanied by outriders as well mounted, were advancing at a rapid
+pace along the road that leads from Slough to the College. But they were
+destined to an irresistible check. About fifty yards before they had
+reached the gate that leads into Weston’s Yard, a ruthless but splendid
+Albanian, in crimson and gold embroidered jacket, and snowy camise,
+started forward, and holding out his silver-sheathed yataghan commanded
+the postilions to stop. A Peruvian Inca on the other side of the road
+gave a simultaneous command, and would infallibly have transfixed the
+outriders with an arrow from his unerring bow, had they for an instant
+hesitated. The Albanian Chief then advanced to the door of the carriage,
+which he opened, and in a tone of great courtesy, announced that he was
+under the necessity of troubling its inmates for ‘salt.’ There was no
+delay. The Lord of the equipage, with the amiable condescension of a
+‘grand monarque,’ expressed his hope that the collection would be an
+ample one, and as an old Etonian, placed in the hands of the Albanian
+his contribution, a magnificent purse, furnished for the occasion, and
+heavy with gold.
+
+‘Don’t be alarmed, ladies,’ said a very handsome young officer,
+laughing, and taking off his cocked hat.
+
+‘Ah!’ exclaimed one of the ladies, turning at the voice, and starting a
+little. ‘Ah! it is Mr. Coningsby.’
+
+Lord Eskdale paid the salt for the next carriage. ‘Do they come down
+pretty stiff?’ he inquired, and then, pulling forth a roll of bank-notes
+from the pocket of his pea-jacket, he wished them good morning.
+
+The courtly Provost, then the benignant Goodall, a man who, though his
+experience of life was confined to the colleges in which he had passed
+his days, was naturally gifted with the rarest of all endowments, the
+talent of reception; and whose happy bearing and gracious manner,
+a smile ever in his eye and a lively word ever on his lip, must be
+recalled by all with pleasant recollections, welcomed Lord Monmouth
+and his friends to an assemblage of the noble, the beautiful, and the
+celebrated gathered together in rooms not unworthy of them, as you
+looked upon their interesting walls, breathing with the portraits of the
+heroes whom Eton boasts, from Wotton to Wellesley. Music sounded in
+the quadrangle of the College, in which the boys were already quickly
+assembling. The Duke of Wellington had arrived, and the boys were
+cheering a hero, who was an Eton field-marshal. From an oriel window
+in one of the Provost’s rooms, Lord Monmouth, surrounded by every
+circumstance that could make life delightful, watched with some
+intentness the scene in the quadrangle beneath.
+
+‘I would give his fame,’ said Lord Monmouth, ‘if I had it, and my
+wealth, to be sixteen.’
+
+Five hundred of the youth of England, sparkling with health, high
+spirits, and fancy dresses, were now assembled in the quadrangle.
+They formed into rank, and headed by a band of the Guards, thrice they
+marched round the court. Then quitting the College, they commenced their
+progress ‘ad Montem.’ It was a brilliant spectacle to see them defiling
+through the playing fields, those bowery meads; the river sparkling
+in the sun, the castled heights of Windsor, their glorious landscape;
+behind them, the pinnacles of their College.
+
+The road from Eton to Salt Hill was clogged with carriages; the broad
+fields as far as eye could range were covered with human beings. Amid
+the burst of martial music and the shouts of the multitude, the band of
+heroes, as if they were marching from Athens, or Thebes, or Sparta, to
+some heroic deed, encircled the mount; the ensign reaches its summit,
+and then, amid a deafening cry of ‘Floreat Etona!’ he unfurls, and
+thrice waves the consecrated standard.
+
+‘Lord Monmouth,’ said Mr. Rigby to Coningsby, ‘wishes that you should
+beg your friends to dine with him. Of course you will ask Lord Henry and
+your friend Sir Charles Buckhurst; and is there any one else that you
+would like to invite?’
+
+‘Why, there is Vere,’ said Coningsby, hesitating, ‘and--’
+
+‘Vere! What Lord Vere?’ said Rigby. ‘Hum! He is one of your friends, is
+he? His father has done a great deal of mischief, but still he is Lord
+Vere. Well, of course, you can invite Vere.’
+
+‘There is another fellow I should like to ask very much,’ said
+Coningsby, ‘if Lord Monmouth would not think I was asking too many.’
+
+‘Never fear that; he sent me particularly to tell you to invite as many
+as you liked.’
+
+‘Well, then, I should like to ask Millbank.’
+
+‘Millbank!’ said Mr. Rigby, a little excited, and then he added, ‘Is
+that a son of Lady Albinia Millbank?’
+
+‘No; his mother is not a Lady Albinia, but he is a great friend of mine.
+His father is a Lancashire manufacturer.’
+
+‘By no means,’ exclaimed Mr. Rigby, quite agitated. ‘There is nothing
+in the world that Lord Monmouth dislikes so much as Manchester
+manufacturers, and particularly if they bear the name of Millbank. It
+must not be thought of, my dear Harry. I hope you have not spoken to
+the young man on the subject. I assure you it is out of the question.
+It would make Lord Monmouth quite ill. It would spoil everything, quite
+upset him.’
+
+It was, of course, impossible for Coningsby to urge his wishes against
+such representations. He was disappointed, rather amazed; but Madame
+Colonna having sent for him to introduce her to some of the scenes and
+details of Eton life, his vexation was soon absorbed in the pride of
+acting in the face of his companions as the cavalier of a beautiful
+lady, and becoming the cicerone of the most brilliant party that had
+attended Montem. He presented his friends, too, to Lord Monmouth, who
+gave them a cordial invitation to dine with him at his hotel at Windsor,
+which they warmly accepted. Buckhurst delighted the Marquess by his
+reckless genius. Even Lucretia deigned to appear amused; especially
+when, on visiting the upper school, the name of CARDIFF, the title Lord
+Monmouth bore in his youthful days, was pointed out to her by Coningsby,
+cut with his grandfather’s own knife on the classic panels of that
+memorable wall in which scarcely a name that has flourished in our
+history, since the commencement of the eighteenth century, may not be
+observed with curious admiration.
+
+It was the humour of Lord Monmouth that the boys should be entertained
+with the most various and delicious banquet that luxury could devise or
+money could command. For some days beforehand orders had been given for
+the preparation of this festival. Our friends did full justice to their
+Lucullus; Buckhurst especially, who gave his opinion on the most refined
+dishes with all the intrepidity of saucy ignorance, and occasionally
+shook his head over a glass of Hermitage or Côte Rôtie with a
+dissatisfaction which a satiated Sybarite could not have exceeded.
+Considering all things, Coningsby and his friends exhibited a great deal
+of self-command; but they were gay, even to the verge of frolic. But
+then the occasion justified it, as much as their youth. All were in high
+spirits. Madame Colonna declared that she had met nothing in England
+equal to Montem; that it was a Protestant Carnival; and that its only
+fault was that it did not last forty days. The Prince himself was all
+animation, and took wine with every one of the Etonians several times.
+All went on flowingly until Mr. Rigby contradicted Buckhurst on some
+point of Eton discipline, which Buckhurst would not stand. He rallied
+Mr. Rigby roundly, and Coningsby, full of champagne, and owing Rigby
+several years of contradiction, followed up the assault. Lord Monmouth,
+who liked a butt, and had a weakness for boisterous gaiety, slily
+encouraged the boys, till Rigby began to lose his temper and get noisy.
+
+The lads had the best of it; they said a great many funny things,
+and delivered themselves of several sharp retorts; whereas there was
+something ridiculous in Rigby putting forth his ‘slashing’ talents
+against such younkers. However, he brought the infliction on himself by
+his strange habit of deciding on subjects of which he knew nothing, and
+of always contradicting persons on the very subjects of which they were
+necessarily masters.
+
+To see Rigby baited was more amusement to Lord Monmouth even than
+Montem. Lucian Gay, however, when the affair was getting troublesome,
+came forward as a diversion. He sang an extemporaneous song on the
+ceremony of the day, and introduced the names of all the guests at the
+dinner, and of a great many other persons besides. This was capital! The
+boys were in raptures, but when the singer threw forth a verse about Dr.
+Keate, the applause became uproarious.
+
+‘Good-bye, my dear Harry,’ said Lord Monmouth, when he bade his
+grandson farewell. ‘I am going abroad again; I cannot remain in this
+Radical-ridden country. Remember, though I am away, Monmouth House is
+your home, at least so long as it belongs to me. I understand my tailor
+has turned Liberal, and is going to stand for one of the metropolitan
+districts, a friend of Lord Durham; perhaps I shall find him in it when
+I return. I fear there are evil days for the NEW GENERATION!’
+
+END OF BOOK I.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK II.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+It was early in November, 1834, and a large shooting party was assembled
+at Beaumanoir, the seat of that great nobleman, who was the father
+of Henry Sydney. England is unrivalled for two things, sporting and
+politics. They were combined at Beaumanoir; for the guests came not
+merely to slaughter the Duke’s pheasants, but to hold council on the
+prospects of the party, which it was supposed by the initiated, began at
+this time to indicate some symptoms of brightening.
+
+The success of the Reform Ministry on their first appeal to the new
+constituency which they had created, had been fatally complete. But the
+triumph was as destructive to the victors as to the vanquished.
+
+‘We are too strong,’ prophetically exclaimed one of the fortunate
+cabinet, which found itself supported by an inconceivable majority of
+three hundred. It is to be hoped that some future publisher of private
+memoirs may have preserved some of the traits of that crude and
+short-lived parliament, when old Cobbett insolently thrust Sir Robert
+from the prescriptive seat of the chief of opposition, and treasury
+understrappers sneered at the ‘queer lot’ that had arrived from Ireland,
+little foreseeing what a high bidding that ‘queer lot’ would eventually
+command. Gratitude to Lord Grey was the hustings-cry at the end of 1832,
+the pretext that was to return to the new-modelled House of Commons
+none but men devoted to the Whig cause. The successful simulation,
+like everything that is false, carried within it the seeds of its
+own dissolution. Ingratitude to Lord Grey was more the fashion at the
+commencement of 1834, and before the close of that eventful year, the
+once popular Reform Ministry was upset, and the eagerly-sought Reformed
+Parliament dissolved!
+
+It can scarcely be alleged that the public was altogether unprepared for
+this catastrophe. Many deemed it inevitable; few thought it imminent.
+The career of the Ministry, and the existence of the Parliament, had
+indeed from the first been turbulent and fitful. It was known, from
+authority, that there were dissensions in the cabinet, while a House
+of Commons which passed votes on subjects not less important than
+the repeal of a tax, or the impeachment of a judge, on one night, and
+rescinded its resolutions on the following, certainly established
+no increased claims to the confidence of its constituents in its
+discretion. Nevertheless, there existed at this period a prevalent
+conviction that the Whig party, by a great stroke of state, similar in
+magnitude and effect to that which in the preceding century had changed
+the dynasty, had secured to themselves the government of this country
+for, at least, the lives of the present generation. And even the
+well-informed in such matters were inclined to look upon the perplexing
+circumstances to which we have alluded rather as symptoms of a want
+of discipline in a new system of tactics, than as evidences of any
+essential and deeply-rooted disorder.
+
+The startling rapidity, however, of the strange incidents of 1834; the
+indignant, soon to become vituperative, secession of a considerable
+section of the cabinet, some of them esteemed too at that time among
+its most efficient members; the piteous deprecation of ‘pressure from
+without,’ from lips hitherto deemed too stately for entreaty, followed
+by the Trades’ Union, thirty thousand strong, parading in procession
+to Downing-street; the Irish negotiations of Lord Hatherton, strange
+blending of complex intrigue and almost infantile ingenuousness; the
+still inexplicable resignation of Lord Althorp, hurriedly followed by
+his still more mysterious resumption of power, the only result of his
+precipitate movements being the fall of Lord Grey himself, attended by
+circumstances which even a friendly historian could scarcely describe
+as honourable to his party or dignified to himself; latterly, the
+extemporaneous address of King William to the Bishops; the vagrant
+and grotesque apocalypse of the Lord Chancellor; and the fierce
+recrimination and memorable defiance of the Edinburgh banquet, all these
+impressive instances of public affairs and public conduct had
+combined to create a predominant opinion that, whatever might be the
+consequences, the prolonged continuance of the present party in power
+was a clear impossibility.
+
+It is evident that the suicidal career of what was then styled the
+Liberal party had been occasioned and stimulated by its unnatural excess
+of strength. The apoplectic plethora of 1834 was not less fatal than
+the paralytic tenuity of 1841. It was not feasible to gratify so many
+ambitions, or to satisfy so many expectations. Every man had his double;
+the heels of every placeman were dogged by friendly rivals ready to trip
+them up. There were even two cabinets; the one that met in council, and
+the one that met in cabal. The consequence of destroying the legitimate
+Opposition of the country was, that a moiety of the supporters of
+Government had to discharge the duties of Opposition.
+
+Herein, then, we detect the real cause of all that irregular and
+unsettled carriage of public men which so perplexed the nation after the
+passing of the Reform Act. No government can be long secure without a
+formidable Opposition. It reduces their supporters to that tractable
+number which can be managed by the joint influences of fruition and of
+hope. It offers vengeance to the discontented, and distinction to the
+ambitious; and employs the energies of aspiring spirits, who otherwise
+may prove traitors in a division or assassins in a debate.
+
+The general election of 1832 abrogated the Parliamentary Opposition of
+England, which had practically existed for more than a century and
+a half. And what a series of equivocal transactions and mortifying
+adventures did the withdrawal of this salutary restraint entail on the
+party which then so loudly congratulated themselves and the country that
+they were at length relieved from its odious repression! In the hurry of
+existence one is apt too generally to pass over the political history
+of the times in which we ourselves live. The two years that followed the
+Reform of the House of Commons are full of instruction, on which a young
+man would do well to ponder. It is hardly possible that he could rise
+from the study of these annals without a confirmed disgust for political
+intrigue; a dazzling practice, apt at first to fascinate youth, for it
+appeals at once to our invention and our courage, but one which really
+should only be the resource of the second-rate. Great minds must trust
+to great truths and great talents for their rise, and nothing else.
+
+While, however, as the autumn of 1834 advanced, the people of this
+country became gradually sensible of the necessity of some change in the
+councils of their Sovereign, no man felt capable of predicting by what
+means it was to be accomplished, or from what quarry the new materials
+were to be extracted. The Tory party, according to those perverted views
+of Toryism unhappily too long prevalent in this country, was held to
+be literally defunct, except by a few old battered crones of office,
+crouched round the embers of faction which they were fanning, and
+muttering ‘reaction’ in mystic whispers. It cannot be supposed indeed
+for a moment, that the distinguished personage who had led that party in
+the House of Commons previously to the passing of the act of 1832, ever
+despaired in consequence of his own career. His then time of life, the
+perfection, almost the prime, of manhood; his parliamentary practice,
+doubly estimable in an inexperienced assembly; his political knowledge;
+his fair character and reputable position; his talents and tone as a
+public speaker, which he had always aimed to adapt to the habits and
+culture of that middle class from which it was concluded the benches of
+the new Parliament were mainly to be recruited, all these were qualities
+the possession of which must have assured a mind not apt to be disturbed
+in its calculations by any intemperate heats, that with time and
+patience the game was yet for him.
+
+Unquestionably, whatever may have been insinuated, this distinguished
+person had no inkling that his services in 1834 might be claimed by
+his Sovereign. At the close of the session of that year he had quitted
+England with his family, and had arrived at Rome, where it was his
+intention to pass the winter. The party charges that have imputed to him
+a previous and sinister knowledge of the intentions of the Court, appear
+to have been made not only in ignorance of the personal character, but
+of the real position, of the future minister.
+
+It had been the misfortune of this eminent gentleman when he first
+entered public life, to become identified with a political connection
+which, having arrogated to itself the name of an illustrious historical
+party, pursued a policy which was either founded on no principle
+whatever, or on principles exactly contrary to those which had always
+guided the conduct of the great Tory leaders. The chief members of this
+official confederacy were men distinguished by none of the conspicuous
+qualities of statesmen. They had none of the divine gifts that govern
+senates and guide councils. They were not orators; they were not men of
+deep thought or happy resource, or of penetrative and sagacious minds.
+Their political ken was essentially dull and contracted. They expended
+some energy in obtaining a defective, blundering acquaintance with
+foreign affairs; they knew as little of the real state of their own
+country as savages of an approaching eclipse. This factious league had
+shuffled themselves into power by clinging to the skirts of a great
+minister, the last of Tory statesmen, but who, in the unparalleled
+and confounding emergencies of his latter years, had been forced,
+unfortunately for England, to relinquish Toryism. His successors
+inherited all his errors without the latent genius, which in him might
+have still rallied and extricated him from the consequences of his
+disasters. His successors did not merely inherit his errors; they
+exaggerated, they caricatured them. They rode into power on a springtide
+of all the rampant prejudices and rancorous passions of their time.
+From the King to the boor their policy was a mere pandering to
+public ignorance. Impudently usurping the name of that party of
+which nationality, and therefore universality, is the essence,
+these pseudo-Tories made Exclusion the principle of their political
+constitution, and Restriction the genius of their commercial code.
+
+The blind goddess that plays with human fortunes has mixed up the memory
+of these men with traditions of national glory. They conducted to a
+prosperous conclusion the most renowned war in which England has ever
+been engaged. Yet every military conception that emanated from their
+cabinet was branded by their characteristic want of grandeur. Chance,
+however, sent them a great military genius, whom they treated for a long
+time with indifference, and whom they never heartily supported until
+his career had made him their master. His transcendent exploits, and
+European events even greater than his achievements, placed in the
+manikin grasp of the English ministry, the settlement of Europe.
+
+The act of the Congress of Vienna remains the eternal monument of their
+diplomatic knowledge and political sagacity. Their capital feats were
+the creation of two kingdoms, both of which are already erased from
+the map of Europe. They made no single preparation for the inevitable,
+almost impending, conjunctures of the East. All that remains of
+the pragmatic arrangements of the mighty Congress of Vienna is the
+mediatisation of the petty German princes.
+
+But the settlement of Europe by the pseudo-Tories was the dictate of
+inspiration compared with their settlement of England. The peace of
+Paris found the government of this country in the hands of a body of men
+of whom it is no exaggeration to say that they were ignorant of every
+principle of every branch of political science. So long as our domestic
+administration was confined merely to the raising of a revenue, they
+levied taxes with gross facility from the industry of a country too busy
+to criticise or complain. But when the excitement and distraction of
+war had ceased, and they were forced to survey the social elements
+that surrounded them, they seemed, for the first time, to have become
+conscious of their own incapacity. These men, indeed, were the mere
+children of routine. They prided themselves on being practical men. In
+the language of this defunct school of statesmen, a practical man is a
+man who practises the blunders of his predecessors.
+
+Now commenced that Condition-of-England Question of which our generation
+hears so much. During five-and-twenty years every influence that can
+develop the energies and resources of a nation had been acting with
+concentrated stimulation on the British Isles. National peril and
+national glory; the perpetual menace of invasion, the continual triumph
+of conquest; the most extensive foreign commerce that was ever conducted
+by a single nation; an illimitable currency; an internal trade supported
+by swarming millions whom manufacturers and inclosure-bills summoned
+into existence; above all, the supreme control obtained by man over
+mechanic power, these are some of the causes of that rapid advance of
+material civilisation in England, to which the annals of the world can
+afford no parallel. But there was no proportionate advance in our moral
+civilisation. In the hurry-skurry of money-making, men-making, and
+machine-making, we had altogether outgrown, not the spirit, but the
+organisation, of our institutions.
+
+The peace came; the stimulating influences suddenly ceased; the people,
+in a novel and painful position, found themselves without guides.
+They went to the ministry; they asked to be guided; they asked to be
+governed. Commerce requested a code; trade required a currency; the
+unfranchised subject solicited his equal privilege; suffering labour
+clamoured for its rights; a new race demanded education. What did the
+ministry do?
+
+They fell into a panic. Having fulfilled during their lives the duties
+of administration, they were frightened because they were called upon,
+for the first time, to perform the functions of government. Like all
+weak men, they had recourse to what they called strong measures. They
+determined to put down the multitude. They thought they were imitating
+Mr. Pitt, because they mistook disorganisation for sedition.
+
+Their projects of relief were as ridiculous as their system of coercion
+was ruthless; both were alike founded in intense ignorance. When we
+recall Mr. Vansittart with his currency resolutions; Lord Castlereagh
+with his plans for the employment of labour; and Lord Sidmouth with his
+plots for ensnaring the laborious; we are tempted to imagine that the
+present epoch has been one of peculiar advances in political ability,
+and marvel how England could have attained her present pitch under a
+series of such governors.
+
+We should, however, be labouring under a very erroneous impression. Run
+over the statesmen that have figured in England since the accession
+of the present family, and we may doubt whether there be one, with the
+exception perhaps of the Duke of Newcastle, who would have been a worthy
+colleague of the council of Mr. Perceval, or the early cabinet of Lord
+Liverpool. Assuredly the genius of Bolingbroke and the sagacity of
+Walpole would have alike recoiled from such men and such measures. And
+if we take the individuals who were governing England immediately before
+the French Revolution, one need only refer to the speeches of Mr. Pitt,
+and especially to those of that profound statesman and most instructed
+man, Lord Shelburne, to find that we can boast no remarkable superiority
+either in political justice or in political economy. One must attribute
+this degeneracy, therefore, to the long war and our insular position,
+acting upon men naturally of inferior abilities, and unfortunately, in
+addition, of illiterate habits.
+
+In the meantime, notwithstanding all the efforts of the political
+Panglosses who, in evening Journals and Quarterly Reviews were
+continually proving that this was the best of all possible governments,
+it was evident to the ministry itself that the machine must stop. The
+class of Rigbys indeed at this period, one eminently favourable to that
+fungous tribe, greatly distinguished themselves. They demonstrated in a
+manner absolutely convincing, that it was impossible for any person to
+possess any ability, knowledge, or virtue, any capacity of reasoning,
+any ray of fancy or faculty of imagination, who was not a supporter of
+the existing administration. If any one impeached the management of a
+department, the public was assured that the accuser had embezzled;
+if any one complained of the conduct of a colonial governor, the
+complainant was announced as a returned convict. An amelioration of
+the criminal code was discountenanced because a search in the parish
+register of an obscure village proved that the proposer had not been
+born in wedlock. A relaxation of the commercial system was denounced
+because one of its principal advocates was a Socinian. The inutility of
+Parliamentary Reform was ever obvious since Mr. Rigby was a member of
+the House of Commons.
+
+To us, with our _Times_ newspaper every morning on our breakfast-table,
+bringing, on every subject which can interest the public mind, a degree
+of information and intelligence which must form a security against
+any prolonged public misconception, it seems incredible that only
+five-and-twenty years ago the English mind could have been so ridden
+and hoodwinked, and that, too, by men of mean attainments and moderate
+abilities. But the war had directed the energies of the English people
+into channels by no means favourable to political education. Conquerors
+of the world, with their ports filled with the shipping of every clime,
+and their manufactories supplying the European continent, in the art
+of self-government, that art in which their fathers excelled, they had
+become literally children; and Rigby and his brother hirelings were the
+nurses that frightened them with hideous fables and ugly words.
+
+Notwithstanding, however, all this successful mystification, the
+Arch-Mediocrity who presided, rather than ruled, over this Cabinet
+of Mediocrities, became hourly more conscious that the inevitable
+transition from fulfilling the duties of an administration to performing
+the functions of a government could not be conducted without talents and
+knowledge. The Arch-Mediocrity had himself some glimmering traditions
+of political science. He was sprung from a laborious stock, had received
+some training, and though not a statesman, might be classed among
+those whom the Lord Keeper Williams used to call ‘statemongers.’ In a
+subordinate position his meagre diligence and his frigid method might
+not have been without value; but the qualities that he possessed were
+misplaced; nor can any character be conceived less invested with the
+happy properties of a leader. In the conduct of public affairs his
+disposition was exactly the reverse of that which is the characteristic
+of great men. He was peremptory in little questions, and great ones he
+left open.
+
+In the natural course of events, in 1819 there ought to have been a
+change of government, and another party in the state should have entered
+into office; but the Whigs, though they counted in their ranks at that
+period an unusual number of men of great ability, and formed, indeed, a
+compact and spirited opposition, were unable to contend against the new
+adjustment of borough influence which had occurred during the war,
+and under the protracted administration by which that war had been
+conducted. New families had arisen on the Tory side that almost rivalled
+old Newcastle himself in their electioneering management; and it was
+evident that, unless some reconstruction of the House of Commons could
+be effected, the Whig party could never obtain a permanent hold of
+official power. Hence, from that period, the Whigs became Parliamentary
+Reformers.
+
+It was inevitable, therefore, that the country should be governed by the
+same party; indispensable that the ministry should be renovated by new
+brains and blood. Accordingly, a Mediocrity, not without repugnance, was
+induced to withdraw, and the great name of Wellington supplied his place
+in council. The talents of the Duke, as they were then understood, were
+not exactly of the kind most required by the cabinet, and his colleagues
+were careful that he should not occupy too prominent a post; but
+still it was an impressive acquisition, and imparted to the ministry a
+semblance of renown.
+
+There was an individual who had not long entered public life, but who
+had already filled considerable, though still subordinate offices.
+Having acquired a certain experience of the duties of administration,
+and distinction for his mode of fulfilling them, he had withdrawn
+from his public charge; perhaps because he found it a barrier to the
+attainment of that parliamentary reputation for which he had already
+shown both a desire and a capacity; perhaps because, being young and
+independent, he was not over-anxious irremediably to identify his career
+with a school of politics of the infallibility of which his experience
+might have already made him a little sceptical. But he possessed the
+talents that were absolutely wanted, and the terms were at his own
+dictation. Another, and a very distinguished Mediocrity, who would not
+resign, was thrust out, and Mr. Peel became Secretary of State.
+
+From this moment dates that intimate connection between the Duke
+of Wellington and the present First Minister, which has exercised a
+considerable influence over the career of individuals and the course of
+affairs. It was the sympathetic result of superior minds placed among
+inferior intelligences, and was, doubtless, assisted by a then mutual
+conviction, that the difference of age, the circumstance of sitting in
+different houses, and the general contrast of their previous pursuits
+and accomplishments, rendered personal rivalry out of the question. From
+this moment, too, the domestic government of the country assumed a new
+character, and one universally admitted to have been distinguished by a
+spirit of enlightened progress and comprehensive amelioration.
+
+A short time after this, a third and most distinguished Mediocrity died;
+and Canning, whom they had twice worried out of the cabinet, where they
+had tolerated him some time in an obscure and ambiguous position, was
+recalled just in time from his impending banishment, installed in the
+first post in the Lower House, and intrusted with the seals of the
+Foreign Office. The Duke of Wellington had coveted them, nor could Lord
+Liverpool have been insensible to his Grace’s peculiar fitness for such
+duties; but strength was required in the House of Commons, where they
+had only one Secretary of State, a young man already distinguished, yet
+untried as a leader, and surrounded by colleagues notoriously incapable
+to assist him in debate.
+
+The accession of Mr. Canning to the cabinet, in a position, too, of
+surpassing influence, soon led to a further weeding of the Mediocrities,
+and, among other introductions, to the memorable entrance of Mr.
+Huskisson. In this wise did that cabinet, once notable only for the
+absence of all those qualities which authorise the possession of power,
+come to be generally esteemed as a body of men, who, for parliamentary
+eloquence, official practice, political information, sagacity in
+council, and a due understanding of their epoch, were inferior to none
+that had directed the policy of the empire since the Revolution.
+
+If we survey the tenor of the policy of the Liverpool Cabinet during the
+latter moiety of its continuance, we shall find its characteristic to be
+a partial recurrence to those frank principles of government which
+Mr. Pitt had revived during the latter part of the last century from
+precedents that had been set us, either in practice or in dogma, during
+its earlier period, by statesmen who then not only bore the title,
+but professed the opinions, of Tories. Exclusive principles in the
+constitution, and restrictive principles in commerce, have grown up
+together; and have really nothing in common with the ancient character
+of our political settlement, or the manners and customs of the English
+people. Confidence in the loyalty of the nation, testified by munificent
+grants of rights and franchises, and favour to an expansive system of
+traffic, were distinctive qualities of the English sovereignty, until
+the House of Commons usurped the better portion of its prerogatives. A
+widening of our electoral scheme, great facilities to commerce, and the
+rescue of our Roman Catholic fellow-subjects from the Puritanic yoke,
+from fetters which have been fastened on them by English Parliaments in
+spite of the protests and exertions of English Sovereigns; these were
+the three great elements and fundamental truths of the real Pitt system,
+a system founded on the traditions of our monarchy, and caught from the
+writings, the speeches, the councils of those who, for the sake of these
+and analogous benefits, had ever been anxious that the Sovereign of
+England should never be degraded into the position of a Venetian Doge.
+
+It is in the plunder of the Church that we must seek for the primary
+cause of our political exclusion, and our commercial restraint. That
+unhallowed booty created a factitious aristocracy, ever fearful that
+they might be called upon to regorge their sacrilegious spoil. To
+prevent this they took refuge in political religionism, and paltering
+with the disturbed consciences, or the pious fantasies, of a portion of
+the people, they organised them into religious sects. These became the
+unconscious Praetorians of their ill-gotten domains. At the head
+of these religionists, they have continued ever since to govern, or
+powerfully to influence this country. They have in that time pulled
+down thrones and churches, changed dynasties, abrogated and remodelled
+parliaments; they have disfranchised Scotland and confiscated Ireland.
+One may admire the vigour and consistency of the Whig party, and
+recognise in their career that unity of purpose that can only spring
+from a great principle; but the Whigs introduced sectarian religion,
+sectarian religion led to political exclusion, and political exclusion
+was soon accompanied by commercial restraint.
+
+It would be fanciful to assume that the Liverpool Cabinet, in their
+ameliorating career, was directed by any desire to recur to the
+primordial tenets of the Tory party. That was not an epoch when
+statesmen cared to prosecute the investigation of principles. It was
+a period of happy and enlightened practice. A profounder policy is the
+offspring of a time like the present, when the original postulates of
+institutions are called in question. The Liverpool Cabinet unconsciously
+approximated to these opinions, because from careful experiment they
+were convinced of their beneficial tendency, and they thus bore an
+unintentional and impartial testimony to their truth. Like many men, who
+think they are inventors, they were only reproducing ancient wisdom.
+
+But one must ever deplore that this ministry, with all their talents and
+generous ardour, did not advance to principles. It is always perilous to
+adopt expediency as a guide; but the choice may be sometimes imperative.
+These statesmen, however, took expediency for their director, when
+principle would have given them all that expediency ensured, and much
+more.
+
+This ministry, strong in the confidence of the sovereign, the
+parliament, and the people, might, by the courageous promulgation of
+great historical truths, have gradually formed a public opinion, that
+would have permitted them to organise the Tory party on a broad, a
+permanent, and national basis. They might have nobly effected a complete
+settlement of Ireland, which a shattered section of this very cabinet
+was forced a few years after to do partially, and in an equivocating
+and equivocal manner. They might have concluded a satisfactory
+reconstruction of the third estate, without producing that convulsion
+with which, from its violent fabrication, our social system still
+vibrates. Lastly, they might have adjusted the rights and properties
+of our national industries in a manner which would have prevented that
+fierce and fatal rivalry that is now disturbing every hearth of the
+United Kingdom.
+
+We may, therefore, visit on the _laches_ of this ministry the
+introduction of that new principle and power into our constitution which
+ultimately may absorb all, AGITATION. This cabinet, then, with so much
+brilliancy on its surface, is the real parent of the Roman Catholic
+Association, the Political Unions, the Anti-Corn-Law League.
+
+There is no influence at the same time so powerful and so singular as
+that of individual character. It arises as often from the weakness of
+the character as from its strength. The dispersion of this clever and
+showy ministry is a fine illustration of this truth. One morning the
+Arch-Mediocrity himself died. At the first blush, it would seem that
+little difficulties could be experienced in finding his substitute. His
+long occupation of the post proved, at any rate, that the qualification
+was not excessive. But this cabinet, with its serene and blooming
+visage, had been all this time charged with fierce and emulous
+ambitions. They waited the signal, but they waited in grim repose.
+The death of the nominal leader, whose formal superiority, wounding no
+vanity, and offending no pride, secured in their councils equality among
+the able, was the tocsin of their anarchy. There existed in this cabinet
+two men, who were resolved immediately to be prime ministers; a third
+who was resolved eventually to be prime minister, but would at any rate
+occupy no ministerial post without the lead of a House of Parliament;
+and a fourth, who felt himself capable of being prime minister, but
+despaired of the revolution which could alone make him one; and who
+found an untimely end when that revolution had arrived.
+
+Had Mr. Secretary Canning remained leader of the House of Commons under
+the Duke of Wellington, all that he would have gained by the death of
+Lord Liverpool was a master. Had the Duke of Wellington become Secretary
+of State under Mr. Canning he would have materially advanced his
+political position, not only by holding the seals of a high department
+in which he was calculated to excel, but by becoming leader of the
+House of Lords. But his Grace was induced by certain court intriguers to
+believe that the King would send for him, and he was also aware that Mr.
+Peel would no longer serve under any ministry in the House of Commons.
+Under any circumstances it would have been impossible to keep the
+Liverpool Cabinet together. The struggle, therefore, between the Duke of
+Wellington and ‘my dear Mr. Canning’ was internecine, and ended somewhat
+unexpectedly.
+
+And here we must stop to do justice to our friend Mr. Rigby, whose
+conduct on this occasion was distinguished by a bustling dexterity which
+was quite charming. He had, as we have before intimated, on the credit
+of some clever lampoons written during the Queen’s trial, which were,
+in fact, the effusions of Lucian Gay, wriggled himself into a sort of
+occasional unworthy favour at the palace, where he was half butt and
+half buffoon. Here, during the interregnum occasioned by the death, or
+rather inevitable retirement, of Lord Liverpool, Mr. Rigby contrived
+to scrape up a conviction that the Duke was the winning horse, and in
+consequence there appeared a series of leading articles in a notorious
+evening newspaper, in which it was, as Tadpole and Taper declared, most
+‘slashingly’ shown, that the son of an actress could never be tolerated
+as a Prime Minister of England. Not content with this, and never
+doubting for a moment the authentic basis of his persuasion, Mr. Rigby
+poured forth his coarse volubility on the subject at several of the new
+clubs which he was getting up in order to revenge himself for having
+been black-balled at White’s.
+
+What with arrangements about Lord Monmouth’s boroughs, and the lucky
+bottling of some claret which the Duke had imported on Mr. Rigby’s
+recommendation, this distinguished gentleman contrived to pay almost
+hourly visits at Apsley House, and so bullied Tadpole and Taper that
+they scarcely dared address him. About four-and-twenty hours before the
+result, and when it was generally supposed that the Duke was in, Mr.
+Rigby, who had gone down to Windsor to ask his Majesty the date of some
+obscure historical incident, which Rigby, of course, very well knew,
+found that audiences were impossible, that Majesty was agitated, and
+learned, from an humble but secure authority, that in spite of all his
+slashing articles, and Lucian Gay’s parodies of the Irish melodies,
+Canning was to be Prime Minister.
+
+This would seem something of a predicament! To common minds; there are
+no such things as scrapes for gentlemen with Mr. Rigby’s talents for
+action. He had indeed, in the world, the credit of being an adept in
+machinations, and was supposed ever to be involved in profound and
+complicated contrivances. This was quite a mistake. There was nothing
+profound about Mr. Rigby; and his intellect was totally incapable of
+devising or sustaining an intricate or continuous scheme. He was, in
+short, a man who neither felt nor thought; but who possessed, in a
+very remarkable degree, a restless instinct for adroit baseness. On the
+present occasion he got into his carriage, and drove at the utmost speed
+from Windsor to the Foreign Office. The Secretary of State was engaged
+when he arrived; but Mr. Rigby would listen to no difficulties. He
+rushed upstairs, flung open the door, and with agitated countenance, and
+eyes suffused with tears, threw himself into the arms of the astonished
+Mr. Canning.
+
+‘All is right,’ exclaimed the devoted Rigby, in broken tones; ‘I have
+convinced the King that the First Minister must be in the House of
+Commons. No one knows it but myself; but it is certain.’
+
+We have seen that at an early period of his career, Mr. Peel withdrew
+from official life. His course had been one of unbroken prosperity; the
+hero of the University had become the favourite of the House of Commons.
+His retreat, therefore, was not prompted by chagrin. Nor need it have
+been suggested by a calculating ambition, for the ordinary course of
+events was fast bearing to him all to which man could aspire. One
+might rather suppose, that he had already gained sufficient experience,
+perhaps in his Irish Secretaryship, to make him pause in that career of
+superficial success which education and custom had hitherto chalked out
+for him, rather than the creative energies of his own mind. A thoughtful
+intellect may have already detected elements in our social system which
+required a finer observation, and a more unbroken study, than the gyves
+and trammels of office would permit. He may have discovered that the
+representation of the University, looked upon in those days as the
+blue ribbon of the House of Commons, was a sufficient fetter without
+unnecessarily adding to its restraint. He may have wished to reserve
+himself for a happier occasion, and a more progressive period. He may
+have felt the strong necessity of arresting himself in his rapid career
+of felicitous routine, to survey his position in calmness, and to
+comprehend the stirring age that was approaching.
+
+For that, he could not but be conscious that the education which he had
+consummated, however ornate and refined, was not sufficient. That age
+of economical statesmanship which Lord Shelburne had predicted in 1787,
+when he demolished, in the House of Lords, Bishop Watson and the
+Balance of Trade, which Mr. Pitt had comprehended; and for which he was
+preparing the nation when the French Revolution diverted the public mind
+into a stronger and more turbulent current, was again impending, while
+the intervening history of the country had been prolific in events which
+had aggravated the necessity of investigating the sources of the wealth
+of nations. The time had arrived when parliamentary preeminence could no
+longer be achieved or maintained by gorgeous abstractions borrowed from
+Burke, or shallow systems purloined from De Lolme, adorned with Horatian
+points, or varied with Virgilian passages. It was to be an age of
+abstruse disquisition, that required a compact and sinewy intellect,
+nurtured in a class of learning not yet honoured in colleges, and which
+might arrive at conclusions conflicting with predominant prejudices.
+
+Adopting this view of the position of Mr. Peel, strengthened as it is by
+his early withdrawal for a while from the direction of public affairs,
+it may not only be a charitable but a true estimate of the motives which
+influenced him in his conduct towards Mr. Canning, to conclude that he
+was not guided in that transaction by the disingenuous rivalry
+usually imputed to him. His statement in Parliament of the determining
+circumstances of his conduct, coupled with his subsequent and almost
+immediate policy, may perhaps always leave this a painful and ambiguous
+passage in his career; but in passing judgment on public men, it behoves
+us ever to take large and extended views of their conduct; and previous
+incidents will often satisfactorily explain subsequent events, which,
+without their illustrating aid, are involved in misapprehension or
+mystery.
+
+It would seem, therefore, that Sir Robert Peel, from an early period,
+meditated his emancipation from the political confederacy in which
+he was implicated, and that he has been continually baffled in this
+project. He broke loose from Lord Liverpool; he retired from Mr.
+Canning. Forced again into becoming the subordinate leader of the
+weakest government in parliamentary annals, he believed he had at length
+achieved his emancipation, when he declared to his late colleagues,
+after the overthrow of 1830, that he would never again accept a
+secondary position in office. But the Duke of Wellington was too old a
+tactician to lose so valuable an ally. So his Grace declared after the
+Reform Bill was passed, as its inevitable result, that thenceforth
+the Prime Minister must be a member of the House of Commons; and this
+aphorism, cited as usual by the Duke’s parasites as demonstration of his
+supreme sagacity, was a graceful mode of resigning the preeminence which
+had been productive of such great party disasters. It is remarkable
+that the party who devised and passed the Reform Bill, and who, in
+consequence, governed the nation for ten years, never once had their
+Prime Minister in the House of Commons: but that does not signify; the
+Duke’s maxim is still quoted as an oracle almost equal in prescience
+to his famous query, ‘How is the King’s government to be carried on?’
+a question to which his Grace by this time has contrived to give a
+tolerably practical answer.
+
+Sir Robert Peel, who had escaped from Lord Liverpool, escaped from Mr.
+Canning, escaped even from the Duke of Wellington in 1832, was at
+length caught in 1834; the victim of ceaseless intriguers, who neither
+comprehended his position, nor that of their country.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+Beaumanoir was one of those Palladian palaces, vast and ornate, such
+as the genius of Kent and Campbell delighted in at the beginning of the
+eighteenth century. Placed on a noble elevation, yet screened from the
+northern blast, its sumptuous front, connected with its far-spreading
+wings by Corinthian colonnades, was the boast and pride of the midland
+counties. The surrounding gardens, equalling in extent the size of
+ordinary parks, were crowded with temples dedicated to abstract virtues
+and to departed friends. Occasionally a triumphal arch celebrated a
+general whom the family still esteemed a hero; and sometimes a votive
+column commemorated the great statesman who had advanced the family a
+step in the peerage. Beyond the limits of this pleasance the hart and
+hind wandered in a wilderness abounding in ferny coverts and green and
+stately trees.
+
+The noble proprietor of this demesne had many of the virtues of his
+class; a few of their failings. He had that public spirit which became
+his station. He was not one of those who avoided the exertions and the
+sacrifices which should be inseparable from high position, by the hollow
+pretext of a taste for privacy, and a devotion to domestic joys. He
+was munificent, tender, and bounteous to the poor, and loved a flowing
+hospitality. A keen sportsman, he was not untinctured by letters,
+and had indeed a cultivated taste for the fine arts. Though an ardent
+politician, he was tolerant to adverse opinions, and full of amenity
+to his opponents. A firm supporter of the corn-laws, he never refused
+a lease. Notwithstanding there ran through his whole demeanour and the
+habit of his mind, a vein of native simplicity that was full of charm,
+his manner was finished. He never offended any one’s self-love. His good
+breeding, indeed, sprang from the only sure source of gentle manners,
+a kind heart. To have pained others would have pained himself. Perhaps,
+too, this noble sympathy may have been in some degree prompted by the
+ancient blood in his veins, an accident of lineage rather rare with the
+English nobility. One could hardly praise him for the strong affections
+that bound him to his hearth, for fortune had given him the most
+pleasing family in the world; but, above all, a peerless wife.
+
+The Duchess was one of those women who are the delight of existence. She
+was sprung from a house not inferior to that with which she had blended,
+and was gifted with that rare beauty which time ever spares, so that she
+seemed now only the elder sister of her own beautiful daughters. She,
+too, was distinguished by that perfect good breeding which is the result
+of nature and not of education: for it may be found in a cottage, and
+may be missed in a palace. ‘Tis a genial regard for the feelings of
+others that springs from an absence of selfishness. The Duchess, indeed,
+was in every sense a fine lady; her manners were refined and full of
+dignity; but nothing in the world could have induced her to appear bored
+when another was addressing or attempting to amuse her. She was not one
+of those vulgar fine ladies who meet you one day with a vacant stare, as
+if unconscious of your existence, and address you on another in a tone
+of impertinent familiarity. Her temper, perhaps, was somewhat quick,
+which made this consideration for the feelings of others still more
+admirable, for it was the result of a strict moral discipline acting
+on a good heart. Although the best of wives and mothers, she had some
+charity for her neighbours. Needing herself no indulgence, she could be
+indulgent; and would by no means favour that strait-laced morality
+that would constrain the innocent play of the social body. She was
+accomplished, well read, and had a lively fancy. Add to this that
+sunbeam of a happy home, a gay and cheerful spirit in its mistress, and
+one might form some faint idea of this gracious personage.
+
+The eldest son of this house was now on the continent; of his
+two younger brothers, one was with his regiment and the other was
+Coningsby’s friend at Eton, our Henry Sydney. The two eldest daughters
+had just married, on the same day, and at the same altar; and the
+remaining one, Theresa, was still a child.
+
+The Duke had occupied a chief post in the Household under the late
+administration, and his present guests chiefly consisted of his former
+colleagues in office. There were several members of the late cabinet,
+several members for his Grace’s late boroughs, looking very much like
+martyrs, full of suffering and of hope. Mr. Tadpole and Mr. Taper were
+also there; they too had lost their seats since 1832; but being men of
+business, and accustomed from early life to look about them, they had
+already commenced the combinations which on a future occasion were to
+bear them back to the assembly where they were so missed.
+
+Taper had his eye on a small constituency which had escaped the fatal
+schedules, and where he had what they called a ‘connection;’ that is to
+say, a section of the suffrages who had a lively remembrance of Treasury
+favours once bestowed by Mr. Taper, and who had not been so liberally
+dealt with by the existing powers. This connection of Taper was in time
+to leaven the whole mass of the constituent body, and make it rise in
+full rebellion against its present liberal representative, who being
+one of a majority of three hundred, could get nothing when he called at
+Whitehall or Downing Street.
+
+Tadpole, on the contrary, who was of a larger grasp of mind than
+Taper, with more of imagination and device but not so safe a man, was
+coquetting with a manufacturing town and a large constituency, where he
+was to succeed by the aid of the Wesleyans, of which pious body he had
+suddenly become a fervent admirer. The great Mr. Rigby, too, was a guest
+out of Parliament, nor caring to be in; but hearing that his friends had
+some hopes, he thought he would just come down to dash them.
+
+The political grapes were sour for Mr. Rigby; a prophet of evil, he
+preached only mortification and repentance and despair to his late
+colleagues. It was the only satisfaction left Mr. Rigby, except assuring
+the Duke that the finest pictures in his gallery were copies, and
+recommending him to pull down Beaumanoir, and rebuild it on a design
+with which Mr. Rigby would furnish him.
+
+The battue and the banquet were over; the ladies had withdrawn; and the
+butler placed fresh claret on the table.
+
+‘And you really think you could give us a majority, Tadpole?’ said the
+Duke.
+
+Mr. Tadpole, with some ceremony, took a memorandum-book out of his
+pocket, amid the smiles and the faint well-bred merriment of his
+friends.
+
+‘Tadpole is nothing without his book,’ whispered Lord Fitz-Booby.
+
+‘It is here,’ said Mr. Tadpole, emphatically patting his volume, ‘a
+clear working majority of twenty-two.’
+
+‘Near sailing that!’ cried the Duke.
+
+‘A far better majority than the present Government have,’ said Mr.
+Tadpole.
+
+‘There is nothing like a good small majority,’ said Mr. Taper, ‘and a
+good registration.’
+
+‘Ay! register, register, register!’ said the Duke. ‘Those were immortal
+words.’
+
+‘I can tell your Grace three far better ones,’ said Mr. Tadpole, with a
+self-complacent air. ‘Object, object, object!’
+
+‘You may register, and you may object,’ said Mr. Rigby, ‘but you will
+never get rid of Schedule A and Schedule B.’
+
+‘But who could have supposed two years ago that affairs would be in
+their present position?’ said Mr. Taper, deferentially.
+
+‘I foretold it,’ said Mr. Rigby. ‘Every one knows that no government now
+can last twelve months.’
+
+‘We may make fresh boroughs,’ said Taper. ‘We have reduced Shabbyton at
+the last registration under three hundred.’
+
+‘And the Wesleyans!’ said Tadpole. ‘We never counted on the Wesleyans!’
+
+‘I am told these Wesleyans are really a respectable body,’ said Lord
+Fitz-Booby. ‘I believe there is no material difference between their
+tenets and those of the Establishment. I never heard of them much till
+lately. We have too long confounded them with the mass of Dissenters,
+but their conduct at several of the later elections proves that they are
+far from being unreasonable and disloyal individuals. When we come in,
+something should be done for the Wesleyans, eh, Rigby?’
+
+‘All that your Lordship can do for the Wesleyans is what they will very
+shortly do for themselves, appropriate a portion of the Church Revenues
+to their own use.’
+
+‘Nay, nay,’ said Mr. Tadpole with a chuckle, ‘I don’t think we shall
+find the Church attacked again in a hurry. I only wish they would try! A
+good Church cry before a registration,’ he continued, rubbing his hands;
+‘eh, my Lord, I think that would do.’
+
+‘But how are we to turn them out?’ said the Duke.
+
+‘Ah!’ said Mr. Taper, ‘that is a great question.’
+
+‘What do you think of a repeal of the Malt Tax?’ said Lord Fitz-Booby.
+‘They have been trying it on in ----shire, and I am told it goes down
+very well.’
+
+‘No repeal of any tax,’ said Taper, sincerely shocked, and shaking his
+head; ‘and the Malt Tax of all others. I am all against that.’
+
+‘It is a very good cry though, if there be no other,’ said Tadpole.
+
+‘I am all for a religious cry,’ said Taper. ‘It means nothing, and, if
+successful, does not interfere with business when we are in.’
+
+‘You will have religious cries enough in a short time,’ said Mr. Rigby,
+rather wearied of any one speaking but himself, and thereat he commenced
+a discourse, which was, in fact, one of his ‘slashing’ articles in petto
+on Church Reform, and which abounded in parallels between the present
+affairs and those of the reign of Charles I. Tadpole, who did not
+pretend to know anything but the state of the registration, and Taper,
+whose political reading was confined to an intimate acquaintance with
+the Red Book and Beatson’s Political Index, which he could repeat
+backwards, were silenced. The Duke, who was well instructed and liked
+to be talked to, sipped his claret, and was rather amused by Rigby’s
+lecture, particularly by one or two statements characterised by Rigby’s
+happy audacity, but which the Duke was too indolent to question. Lord
+Fitz-Booby listened with his mouth open, but rather bored. At length,
+when there was a momentary pause, he said:
+
+‘In my time, the regular thing was to move an amendment on the address.’
+
+‘Quite out of the question,’ exclaimed Tadpole, with a scoff.
+
+‘Entirely given up,’ said Taper, with a sneer.
+
+‘If you will drink no more claret, we will go and hear some music,’ said
+the Duke.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+A breakfast at Beaumanoir was a meal of some ceremony. Every guest was
+expected to attend, and at a somewhat early hour. Their host and hostess
+set them the example of punctuality. ‘Tis an old form rigidly adhered to
+in some great houses, but, it must be confessed, does not contrast
+very agreeably with the easier arrangements of establishments of less
+pretension and of more modern order.
+
+The morning after the dinner to which we have been recently introduced,
+there was one individual absent from the breakfast-table whose
+non-appearance could scarcely be passed over without notice; and several
+inquired with some anxiety, whether their host were indisposed.
+
+‘The Duke has received some letters from London which detain him,’
+replied the Duchess. ‘He will join us.’
+
+‘Your Grace will be glad to hear that your son Henry is very well,’ said
+Mr. Rigby; ‘I heard of him this morning. Harry Coningsby enclosed me a
+letter for his grandfather, and tells me that he and Henry Sydney had
+just had a capital run with the King’s hounds.’
+
+‘It is three years since we have seen Mr. Coningsby,’ said the Duchess.
+‘Once he was often here. He was a great favourite of mine. I hardly ever
+knew a more interesting boy.’
+
+‘Yes, I have done a great deal for him,’ said Mr. Rigby. ‘Lord Monmouth
+is fond of him, and wishes that he should make a figure; but how any one
+is to distinguish himself now, I am really at a loss to comprehend.’
+
+‘But are affairs so very bad?’ said the Duchess, smiling. ‘I thought
+that we were all regaining our good sense and good temper.’
+
+‘I believe all the good sense and all the good temper in England are
+concentrated in your Grace,’ said Mr. Rigby, gallantly.
+
+‘I should be sorry to be such a monopolist. But Lord Fitz-Booby was
+giving me last night quite a glowing report of Mr. Tadpole’s prospects
+for the nation. We were all to have our own again; and Percy to carry
+the county.’
+
+‘My dear Madam, before twelve months are past, there will not be
+a county in England. Why should there be? If boroughs are to be
+disfranchised, why should not counties be destroyed?’
+
+At this moment the Duke entered, apparently agitated. He bowed to his
+guests, and apologised for his unusual absence. ‘The truth is,’ he
+continued, ‘I have just received a very important despatch. An event has
+occurred which may materially affect affairs. Lord Spencer is dead.’
+
+A thunderbolt in a summer sky, as Sir William Temple says, could not
+have produced a greater sensation. The business of the repast ceased in
+a moment. The knives and forks were suddenly silent. All was still.
+
+‘It is an immense event,’ said Tadpole.
+
+‘I don’t see my way,’ said Taper.
+
+‘When did he die?’ said Lord Fitz-Booby.
+
+‘I don’t believe it,’ said Mr. Rigby.
+
+‘They have got their man ready,’ said Tadpole.
+
+‘It is impossible to say what will happen,’ said Taper.
+
+‘Now is the time for an amendment on the address,’ said Fitz-Booby.
+
+‘There are two reasons which convince me that Lord Spencer is not dead,’
+said Mr. Rigby.
+
+‘I fear there is no doubt of it,’ said the Duke, shaking his head.
+
+‘Lord Althorp was the only man who could keep them together,’ said Lord
+Fitz-Booby.
+
+‘On the contrary,’ said Tadpole. ‘If I be right in my man, and I have
+no doubt of it, you will have a radical programme, and they will be
+stronger than ever.’
+
+‘Do you think they can get the steam up again?’ said Taper, musingly.
+
+‘They will bid high,’ replied Tadpole. ‘Nothing could be more
+unfortunate than this death. Things were going on so well and so
+quietly! The Wesleyans almost with us!’
+
+‘And Shabbyton too!’ mournfully exclaimed Taper. ‘Another registration
+and quiet times, and I could have reduced the constituency to two
+hundred and fifty.’
+
+‘If Lord Spencer had died on the 10th,’ said Rigby, ‘it must have been
+known to Henry Rivers. And I have a letter from Henry Rivers by this
+post. Now, Althorp is in Northamptonshire, mark that, and Northampton is
+a county--’
+
+‘My dear Rigby,’ said the Duke, ‘pardon me for interrupting you.
+Unhappily, there is no doubt Lord Spencer is dead, for I am one of his
+executors.’
+
+This announcement silenced even Mr. Rigby, and the conversation now
+entirely merged in speculations on what would occur. Numerous were
+the conjectures hazarded, but the prevailing impression was, that this
+unforeseen event might embarrass those secret expectations of Court
+succour in which a certain section of the party had for some time reason
+to indulge.
+
+From the moment, however, of the announcement of Lord Spencer’s death, a
+change might be visibly observed in the tone of the party at Beaumanoir.
+They became silent, moody, and restless. There seemed a general, though
+not avowed, conviction that a crisis of some kind or other was at hand.
+The post, too, brought letters every day from town teeming with fanciful
+speculations, and occasionally mysterious hopes.
+
+‘I kept this cover for Peel,’ said the Duke pensively, as he loaded his
+gun on the morning of the 14th. ‘Do you know, I was always against his
+going to Rome.’
+
+‘It is very odd,’ said Tadpole, ‘but I was thinking of the very same
+thing.’
+
+‘It will be fifteen years before England will see a Tory Government,’
+said Mr. Rigby, drawing his ramrod, ‘and then it will only last five
+months.’
+
+‘Melbourne, Althorp, and Durham, all in the Lords,’ said Taper. ‘Three
+leaders! They must quarrel.’
+
+‘If Durham come in, mark me, he will dissolve on Household Suffrage and
+the Ballot,’ said Tadpole.
+
+‘Not nearly so good a cry as Church,’ replied Taper.
+
+‘With the Malt Tax,’ said Tadpole. ‘Church, without the Malt Tax, will
+not do against Household Suffrage and Ballot.’
+
+‘Malt Tax is madness,’ said Taper. ‘A good farmer’s friend cry without
+Malt Tax would work just as well.’
+
+‘They will never dissolve,’ said the Duke. ‘They are so strong.’
+
+‘They cannot go on with three hundred majority,’ said Taper. ‘Forty is
+as much as can be managed with open constituencies.’
+
+‘If he had only gone to Paris instead of Rome!’ said the Duke.
+
+‘Yes,’ said Mr. Rigby, ‘I could have written to him then by every post,
+and undeceived him as to his position.’
+
+‘After all he is the only man,’ said the Duke; ‘and I really believe the
+country thinks so.’
+
+‘Pray, what is the country?’ inquired Mr. Rigby. ‘The country is
+nothing; it is the constituency you have to deal with.’
+
+‘And to manage them you must have a good cry,’ said Taper. ‘All now
+depends upon a good cry.’
+
+‘So much for the science of politics,’ said the Duke, bringing down a
+pheasant. ‘How Peel would have enjoyed this cover!’
+
+‘He will have plenty of time for sport during his life,’ said Mr. Rigby.
+
+On the evening of the 15th of November, a despatch arrived at
+Beaumanoir, informing his Grace that the King had dismissed the Whig
+Ministry, and sent for the Duke of Wellington. Thus the first agitating
+suspense was over; to be succeeded, however, by expectation still more
+anxious. It was remarkable that every individual suddenly found that he
+had particular business in London which could not be neglected. The Duke
+very properly pleaded his executorial duties; but begged his guests on
+no account to be disturbed by his inevitable absence. Lord Fitz-Booby
+had just received a letter from his daughter, who was indisposed at
+Brighton, and he was most anxious to reach her. Tadpole had to receive
+deputations from Wesleyans, and well-registered boroughs anxious to
+receive well-principled candidates. Taper was off to get the first job
+at the contingent Treasury, in favour of the Borough of Shabbyton.
+Mr. Rigby alone was silent; but he quietly ordered a post-chaise at
+daybreak, and long before his fellow guests were roused from their
+slumbers, he was halfway to London, ready to give advice, either at the
+pavilion or at Apsley House.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+Although it is far from improbable that, had Sir Robert Peel been in
+England in the autumn of 1834, the Whig government would not have been
+dismissed; nevertheless, whatever may now be the opinion of the policy
+of that measure; whether it be looked on as a premature movement which
+necessarily led to the compact reorganisation of the Liberal party,
+or as a great stroke of State, which, by securing at all events a
+dissolution of the Parliament of 1832, restored the healthy balance of
+parties in the Legislature, questions into which we do not now wish
+to enter, it must be generally admitted, that the conduct of every
+individual eminently concerned in that great historical transaction was
+characterised by the rarest and most admirable quality of public
+life, moral courage. The Sovereign who dismissed a Ministry apparently
+supported by an overwhelming majority in the Parliament and the nation,
+and called to his councils the absent chief of a parliamentary section,
+scarcely numbering at that moment one hundred and forty individuals, and
+of a party in the country supposed to be utterly discomfited by a
+recent revolution; the two ministers who in this absence provisionally
+administered the affairs of the kingdom in the teeth of an enraged
+and unscrupulous Opposition, and perhaps themselves not sustained by
+a profound conviction, that the arrival of their expected leader would
+convert their provisional into a permanent position; above all
+the statesman who accepted the great charge at a time and under
+circumstances which marred probably the deep projects of his own
+prescient sagacity and maturing ambition; were all men gifted with a
+high spirit of enterprise, and animated by that active fortitude which
+is the soul of free governments.
+
+It was a lively season, that winter of 1834! What hopes, what fears, and
+what bets! From the day on which Mr. Hudson was to arrive at Rome to the
+election of the Speaker, not a contingency that was not the subject of
+a wager! People sprang up like mushrooms; town suddenly became full.
+Everybody who had been in office, and everybody who wished to be in
+office; everybody who had ever had anything, and everybody who ever
+expected to have anything, were alike visible. All of course by mere
+accident; one might meet the same men regularly every day for a month,
+who were only ‘passing through town.’
+
+Now was the time for men to come forward who had never despaired of
+their country. True they had voted for the Reform Bill, but that was to
+prevent a revolution. And now they were quite ready to vote against the
+Reform Bill, but this was to prevent a dissolution. These are the true
+patriots, whose confidence in the good sense of their countrymen and in
+their own selfishness is about equal. In the meantime, the hundred and
+forty threw a grim glance on the numerous waiters on Providence, and
+amiable trimmers, who affectionately enquired every day when news might
+be expected of Sir Robert. Though too weak to form a government, and
+having contributed in no wise by their exertions to the fall of the
+late, the cohort of Parliamentary Tories felt all the alarm of men who
+have accidentally stumbled on some treasure-trove, at the suspicious
+sympathy of new allies. But, after all, who were to form the government,
+and what was the government to be? Was it to be a Tory government, or an
+Enlightened-Spirit-of-the-Age Liberal-Moderate-Reform government; was it
+to be a government of high philosophy or of low practice; of principle
+or of expediency; of great measures or of little men? A government of
+statesmen or of clerks? Of Humbug or of Humdrum? Great questions these,
+but unfortunately there was nobody to answer them. They tried the Duke;
+but nothing could be pumped out of him. All that he knew, which he
+told in his curt, husky manner, was, that he had to carry on the King’s
+government. As for his solitary colleague, he listened and smiled, and
+then in his musical voice asked them questions in return, which is the
+best possible mode of avoiding awkward inquiries. It was very unfair
+this; for no one knew what tone to take; whether they should go down to
+their public dinners and denounce the Reform Act or praise it; whether
+the Church was to be re-modelled or only admonished; whether Ireland was
+to be conquered or conciliated.
+
+‘This can’t go on much longer,’ said Taper to Tadpole, as they reviewed
+together their electioneering correspondence on the 1st of December; ‘we
+have no cry.’
+
+‘He is half way by this time,’ said Tadpole; ‘send an extract from a
+private letter to the _Standard_, dated Augsburg, and say he will be
+here in four days.’
+
+At last he came; the great man in a great position, summoned from Rome
+to govern England. The very day that he arrived he had his audience with
+the King.
+
+It was two days after this audience; the town, though November, in a
+state of excitement; clubs crowded, not only morning rooms, but halls
+and staircases swarming with members eager to give and to receive
+rumours equally vain; streets lined with cabs and chariots, grooms and
+horses; it was two days after this audience that Mr. Ormsby, celebrated
+for his political dinners, gave one to a numerous party. Indeed his
+saloons to-day, during the half-hour of gathering which precedes dinner,
+offered in the various groups, the anxious countenances, the inquiring
+voices, and the mysterious whispers, rather the character of an Exchange
+or Bourse than the tone of a festive society.
+
+Here might be marked a murmuring knot of greyheaded privy-councillors,
+who had held fat offices under Perceval and Liverpool, and who looked
+back to the Reform Act as to a hideous dream; there some middle-aged
+aspirants might be observed who had lost their seats in the convulsion,
+but who flattered themselves they had done something for the party
+in the interval, by spending nothing except their breath in fighting
+hopeless boroughs, and occasionally publishing a pamphlet, which really
+produced less effect than chalking the walls. Light as air, and proud as
+a young peacock, tripped on his toes a young Tory, who had contrived to
+keep his seat in a Parliament where he had done nothing, but who thought
+an Under-Secretaryship was now secure, particularly as he was the son of
+a noble Lord who had also in a public capacity plundered and blundered
+in the good old time. The true political adventurer, who with dull
+desperation had stuck at nothing, had never neglected a treasury note,
+had been present at every division, never spoke when he was asked to be
+silent, and was always ready on any subject when they wanted him to open
+his mouth; who had treated his leaders with servility even behind their
+backs, and was happy for the day if a future Secretary of the Treasury
+bowed to him; who had not only discountenanced discontent in the party,
+but had regularly reported in strict confidence every instance of
+insubordination which came to his knowledge; might there too be detected
+under all the agonies of the crisis; just beginning to feel the
+dread misgiving, whether being a slave and a sneak were sufficient
+qualifications for office, without family or connection. Poor fellow!
+half the industry he had wasted on his cheerless craft might have made
+his fortune in some decent trade!
+
+In dazzling contrast with these throes of low ambition, were some
+brilliant personages who had just scampered up from Melton, thinking it
+probable that Sir Robert might want some moral lords of the bed-chamber.
+Whatever may have been their private fears or feelings, all however
+seemed smiling and significant, as if they knew something if they chose
+to tell it, and that something very much to their own satisfaction.
+The only grave countenance that was occasionally ushered into the room
+belonged to some individual whose destiny was not in doubt, and who was
+already practising the official air that was in future to repress the
+familiarity of his former fellow-stragglers.
+
+‘Do you hear anything?’ said a great noble who wanted something in the
+general scramble, but what he knew not; only he had a vague feeling he
+ought to have something, having made such great sacrifices.
+
+‘There is a report that Clifford is to be Secretary to the Board of
+Control,’ said Mr. Earwig, whose whole soul was in this subaltern
+arrangement, of which the Minister of course had not even thought; ‘but
+I cannot trace it to any authority.’
+
+‘I wonder who will be their Master of the Horse,’ said the great noble,
+loving gossip though he despised the gossiper.
+
+‘Clifford has done nothing for the party,’ said Mr. Earwig.
+
+‘I dare say Rambrooke will have the Buckhounds,’ said the great noble,
+musingly.
+
+‘Your Lordship has not heard Clifford’s name mentioned?’ continued Mr.
+Earwig.
+
+‘I should think they had not come to that sort of thing,’ said the great
+noble, with ill-disguised contempt.’ The first thing after the Cabinet
+is formed is the Household: the things you talk of are done last;’ and
+he turned upon his heel, and met the imperturbable countenance and clear
+sarcastic eye of Lord Eskdale.
+
+‘You have not heard anything?’ asked the great noble of his brother
+patrician.
+
+‘Yes, a great deal since I have been in this room; but unfortunately it
+is all untrue.’
+
+‘There is a report that Rambrooke is to have the Buck-hounds; but I
+cannot trace it to any authority.’
+
+‘Pooh!’ said Lord Eskdale.
+
+‘I don’t see that Rambrooke should have the Buckhounds any more than
+anybody else. What sacrifices has he made?’
+
+‘Past sacrifices are nothing,’ said Lord Eskdale. ‘Present sacrifices
+are the thing we want: men who will sacrifice their principles and join
+us.’
+
+‘You have not heard Rambrooke’s name mentioned?’
+
+‘When a Minister has no Cabinet, and only one hundred and forty
+supporters in the House of Commons, he has something else to think of
+than places at Court,’ said Lord Eskdale, as he slowly turned away to
+ask Lucian Gay whether it were true that Jenny Colon was coming over.
+
+Shortly after this, Henry Sydney’s father, who dined with Mr. Ornisby,
+drew Lord Eskdale into a window, and said in an undertone:
+
+‘So there is to be a kind of programme: something is to be written.’
+
+‘Well, we want a cue,’ said Lord Eskdale. ‘I heard of this last night:
+Rigby has written something.’
+
+The Duke shook his head.
+
+‘No; Peel means to do it himself.’
+
+But at this moment Mr. Ornisby begged his Grace to lead them to dinner.
+
+‘Something is to be written.’ It is curious to recall the vague terms
+in which the first projection of documents, that are to exercise a vast
+influence on the course of affairs or the minds of nations, is often
+mentioned. This ‘something to be written’ was written; and speedily; and
+has ever since been talked of.
+
+We believe we may venture to assume that at no period during the
+movements of 1834-5 did Sir Robert Peel ever believe in the success
+of his administration. Its mere failure could occasion him little
+dissatisfaction; he was compensated for it by the noble opportunity
+afforded to him for the display of those great qualities, both moral and
+intellectual, which the swaddling-clothes of a routine prosperity had
+long repressed, but of which his opposition to the Reform Bill had
+given to the nation a significant intimation. The brief administration
+elevated him in public opinion, and even in the eye of Europe; and it
+is probable that a much longer term of power would not have contributed
+more to his fame.
+
+The probable effect of the premature effort of his party on his future
+position as a Minister was, however, far from being so satisfactory. At
+the lowest ebb of his political fortunes, it cannot be doubted that Sir
+Robert Peel looked forward, perhaps through the vista of many years, to
+a period when the national mind, arrived by reflection and experience
+at certain conclusions, would seek in him a powerful expositor of its
+convictions. His time of life permitted him to be tranquil in adversity,
+and to profit by its salutary uses. He would then have acceded to power
+as the representative of a Creed, instead of being the leader of a
+Confederacy, and he would have been supported by earnest and enduring
+enthusiasm, instead of by that churlish sufferance which is the
+result of a supposed balance of advantages in his favour. This is
+the consequence of the tactics of those short-sighted intriguers, who
+persisted in looking upon a revolution as a mere party struggle, and
+would not permit the mind of the nation to work through the inevitable
+phases that awaited it. In 1834, England, though frightened at the
+reality of Reform, still adhered to its phrases; it was inclined,
+as practical England, to maintain existing institutions; but, as
+theoretical England, it was suspicious that they were indefensible.
+
+No one had arisen either in Parliament, the Universities, or the Press,
+to lead the public mind to the investigation of principles; and not
+to mistake, in their reformations, the corruption of practice for
+fundamental ideas. It was this perplexed, ill-informed, jaded, shallow
+generation, repeating cries which they did not comprehend, and wearied
+with the endless ebullitions of their own barren conceit, that Sir
+Robert Peel was summoned to govern. It was from such materials, ample
+in quantity, but in all spiritual qualities most deficient; with
+great numbers, largely acred, consoled up to their chins, but without
+knowledge, genius, thought, truth, or faith, that Sir Robert Peel was to
+form a ‘great Conservative party on a comprehensive basis.’ That he
+did this like a dexterous politician, who can deny? Whether he realised
+those prescient views of a great statesman in which he had doubtless
+indulged, and in which, though still clogged by the leadership of 1834,
+he may yet find fame for himself and salvation for his country, is
+altogether another question. His difficult attempt was expressed in
+an address to his constituents, which now ranks among state papers.
+We shall attempt briefly to consider it with the impartiality of the
+future.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+
+The Tamworth Manifesto of 1834 was an attempt to construct a
+party without principles; its basis therefore was necessarily
+Latitudinarianism; and its inevitable consequence has been Political
+Infidelity.
+
+At an epoch of political perplexity and social alarm, the confederation
+was convenient, and was calculated by aggregation to encourage the timid
+and confused. But when the perturbation was a little subsided, and
+men began to inquire why they were banded together, the difficulty of
+defining their purpose proved that the league, however respectable, was
+not a party. The leaders indeed might profit by their eminent position
+to obtain power for their individual gratification, but it was
+impossible to secure their followers that which, after all, must be the
+great recompense of a political party, the putting in practice of their
+opinions; for they had none.
+
+There was indeed a considerable shouting about what they called
+Conservative principles; but the awkward question naturally arose, what
+will you conserve? The prerogatives of the Crown, provided they are not
+exercised; the independence of the House of Lords, provided it is not
+asserted; the Ecclesiastical estate, provided it is regulated by a
+commission of laymen. Everything, in short, that is established, as long
+as it is a phrase and not a fact.
+
+In the meantime, while forms and phrases are religiously cherished in
+order to make the semblance of a creed, the rule of practice is to
+bend to the passion or combination of the hour. Conservatism assumes in
+theory that everything established should be maintained; but adopts
+in practice that everything that is established is indefensible. To
+reconcile this theory and this practice, they produce what they call
+‘the best bargain;’ some arrangement which has no principle and no
+purpose, except to obtain a temporary lull of agitation, until the mind
+of the Conservatives, without a guide and without an aim, distracted,
+tempted, and bewildered, is prepared for another arrangement, equally
+statesmanlike with the preceding one.
+
+Conservatism was an attempt to carry on affairs by substituting the
+fulfilment of the duties of office for the performance of the functions
+of government; and to maintain this negative system by the mere
+influence of property, reputable private conduct, and what are called
+good connections. Conservatism discards Prescription, shrinks from
+Principle, disavows Progress; having rejected all respect for Antiquity,
+it offers no redress for the Present, and makes no preparation for the
+Future. It is obvious that for a time, under favourable circumstances,
+such a confederation might succeed; but it is equally clear, that on
+the arrival of one of those critical conjunctures that will periodically
+occur in all states, and which such an unimpassioned system is even
+calculated ultimately to create, all power of resistance will be
+wanting: the barren curse of political infidelity will paralyse all
+action; and the Conservative Constitution will be discovered to be a
+Caput Mortuum.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+In the meantime, after dinner, Tadpole and Taper, who were among the
+guests of Mr. Ormsby, withdrew to a distant sofa, out of earshot, and
+indulged in confidential talk.
+
+‘Such a strength in debate was never before found on a Treasury bench,’
+said Mr. Tadpole; ‘the other side will be dumbfounded.’
+
+‘And what do you put our numbers at now?’ inquired Mr. Taper.
+
+‘Would you take fifty-five for our majority?’ rejoined Mr. Tadpole.
+
+‘It is not so much the tail they have, as the excuse their junction will
+be for the moderate, sensible men to come over,’ said Taper. ‘Our friend
+Sir Everard for example, it would settle him.’
+
+‘He is a solemn impostor,’ rejoined Mr. Tadpole; ‘but he is a baronet
+and a county member, and very much looked up to by the Wesleyans. The
+other men, I know, have refused him a peerage.’
+
+‘And we might hold out judicious hopes,’ said Taper.
+
+‘No one can do that better than you,’ said Tadpole. ‘I am apt to say too
+much about those things.’
+
+‘I make it a rule never to open my mouth on such subjects,’ said Taper.
+‘A nod or a wink will speak volumes. An affectionate pressure of the
+hand will sometimes do a great deal; and I have promised many a peerage
+without committing myself, by an ingenious habit of deference which
+cannot be mistaken by the future noble.’
+
+‘I wonder what they will do with Rigby,’ said Tadpole.
+
+‘He wants a good deal,’ said Taper.
+
+‘I tell you what, Mr. Taper, the time is gone by when a Marquess of
+Monmouth was Letter A, No. 1.’
+
+‘Very true, Mr. Tadpole. A wise man would do well now to look to
+the great middle class, as I said the other day to the electors of
+Shabbyton.’
+
+‘I had sooner be supported by the Wesleyans,’ said Mr. Tadpole, ‘than by
+all the marquesses in the peerage.’
+
+‘At the same time,’ said Mr. Taper, ‘Rigby is a considerable man. If we
+want a slashing article--’
+
+‘Pooh!’ said Mr. Tadpole. ‘He is quite gone by. He takes three months
+for his slashing articles. Give me the man who can write a leader. Rigby
+can’t write a leader.’
+
+‘Very few can,’ said Mr. Taper. ‘However, I don’t think much of the
+press. Its power is gone by. They overdid it.’
+
+‘There is Tom Chudleigh,’ said Tadpole. ‘What is he to have?’
+
+‘Nothing, I hope,’ said Taper. ‘I hate him. A coxcomb! Cracking his
+jokes and laughing at us.’
+
+‘He has done a good deal for the party, though,’ said Tadpole. ‘That,
+to be sure, is only an additional reason for throwing him over, as he
+is too far committed to venture to oppose us. But I am afraid from
+something that dropped to-day, that Sir Robert thinks he has claims.’
+
+‘We must stop them,’ said Taper, growing pale. ‘Fellows like Chudleigh,
+when they once get in, are always in one’s way. I have no objection to
+young noblemen being put forward, for they are preferred so rapidly,
+and then their fathers die, that in the long run they do not practically
+interfere with us.’
+
+‘Well, his name was mentioned,’ said Tadpole. ‘There is no concealing
+that.’
+
+‘I will speak to Earwig,’ said Taper. ‘He shall just drop into
+Sir Robert’s ear by chance, that Chudleigh used to quiz him in the
+smoking-room. Those little bits of information do a great deal of good.’
+
+‘Well, I leave him to you,’ said Tadpole. ‘I am heartily with you
+in keeping out all fellows like Chudleigh. They are very well for
+opposition; but in office we don’t want wits.’
+
+‘And when shall we have the answer from Knowsley?’ inquired Taper. ‘You
+anticipate no possible difficulty?’
+
+‘I tell you it is “carte blanche,”’ replied Tadpole. ‘Four places in
+the cabinet. Two secretaryships at the least. Do you happen to know any
+gentleman of your acquaintance, Mr. Taper, who refuses Secretaryships
+of State so easily, that you can for an instant doubt of the present
+arrangement?’
+
+‘I know none indeed,’ said Mr. Taper, with a grim smile.
+
+‘The thing is done,’ said Mr. Tadpole.
+
+‘And now for our cry,’ said Mr. Taper.
+
+‘It is not a Cabinet for a good cry,’ said Tadpole; ‘but then, on the
+other hand, it is a Cabinet that will sow dissension in the opposite
+ranks, and prevent them having a good cry.’
+
+‘Ancient institutions and modern improvements, I suppose, Mr. Tadpole?’
+
+‘Ameliorations is the better word, ameliorations. Nobody knows exactly
+what it means.’
+
+‘We go strong on the Church?’ said Mr. Taper.
+
+‘And no repeal of the Malt Tax; you were right, Taper. It can’t be
+listened to for a moment.’
+
+‘Something might be done with prerogative,’ said Mr. Taper; ‘the King’s
+constitutional choice.’
+
+‘Not too much,’ replied Mr. Tadpole. ‘It is a raw time yet for
+prerogative.’
+
+‘Ah! Tadpole,’ said Mr. Taper, getting a little maudlin; ‘I often think,
+if the time should ever come, when you and I should be joint Secretaries
+of the Treasury!’
+
+‘We shall see, we shall see. All we have to do is to get into
+Parliament, work well together, and keep other men down.’
+
+‘We will do our best,’ said Taper. ‘A dissolution you hold inevitable?’
+
+‘How are you and I to get into Parliament if there be not one? We must
+make it inevitable. I tell you what, Taper, the lists must prove a
+dissolution inevitable. You understand me? If the present Parliament
+goes on, where shall we be? We shall have new men cropping up every
+session.’
+
+‘True, terribly true,’ said Mr. Taper. ‘That we should ever live to see
+a Tory government again! We have reason to be very thankful.’
+
+‘Hush!’ said Mr. Tadpole. ‘The time has gone by for Tory governments;
+what the country requires is a sound Conservative government.’
+
+‘A sound Conservative government,’ said Taper, musingly. ‘I understand:
+Tory men and Whig measures.’
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+Amid the contentions of party, the fierce struggles of ambition, and the
+intricacies of political intrigue, let us not forget our Eton friends.
+During the period which elapsed from the failure of the Duke of
+Wellington to form a government in 1832, to the failure of Sir Robert
+Peel to carry on a government in 1835, the boys had entered, and
+advanced in youth. The ties of friendship which then united several of
+them had only been confirmed by continued companionship. Coningsby
+and Henry Sydney, and Buckhurst and Vere, were still bound together by
+entire sympathy, and by the affection of which sympathy is the only
+sure spring. But their intimacies had been increased by another familiar
+friend. There had risen up between Coningsby and Millbank mutual
+sentiments of deep, and even ardent, regard. Acquaintance had developed
+the superior qualities of Millbank. His thoughtful and inquiring mind,
+his inflexible integrity, his stern independence, and yet the engaging
+union of extreme tenderness of heart with all this strength of
+character, had won the goodwill, and often excited the admiration, of
+Coningsby. Our hero, too, was gratified by the affectionate deference
+that was often shown to him by one who condescended to no other
+individual; he was proud of having saved the life of a member of their
+community whom masters and boys alike considered; and he ended by loving
+the being on whom he had conferred a great obligation.
+
+The friends of Coningsby, the sweet-tempered and intelligent Henry
+Sydney, the fiery and generous Buckhurst, and the calm and sagacious
+Vere, had ever been favourably inclined to Millbank, and had they not
+been, the example of Coningsby would soon have influenced them. He had
+obtained over his intimates the ascendant power, which is the destiny
+of genius. Nor was this submission of such spirits to be held cheap.
+Although they were willing to take the colour of their minds from him,
+they were in intellect and attainments, in personal accomplishments and
+general character, the leaders of the school; an authority not to be
+won from five hundred high-spirited boys without the possession of great
+virtues and great talents.
+
+As for the dominion of Coningsby himself, it was not limited to the
+immediate circle of his friends. He had become the hero of Eton; the
+being of whose existence everybody was proud, and in whose career every
+boy took an interest. They talked of him, they quoted him, they imitated
+him. Fame and power are the objects of all men. Even their partial
+fruition is gained by very few; and that too at the expense of social
+pleasure, health, conscience, life. Yet what power of manhood in
+passionate intenseness, appealing at the same time to the subject and
+the votary, can rival that which is exercised by the idolised chieftain
+of a great public school? What fame of after days equals the rapture of
+celebrity that thrills the youthful poet, as in tones of rare emotion he
+recites his triumphant verses amid the devoted plaudits of the flower
+of England? That’s fame, that’s power; real, unquestioned, undoubted,
+catholic. Alas! the schoolboy, when he becomes a man, finds that power,
+even fame, like everything else, is an affair of party.
+
+Coningsby liked very much to talk politics with Millbank. He heard
+things from Millbank which were new to him. Himself, as he supposed, a
+high Tory, which he was according to the revelation of the Rigbys, he
+was also sufficiently familiar with the hereditary tenets of his Whig
+friend, Lord Vere. Politics had as yet appeared to him a struggle
+whether the country was to be governed by Whig nobles or Tory nobles;
+and he thought it very unfortunate that he should probably have to enter
+life with his friends out of power, and his family boroughs destroyed.
+But in conversing with Millbank, he heard for the first time of
+influential classes in the country who were not noble, and were yet
+determined to acquire power. And although Millbank’s views, which were
+of course merely caught up from his father, without the intervention of
+his own intelligence, were doubtless crude enough, and were often very
+acutely canvassed and satisfactorily demolished by the clever prejudices
+of another school, which Coningsby had at command, still they were,
+unconsciously to the recipient, materials for thought, and insensibly
+provoked in his mind a spirit of inquiry into political questions, for
+which he had a predisposition.
+
+It may be said, indeed, that generally among the upper boys there might
+be observed at this time, at Eton, a reigning inclination for political
+discussion. The school truly had at all times been proud of its
+statesmen and its parliamentary heroes, but this was merely a
+superficial feeling in comparison with the sentiment which now first
+became prevalent. The great public questions that were the consequence
+of the Reform of the House of Commons, had also agitated their young
+hearts. And especially the controversies that were now rife respecting
+the nature and character of ecclesiastical establishments, wonderfully
+addressed themselves to their excited intelligence. They read their
+newspapers with a keen relish, canvassed debates, and criticised
+speeches; and although in their debating society, which had been
+instituted more than a quarter of a century, discussion on topics of
+the day was prohibited, still by fixing on periods of our history when
+affairs were analogous to the present, many a youthful orator contrived
+very effectively to reply to Lord John, or to refute the fallacies of
+his rival.
+
+As the political opinions predominant in the school were what in
+ordinary parlance are styled Tory, and indeed were far better entitled
+to that glorious epithet than the flimsy shifts which their fathers were
+professing in Parliament and the country; the formation and the fall
+of Sir Robert Peel’s government had been watched by Etonians with great
+interest, and even excitement. The memorable efforts which the Minister
+himself made, supported only by the silent votes of his numerous
+adherents, and contending alone against the multiplied assaults of his
+able and determined foes, with a spirit equal to the great occasion, and
+with resources of parliamentary contest which seemed to increase
+with every exigency; these great and unsupported struggles alone were
+calculated to gain the sympathy of youthful and generous spirits. The
+assault on the revenues of the Church; the subsequent crusade against
+the House of Lords; the display of intellect and courage exhibited
+by Lord Lyndhurst in that assembly, when all seemed cowed and
+faint-hearted; all these were incidents or personal traits apt to stir
+the passions, and create in breasts not yet schooled to repress emotion,
+a sentiment even of enthusiasm. It is the personal that interests
+mankind, that fires their imagination, and wins their hearts. A cause is
+a great abstraction, and fit only for students; embodied in a party, it
+stirs men to action; but place at the head of that party a leader who
+can inspire enthusiasm, he commands the world. Divine faculty! Rare and
+incomparable privilege! A parliamentary leader who possesses it, doubles
+his majority; and he who has it not, may shroud himself in artificial
+reserve, and study with undignified arrogance an awkward haughtiness,
+but he will nevertheless be as far from controlling the spirit as from
+captivating the hearts of his sullen followers.
+
+However, notwithstanding this general feeling at Eton, in 1835, in
+favour of ‘Conservative principles,’ which was, in fact, nothing more
+than a confused and mingled sympathy with some great political truths,
+which were at the bottom of every boy’s heart, but nowhere else; and
+with the personal achievements and distinction of the chieftains of
+the party; when all this hubbub had subsided, and retrospection, in the
+course of a year, had exercised its moralising influence over the
+more thoughtful part of the nation, inquiries, at first faint and
+unpretending, and confined indeed for a long period to limited, though
+inquisitive, circles, began gently to circulate, what Conservative
+principles were.
+
+These inquiries, urged indeed with a sort of hesitating scepticism,
+early reached Eton. They came, no doubt, from the Universities. They
+were of a character, however, far too subtile and refined to exercise
+any immediate influence over the minds of youth. To pursue them required
+previous knowledge and habitual thought. They were not yet publicly
+prosecuted by any school of politicians, or any section of the public
+press. They had not a local habitation or a name. They were whispered in
+conversation by a few. A tutor would speak of them in an esoteric vein
+to a favourite pupil, in whose abilities he had confidence, and whose
+future position in life would afford him the opportunity of influencing
+opinion. Among others, they fell upon the ear of Coningsby. They were
+addressed to a mind which was prepared for such researches.
+
+There is a Library at Eton formed by the boys and governed by the boys;
+one of those free institutions which are the just pride of that noble
+school, which shows the capacity of the boys for self-government, and
+which has sprung from the large freedom that has been wisely conceded
+them, the prudence of which confidence has been proved by their rarely
+abusing it. This Library has been formed by subscriptions of the present
+and still more by the gifts of old Etonians. Among the honoured names of
+these donors may be remarked those of the Grenvilles and Lord Wellesley;
+nor should we forget George IV., who enriched the collection with a
+magnificent copy of the Delphin Classics. The Institution is governed
+by six directors, the three first Collegers and the three first Oppidans
+for the time being; and the subscribers are limited to the one hundred
+senior members of the school.
+
+It is only to be regretted that the collection is not so extensive at
+it is interesting and choice. Perhaps its existence is not so generally
+known as it deserves to be. One would think that every Eton man would
+be as proud of his name being registered as a donor in the Catalogue of
+this Library, as a Venetian of his name being inscribed in the Golden
+Book. Indeed an old Etonian, who still remembers with tenderness the
+sacred scene of youth, could scarcely do better than build a Gothic
+apartment for the reception of the collection. It cannot be doubted that
+the Provost and fellows would be gratified in granting a piece of ground
+for the purpose.
+
+Great were the obligations of Coningsby to this Eton Library. It
+introduced him to that historic lore, that accumulation of facts and
+incidents illustrative of political conduct, for which he had imbibed an
+early relish. His study was especially directed to the annals of his
+own country, in which youth, and not youth alone, is frequently so
+deficient. This collection could afford him Clarendon and Burnet, and
+the authentic volumes of Coxe: these were rich materials for one anxious
+to be versed in the great parliamentary story of his country. During
+the last year of his stay at Eton, when he had completed his eighteenth
+year, Coningsby led a more retired life than previously; he read much,
+and pondered with all the pride of acquisition over his increasing
+knowledge.
+
+And now the hour has come when this youth is to be launched into a world
+more vast than that in which he has hitherto sojourned, yet for which
+this microcosm has been no ill preparation. He will become more wise;
+will he remain as generous? His ambition may be as great; will it be as
+noble? What, indeed, is to be the future of this existence that is now
+to be sent forth into the great aggregate of entities? Is it an ordinary
+organisation that will jostle among the crowd, and be jostled? Is it a
+finer temperament, susceptible of receiving the impressions and imbibing
+the inspirations of superior yet sympathising spirits? Or is it a
+primordial and creative mind; one that will say to his fellows, ‘Behold,
+God has given me thought; I have discovered truth, and you shall
+believe?’
+
+The night before Coningsby left Eton, alone in his room, before he
+retired to rest, he opened the lattice and looked for the last time upon
+the landscape before him; the stately keep of Windsor, the bowery meads
+of Eton, soft in the summer moon and still in the summer night. He gazed
+upon them; his countenance had none of the exultation, that under such
+circumstances might have distinguished a more careless glance, eager
+for fancied emancipation and passionate for a novel existence. Its
+expression was serious, even sad; and he covered his brow with his hand.
+
+END OF BOOK II.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK III.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+There are few things more full of delight and splendour, than to travel
+during the heat of a refulgent summer in the green district of some
+ancient forest.
+
+In one of our midland counties there is a region of this character,
+to which, during a season of peculiar lustre, we would introduce the
+reader.
+
+It was a fragment of one of those vast sylvan tracts wherein Norman
+kings once hunted, and Saxon outlaws plundered; and although the plough
+had for centuries successfully invaded brake and bower, the relics
+retained all their original character of wildness and seclusion.
+Sometimes the green earth was thickly studded with groves of huge and
+vigorous oaks, intersected with those smooth and sunny glades, that seem
+as if they must be cut for dames and knights to saunter on. Then again
+the undulating ground spread on all sides, far as the eye could range,
+covered with copse and fern of immense growth. Anon you found yourself
+in a turfy wilderness, girt in apparently by dark woods. And when you
+had wound your way a little through this gloomy belt, the landscape
+still strictly sylvan, would beautifully expand with every combination
+and variety of woodland; while in its centre, the wildfowl covered the
+waters of a lake, and the deer basked on the knolls that abounded on its
+banks.
+
+It was in the month of August, some six or seven years ago, that a
+traveller on foot, touched, as he emerged from the dark wood, by the
+beauty of this scene, threw himself under the shade of a spreading tree,
+and stretched his limbs on the turf for enjoyment rather than repose.
+The sky was deep-coloured and without a cloud, save here and there
+a minute, sultry, burnished vapour, almost as glossy as the heavens.
+Everything was still as it was bright; all seemed brooding and basking;
+the bee upon its wing was the only stirring sight, and its song the only
+sound.
+
+The traveller fell into a reverie. He was young, and therefore his
+musings were of the future. He had felt the pride of learning, so
+ennobling to youth; he was not a stranger to the stirring impulses of a
+high ambition, though the world to him was as yet only a world of books,
+and all that he knew of the schemes of statesmen and the passions of
+the people, were to be found in their annals. Often had his fitful fancy
+dwelt with fascination on visions of personal distinction, of future
+celebrity, perhaps even of enduring fame. But his dreams were of another
+colour now. The surrounding scene, so fair, so still, and sweet; so
+abstracted from all the tumult of the world, its strife, its passions,
+and its cares: had fallen on his heart with its soft and subduing
+spirit; had fallen on a heart still pure and innocent, the heart of
+one who, notwithstanding all his high resolves and daring thoughts, was
+blessed with that tenderness of soul which is sometimes linked with an
+ardent imagination and a strong will. The traveller was an orphan, more
+than that, a solitary orphan. The sweet sedulousness of a mother’s
+love, a sister’s mystical affection, had not cultivated his early
+susceptibility. No soft pathos of expression had appealed to his
+childish ear. He was alone, among strangers calmly and coldly kind.
+It must indeed have been a truly gentle disposition that could have
+withstood such hard neglect. All that he knew of the power of the softer
+passions might be found in the fanciful and romantic annals of schoolboy
+friendship.
+
+And those friends too, so fond, so sympathising, so devoted, where were
+they now? Already they were dispersed; the first great separation of
+life had been experienced; the former schoolboy had planted his foot on
+the threshold of manhood. True, many of them might meet again; many of
+them the University must again unite, but never with the same feelings.
+The space of time, passed in the world before they again met, would be
+an age of sensation, passion, experience to all of them. They would meet
+again with altered mien, with different manners, different voices. Their
+eyes would not shine with the same light; they would not speak the same
+words. The favourite phrases of their intimacy, the mystic sounds that
+spoke only to their initiated ear, they would be ashamed to use them.
+Yes, they might meet again, but the gushing and secret tenderness was
+gone for ever.
+
+Nor could our pensive youth conceal it from himself that it was
+affection, and mainly affection, that had bound him to these dear
+companions. They could not be to him what he had been to them. His had
+been the inspiring mind that had guided their opinions, formed their
+tastes, directed the bent and tenor of their lives and thoughts.
+Often, indeed, had he needed, sometimes he had even sighed for,
+the companionship of an equal or superior mind; one who, by the
+comprehension of his thought, and the richness of his knowledge, and the
+advantage of his experience, might strengthen and illuminate and guide
+his obscure or hesitating or unpractised intelligence. He had scarcely
+been fortunate in this respect, and he deeply regretted it; for he was
+one of those who was not content with excelling in his own circle, if
+he thought there was one superior to it. Absolute, not relative
+distinction, was his noble aim.
+
+Alone, in a lonely scene, he doubly felt the solitude of his life and
+mind. His heart and his intellect seemed both to need a companion.
+Books, and action, and deep thought, might in time supply the want of
+that intellectual guide; but for the heart, where was he to find solace?
+
+Ah! if she would but come forth from that shining lake like a beautiful
+Ondine! Ah, if she would but step out from the green shade of that
+secret grove like a Dryad of sylvan Greece! O mystery of mysteries, when
+youth dreams his first dream over some imaginary heroine!
+
+Suddenly the brooding wildfowl rose from the bosom of the lake, soared
+in the air, and, uttering mournful shrieks, whirled in agitated tumult.
+The deer started from their knolls, no longer sunny, stared around, and
+rushed into the woods. Coningsby raised his eyes from the turf on which
+they had been long fixed in abstraction, and he observed that the azure
+sky had vanished, a thin white film had suddenly spread itself over the
+heavens, and the wind moaned with a sad and fitful gust.
+
+He had some reason to believe that on the other side of the opposite
+wood the forest was intersected by a public road, and that there were
+some habitations. Immediately rising, he descended at a rapid pace into
+the valley, passed the lake, and then struck into the ascending wood on
+the bank opposite to that on which he had mused away some precious time.
+
+The wind howled, the branches of the forest stirred, and sent forth
+sounds like an incantation. Soon might be distinguished the various
+voices of the mighty trees, as they expressed their terror or their
+agony. The oak roared, the beech shrieked, the elm sent forth its deep
+and long-drawn groan; while ever and anon, amid a momentary pause, the
+passion of the ash was heard in moans of thrilling anguish.
+
+Coningsby hurried on, the forest became less close. All that he aspired
+to was to gain more open country. Now he was in a rough flat land,
+covered only here and there with dwarf underwood; the horizon bounded at
+no great distance by a barren hill of moderate elevation. He gained its
+height with ease. He looked over a vast open country like a wild common;
+in the extreme distance hills covered with woods; the plain intersected
+by two good roads: the sky entirely clouded, but in the distance black
+as ebony.
+
+A place of refuge was at hand: screened from his first glance by some
+elm-trees, the ascending smoke now betrayed a roof, which Coningsby
+reached before the tempest broke. The forest-inn was also a farmhouse.
+There was a comfortable-enough looking kitchen; but the ingle nook was
+full of smokers, and Coningsby was glad to avail himself of the only
+private room for the simple meal which they offered him, only eggs and
+bacon; but very welcome to a pedestrian, and a hungry one.
+
+As he stood at the window of his little apartment, watching the large
+drops that were the heralds of a coming hurricane, and waiting for his
+repast, a flash of lightning illumined the whole country, and a horseman
+at full speed, followed by his groom, galloped up to the door.
+
+The remarkable beauty of the animal so attracted Coningsby’s attention
+that it prevented him catching even a glimpse of the rider, who rapidly
+dismounted and entered the inn. The host shortly after came in and asked
+Coningsby whether he had any objection to a gentleman, who was driven
+there by the storm, sharing his room until it subsided. The consequence
+of the immediate assent of Coningsby was, that the landlord retired and
+soon returned, ushering in an individual, who, though perhaps ten years
+older than Coningsby, was still, according to Hippocrates, in the period
+of lusty youth. He was above the middle height, and of a distinguished
+air and figure; pale, with an impressive brow, and dark eyes of great
+intelligence.
+
+‘I am glad that we have both escaped the storm,’ said the stranger;
+‘and I am greatly indebted to you for your courtesy.’ He slightly and
+graciously bowed, as he spoke in a voice of remarkable clearness; and
+his manner, though easy, was touched with a degree of dignity that was
+engaging.
+
+‘The inn is a common home,’ replied Coningsby, returning his salute.
+
+‘And free from cares,’ added the stranger. Then, looking through
+the window, he said, ‘A strange storm this. I was sauntering in the
+sunshine, when suddenly I found I had to gallop for my life. ‘Tis more
+like a white squall in the Mediterranean than anything else.’
+
+‘I never was in the Mediterranean,’ said Coningsby. ‘There is nothing I
+should like so much as to travel.’
+
+‘You are travelling,’ rejoined his companion. ‘Every moment is travel,
+if understood.’
+
+‘Ah! but the Mediterranean!’ exclaimed Coningsby. ‘What would I not give
+to see Athens!’
+
+‘I have seen it,’ said the stranger, slightly shrugging his shoulders;
+‘and more wonderful things. Phantoms and spectres!’
+
+‘The Age of Ruins is past. Have you seen Manchester?’
+
+‘I have seen nothing,’ said Coningsby; ‘this is my first wandering. I am
+about to visit a friend who lives in this county, and I have sent on
+my baggage as I could. For myself, I determined to trust to a less
+common-place conveyance.’
+
+‘And seek adventures,’ said the stranger, smiling, ‘Well, according to
+Cervantes, they should begin in an inn.’
+
+‘I fear that the age of adventures is past, as well as that of ruins,’
+replied Coningsby.
+
+‘Adventures are to the adventurous,’ said the stranger.
+
+At this moment a pretty serving-maid entered the room. She laid the
+dapper cloth and arranged the table with a self-possession quite
+admirable. She seemed unconscious that any being was in the chamber
+except herself, or that there were any other duties to perform in life
+beyond filling a saltcellar or folding a napkin.
+
+‘She does not even look at us,’ said Coningsby, when she had quitted the
+room; ‘and I dare say is only a prude.’
+
+‘She is calm,’ said the stranger, ‘because she is mistress of her
+subject; ‘tis the secret of self-possession. She is here as a duchess at
+court.’
+
+They brought in Coningsby’s meal, and he invited the stranger to join
+him. The invitation was accepted with cheerfulness.
+
+‘’Tis but simple fare,’ said Coningsby, as the maiden uncovered the
+still hissing bacon and the eggs, that looked like tufts of primroses.
+
+‘Nay, a national dish,’ said the stranger, glancing quickly at the
+table, ‘whose fame is a proverb. And what more should we expect under
+a simple roof! How much better than an omelette or a greasy olla, that
+they would give us in a posada! ‘Tis a wonderful country this England!
+What a napkin! How spotless! And so sweet; I declare ‘tis a perfume.
+There is not a princess throughout the South of Europe served with the
+cleanliness that meets us in this cottage.’
+
+‘An inheritance from our Saxon fathers?’ said Coningsby. ‘I apprehend
+the northern nations have a greater sense of cleanliness, of propriety,
+of what we call comfort?’
+
+‘By no means,’ said the stranger; ‘the East is the land of the Bath.
+Moses and Mahomet made cleanliness religion.’
+
+‘You will let me help you?’ said Coningsby, offering him a plate which
+he had filled.
+
+‘I thank you,’ said the stranger, ‘but it is one of my bread days. With
+your permission this shall be my dish;’ and he cut from the large loaf a
+supply of crusts.
+
+‘’Tis but unsavoury fare after a gallop,’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘Ah! you are proud of your bacon and your eggs,’ said the stranger,
+smiling, ‘but I love corn and wine. They are our chief and our oldest
+luxuries. Time has brought us substitutes, but how inferior! Man has
+deified corn and wine! but not even the Chinese or the Irish have raised
+temples to tea and potatoes.’
+
+‘But Ceres without Bacchus,’ said Coningsby, ‘how does that do? Think
+you, under this roof, we could Invoke the god?’
+
+‘Let us swear by his body that we will try,’ said the stranger.
+
+Alas! the landlord was not a priest to Bacchus. But then these inquiries
+led to the finest perry in the world. The young men agreed they had
+seldom tasted anything more delicious; they sent for another bottle.
+Coningsby, who was much interested by his new companion, enjoyed himself
+amazingly.
+
+A cheese, such as Derby alone can produce, could not induce the stranger
+to be even partially inconstant to his crusts. But his talk was as
+vivacious as if the talker had been stimulated by the juices of the
+finest banquet. Coningsby had never met or read of any one like this
+chance companion. His sentences were so short, his language so racy, his
+voice rang so clear, his elocution was so complete. On all subjects his
+mind seemed to be instructed, and his opinions formed. He flung out a
+result in a few words; he solved with a phrase some deep problem that
+men muse over for years. He said many things that were strange, yet
+they immediately appeared to be true. Then, without the slightest air of
+pretension or parade, he seemed to know everybody as well as everything.
+Monarchs, statesmen, authors, adventurers, of all descriptions and of
+all climes, if their names occurred in the conversation, he described
+them in an epigrammatic sentence, or revealed their precise position,
+character, calibre, by a curt dramatic trait. All this, too, without any
+excitement of manner; on the contrary, with repose amounting almost
+to nonchalance. If his address had any fault in it, it was rather a
+deficiency of earnestness. A slight spirit of mockery played over his
+speech even when you deemed him most serious; you were startled by his
+sudden transitions from profound thought to poignant sarcasm. A very
+singular freedom from passion and prejudice on every topic on which
+they treated, might be some compensation for this want of earnestness,
+perhaps was its consequence. Certainly it was difficult to ascertain his
+precise opinions on many subjects, though his manner was frank even to
+abandonment. And yet throughout his whole conversation, not a stroke of
+egotism, not a word, not a circumstance escaped him, by which you could
+judge of his position or purposes in life. As little did he seem to care
+to discover those of his companion. He did not by any means monopolise
+the conversation. Far from it; he continually asked questions, and
+while he received answers, or had engaged his fellow-traveller in any
+exposition of his opinion or feelings, he listened with a serious and
+fixed attention, looking Coningsby in the face with a steadfast glance.
+
+‘I perceive,’ said Coningsby, pursuing a strain of thought which the
+other had indicated, ‘that you have great confidence in the influence
+of individual character. I also have some confused persuasions of that
+kind. But it is not the Spirit of the Age.’
+
+‘The age does not believe in great men, because it does not possess
+any,’ replied the stranger. ‘The Spirit of the Age is the very thing
+that a great man changes.’
+
+‘But does he not rather avail himself of it?’ inquired Coningsby.
+
+‘Parvenus do,’ rejoined his companion; ‘but not prophets, great
+legislators, great conquerors. They destroy and they create.’
+
+‘But are these times for great legislators and great conquerors?’ urged
+Coningsby.
+
+‘When were they wanted more?’ asked the stranger. ‘From the throne to
+the hovel all call for a guide. You give monarchs constitutions to
+teach them sovereignty, and nations Sunday-schools to inspire them with
+faith.’
+
+‘But what is an individual,’ exclaimed Coningsby, ‘against a vast public
+opinion?’
+
+‘Divine,’ said the stranger. ‘God made man in His own image; but the
+Public is made by Newspapers, Members of Parliament, Excise Officers,
+Poor Law Guardians. Would Philip have succeeded if Epaminondas had not
+been slain? And if Philip had not succeeded? Would Prussia have existed
+had Frederick not been born? And if Frederick had not been born? What
+would have been the fate of the Stuarts if Prince Henry had not died,
+and Charles I., as was intended, had been Archbishop of Canterbury?’
+
+‘But when men are young they want experience,’ said Coningsby; ‘and when
+they have gained experience, they want energy.’
+
+‘Great men never want experience,’ said the stranger.
+
+‘But everybody says that experience--’
+
+‘Is the best thing in the world, a treasure for you, for me, for
+millions. But for a creative mind, less than nothing. Almost everything
+that is great has been done by youth.’
+
+‘It is at least a creed flattering to our years,’ said Coningsby, with a
+smile.
+
+‘Nay,’ said the stranger; ‘for life in general there is but one decree.
+Youth is a blunder; Manhood a struggle; Old Age a regret. Do not
+suppose,’ he added, smiling, ‘that I hold that youth is genius; all that
+I say is, that genius, when young, is divine. Why, the greatest captains
+of ancient and modern times both conquered Italy at five-and-twenty!
+Youth, extreme youth, overthrew the Persian Empire. Don John of Austria
+won Lepanto at twenty-five, the greatest battle of modern time; had it
+not been for the jealousy of Philip, the next year he would have been
+Emperor of Mauritania. Gaston de Foix was only twenty-two when he stood
+a victor on the plain of Ravenna. Every one remembers Condé and Rocroy
+at the same age. Gustavus Adolphus died at thirty-eight. Look at his
+captains: that wonderful Duke of Weimar, only thirty-six when he died.
+Banier himself, after all his miracles, died at forty-five. Cortes was
+little more than thirty when he gazed upon the golden cupolas of Mexico.
+When Maurice of Saxony died at thirty-two, all Europe acknowledged the
+loss of the greatest captain and the profoundest statesman of the age.
+Then there is Nelson, Clive; but these are warriors, and perhaps you may
+think there are greater things than war. I do not: I worship the Lord
+of Hosts. But take the most illustrious achievements of civil prudence.
+Innocent III., the greatest of the Popes, was the despot of Christendom
+at thirty-seven. John de Medici was a Cardinal at fifteen, and according
+to Guicciardini, baffled with his statecraft Ferdinand of Arragon
+himself. He was Pope as Leo X. at thirty-seven. Luther robbed even him
+of his richest province at thirty-five. Take Ignatius Loyola and John
+Wesley, they worked with young brains. Ignatius was only thirty when he
+made his pilgrimage and wrote the “Spiritual Exercises.” Pascal wrote
+a great work at sixteen, and died at thirty-seven, the greatest of
+Frenchmen.
+
+‘Ah! that fatal thirty-seven, which reminds me of Byron, greater even as
+a man than a writer. Was it experience that guided the pencil of Raphael
+when he painted the palaces of Rome? He, too, died at thirty-seven.
+Richelieu was Secretary of State at thirty-one. Well then, there were
+Bolingbroke and Pitt, both ministers before other men left off cricket.
+Grotius was in great practice at seventeen, and Attorney-General at
+twenty-four. And Acquaviva; Acquaviva was General of the Jesuits,
+ruled every cabinet in Europe, and colonised America before he was
+thirty-seven. What a career!’ exclaimed the stranger; rising from his
+chair and walking up and down the room; ‘the secret sway of Europe! That
+was indeed a position! But it is needless to multiply instances! The
+history of Heroes is the history of Youth.’
+
+‘Ah!’ said Coningsby, ‘I should like to be a great man.’
+
+The stranger threw at him a scrutinising glance. His countenance was
+serious. He said in a voice of almost solemn melody:
+
+‘Nurture your mind with great thoughts. To believe in the heroic makes
+heroes.’
+
+‘You seem to me a hero,’ said Coningsby, in a tone of real feeling,
+which, half ashamed of his emotion, he tried to turn into playfulness.
+
+‘I am and must ever be,’ said the stranger, ‘but a dreamer of dreams.’
+Then going towards the window, and changing into a familiar tone as if
+to divert the conversation, he added, ‘What a delicious afternoon! I
+look forward to my ride with delight. You rest here?’
+
+‘No; I go on to Nottingham, where I shall sleep.’
+
+‘And I in the opposite direction.’ And he rang the bell, and ordered his
+horse.
+
+‘I long to see your mare again,’ said Coningsby. ‘She seemed to me so
+beautiful.’
+
+‘She is not only of pure race,’ said the stranger, ‘but of the highest
+and rarest breed in Arabia. Her name is “the Daughter of the Star.”
+ She is a foal of that famous mare, which belonged to the Prince of the
+Wahabees; and to possess which, I believe, was one of the principal
+causes of war between that tribe and the Egyptians. The Pacha of Egypt
+gave her to me, and I would not change her for her statue in pure gold,
+even carved by Lysippus. Come round to the stable and see her.’
+
+They went out together. It was a soft sunny afternoon; the air fresh
+from the rain, but mild and exhilarating.
+
+The groom brought forth the mare. ‘The Daughter of the Star’ stood
+before Coningsby with her sinewy shape of matchless symmetry; her
+burnished skin, black mane, legs like those of an antelope, her little
+ears, dark speaking eye, and tail worthy of a Pacha. And who was her
+master, and whither was she about to take him?
+
+Coningsby was so naturally well-bred, that we may be sure it was not
+curiosity; no, it was a finer feeling that made him hesitate and think a
+little, and then say:
+
+‘I am sorry to part.’
+
+‘I also,’ said the stranger. ‘But life is constant separation.’
+
+‘I hope we may meet again,’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘If our acquaintance be worth preserving,’ said the stranger, ‘you may
+be sure it will not be lost.’
+
+‘But mine is not worth preserving,’ said Coningsby, earnestly. ‘It is
+yours that is the treasure. You teach me things of which I have long
+mused.’
+
+The stranger took the bridle of ‘the Daughter of the Star,’ and turning
+round with a faint smile, extended his hand to his companion.
+
+‘Your mind at least is nurtured with great thoughts,’ said Coningsby;
+‘your actions should be heroic.’
+
+‘Action is not for me,’ said the stranger; ‘I am of that faith that the
+Apostles professed before they followed their master.’
+
+He vaulted into his saddle, ‘the Daughter of the Star’ bounded away as
+if she scented the air of the Desert from which she and her rider had
+alike sprung, and Coningsby remained in profound meditation.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+The day after his adventure at the Forest Inn, Coningsby arrived at
+Beaumanoir. It was several years since he had visited the family of his
+friend, who were indeed also his kin; and in his boyish days had often
+proved that they were not unmindful of the affinity. This was a visit
+that had been long counted on, long promised, and which a variety of
+circumstances had hitherto prevented. It was to have been made by the
+schoolboy; it was to be fulfilled by the man. For no less a character
+could Coningsby under any circumstances now consent to claim, since he
+was closely verging to the completion of his nineteenth year; and it
+appeared manifest that if it were his destiny to do anything great,
+he had but few years to wait before the full development of his power.
+Visions of Gastons de Foix and Maurices of Saxony, statesmen giving
+up cricket to govern nations, beardless Jesuits plunged in profound
+abstraction in omnipotent cabinets, haunted his fancy from the moment he
+had separated from his mysterious and deeply interesting companion. To
+nurture his mind with great thoughts had ever been Coningsby’s inspiring
+habit. Was it also destined that he should achieve the heroic?
+
+There are some books, when we close them; one or two in the course of
+our life, difficult as it may be to analyse or ascertain the cause; our
+minds seem to have made a great leap. A thousand obscure things receive
+light; a multitude of indefinite feelings are determined. Our intellect
+grasps and grapples with all subjects with a capacity, a flexibility,
+and a vigour, before unknown to us. It masters questions hitherto
+perplexing, which are not even touched or referred to in the volume just
+closed. What is this magic? It is the spirit of the supreme author, by
+a magentic influence blending with our sympathising intelligence, that
+directs and inspires it. By that mysterious sensibility we extend to
+questions which he has not treated, the same intellectual force which he
+has exercised over those which he has expounded. His genius for a time
+remains in us. ‘Tis the same with human beings as with books. All of us
+encounter, at least once in our life, some individual who utters words
+that make us think for ever.
+
+There are men whose phrases are oracles; who condense in a sentence the
+secrets of life; who blurt out an aphorism that forms a character or
+illustrates an existence. A great thing is a great book; but greater
+than all is the talk of a great man.
+
+And what is a great man? Is it a Minister of State? Is it a victorious
+General? A gentleman in the Windsor uniform? A Field Marshal covered
+with stars? Is it a Prelate, or a Prince? A King, even an Emperor?
+It may be all these; yet these, as we must all daily feel, are not
+necessarily great men. A great man is one who affects the mind of his
+generation: whether he be a monk in his cloister agitating Christendom,
+or a monarch crossing the Granicus, and giving a new character to the
+Pagan World.
+
+Our young Coningsby reached Beaumanoir in a state of meditation. He also
+desired to be great. Not from the restless vanity that sometimes
+impels youth to momentary exertion, by which they sometimes obtain a
+distinction as evanescent as their energy. The ambition of our hero was
+altogether of a different character. It was, indeed, at present not a
+little vague, indefinite, hesitating, inquiring, sometimes desponding.
+What were his powers? what should be his aim? were often to him, as to
+all young aspirants, questions infinitely perplexing and full of pain.
+But, on the whole, there ran through his character, notwithstanding his
+many dazzling qualities and accomplishments, and his juvenile celebrity,
+which has spoiled so much promise, a vein of grave simplicity that was
+the consequence of an earnest temper, and of an intellect that would be
+content with nothing short of the profound.
+
+His was a mind that loved to pursue every question to the centre. But
+it was not a spirit of scepticism that impelled this habit; on the
+contrary, it was the spirit of faith. Coningsby found that he was born
+in an age of infidelity in all things, and his heart assured him that a
+want of faith was a want of nature. But his vigorous intellect could not
+take refuge in that maudlin substitute for belief which consists in
+a patronage of fantastic theories. He needed that deep and enduring
+conviction that the heart and the intellect, feeling and reason united,
+can alone supply. He asked himself why governments were hated,
+and religions despised? Why loyalty was dead, and reverence only a
+galvanised corpse?
+
+These were indeed questions that had as yet presented themselves to his
+thought in a crude and imperfect form; but their very occurrence showed
+the strong predisposition of his mind. It was because he had not found
+guides among his elders, that his thoughts had been turned to the
+generation that he himself represented. The sentiment of veneration was
+so developed in his nature, that he was exactly the youth that would
+have hung with enthusiastic humility on the accents of some sage of old
+in the groves of Academus, or the porch of Zeno. But as yet he had found
+age only perplexed and desponding; manhood only callous and desperate.
+Some thought that systems would last their time; others, that something
+would turn up. His deep and pious spirit recoiled with disgust and
+horror from such lax, chance-medley maxims, that would, in their
+consequences, reduce man to the level of the brutes. Notwithstanding
+a prejudice which had haunted him from his childhood, he had, when
+the occasion offered, applied to Mr. Rigby for instruction, as one
+distinguished in the republic of letters, as well as the realm of
+politics; who assumed the guidance of the public mind, and, as the
+phrase runs, was looked up to. Mr. Rigby listened at first to the
+inquiries of Coningsby, urged, as they ever were, with a modesty and
+deference which do not always characterise juvenile investigations, as
+if Coningsby were speaking to him of the unknown tongues. But Mr.
+Rigby was not a man who ever confessed himself at fault. He caught
+up something of the subject as our young friend proceeded, and was
+perfectly prepared, long before he had finished, to take the whole
+conversation into his own hands.
+
+Mr. Rigby began by ascribing everything to the Reform Bill, and then
+referred to several of his own speeches on Schedule A. Then he told
+Coningsby that want of religious Faith was solely occasioned by want of
+churches; and want of Loyalty, by George IV. having shut himself up too
+much at the cottage in Windsor Park, entirely against the advice of Mr.
+Rigby. He assured Coningsby that the Church Commission was operating
+wonders, and that with private benevolence, he had himself subscribed
+1,000_l._, for Lord Monmouth, we should soon have churches enough. The
+great question now was their architecture. Had George IV. lived all
+would have been right. They would have been built on the model of the
+Budhist pagoda. As for Loyalty, if the present King went regularly to
+Ascot races, he had no doubt all would go right. Finally, Mr. Rigby
+impressed on Coningsby to read the Quarterly Review with great
+attention; and to make himself master of Mr. Wordy’s History of the late
+War, in twenty volumes, a capital work, which proves that Providence was
+on the side of the Tories.
+
+Coningsby did not reply to Mr. Rigby again; but worked on with his own
+mind, coming often enough to sufficiently crude conclusions, and often
+much perplexed and harassed. He tried occasionally his inferences on his
+companions, who were intelligent and full of fervour. Millbank was more
+than this. He was of a thoughtful mood; had also caught up from a new
+school some principles, which were materials for discussion. One way or
+other, however, before he quitted Eton there prevailed among this circle
+of friends, the initial idea doubtless emanating from Coningsby, an
+earnest, though a rather vague, conviction that the present state of
+feeling in matters both civil and religious was not healthy; that there
+must be substituted for this latitudinarianism something sound and deep,
+fervent and well defined, and that the priests of this new faith must be
+found among the New Generation; so that when the bright-minded rider
+of ‘the Daughter of the Star’ descanted on the influence of individual
+character, of great thoughts and heroic actions, and the divine power of
+youth and genius, he touched a string that was the very heart-chord of
+his companion, who listened with fascinated enthusiasm as he introduced
+him to his gallery of inspiring models.
+
+Coningsby arrived at Beaumanoir at a season when men can neither hunt
+nor shoot. Great internal resources should be found in a country family
+under such circumstances. The Duke and Duchess had returned from London
+only a few days with their daughter, who had been presented this year.
+They were all glad to find themselves again in the country, which they
+loved and which loved them. One of their sons-in-law and his wife, and
+Henry Sydney, completed the party.
+
+There are few conjunctures in life of a more startling interest, than to
+meet the pretty little girl that we have gambolled with in our boyhood,
+and to find her changed in the lapse of a very few years, which in some
+instances may not have brought a corresponding alteration in our own
+appearance, into a beautiful woman. Something of this flitted over
+Coningsby’s mind, as he bowed, a little agitated from his surprise, to
+Lady Theresa Sydney. All that he remembered had prepared him for beauty;
+but not for the degree or character of beauty that he met. It was a
+rich, sweet face, with blue eyes and dark lashes, and a nose that we
+have no epithet in English to describe, but which charmed in Roxalana.
+Her brown hair fell over her white and well turned shoulders in long and
+luxuriant tresses. One has met something as brilliant and dainty in a
+medallion of old Sèvres, or amid the terraces and gardens of Watteau.
+
+Perhaps Lady Theresa, too, might have welcomed him with more freedom
+had his appearance also more accorded with the image which he had left
+behind. Coningsby was a boy then, as we described him in our first
+chapter. Though only nineteen now, he had attained his full stature,
+which was above the middle height, and time had fulfilled that promise
+of symmetry in his figure, and grace in his mien, then so largely
+intimated. Time, too, which had not yet robbed his countenance of any
+of its physical beauty, had strongly developed the intellectual charm
+by which it had ever been distinguished. As he bowed lowly before the
+Duchess and her daughter, it would have been difficult to imagine a
+youth of a mien more prepossessing and a manner more finished.
+
+A manner that was spontaneous; nature’s pure gift, the reflex of his
+feeling. No artifice prompted that profound and polished homage. Not one
+of those influences, the aggregate of whose sway produces, as they tell
+us, the finished gentleman, had ever exercised its beneficent power on
+our orphan, and not rarely forlorn, Coningsby. No clever and refined
+woman, with her quick perception, and nice criticism that never offends
+our self-love, had ever given him that education that is more precious
+than Universities. The mild suggestions of a sister, the gentle raillery
+of some laughing cousin, are also advantages not always appreciated at
+the time, but which boys, when they have become men, often think over
+with gratitude, and a little remorse at the ungracious spirit in
+which they were received. Not even the dancing-master had afforded his
+mechanical aid to Coningsby, who, like all Eton boys of his generation,
+viewed that professor of accomplishments with frank repugnance. But even
+in the boisterous life of school, Coningsby, though his style was free
+and flowing, was always well-bred. His spirit recoiled from that gross
+familiarity that is the characteristic of modern manners, and which
+would destroy all forms and ceremonies merely because they curb and
+control their own coarse convenience and ill-disguised selfishness. To
+women, however, Coningsby instinctively bowed, as to beings set apart
+for reverence and delicate treatment. Little as his experience was
+of them, his spirit had been fed with chivalrous fancies, and he
+entertained for them all the ideal devotion of a Surrey or a Sydney.
+Instructed, if not learned, as books and thought had already made him in
+men, he could not conceive that there were any other women in the world
+than fair Geraldines and Countesses of Pembroke.
+
+There was not a country-house in England that had so completely the air
+of habitual residence as Beaumanoir. It is a charming trait, and
+very rare. In many great mansions everything is as stiff, formal, and
+tedious, as if your host were a Spanish grandee in the days of the
+Inquisition. No ease, no resources; the passing life seems a solemn
+spectacle in which you play a part. How delightful was the morning room
+at Beaumanoir; from which gentlemen were not excluded with that assumed
+suspicion that they can never enter it but for felonious purposes.
+Such a profusion of flowers! Such a multitude of books! Such a various
+prodigality of writing materials! So many easy chairs too, of so many
+shapes; each in itself a comfortable home; yet nothing crowded. Woman
+alone can organise a drawing-room; man succeeds sometimes in a library.
+And the ladies’ work! How graceful they look bending over their
+embroidery frames, consulting over the arrangement of a group, or the
+colour of a flower. The panniers and fanciful baskets, overflowing with
+variegated worsted, are gay and full of pleasure to the eye, and give an
+air of elegant business that is vivifying. Even the sight of employment
+interests.
+
+Then the morning costume of English women is itself a beautiful work of
+art. At this period of the day they can find no rivals in other climes.
+The brilliant complexions of the daughters of the north dazzle in
+daylight; the illumined saloon levels all distinctions. One should see
+them in their well-fashioned muslin dresses. What matrons, and what
+maidens! Full of graceful dignity, fresher than the morn! And the
+married beauty in her little lace cap. Ah, she is a coquette! A charming
+character at all times; in a country-house an invaluable one.
+
+A coquette is a being who wishes to please. Amiable being! If you do not
+like her, you will have no difficulty in finding a female companion of
+a different mood. Alas! coquettes are but too rare. ‘Tis a career that
+requires great abilities, infinite pains, a gay and airy spirit. ‘Tis
+the coquette that provides all amusement; suggests the riding party,
+plans the picnic, gives and guesses charades, acts them. She is the
+stirring element amid the heavy congeries of social atoms; the soul of
+the house, the salt of the banquet. Let any one pass a very agreeable
+week, or it may be ten days, under any roof, and analyse the cause of
+his satisfaction, and one might safely make a gentle wager that his
+solution would present him with the frolic phantom of a coquette.
+
+‘It is impossible that Mr. Coningsby can remember me!’ said a clear
+voice; and he looked round, and was greeted by a pair of sparkling eyes
+and the gayest smile in the world.
+
+It was Lady Everingham, the Duke’s married daughter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+‘And you walked here!’ said Lady Everingham to Coningsby, when the stir
+of arranging themselves at dinner had subsided. ‘Only think, papa, Mr.
+Coningsby walked here! I also am a great walker.’
+
+‘I had heard much of the forest,’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘Which I am sure did not disappoint you,’ said the Duke.
+
+‘But forests without adventures!’ said Lady Everingham, a little
+shrugging her pretty shoulders.
+
+‘But I had an adventure,’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘Oh! tell it us by all means!’ said the Lady, with great animation.
+‘Adventures are my weakness. I have had more adventures than any one.
+Have I not had, Augustus?’ she added, addressing her husband.
+
+‘But you make everything out to be an adventure, Isabel,’ said Lord
+Everingham. I dare say that Mr. Coningsby’s was more substantial.’ And
+looking at our young friend, he invited him to inform them.
+
+‘I met a most extraordinary man,’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘It should have been a heroine,’ exclaimed Lady Everingham.
+
+‘Do you know anybody in this neighbourhood who rides the finest Arab in
+the world?’ asked Coningsby. ‘She is called “the Daughter of the Star,”
+ and was given to her rider by the Pacha of Egypt.’
+
+‘This is really an adventure,’ said Lady Everingham, interested.
+
+‘The Daughter of the Star!’ said Lady Theresa. ‘What a pretty name!
+Percy has a horse called “Sunbeam.”’
+
+‘A fine Arab, the finest in the world!’ said the Duke, who was fond of
+horse. ‘Who can it be?’
+
+‘Can you throw any light on this, Mr. Lyle?’ asked the Duchess of a
+young man who sat next her.
+
+He was a neighbour who had joined their dinner-party, Eustace Lyle,
+a Roman Catholic, and the richest commoner in the county; for he had
+succeeded to a great estate early in his minority, which had only this
+year terminated.
+
+‘I certainly do not know the horse,’ said Mr. Lyle; ‘but if Mr.
+Coningsby would describe the rider, perhaps--’
+
+‘He is a man something under thirty,’ said Coningsby, ‘pale, with dark
+hair. We met in a sort of forest-inn during a storm. A most singular
+man! Indeed, I never met any one who seemed to me so clever, or to say
+such remarkable things.’
+
+‘He must have been the spirit of the storm,’ said Lady Everingham.
+
+‘Charles Verney has a great deal of dark hair,’ said Lady Theresa. ‘But
+then he is anything but pale, and his eyes are blue.’
+
+‘And certainly he keeps his wonderful things for your ear, Theresa,’
+said her sister.
+
+‘I wish that Mr. Coningsby would tell us some of the wonderful things he
+said,’ said the Duchess, smiling.
+
+‘Take a glass of wine first with my mother, Coningsby,’ said Henry
+Sydney, who had just finished helping them all to fish.
+
+Coningsby had too much tact to be entrapped into a long story. He
+already regretted that he had been betrayed into any allusion to the
+stranger. He had a wild, fanciful notion, that their meeting ought to
+have been preserved as a sacred secret. But he had been impelled to
+refer to it in the first instance by the chance observation of Lady
+Everingham; and he had pursued his remark from the hope that the
+conversation might have led to the discovery of the unknown. When he
+found that his inquiry in this respect was unsuccessful, he was willing
+to turn the conversation. In reply to the Duchess, then, he generally
+described the talk of the stranger as full of lively anecdote and
+epigrammatic views of life; and gave them, for example, a saying of an
+illustrious foreign Prince, which was quite new and pointed, and which
+Coningsby told well. This led to a new train of discourse. The Duke also
+knew this illustrious foreign Prince, and told another story of him; and
+Lord Everingham had played whist with this illustrious foreign Prince
+often at the Travellers’, and this led to a third story; none of them
+too long. Then Lady Everingham came in again, and sparkled agreeably.
+She, indeed, sustained throughout dinner the principal weight of the
+conversation; but, as she asked questions of everybody, all seemed to
+contribute. Even the voice of Mr. Lyle, who was rather bashful, was
+occasionally heard in reply. Coningsby, who had at first unintentionally
+taken a more leading part than he aspired to, would have retired
+into the background for the rest of the dinner, but Lady Everingham
+continually signalled him out for her questions, and as she sat opposite
+to him, he seemed the person to whom they were principally addressed.
+
+At length the ladies rose to retire. A very great personage in a
+foreign, but not remote country, once mentioned to the writer of these
+pages, that he ascribed the superiority of the English in political
+life, in their conduct of public business and practical views of
+affairs, in a great measure to ‘that little half-hour’ that separates,
+after dinner, the dark from the fair sex. The writer humbly submitted,
+that if the period of disjunction were strictly limited to a ‘little
+half-hour,’ its salutary consequences for both sexes need not be
+disputed, but that in England the ‘little half-hour’ was too apt
+to swell into a term of far more awful character and duration. Lady
+Everingham was a disciple of the ‘very little half-hour’ school; for, as
+she gaily followed her mother, she said to Coningsby, whose gracious lot
+it was to usher them from the apartment:
+
+‘Pray do not be too long at the Board of Guardians to-day.’
+
+These were prophetic words; for no sooner were they all again seated,
+than the Duke, filling his glass and pushing the claret to Coningsby,
+observed,
+
+‘I suppose Lord Monmouth does not trouble himself much about the New
+Poor Law?’
+
+‘Hardly,’ said Coningsby. ‘My grandfather’s frequent absence from
+England, which his health, I believe, renders quite necessary, deprives
+him of the advantage of personal observation on a subject, than which I
+can myself conceive none more deeply interesting.’
+
+‘I am glad to hear you say so,’ said the Duke, ‘and it does you great
+credit, and Henry too, whose attention, I observe, is directed very much
+to these subjects. In my time, the young men did not think so much of
+such things, and we suffer consequently. By the bye, Everingham,
+you, who are a Chairman of a Board of Guardians, can give me some
+information. Supposing a case of out-door relief--’
+
+‘I could not suppose anything so absurd,’ said the son-in-law.
+
+‘Well,’ rejoined the Duke, ‘I know your views on that subject, and it
+certainly is a question on which there is a good deal to be said. But
+would you under any circumstances give relief out of the Union, even if
+the parish were to save a considerable sum?’
+
+‘I wish I knew the Union where such a system was followed,’ said Lord
+Everingham; and his Grace seemed to tremble under his son-in-law’s
+glance.
+
+The Duke had a good heart, and not a bad head. If he had not made in
+his youth so many Latin and English verses, he might have acquired
+considerable information, for he had a natural love of letters, though
+his pack were the pride of England, his barrel seldom missed, and his
+fortune on the turf, where he never betted, was a proverb. He was good,
+and he wished to do good; but his views were confused from want of
+knowledge, and his conduct often inconsistent because a sense of duty
+made him immediately active; and he often acquired in the consequent
+experience a conviction exactly contrary to that which had prompted his
+activity.
+
+His Grace had been a great patron and a zealous administrator of the New
+Poor Law. He had been persuaded that it would elevate the condition of
+the labouring class. His son-in-law, Lord Everingham, who was a Whig,
+and a clearheaded, cold-blooded man, looked upon the New Poor Law as
+another Magna Charta. Lord Everingham was completely master of the
+subject. He was himself the Chairman of one of the most considerable
+Unions of the kingdom. The Duke, if he ever had a misgiving, had no
+chance in argument with his son-in-law. Lord Everingham overwhelmed
+him with quotations from Commissioners’ rules and Sub-commissioners’
+reports, statistical tables, and references to dietaries. Sometimes with
+a strong case, the Duke struggled to make a fight; but Lord Everingham,
+when he was at fault for a reply, which was very rare, upbraided his
+father-in-law with the abuses of the old system, and frightened him with
+visions of rates exceeding rentals.
+
+Of late, however, a considerable change had taken place in the Duke’s
+feelings on this great question. His son Henry entertained strong
+opinions upon it, and had combated his father with all the fervour of a
+young votary. A victory over his Grace, indeed, was not very difficult.
+His natural impulse would have enlisted him on the side, if not of
+opposition to the new system, at least of critical suspicion of its
+spirit and provisions. It was only the statistics and sharp acuteness
+of his son-in-law that had, indeed, ever kept him to his colours. Lord
+Henry would not listen to statistics, dietary tables, Commissioners’
+rides, Sub-commissioners’ reports. He went far higher than his father;
+far deeper than his brother-in-law. He represented to the Duke that the
+order of the peasantry was as ancient, legal, and recognised an order as
+the order of the nobility; that it had distinct rights and privileges,
+though for centuries they had been invaded and violated, and permitted
+to fall into desuetude. He impressed upon the Duke that the parochial
+constitution of this country was more important than its political
+constitution; that it was more ancient, more universal in its influence;
+and that this parochial constitution had already been shaken to its
+centre by the New Poor Law. He assured his father that it would never be
+well for England until this order of the peasantry was restored to its
+pristine condition; not merely in physical comfort, for that must vary
+according to the economical circumstances of the time, like that of
+every class; but to its condition in all those moral attributes which
+make a recognised rank in a nation; and which, in a great degree, are
+independent of economics, manners, customs, ceremonies, rights, and
+privileges.
+
+‘Henry thinks,’ said Lord Everingham, ‘that the people are to be fed by
+dancing round a May-pole.’
+
+‘But will the people be more fed because they do not dance round a
+May-pole?’ urged Lord Henry.
+
+‘Obsolete customs!’ said Lord Everingham.
+
+‘And why should dancing round a May-pole be more obsolete than holding a
+Chapter of the Garter?’ asked Lord Henry.
+
+The Duke, who was a blue ribbon, felt this a home thrust. ‘I must say,’
+said his Grace, ‘that I for one deeply regret that our popular customs
+have been permitted to fall so into desuetude.’
+
+‘The Spirit of the Age is against such things,’ said Lord Everingham.
+
+‘And what is the Spirit of the Age?’ asked Coningsby.
+
+‘The Spirit of Utility,’ said Lord Everingham.
+
+‘And you think then that ceremony is not useful?’ urged Coningsby,
+mildly.
+
+‘It depends upon circumstances,’ said Lord Everingham. ‘There are some
+ceremonies, no doubt, that are very proper, and of course very useful.
+But the best thing we can do for the labouring classes is to provide
+them with work.’
+
+‘But what do you mean by the labouring classes, Everingham?’ asked Lord
+Henry. ‘Lawyers are a labouring class, for instance, and by the bye
+sufficiently provided with work. But would you approve of Westminster
+Hall being denuded of all its ceremonies?’
+
+‘And the long vacation being abolished?’ added Coningsby.
+
+‘Theresa brings me terrible accounts of the sufferings of the poor about
+us,’ said the Duke, shaking his head.
+
+‘Women think everything to be suffering!’ said Lord Everingham.
+
+‘How do you find them about you, Mr. Lyle?’ continued the Duke.
+
+‘I have revived the monastic customs at St. Genevieve,’ said the young
+man, blushing. ‘There is an almsgiving twice a-week.’
+
+‘I am sure I wish I could see the labouring classes happy,’ said the
+Duke.
+
+‘Oh! pray do not use, my dear father, that phrase, the labouring
+classes!’ said Lord Henry. ‘What do you think, Coningsby, the other day
+we had a meeting in this neighbourhood to vote an agricultural petition
+that was to comprise all classes. I went with my father, and I was
+made chairman of the committee to draw up the petition. Of course, I
+described it as the petition of the nobility, clergy, gentry, yeomanry,
+and peasantry of the county of ----; and, could you believe it,
+they struck out _peasantry_ as a word no longer used, and inserted
+_labourers_.’
+
+‘What can it signify,’ said Lord Everingham, ‘whether a man be called a
+labourer or a peasant?’
+
+‘And what can it signify,’ said his brother-in-law, ‘whether a man be
+called Mr. Howard or Lord Everingham?’
+
+They were the most affectionate family under this roof of Beaumanoir,
+and of all members of it, Lord Henry the sweetest tempered, and yet it
+was astonishing what sharp skirmishes every day arose between him and
+his brother-in-law, during that ‘little half-hour’ that forms so happily
+the political character of the nation. The Duke, who from experience
+felt that a guerilla movement was impending, asked his guests whether
+they would take any more claret; and on their signifying their dissent,
+moved an adjournment to the ladies.
+
+They joined the ladies in the music-room. Coningsby, not experienced
+in feminine society, and who found a little difficulty from want
+of practice in maintaining conversation, though he was desirous
+of succeeding, was delighted with Lady Everingham, who, instead of
+requiring to be amused, amused him; and suggested so many subjects,
+and glanced at so many topics, that there never was that cold, awkward
+pause, so common with sullen spirits and barren brains. Lady Everingham
+thoroughly understood the art of conversation, which, indeed, consists
+of the exercise of two fine qualities. You must originate, and you must
+sympathise; you must possess at the same time the habit of communicating
+and the habit of listening. The union is rather rare, but irresistible.
+
+Lady Everingham was not a celebrated beauty, but she was something
+infinitely more delightful, a captivating woman. There were combined,
+in her, qualities not commonly met together, great vivacity of mind with
+great grace of manner. Her words sparkled and her movements charmed.
+There was, indeed, in all she said and did, that congruity that
+indicates a complete and harmonious organisation. It was the same just
+proportion which characterised her form: a shape slight and undulating
+with grace; the most beautifully shaped ear; a small, soft hand; a foot
+that would have fitted the glass slipper; and which, by the bye, she
+lost no opportunity of displaying; and she was right, for it was a
+model.
+
+Then there was music. Lady Theresa sang like a seraph: a rich voice, a
+grand style. And her sister could support her with grace and sweetness.
+And they did not sing too much. The Duke took up a review, and looked
+at Rigby’s last slashing article. The country seemed ruined, but it
+appeared that the Whigs were still worse off than the Tories. The
+assassins had committed suicide. This poetical justice is pleasing. Lord
+Everingham, lounging in an easy chair, perused with great satisfaction
+his _Morning Chronicle_, which contained a cutting reply to Mr. Rigby’s
+article, not quite so ‘slashing’ as the Right Honourable scribe’s
+manifesto, but with some searching mockery, that became the subject and
+the subject-monger.
+
+Mr. Lyle seated himself by the Duchess, and encouraged by her amenity,
+and speaking in whispers, became animated and agreeable, occasionally
+patting the lap-dog. Coningsby stood by the singers, or talked with
+them when the music had ceased: and Henry Sydney looked over a volume
+of Strutt’s _Sports and Pastimes_, occasionally, without taking his eyes
+off the volume, calling the attention of his friends to his discoveries.
+
+Mr. Lyle rose to depart, for he had some miles to return; he came
+forward with some hesitation, to hope that Coningsby would visit his
+bloodhounds, which Lord Henry had told him Coningsby had expressed
+a wish to do. Lady Everingham remarked that she had not been at St.
+Genevieve since she was a girl, and it appeared Lady Theresa had never
+visited it. Lady Everingham proposed that they should all ride over
+on the morrow, and she appealed to her husband for his approbation,
+instantly given, for though she loved admiration, and he apparently was
+an iceberg, they were really devoted to each other. Then there was a
+consultation as to their arrangements. The Duchess would drive over in
+her pony chair with Theresa. The Duke, as usual, had affairs that
+would occupy him. The rest were to ride. It was a happy suggestion, all
+anticipated pleasure; and the evening terminated with the prospect of
+what Lady Everingham called an adventure.
+
+The ladies themselves soon withdrew; the gentlemen lingered for a
+while; the Duke took up his candle, and bid his guests good night; Lord
+Everingham drank a glass of Seltzer water, nodded, and vanished. Lord
+Henry and his friend sat up talking over the past. They were too young
+to call them old times; and yet what a life seemed to have elapsed since
+they had quitted Eton, dear old Eton! Their boyish feelings, and still
+latent boyish character, developed with their reminiscences.
+
+‘Do you remember Bucknall? Which Bucknall? The eldest: I saw him the
+other day at Nottingham; he is in the Rifles. Do you remember that day
+at Sirly Hall, that Paulet had that row with Dickinson? Did you like
+Dickinson? Hum! Paulet was a good fellow. I tell you who was a good
+fellow, Paulet’s little cousin. What! Augustus Le Grange? Oh! I liked
+Augustus Le Grange. I wonder where Buckhurst is? I had a letter from him
+the other day. He has gone with his uncle to Paris. We shall find him at
+Cambridge in October. I suppose you know Millbank has gone to Oriel. Has
+he, though! I wonder who will have our room at Cookesley’s? Cookesley
+was a good fellow! Oh, capital! How well he behaved when there was that
+row about our going out with the hounds? Do you remember Vere’s face? It
+makes me laugh now when I think of it. I tell you who was a good fellow,
+Kangaroo Gray; I liked him. I don’t know any fellow who sang a better
+song!’
+
+‘By the bye,’ said Coningsby, ‘what sort of fellow is Eustace Lyle? I
+rather liked his look.’
+
+‘Oh! I will tell you all about him,’ said Lord Henry. ‘He is a great
+ally of mine, and I think you will like him very much. It is a Roman
+Catholic family, about the oldest we have in the county, and the
+wealthiest. You see, Lyle’s father was the most violent ultra Whig,
+and so were all Eustace’s guardians; but the moment he came of age, he
+announced that he should not mix himself up with either of the parties
+in the county, and that his tenantry might act exactly as they thought
+fit. My father thinks, of course, that Lyle is a Conservative, and that
+he only waits the occasion to come forward; but he is quite wrong. I
+know Lyle well, and he speaks to me without disguise. You see ‘tis an
+old Cavalier family, and Lyle has all the opinions and feelings of his
+race. He will not ally himself with anti-monarchists, and democrats,
+and infidels, and sectarians; at the same time, why should he support a
+party who pretend to oppose these, but who never lose an opportunity
+of insulting his religion, and would deprive him, if possible, of
+the advantages of the very institutions which his family assisted in
+establishing?’
+
+‘Why, indeed? I am glad to have made his acquaintance,’ said Coningsby.
+‘Is he clever?’
+
+‘I think so,’ said Lord Henry. ‘He is the most shy fellow, especially
+among women, that I ever knew, but he is very popular in the county. He
+does an amazing deal of good, and is one of the best riders we have. My
+father says, the very best; bold, but so very certain.’
+
+‘He is older than we are?’
+
+‘My senior by a year: he is just of age.’
+
+‘Oh, ah! twenty-one. A year younger than Gaston de Foix when he won
+Ravenna, and four years younger than John of Austria when he won
+Lepanto,’ observed Coningsby, musingly. ‘I vote we go to bed, old
+fellow!’
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+In a valley, not far from the margin of a beautiful river, raised on a
+lofty and artificial terrace at the base of a range of wooded heights,
+was a pile of modern building in the finest style of Christian
+architecture. It was of great extent and richly decorated. Built of
+a white and glittering stone, it sparkled with its pinnacles in the
+sunshine as it rose in strong relief against its verdant background.
+The winding valley, which was studded, but not too closely studded, with
+clumps of old trees, formed for a great extent on either side of the
+mansion a grassy demesne, which was called the Lower Park; but it was
+a region bearing the name of the Upper Park, that was the peculiar and
+most picturesque feature of this splendid residence. The wooded heights
+that formed the valley were not, as they appeared, a range of hills.
+Their crest was only the abrupt termination of a vast and enclosed
+tableland, abounding in all the qualities of the ancient chase: turf and
+trees, a wilderness of underwood, and a vast spread of gorse and fern.
+The deer, that abounded, lived here in a world as savage as themselves:
+trooping down in the evening to the river. Some of them, indeed, were
+ever in sight of those who were in the valley, and you might often
+observe various groups clustered on the green heights above the mansion,
+the effect of which was most inspiriting and graceful. Sometimes in the
+twilight, a solitary form, magnified by the illusive hour, might be seen
+standing on the brink of the steep, large and black against the clear
+sky.
+
+We have endeavoured slightly to sketch St. Geneviève as it appeared to
+our friends from Beaumanoir, winding into the valley the day after
+Mr. Lyle had dined with them. The valley opened for about half-a-mile
+opposite the mansion, which gave to the dwellers in it a view over an
+extensive and richly-cultivated country. It was through this district
+that the party from Beaumanoir had pursued their way. The first glance
+at the building, its striking situation, its beautiful form, its
+brilliant colour, its great extent, a gathering as it seemed of
+galleries, halls, and chapels, mullioned windows, portals of clustered
+columns, and groups of airy pinnacles and fretwork spires, called forth
+a general cry of wonder and of praise.
+
+The ride from Beaumanoir had been delightful; the breath of summer in
+every breeze, the light of summer on every tree. The gay laugh of
+Lady Everingham rang frequently in the air; often were her sunny eyes
+directed to Coningsby, as she called his attention to some fair object
+or some pretty effect. She played the hostess of Nature, and introduced
+him to all the beauties.
+
+Mr. Lyle had recognised them. He cantered forward with greetings on a
+fat little fawn-coloured pony, with a long white mane and white flowing
+tail, and the wickedest eye in the world. He rode by the side of the
+Duchess, and indicated their gently-descending route.
+
+They arrived, and the peacocks, who were sunning themselves on the
+turrets, expanded their plumage to welcome them.
+
+‘I can remember the old house,’ said the Duchess, as she took Mr. Lyle’s
+arm; ‘and I am happy to see the new one. The Duke had prepared me for
+much beauty, but the reality exceeds his report.’
+
+They entered by a short corridor into a large hall. They would have
+stopped to admire its rich roof, its gallery and screen; but their host
+suggested that they should refresh themselves after their ride, and they
+followed him through several apartments into a spacious chamber, its
+oaken panels covered with a series of interesting pictures, representing
+the siege of St. Geneviève by the Parliament forces in 1643: the various
+assaults and sallies, and the final discomfiture of the rebels. In all
+these figured a brave and graceful Sir Eustace Lyle, in cuirass and
+buff jerkin, with gleaming sword and flowing plume. The sight of these
+pictures was ever a source of great excitement to Henry Sydney, who
+always lamented his ill-luck in not living in such days; nay, would
+insist that all others must equally deplore their evil destiny.
+
+‘See, Coningsby, this battery on the Upper Park,’ said Lord Henry.
+‘This did the business: how it rakes up the valley; Sir Eustace works it
+himself. Mother, what a pity Beaumanoir was not besieged!’
+
+‘It may be,’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘I always fancy a siege must be so interesting,’ said Lady Everingham.
+‘It must be so exciting.’
+
+‘I hope the next siege may be at Beaumanoir, instead of St.
+Geneviève,’ said Lyle, laughing; ‘as Henry Sydney has such a military
+predisposition. Duchess, you said the other day that you liked
+Malvoisie, and here is some.
+
+  ‘Now broach me a cask of Malvoisie,
+  Bring pasty from the doe;’
+
+said the Duchess. ‘That has been my luncheon.’
+
+‘A poetic repast,’ said Lady Theresa.
+
+‘Their breeds of sheep must have been very inferior in old days,’ said
+Lord Everingham, ‘as they made such a noise about their venison. For my
+part I consider it a thing as much gone by as tilts and tournaments.’
+
+‘I am sorry that they have gone by,’ said Lady Theresa.
+
+‘Everything has gone by that is beautiful,’ said Lord Henry.
+
+‘Life is much easier,’ said Lord Everingham.
+
+‘Life easy!’ said Lord Henry. ‘Life appears to me to be a fierce
+struggle.’
+
+‘Manners are easy,’ said Coningsby, ‘and life is hard.’
+
+‘And I wish to see things exactly the reverse,’ said Lord Henry. ‘The
+means and modes of subsistence less difficult; the conduct of life more
+ceremonious.’
+
+‘Civilisation has no time for ceremony,’ said Lord Everingham.
+
+‘How very sententious you all are!’ said his wife. ‘I want to see the
+hall and many other things.’ And they all rose.
+
+There were indeed many other things to see: a long gallery, rich in
+ancestral portraits, specimens of art and costume from Holbein to
+Lawrence; courtiers of the Tudors, and cavaliers of the Stuarts,
+terminating in red-coated squires fresh from the field, and gentlemen
+buttoned up in black coats, and sitting in library chairs, with their
+backs to a crimson curtain. Woman, however, is always charming; and the
+present generation may view their mothers painted by Lawrence, as if
+they were patronesses of Almack’s; or their grandmothers by Reynolds,
+as Robinettas caressing birds, with as much delight as they gaze on
+the dewy-eyed matrons of Lely, and the proud bearing of the heroines
+of Vandyke. But what interested them more than the gallery, or the rich
+saloons, or even the baronial hall, was the chapel, in which art had
+exhausted all its invention, and wealth offered all its resources.
+The walls and vaulted roofs entirely painted in encaustic by the first
+artists of Germany, and representing the principal events of the second
+Testament, the splendour of the mosaic pavement, the richness of
+the painted windows, the sumptuousness of the altar, crowned by a
+masterpiece of Carlo Dolce and surrounded by a silver rail, the tone
+of rich and solemn light that pervaded all, and blended all the various
+sources of beauty into one absorbing and harmonious whole: all combined
+to produce an effect which stilled them into a silence that lasted for
+some minutes, until the ladies breathed their feelings in an almost
+inarticulate murmur of reverence and admiration; while a tear stole to
+the eye of the enthusiastic Henry Sydney.
+
+Leaving the chapel, they sauntered through the gardens, until, arriving
+at their limit, they were met by the prettiest sight in the world; a
+group of little pony chairs, each drawn by a little fat fawn-coloured
+pony, like the one that Mr. Lyle had been riding. Lord Henry drove his
+mother; Lord Everingham, Lady Theresa; Lady Everingham was attended by
+Coningsby. Their host cantered by the Duchess’s side, and along winding
+roads of easy ascent, leading through beautiful woods, and offering
+charming landscapes, they reached in due time the Upper Park.
+
+‘One sees our host to great advantage in his own house,’ said Lady
+Everingham. ‘He is scarcely the same person. I have not observed him
+once blush. He speaks and moves with ease. It is a pity that he is not
+more graceful. Above all things I like a graceful man.’
+
+‘That chapel,’ said Coningsby, ‘was a fine thing.’
+
+‘Very!’ said Lady Everingham. ‘Did you observe the picture over the
+altar, the Virgin with blue eyes? I never observed blue eyes before in
+such a picture. What is your favourite colour for eyes?’
+
+Coningsby felt embarrassed: he said something rather pointless about
+admiring everything that was beautiful.
+
+‘But every one has a favourite style; I want to know yours. Regular
+features, do you like regular features? Or is it expression that pleases
+you?’
+
+‘Expression; I think I like expression. Expression must be always
+delightful.’
+
+‘Do you dance?’
+
+‘No; I am no great dancer. I fear I have few accomplishments. I am fond
+of fencing.’
+
+‘I don’t fence,’ said Lady Everingham, with a smile. ‘But I think you
+are right not to dance. It is not in your way. You are ambitious, I
+believe?’ she added.
+
+‘I was not aware of it; everybody is ambitious.’
+
+‘You see I know something of your character. Henry has spoken of you to
+me a great deal; long before we met,--met again, I should say, for we
+are old friends, remember. Do you know your career much interests me? I
+like ambitious men.’
+
+There is something fascinating in the first idea that your career
+interests a charming woman. Coningsby felt that he was perhaps driving
+a Madame de Longueville. A woman who likes ambitious men must be no
+ordinary character; clearly a sort of heroine. At this moment they
+reached the Upper Park, and the novel landscape changed the current of
+their remarks.
+
+Far as the eye could reach there spread before them a savage sylvan
+scene. It wanted, perhaps, undulation of surface, but that deficiency
+was greatly compensated for by the multitude and prodigious size of the
+trees; they were the largest, indeed, that could well be met with in
+England; and there is no part of Europe where the timber is so huge.
+The broad interminable glades, the vast avenues, the quantity of deer
+browsing or bounding in all directions, the thickets of yellow gorse and
+green fern, and the breeze that even in the stillness of summer was ever
+playing over this table-land, all produced an animated and renovating
+scene. It was like suddenly visiting another country, living among other
+manners, and breathing another air. They stopped for a few minutes at
+a pavilion built for the purposes of the chase, and then returned, all
+gratified by this visit to what appeared to be the higher regions of the
+earth.
+
+As they approached the brow of the hill that hung over St. Geneviève,
+they heard the great bell sound.
+
+‘What is that?’ asked the Duchess.
+
+‘It is almsgiving day,’ replied Mr. Lyle, looking a little embarrassed,
+and for the first time blushing. ‘The people of the parishes with which
+I am connected come to St. Geneviève twice a-week at this hour.’
+
+‘And what is your system?’ inquired Lord Everingham, who had stopped,
+interested by the scene. ‘What check have you?’
+
+‘The rectors of the different parishes grant certificates to those
+who in their belief merit bounty according to the rules which I have
+established. These are again visited by my almoner, who countersigns
+the certificate, and then they present it at the postern-gate. The
+certificate explains the nature of their necessities, and my steward
+acts on his discretion.
+
+‘Mamma, I see them!’ exclaimed Lady Theresa.
+
+‘Perhaps your Grace may think that they might be relieved without all
+this ceremony,’ said Mr. Lyle, extremely confused. ‘But I agree with
+Henry and Mr. Coningsby, that Ceremony is not, as too commonly supposed,
+an idle form. I wish the people constantly and visibly to comprehend
+that Property is their protector and their friend.’
+
+‘My reason is with you, Mr. Lyle,’ said the Duchess, ‘as well as my
+heart.’
+
+They came along the valley, a procession of Nature, whose groups an
+artist might have studied. The old man, who loved the pilgrimage too
+much to avail himself of the privilege of a substitute accorded to his
+grey hairs, came in person with his grandchild and his staff. There also
+came the widow with her child at the breast, and others clinging to her
+form; some sorrowful faces, and some pale; many a serious one, and
+now and then a frolic glance; many a dame in her red cloak, and many a
+maiden with her light basket; curly-headed urchins with demure looks,
+and sometimes a stalwart form baffled for a time of the labour which he
+desired. But not a heart there that did not bless the bell that sounded
+from the tower of St. Geneviève!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+
+‘My fathers perilled their blood and fortunes for the cause of the
+Sovereignty and Church of England,’ said Lyle to Coningsby, as they were
+lying stretched out on the sunny turf in the park of Beaumanoir,’ and
+I inherit their passionate convictions. They were Catholics, as their
+descendant. No doubt they would have been glad to see their ancient
+faith predominant in their ancient land; but they bowed, as I bow, to an
+adverse and apparently irrevocable decree. But if we could not have the
+Church of our fathers, we honoured and respected the Church of their
+children. It was at least a Church; a ‘Catholic and Apostolic Church,’
+as it daily declares itself. Besides, it was our friend. When we were
+persecuted by Puritanic Parliaments, it was the Sovereign and the Church
+of England that interposed, with the certainty of creating against
+themselves odium and mistrust, to shield us from the dark and relentless
+bigotry of Calvinism.’
+
+‘I believe,’ said Coningsby, ‘that if Charles I. had hanged all the
+Catholic priests that Parliament petitioned him to execute, he would
+never have lost his crown.’
+
+‘You were mentioning my father,’ continued Lyle. ‘He certainly was a
+Whig. Galled by political exclusion, he connected himself with that
+party in the State which began to intimate emancipation. After all, they
+did not emancipate us. It was the fall of the Papacy in England that
+founded the Whig aristocracy; a fact that must always lie at the bottom
+of their hearts, as, I assure you, it does of mine.
+
+‘I gathered at an early age,’ continued Lyle, ‘that I was expected to
+inherit my father’s political connections with the family estates. Under
+ordinary circumstances this would probably have occurred. In times that
+did not force one to ponder, it is not likely I should have recoiled
+from uniting myself with a party formed of the best families in England,
+and ever famous for accomplished men and charming women. But I enter
+life in the midst of a convulsion in which the very principles of our
+political and social systems are called in question. I cannot unite
+myself with the party of destruction. It is an operative cause alien
+to my being. What, then, offers itself? The Duke talks to me of
+Conservative principles; but he does not inform me what they are. I
+observe indeed a party in the State whose rule it is to consent to no
+change, until it is clamorously called for, and then instantly to yield;
+but those are Concessionary, not Conservative principles. This party
+treats institutions as we do our pheasants, they preserve only to
+destroy them. But is there a statesman among these Conservatives who
+offers us a dogma for a guide, or defines any great political truth
+which we should aspire to establish? It seems to me a barren thing,
+this Conservatism, an unhappy cross-breed; the mule of politics that
+engenders nothing. What do you think of all this, Coningsby? I assure
+you I feel confused, perplexed, harassed. I know I have public duties to
+perform; I am, in fact, every day of my life solicited by all parties
+to throw the weight of my influence in one scale or another; but I am
+paralysed. I often wish I had no position in the country. The sense
+of its responsibility depresses me; makes me miserable. I speak to you
+without reserve; with a frankness which our short acquaintance scarcely
+authorises; but Henry Sydney has so often talked to me of you, and
+I have so long wished to know you, that I open my heart without
+restraint.’
+
+‘My dear fellow,’ said Coningsby, ‘you have but described my feelings
+when you depicted your own. My mind on these subjects has long been
+a chaos. I float in a sea of troubles, and should long ago have
+been wrecked had I not been sustained by a profound, however vague,
+conviction, that there are still great truths, if we could but work them
+out; that Government, for instance, should be loved and not hated, and
+that Religion should be a faith and not a form.’
+
+The moral influence of residence furnishes some of the most interesting
+traits of our national manners. The presence of this power was very
+apparent throughout the district that surrounded Beaumanoir. The ladies
+of that house were deeply sensible of the responsibility of their
+position; thoroughly comprehending their duties, they fulfilled them
+without affectation, with earnestness, and with that effect which
+springs from a knowledge of the subject. The consequences were visible
+in the tone of the peasantry being superior to that which we too often
+witness. The ancient feudal feeling that lingers in these sequestered
+haunts is an instrument which, when skilfully wielded, may be productive
+of vast social benefit. The Duke understood this well; and his family
+had imbibed all his views, and seconded them. Lady Everingham, once more
+in the scene of her past life, resumed the exercise of gentle offices,
+as if she had never ceased to be a daughter of the house, and as if
+another domain had not its claims upon her solicitude. Coningsby was
+often the companion of herself and her sister in their pilgrimages
+of charity and kindness. He admired the graceful energy, and thorough
+acquaintance with details, with which Lady Everingham superintended
+schools, organised societies of relief, and the discrimination which she
+brought to bear upon individual cases of suffering or misfortune. He was
+deeply interested as he watched the magic of her manner, as she melted
+the obdurate, inspired the slothful, consoled the afflicted, and
+animated with her smiles and ready phrase the energetic and the dutiful.
+Nor on these occasions was Lady Theresa seen under less favourable
+auspices. Without the vivacity of her sister, there was in her demeanour
+a sweet seriousness of purpose that was most winning; and sometimes a
+burst of energy, a trait of decision, which strikingly contrasted with
+the somewhat over-controlled character of her life in drawing-rooms.
+
+In the society of these engaging companions, time for Coningsby glided
+away in a course which he sometimes wished nothing might disturb. Apart
+from them, he frequently felt himself pensive and vaguely disquieted.
+Even the society of Henry Sydney or Eustace Lyle, much as under
+ordinary circumstances they would have been adapted to his mood, did not
+compensate for the absence of that indefinite, that novel, that strange,
+yet sweet excitement, which he felt, he knew not exactly how or why,
+stealing over his senses. Sometimes the countenance of Theresa Sydney
+flitted over his musing vision; sometimes the merry voice of Lady
+Everingham haunted his ear. But to be their companion in ride or ramble;
+to avoid any arrangement which for many hours should deprive him of
+their presence; was every day with Coningsby a principal object.
+
+One day he had been out shooting rabbits with Lyle and Henry Sydney, and
+returned with them late to Beaumanoir to dinner. He had not enjoyed his
+sport, and he had not shot at all well. He had been dreamy, silent, had
+deeply felt the want of Lady Everingham’s conversation, that was ever so
+poignant and so interestingly personal to himself; one of the secrets of
+her sway, though Coningsby was not then quite conscious of it. Talk to a
+man about himself, and he is generally captivated. That is the real way
+to win him. The only difference between men and women in this respect
+is, that most women are vain, and some men are not. There are some men
+who have no self-love; but if they have, female vanity is but a trifling
+and airy passion compared with the vast voracity of appetite which in
+the sterner sex can swallow anything, and always crave for more.
+
+When Coningsby entered the drawing-room, there seemed a somewhat unusual
+bustle in the room, but as the twilight had descended, it was at first
+rather difficult to distinguish who was present. He soon perceived that
+there were strangers. A gentleman of pleasing appearance was near a sofa
+on which the Duchess and Lady Everingham were seated, and discoursing
+with some volubility. His phrases seemed to command attention; his
+audience had an animated glance, eyes sparkling with intelligence and
+interest; not a word was disregarded. Coningsby did not advance as was
+his custom; he had a sort of instinct, that the stranger was discoursing
+of matters of which he knew nothing. He turned to a table, he took up a
+book, which he began to read upside downwards. A hand was lightly placed
+on his shoulder. He looked round, it was another stranger; who said,
+however, in a tone of familiar friendliness,
+
+‘How do you do, Coningsby?’
+
+It was a young man about four-and-twenty years of age, tall,
+good-looking. Old recollections, his intimate greeting, a strong family
+likeness, helped Coningsby to conjecture correctly who was the person
+who addressed him. It was, indeed, the eldest son of the Duke, the
+Marquis of Beaumanoir, who had arrived at his father’s unexpectedly with
+his friend, Mr. Melton, on their way to the north.
+
+Mr. Melton was a gentleman of the highest fashion, and a great favourite
+in society. He was about thirty, good-looking, with an air that
+commanded attention, and manners, though facile, sufficiently finished.
+He was communicative, though calm, and without being witty, had at his
+service a turn of phrase, acquired by practice and success, which was,
+or which always seemed to be, poignant. The ladies seemed especially to
+be delighted at his arrival. He knew everything of everybody they cared
+about; and Coningsby listened in silence to names which for the first
+time reached his ears, but which seemed to excite great interest. Mr.
+Melton frequently addressed his most lively observations and his most
+sparkling anecdotes to Lady Everingham, who evidently relished all that
+he said, and returned him in kind.
+
+Throughout the dinner Lady Everingham and Mr. Melton maintained what
+appeared a most entertaining conversation, principally about things and
+persons which did not in any way interest our hero; who, however, had
+the satisfaction of hearing Lady Everingham, in the drawing-room, say in
+a careless tone to the Duchess.
+
+‘I am so glad, mamma, that Mr. Melton has come; we wanted some
+amusement.’
+
+What a confession! What a revelation to Coningsby of his infinite
+insignificance! Coningsby entertained a great aversion for Mr. Melton,
+but felt his spirit unequal to the social contest. The genius of
+the untutored, inexperienced youth quailed before that of the
+long-practised, skilful man of the world. What was the magic of this
+man? What was the secret of this ease, that nothing could disturb, and
+yet was not deficient in deference and good taste? And then his dress,
+it seemed fashioned by some unearthly artist; yet it was impossible
+to detect the unobtrusive causes of the general effect that was
+irresistible. Coningsby’s coat was made by Stultz; almost every fellow
+in the sixth form had his coats made by Stultz; yet Coningsby fancied
+that his own garment looked as if it had been furnished by some rustic
+slopseller. He began to wonder where Mr. Melton got his boots from, and
+glanced at his own, which, though made in St. James’s Street, seemed to
+him to have a cloddish air.
+
+Lady Everingham was determined that Mr. Melton should see Beaumanoir to
+the greatest advantage. Mr. Melton had never been there before, except
+at Christmas, with the house full of visitors and factitious gaiety. Now
+he was to see the country. Accordingly, there were long rides every day,
+which Lady Everingham called expeditions, and which generally produced
+some slight incident which she styled an adventure. She was kind to
+Coningsby, but had no time to indulge in the lengthened conversations
+which he had previously found so magical. Mr. Melton was always on
+the scene, the monopolising hero, it would seem, of every thought, and
+phrase, and plan. Coningsby began to think that Beaumanoir was not so
+delightful a place as he had imagined. He began to think that he had
+stayed there perhaps too long. He had received a letter from Mr. Rigby,
+to inform him that he was expected at Coningsby Castle at the beginning
+of September, to meet Lord Monmouth, who had returned to England, and
+for grave and special reasons was about to reside at his chief seat,
+which he had not visited for many years. Coningsby had intended to have
+remained at Beaumanoir until that time; but suddenly it occurred to
+him, that the Age of Ruins was past, and that he ought to seize the
+opportunity of visiting Manchester, which was in the same county as the
+castle of his grandfather. So difficult is it to speculate upon
+events! Muse as we may, we are the creatures of circumstances; and the
+unexpected arrival of a London dandy at the country-seat of an English
+nobleman sent this representative of the New Generation, fresh from
+Eton, nursed in prejudices, yet with a mind predisposed to inquiry
+and prone to meditation, to a scene apt to stimulate both intellectual
+processes; which demanded investigation and induced thought, the great
+METROPOLIS OF LABOUR.
+
+END OF BOOK III.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK IV
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+A great city, whose image dwells in the memory of man, is the type of
+some great idea. Rome represents conquest; Faith hovers over the towers
+of Jerusalem; and Athens embodies the pre-eminent quality of the antique
+world, Art.
+
+In modern ages, Commerce has created London; while Manners, in the most
+comprehensive sense of the word, have long found a supreme capital in
+the airy and bright-minded city of the Seine.
+
+Art was to the ancient world, Science is to the modern: the distinctive
+faculty. In the minds of men the useful has succeeded to the beautiful.
+Instead of the city of the Violet Crown, a Lancashire village has
+expanded into a mighty region of factories and warehouses. Yet, rightly
+understood, Manchester is as great a human exploit as Athens.
+
+The inhabitants, indeed, are not so impressed with their idiosyncrasy as
+the countrymen of Pericles and Phidias. They do not fully comprehend the
+position which they occupy. It is the philosopher alone who can conceive
+the grandeur of Manchester, and the immensity of its future. There are
+yet great truths to tell, if we had either the courage to announce or
+the temper to receive them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+A feeling of melancholy, even of uneasiness, attends our first entrance
+into a great town, especially at night. Is it that the sense of all this
+vast existence with which we have no connexion, where we are utterly
+unknown, oppresses us with our insignificance? Is it that it is terrible
+to feel friendless where all have friends?
+
+Yet reverse the picture. Behold a community where you are unknown, but
+where you will be known, perhaps honoured. A place where you have no
+friends, but where, also, you have no enemies. A spot that has hitherto
+been a blank in your thoughts, as you have been a cipher in its
+sensations, and yet a spot, perhaps, pregnant with your destiny!
+
+There is, perhaps, no act of memory so profoundly interesting as to
+recall the careless mood and moment in which we have entered a town,
+a house, a chamber, on the eve of an acquaintance or an event that has
+given colour and an impulse to our future life.
+
+What is this Fatality that men worship? Is it a Goddess?
+
+Unquestionably it is a power that acts mainly by female agents. Women
+are the Priestesses of Predestination.
+
+Man conceives Fortune, but Woman conducts it.
+
+It is the Spirit of Man that says, ‘I will be great;’ but it is the
+Sympathy of Woman that usually makes him so.
+
+It was not the comely and courteous hostess of the Adelphi Hotel,
+Manchester, that gave occasion to these remarks, though she may deserve
+them, and though she was most kind to our Coningsby as he came in late
+at night very tired, and not in very good humour.
+
+He had travelled the whole day through the great district of labour,
+his mind excited by strange sights, and at length wearied by their
+multiplication. He had passed over the plains where iron and coal
+supersede turf and corn, dingy as the entrance of Hades, and flaming
+with furnaces; and now he was among illumined factories with more
+windows than Italian palaces, and smoking chimneys taller than Egyptian
+obelisks. Alone in the great metropolis of machinery itself, sitting
+down in a solitary coffee-room glaring with gas, with no appetite, a
+whirling head, and not a plan or purpose for the morrow, why was he
+there? Because a being, whose name even was unknown to him, had met him
+in a hedge alehouse during a thunderstorm, and told him that the Age of
+Ruins was past.
+
+Remarkable instance of the influence of an individual; some evidence of
+the extreme susceptibility of our hero.
+
+Even his bedroom was lit by gas. Wonderful city! That, however, could be
+got rid of. He opened the window. The summer air was sweet, even in this
+land of smoke and toil. He feels a sensation such as in Lisbon or Lima
+precedes an earthquake. The house appears to quiver. It is a sympathetic
+affection occasioned by a steam-engine in a neighbouring factory.
+
+Notwithstanding, however, all these novel incidents, Coningsby slept the
+deep sleep of youth and health, of a brain which, however occasionally
+perplexed by thought, had never been harassed by anxiety. He rose early,
+freshened, and in fine spirits. And by the time the deviled chicken and
+the buttered toast, that mysterious and incomparable luxury, which can
+only be obtained at an inn, had disappeared, he felt all the delightful
+excitement of travel.
+
+And now for action! Not a letter had Coningsby; not an individual in
+that vast city was known to him. He went to consult his kind hostess,
+who smiled confidence. He was to mention her name at one place, his
+own at another. All would be right; she seemed to have reliance in the
+destiny of such a nice young man.
+
+He saw all; they were kind and hospitable to the young stranger,
+whose thought, and earnestness, and gentle manners attracted them. One
+recommended him to another; all tried to aid and assist him. He entered
+chambers vaster than are told of in Arabian fable, and peopled with
+habitants more wondrous than Afrite or Peri. For there he beheld, in
+long-continued ranks, those mysterious forms full of existence without
+life, that perform with facility, and in an instant, what man can fulfil
+only with difficulty and in days. A machine is a slave that neither
+brings nor bears degradation; it is a being endowed with the greatest
+degree of energy, and acting under the greatest degree of excitement,
+yet free at the same time from all passion and emotion. It is,
+therefore, not only a slave, but a supernatural slave. And why should
+one say that the machine does not live? It breathes, for its breath
+forms the atmosphere of some towns. It moves with more regularity than
+man. And has it not a voice? Does not the spindle sing like a merry girl
+at her work, and the steam-engine roar in jolly chorus, like a strong
+artisan handling his lusty tools, and gaining a fair day’s wages for a
+fair day’s toil?
+
+Nor should the weaving-room be forgotten, where a thousand or fifteen
+hundred girls may be observed in their coral necklaces, working like
+Penelope in the daytime; some pretty, some pert, some graceful and
+jocund, some absorbed in their occupation; a little serious some, few
+sad. And the cotton you have observed in its rude state, that you have
+seen the silent spinner change into thread, and the bustling weaver
+convert into cloth, you may now watch as in a moment it is tinted
+with beautiful colours, or printed with fanciful patterns. And yet the
+mystery of mysteries is to view machines making machines; a spectacle
+that fills the mind with curious, and even awful, speculation.
+
+From early morn to the late twilight, our Coningsby for several days
+devoted himself to the comprehension of Manchester. It was to him a new
+world, pregnant with new ideas, and suggestive of new trains of thought
+and feeling. In this unprecedented partnership between capital and
+science, working on a spot which Nature had indicated as the fitting
+theatre of their exploits, he beheld a great source of the wealth of
+nations which had been reserved for these times, and he perceived that
+this wealth was rapidly developing classes whose power was imperfectly
+recognised in the constitutional scheme, and whose duties in the social
+system seemed altogether omitted. Young as he was, the bent of his mind,
+and the inquisitive spirit of the times, had sufficiently prepared him,
+not indeed to grapple with these questions, but to be sensible of their
+existence, and to ponder.
+
+One evening, in the coffee-room of the hotel, having just finished his
+well-earned dinner, and relaxing his mind for the moment in a fresh
+research into the Manchester Guide, an individual, who had also been
+dining in the same apartment, rose from his table, and, after lolling
+over the empty fireplace, reading the framed announcements, looking
+at the directions of several letters waiting there for their owners,
+picking his teeth, turned round to Coningsby, and, with an air of uneasy
+familiarity, said,--
+
+‘First visit to Manchester, sir?’
+
+‘My first.’
+
+‘Gentleman traveller, I presume?’
+
+‘I am a traveller.’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘Hem! From south?’
+
+‘From the south.’
+
+‘And pray, sir, how did you find business as you came along? Brisk, I
+dare say. And yet there is a something, a sort of a something; didn’t
+it strike you, sir, there was a something? A deal of queer paper about,
+sir!’
+
+‘I fear you are speaking on a subject of which I know nothing,’ said
+Coningsby, smiling; ‘I do not understand business at all; though I am
+not surprised that, being at Manchester, you should suppose so.’
+
+‘Ah! not in business. Hem! Professional?’
+
+‘No,’ said Coningsby, ‘I am nothing.’
+
+‘Ah! an independent gent; hem! and a very pleasant thing, too. Pleased
+with Manchester, I dare say?’ continued the stranger.
+
+‘And astonished,’ said Coningsby; ‘I think, in the whole course of my
+life, I never saw so much to admire.’
+
+‘Seen all the lions, have no doubt?’
+
+‘I think I have seen everything,’ said Coningsby, rather eager and with
+some pride.
+
+‘Very well, very well,’ exclaimed the stranger, in a patronising tone.
+‘Seen Mr. Birley’s weaving-room, I dare say?’
+
+‘Oh! isn’t it wonderful?’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘A great many people.’ said the stranger, with a rather supercilious
+smile.
+
+‘But after all,’ said Coningsby, with animation, ‘it is the machinery
+without any interposition of manual power that overwhelms me. It haunts
+me in my dreams,’ continued Coningsby; ‘I see cities peopled with
+machines. Certainly Manchester is the most wonderful city of modern
+times!’
+
+The stranger stared a little at the enthusiasm of his companion, and
+then picked his teeth.
+
+‘Of all the remarkable things here,’ said Coningsby, ‘what on the whole,
+sir, do you look upon as the most so?’
+
+‘In the way of machinery?’ asked the stranger.
+
+‘In the way of machinery.’
+
+‘Why, in the way of machinery, you know,’ said the stranger, very
+quietly, ‘Manchester is a dead letter.’
+
+‘A dead letter!’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘Dead and buried,’ said the stranger, accompanying his words with
+that peculiar application of his thumb to his nose that signifies so
+eloquently that all is up.
+
+‘You astonish me!’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘It’s a booked place though,’ said the stranger, ‘and no mistake. We
+have all of us a very great respect for Manchester, of course; look upon
+her as a sort of mother, and all that sort of thing. But she is behind
+the times, sir, and that won’t do in this age. The long and short of it
+is, Manchester is gone by.’
+
+‘I thought her only fault might be she was too much in advance of the
+rest of the country,’ said Coningsby, innocently.
+
+‘If you want to see life,’ said the stranger, ‘go to Staleybridge or
+Bolton. There’s high pressure.’
+
+‘But the population of Manchester is increasing,’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘Why, yes; not a doubt. You see we have all of us a great respect for
+the town. It is a sort of metropolis of this district, and there is
+a good deal of capital in the place. And it has some firstrate
+institutions. There’s the Manchester Bank. That’s a noble institution,
+full of commercial enterprise; understands the age, sir; high-pressure
+to the backbone. I came up to town to see the manager to-day. I am
+building a new mill now myself at Staleybridge, and mean to open it by
+January, and when I do, I’ll give you leave to pay another visit to Mr.
+Birley’s weaving-room, with my compliments.’
+
+‘I am very sorry,’ said Coningsby, ‘that I have only another day left;
+but pray tell me, what would you recommend me most to see within a
+reasonable distance of Manchester?’
+
+‘My mill is not finished,’ said the stranger musingly, ‘and though there
+is still a great deal worth seeing at Staleybridge, still you had
+better wait to see my new mill. And Bolton, let me see; Bolton, there is
+nothing at Bolton that can hold up its head for a moment against my new
+mill; but then it is not finished. Well, well, let us see. What a pity
+this is not the 1st of January, and then my new mill would be at work! I
+should like to see Mr. Birley’s face, or even Mr. Ashworth’s, that day.
+And the Oxford Road Works, where they are always making a little change,
+bit by bit reform, eh! not a very particular fine appetite, I suspect,
+for dinner, at the Oxford Road Works, the day they hear of my new mill
+being at work. But you want to see something tip-top. Well, there’s
+Millbank; that’s regular slap-up, quite a sight, regular lion; if I were
+you I would see Millbank.’
+
+‘Millbank!’ said Coningsby; ‘what Millbank?’
+
+‘Millbank of Millbank, made the place, made it himself. About three
+miles from Bolton; train to-morrow morning at 7.25, get a fly at the
+station, and you will be at Millbank by 8.40.’
+
+‘Unfortunately I am engaged to-morrow morning,’ said Coningsby, ‘and yet
+I am most anxious, particularly anxious, to see Millbank.’
+
+‘Well, there’s a late train,’ said the stranger, ‘3.15; you will be
+there by 4.30.’
+
+‘I think I could manage that,’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘Do,’ said the stranger; ‘and if you ever find yourself at Staleybridge,
+I shall be very happy to be of service. I must be off now. My train goes
+at 9.15.’ And he presented Coningsby with his card as he wished him good
+night.
+
+MR. G. O. A. HEAD, STALEYBRIDGE.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+In a green valley of Lancaster, contiguous to that district of factories
+on which we have already touched, a clear and powerful stream flows
+through a broad meadow land. Upon its margin, adorned, rather than
+shadowed, by some old elm-trees, for they are too distant to serve
+except for ornament, rises a vast deep red brick pile, which though
+formal and monotonous in its general character, is not without a
+certain beauty of proportion and an artist-like finish in its occasional
+masonry. The front, which is of great extent, and covered with many
+tiers of small windows, is flanked by two projecting wings in the same
+style, which form a large court, completed by a dwarf wall crowned
+with a light, and rather elegant railing; in the centre, the principal
+entrance, a lofty portal of bold and beautiful design, surmounted by a
+statue of Commerce.
+
+This building, not without a degree of dignity, is what is technically,
+and not very felicitously, called a mill; always translated by the
+French in their accounts of our manufacturing riots, ‘moulin;’ and which
+really was the principal factory of Oswald Millbank, the father of that
+youth whom, we trust, our readers have not quite forgotten.
+
+At some little distance, and rather withdrawn from the principal stream,
+were two other smaller structures of the same style. About a quarter of
+a mile further on, appeared a village of not inconsiderable size, and
+remarkable from the neatness and even picturesque character of its
+architecture, and the gay gardens that surrounded it. On a sunny
+knoll in the background rose a church, in the best style of Christian
+architecture, and near it was a clerical residence and a school-house
+of similar design. The village, too, could boast of another public
+building; an Institute where there were a library and a lecture-room;
+and a reading-hall, which any one might frequent at certain hours, and
+under reasonable regulations.
+
+On the other side of the principal factory, but more remote, about
+half-a-mile up the valley, surrounded by beautiful meadows, and built
+on an agreeable and well-wooded elevation, was the mansion of
+the mill-owner; apparently a commodious and not inconsiderable
+dwelling-house, built in what is called a villa style, with a variety
+of gardens and conservatories. The atmosphere of this somewhat striking
+settlement was not disturbed and polluted by the dark vapour, which,
+to the shame of Manchester, still infests that great town, for Mr.
+Millbank, who liked nothing so much as an invention, unless it were an
+experiment, took care to consume his own smoke.
+
+The sun was declining when Coningsby arrived at Millbank, and the
+gratification which he experienced on first beholding it, was not a
+little diminished, when, on enquiring at the village, he was informed
+that the hour was past for seeing the works. Determined not to
+relinquish his purpose without a struggle, he repaired to the principal
+mill, and entered the counting-house, which was situated in one of the
+wings of the building.
+
+‘Your pleasure, sir?’ said one of three individuals sitting on high
+stools behind a high desk.
+
+‘I wish, if possible, to see the works.’
+
+‘Quite impossible, sir;’ and the clerk, withdrawing his glance,
+continued his writing. ‘No admission without an order, and no admission
+with an order after two o’clock.’
+
+‘I am very unfortunate,’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘Sorry for it, sir. Give me ledger K. X., will you, Mr. Benson?’
+
+‘I think Mr. Millbank would grant me permission,’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘Very likely, sir; to-morrow. Mr. Millbank is there, sir, but very much
+engaged.’ He pointed to an inner counting-house, and the glass doors
+permitted Coningsby to observe several individuals in close converse.
+
+‘Perhaps his son, Mr. Oswald Millbank, is here?’ inquired Coningsby.
+
+‘Mr. Oswald is in Belgium,’ said the clerk.
+
+‘Would you give a message to Mr. Millbank, and say a friend of his son’s
+at Eton is here, and here only for a day, and wishes very much to see
+his works?’
+
+‘Can’t possibly disturb Mr. Millbank now, sir; but, if you like to sit
+down, you can wait and see him yourself.’
+
+Coningsby was content to sit down, though he grew very impatient at the
+end of a quarter of an hour. The ticking of the clock, the scratching
+of the pens of the three silent clerks, irritated him. At length, voices
+were heard, doors opened, and the clerk said, ‘Mr. Millbank is coming,
+sir,’ but nobody came; voices became hushed, doors were shut; again
+nothing was heard, save the ticking of the clock and the scratching of
+the pen.
+
+At length there was a general stir, and they all did come forth, Mr.
+Millbank among them, a well-proportioned, comely man, with a fair face
+inclining to ruddiness, a quick, glancing, hazel eye, the whitest teeth,
+and short, curly, chestnut hair, here and there slightly tinged with
+grey. It was a visage of energy and decision.
+
+He was about to pass through the counting-house with his companions,
+with whom his affairs were not concluded, when he observed Coningsby,
+who had risen.
+
+‘This gentleman wishes to see me?’ he inquired of his clerk, who bowed
+assent.
+
+‘I shall be at your service, sir, the moment I have finished with these
+gentlemen.’
+
+‘The gentleman wishes to see the works, sir,’ said the clerk.
+
+‘He can see the works at proper times,’ said Mr. Millbank, somewhat
+pettishly; ‘tell him the regulations;’ and he was about to go.
+
+‘I beg your pardon, sir,’ said Coningsby, coming forward, and with an
+air of earnestness and grace that arrested the step of the manufacturer.
+‘I am aware of the regulations, but would beg to be permitted to
+infringe them.’
+
+‘It cannot be, sir,’ said Mr. Millbank, moving.
+
+‘I thought, sir, being here only for a day, and as a friend of your
+son--’
+
+Mr. Millbank stopped and said,
+
+‘Oh! a friend of Oswald’s, eh? What, at Eton?’
+
+‘Yes, sir, at Eton; and I had hoped perhaps to have found him here.’
+
+‘I am very much engaged, sir, at this moment,’ said Mr. Millbank; ‘I am
+sorry I cannot pay you any personal attention, but my clerk will show
+you everything. Mr. Benson, let this gentleman see everything;’ and he
+withdrew.
+
+‘Be pleased to write your name here, sir,’ said Mr. Benson, opening
+a book, and our friend wrote his name and the date of his visit to
+Millbank:
+
+  ‘HARRY CONINGSBY, Sept. 2, 1836.’
+
+Coningsby beheld in this great factory the last and the most refined
+inventions of mechanical genius. The building had been fitted up by a
+capitalist as anxious to raise a monument of the skill and power of his
+order, as to obtain a return for the great investment.
+
+‘It is the glory of Lancashire!’ exclaimed the enthusiastic Mr. Benson.
+
+The clerk spoke freely of his master, whom he evidently idolised, and
+his great achievements, and Coningsby encouraged him. He detailed to
+Coningsby the plans which Mr. Millbank had pursued, both for the moral
+and physical well-being of his people; how he had built churches,
+and schools, and institutes; houses and cottages on a new system of
+ventilation; how he had allotted gardens; established singing classes.
+
+‘Here is Mr. Millbank,’ continued the clerk, as he and Coningsby,
+quitting the factory, re-entered the court.
+
+Mr. Millbank was approaching the factory, and the moment that he
+observed them, he quickened his pace.
+
+‘Mr. Coningsby?’ he said, when he reached them. His countenance was
+rather disturbed, and his voice a little trembled, and he looked on our
+friend with a glance scrutinising and serious. Coningsby bowed.
+
+‘I am sorry that you should have been received at this place with
+so little ceremony, sir,’ said Mr. Millbank; ‘but had your name been
+mentioned, you would have found it cherished here.’ He nodded to the
+clerk, who disappeared.
+
+Coningsby began to talk about the wonders of the factory, but Mr.
+Millbank recurred to other thoughts that were passing in his mind. He
+spoke of his son: he expressed a kind reproach that Coningsby should
+have thought of visiting this part of the world without giving them
+some notice of his intention, that he might have been their guest, that
+Oswald might have been there to receive him, that they might have made
+arrangements that he should see everything, and in the best manner; in
+short, that they might all have shown, however slightly, the deep sense
+of their obligations to him.
+
+‘My visit to Manchester, which led to this, was quite accidental,’ said
+Coningsby. ‘I am bound for the other division of the county, to pay a
+visit to my grandfather, Lord Monmouth; but an irresistible desire came
+over me during my journey to view this famous district of industry. It
+is some days since I ought to have found myself at Coningsby, and this
+is the reason why I am so pressed.’
+
+A cloud passed over the countenance of Millbank as the name of Lord
+Monmouth was mentioned, but he said nothing. Turning towards Coningsby,
+with an air of kindness:
+
+‘At least,’ said he, ‘let not Oswald hear that you did not taste our
+salt. Pray dine with me to-day; there is yet an hour to dinner; and
+as you have seen the factory, suppose we stroll together through the
+village.’
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+The village clock struck five as Mr. Millbank and his guest entered the
+gardens of his mansion. Coningsby lingered a moment to admire the beauty
+and gay profusion of the flowers.
+
+‘Your situation,’ said Coningsby, looking up the green and silent
+valley, ‘is absolutely poetic.’
+
+‘I try sometimes to fancy,’ said Mr. Millbank, with a rather fierce
+smile, ‘that I am in the New World.’
+
+They entered the house; a capacious and classic hall, at the end a
+staircase in the Italian fashion. As they approached it, the sweetest
+and the clearest voice exclaimed from above, ‘Papa! papa!’ and instantly
+a young girl came bounding down the stairs, but suddenly seeing a
+stranger with her father she stopped upon the landing-place, and was
+evidently on the point of as rapidly retreating as she had advanced,
+when Mr. Millbank waved his hand to her and begged her to descend. She
+came down slowly; as she approached them her father said, ‘A friend you
+have often heard of, Edith: this is Mr. Coningsby.’
+
+She started; blushed very much; and then, with a trembling and uncertain
+gait, advanced, put forth her hand with a wild unstudied grace, and said
+in a tone of sensibility, ‘How often have we all wished to see and to
+thank you!’
+
+This daughter of his host was of tender years; apparently she could
+scarcely have counted sixteen summers. She was delicate and fragile, but
+as she raised her still blushing visage to her father’s guest, Coningsby
+felt that he had never beheld a countenance of such striking and such
+peculiar beauty.
+
+‘My only daughter, Mr. Coningsby, Edith; a Saxon name, for she is the
+daughter of a Saxon.’
+
+But the beauty of the countenance was not the beauty of the Saxons. It
+was a radiant face, one of those that seem to have been touched in
+their cradle by a sunbeam, and to have retained all their brilliancy and
+suffused and mantling lustre. One marks sometimes such faces, diaphanous
+with delicate splendour, in the southern regions of France. Her eye,
+too, was the rare eye of Aquitaine; soft and long, with lashes drooping
+over the cheek, dark as her clustering ringlets.
+
+They entered the drawing-room.
+
+‘Mr. Coningsby,’ said Millbank to his daughter, ‘is in this part of the
+world only for a few hours, or I am sure he would become our guest. He
+has, however, promised to stay with us now and dine.’
+
+‘If Miss Millbank will pardon this dress,’ said Coningsby, bowing an
+apology for his inevitable frock and boots; the maiden raised her eyes
+and bent her head.
+
+The hour of dinner was at hand. Millbank offered to show Coningsby to
+his dressing-room. He was absent but a few minutes. When he returned he
+found Miss Millbank alone. He came somewhat suddenly into the room. She
+was playing with her dog, but ceased the moment she observed Coningsby.
+
+Coningsby, who since his practice with Lady Everingham, flattered
+himself that he had advanced in small talk, and was not sorry that
+he had now an opportunity of proving his prowess, made some lively
+observations about pets and the breeds of lapdogs, but he was not
+fortunate in extracting a response or exciting a repartee. He began then
+on the beauty of Millbank, which he would on no account have avoided
+seeing, and inquired when she had last heard of her brother. The young
+lady, apparently much distressed, was murmuring something about Antwerp,
+when the entrance of her father relieved her from her embarrassment.
+
+Dinner being announced, Coningsby offered his arm to his fair companion,
+who took it with her eyes fixed on the ground.
+
+‘You are very fond, I see, of flowers,’ said Coningsby, as they moved
+along; and the young lady said ‘Yes.’
+
+The dinner was plain, but perfect of its kind. The young hostess seemed
+to perform her office with a certain degree of desperate determination.
+She looked at a chicken and then at Coningsby, and murmured something
+which he understood. Sometimes she informed herself of his tastes
+or necessities in more detail, by the medium of her father, whom she
+treated as a sort of dragoman; in this way: ‘Would not Mr. Coningsby,
+papa, take this or that, or do so and so?’ Coningsby was always careful
+to reply in a direct manner, without the agency of the interpreter; but
+he did not advance. Even a petition for the great honour of taking a
+glass of sherry with her only induced the beautiful face to bow. And yet
+when she had first seen him, she had addressed him even with emotion.
+What could it be? He felt less confidence in his increased power of
+conversation. Why, Theresa Sydney was scarcely a year older than
+Miss Millbank, and though she did not certainly originate like Lady
+Everingham, he got on with her perfectly well.
+
+Mr. Millbank did not seem to be conscious of his daughter’s silence:
+at any rate, he attempted to compensate for it. He talked fluently
+and well; on all subjects his opinions seemed to be decided, and his
+language was precise. He was really interested in what Coningsby had
+seen, and what he had felt; and this sympathy divested his manner of the
+disagreeable effect that accompanies a tone inclined to be dictatorial.
+More than once Coningsby observed the silent daughter listening with
+extreme attention to the conversation of himself and her father.
+
+The dessert was remarkable. Millbank was proud of his fruit. A bland
+expression of self-complacency spread over his features as he surveyed
+his grapes, his peaches, his figs.
+
+‘These grapes have gained a medal,’ he told Coningsby. ‘Those too are
+prize peaches. I have not yet been so successful with my figs. These
+however promise, and perhaps this year I may be more fortunate.’
+
+‘What would your brother and myself have given for such a dessert at
+Eton!’ said Coningsby to Miss Millbank, wishing to say something, and
+something too that might interest her.
+
+She seemed infinitely distressed, and yet this time would speak.
+
+‘Let me give you some,’ He caught by chance her glance immediately
+withdrawn; yet it was a glance not only of beauty, but of feeling
+and thought. She added, in a hushed and hurried tone, dividing very
+nervously some grapes, ‘I hardly know whether Oswald will be most
+pleased or grieved when he hears that you have been here.’
+
+‘And why grieved?’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘That he should not have been here to welcome you, and that your stay is
+for so brief a time. It seems so strange that after having talked of you
+for years, we should see you only for hours.’
+
+‘I hope I may return,’ said Coningsby, ‘and that Millbank may be here to
+welcome me; but I hope I may be permitted to return even if he be not.’
+
+But there was no reply; and soon after, Mr. Millbank talking of the
+American market, and Coningsby helping himself to a glass of claret, the
+daughter of the Saxon, looking at her father, rose and left the room, so
+suddenly and so quickly that Coningsby could scarcely gain the door.
+
+‘Yes,’ said Millbank, filling his glass, and pursuing some previous
+observations, ‘all that we want in this country is to be masters of our
+own industry; but Saxon industry and Norman manners never will agree;
+and some day, Mr. Coningsby, you will find that out.’
+
+‘But what do you mean by Norman manners?’ inquired Coningsby.
+
+‘Did you ever hear of the Forest of Rossendale?’ said Millbank. ‘If
+you were staying here, you should visit the district. It is an area of
+twenty-four square miles. It was disforested in the early part of the
+sixteenth century, possessing at that time eighty inhabitants.
+Its rental in James the First’s time was 120_l._ When the woollen
+manufacture was introduced into the north, the shuttle competed with the
+plough in Rossendale, and about forty years ago we sent them the Jenny.
+The eighty souls are now increased to upwards of eighty thousand, and
+the rental of the forest, by the last county assessment, amounts to more
+than 50,000_l._, 41,000 per cent, on the value in the reign of James
+I. Now I call that an instance of Saxon industry competing successfully
+with Norman manners.’
+
+‘Exactly,’ said Coningsby, ‘but those manners are gone.’
+
+‘From Rossendale,’ said Millbank, with a grim smile; ‘but not from
+England.’
+
+‘Where do you meet them?’
+
+‘Meet them! In every place, at every hour; and feel them, too, in every
+transaction of life.’
+
+‘I know, sir, from your son,’ said Coningsby, inquiringly, ‘that you are
+opposed to an aristocracy.’
+
+‘No, I am not. I am for an aristocracy; but a real one, a natural one.’
+
+‘But, sir, is not the aristocracy of England,’ said Coningsby, ‘a real
+one? You do not confound our peerage, for example, with the degraded
+patricians of the Continent.’
+
+‘Hum!’ said Millbank. ‘I do not understand how an aristocracy can exist,
+unless it be distinguished by some quality which no other class of the
+community possesses. Distinction is the basis of aristocracy. If you
+permit only one class of the population, for example, to bear arms, they
+are an aristocracy; not one much to my taste; but still a great fact.
+That, however, is not the characteristic of the English peerage. I have
+yet to learn they are richer than we are, better informed, wiser, or
+more distinguished for public or private virtue. Is it not monstrous,
+then, that a small number of men, several of whom take the titles of
+Duke and Earl from towns in this very neighbourhood, towns which they
+never saw, which never heard of them, which they did not form, or
+build, or establish, I say, is it not monstrous, that individuals
+so circumstanced, should be invested with the highest of conceivable
+privileges, the privilege of making laws? Dukes and Earls indeed! I say
+there is nothing in a masquerade more ridiculous.’
+
+‘But do you not argue from an exception, sir?’ said Coningsby. ‘The
+question is, whether a preponderance of the aristocratic principle in a
+political constitution be, as I believe, conducive to the stability and
+permanent power of a State; and whether the peerage, as established
+in England, generally tends to that end? We must not forget in such an
+estimate the influence which, in this country, is exercised over opinion
+by ancient lineage.’
+
+‘Ancient lineage!’ said Mr. Millbank; ‘I never heard of a peer with an
+ancient lineage. The real old families of this country are to be found
+among the peasantry; the gentry, too, may lay some claim to old blood.
+I can point you out Saxon families in this county who can trace their
+pedigrees beyond the Conquest; I know of some Norman gentlemen whose
+fathers undoubtedly came over with the Conqueror. But a peer with an
+ancient lineage is to me quite a novelty. No, no; the thirty years of
+the wars of the Roses freed us from those gentlemen. I take it, after
+the battle of Tewkesbury, a Norman baron was almost as rare a being in
+England as a wolf is now.’
+
+‘I have always understood,’ said Coningsby, ‘that our peerage was the
+finest in Europe.’
+
+‘From themselves,’ said Millbank, ‘and the heralds they pay to paint
+their carriages. But I go to facts. When Henry VII. called his first
+Parliament, there were only twenty-nine temporal peers to be found,
+and even some of them took their seats illegally, for they had been
+attainted. Of those twenty-nine not five remain, and they, as the
+Howards for instance, are not Norman nobility. We owe the English
+peerage to three sources: the spoliation of the Church; the open
+and flagrant sale of its honours by the elder Stuarts; and the
+boroughmongering of our own times. Those are the three main sources of
+the existing peerage of England, and in my opinion disgraceful ones. But
+I must apologise for my frankness in thus speaking to an aristocrat.’
+
+‘Oh, by no means, sir, I like discussion. Your son and myself at Eton
+have had some encounters of this kind before. But if your view of the
+case be correct,’ added Coningsby, smiling, ‘you cannot at any rate
+accuse our present peers of Norman manners.’
+
+‘Yes, I do: they adopted Norman manners while they usurped Norman
+titles. They have neither the right of the Normans, nor do they fulfil
+the duty of the Normans: they did not conquer the land, and they do not
+defend it.’
+
+‘And where will you find your natural aristocracy?’ asked Coningsby.
+
+‘Among those men whom a nation recognises as the most eminent for
+virtue, talents, and property, and, if you please, birth and standing
+in the land. They guide opinion; and, therefore, they govern. I am no
+leveller; I look upon an artificial equality as equally pernicious with
+a factitious aristocracy; both depressing the energies, and checking the
+enterprise of a nation. I like man to be free, really free: free in his
+industry as well as his body. What is the use of Habeas Corpus, if a man
+may not use his hands when he is out of prison?’
+
+‘But it appears to me you have, in a great measure, this natural
+aristocracy in England.’
+
+‘Ah, to be sure! If we had not, where should we be? It is the
+counteracting power that saves us, the disturbing cause in the
+calculations of short-sighted selfishness. I say it now, and I have said
+it a hundred times, the House of Commons is a more aristocratic body
+than the House of Lords. The fact is, a great peer would be a greater
+man now in the House of Commons than in the House of Lords. Nobody
+wants a second chamber, except a few disreputable individuals. It is
+a valuable institution for any member of it who has no distinction,
+neither character, talents, nor estate. But a peer who possesses all or
+any of these great qualifications, would find himself an immeasurably
+more important personage in what, by way of jest, they call the Lower
+House.’
+
+‘Is not the revising wisdom of a senate a salutary check on the
+precipitation of a popular assembly?’
+
+‘Why should a popular assembly, elected by the flower of a nation,
+be precipitate? If precipitate, what senate could stay an assembly so
+chosen? No, no, no! the thing has been tried over and over again;
+the idea of restraining the powerful by the weak is an absurdity; the
+question is settled. If we wanted a fresh illustration, we need only
+look to the present state of our own House of Lords. It originates
+nothing; it has, in fact, announced itself as a mere Court of
+Registration of the decrees of your House of Commons; and if by any
+chance it ventures to alter some miserable detail in a clause of a bill
+that excites public interest, what a clatter through the country, at
+Conservative banquets got up by the rural attorneys, about the power,
+authority, and independence of the House of Lords; nine times nine, and
+one cheer more! No, sir, you may make aristocracies by laws; you can
+only maintain them by manners. The manners of England preserve it
+from its laws. And they have substituted for our formal aristocracy an
+essential aristocracy; the government of those who are distinguished by
+their fellow-citizens.’
+
+‘But then it would appear,’ said Coningsby, ‘that the remedial action of
+our manners has removed all the political and social evils of which you
+complain?’
+
+‘They have created a power that may remove them; a power that has the
+capacity to remove them. But in a great measure they still exist, and
+must exist yet, I fear, for a long time. The growth of our civilisation
+has ever been as slow as our oaks; but this tardy development is
+preferable to the temporary expansion of the gourd.’
+
+‘The future seems to me sometimes a dark cloud.’
+
+‘Not to me,’ said Mr. Millbank. ‘I am sanguine; I am the Disciple of
+Progress. But I have cause for my faith. I have witnessed advance. My
+father has often told me that in his early days the displeasure of
+a peer of England was like a sentence of death to a man. Why it was
+esteemed a great concession to public opinion, so late as the reign of
+George II., that Lord Ferrars should be executed for murder. The king of
+a new dynasty, who wished to be popular with the people, insisted on
+it, and even then he was hanged with a silken cord. At any rate we
+may defend ourselves now,’ continued Mr. Millbank, ‘and, perhaps, do
+something more. I defy any peer to crush me, though there is one who
+would be very glad to do it. No more of that; I am very happy to see you
+at Millbank, very happy to make your acquaintance,’ he continued, with
+some emotion, ‘and not merely because you are my son’s friend and more
+than friend.’
+
+The walls of the dining-room were covered with pictures of great merit,
+all of the modern English school. Mr. Millbank understood no other, he
+was wont to say! and he found that many of his friends who did, bought
+a great many pleasing pictures that were copies, and many originals that
+were very displeasing. He loved a fine free landscape by Lee, that gave
+him the broad plains, the green lanes, and running streams of his own
+land; a group of animals by Landseer, as full of speech and sentiment as
+if they were designed by Aesop; above all, he delighted in the household
+humour and homely pathos of Wilkie. And if a higher tone of imagination
+pleased him, he could gratify it without difficulty among his favourite
+masters. He possessed some specimens of Etty worthy of Venice when
+it was alive; he could muse amid the twilight ruins of ancient cities
+raised by the magic pencil of Danby, or accompany a group of fair
+Neapolitans to a festival by the genial aid of Uwins.
+
+Opposite Coningsby was a portrait, which had greatly attracted his
+attention during the whole dinner. It represented a woman, young and of
+a rare beauty. The costume was of that classical character prevalent in
+this country before the general peace; a blue ribbon bound together as
+a fillet her clustering chestnut curls. The face was looking out of the
+canvas, and Coningsby never raised his eyes without catching its glance
+of blended vivacity and tenderness.
+
+There are moments when our sensibility is affected by circumstances of
+a trivial character. It seems a fantastic emotion, but the gaze of this
+picture disturbed the serenity of Coningsby. He endeavoured sometimes to
+avoid looking at it, but it irresistibly attracted him. More than once
+during dinner he longed to inquire whom it represented; but it is a
+delicate subject to ask questions about portraits, and he refrained.
+Still, when he was rising to leave the room, the impulse was
+irresistible. He said to Mr. Millbank, ‘By whom is that portrait, sir?’
+
+The countenance of Millbank became disturbed; it was not an expression
+of tender reminiscence that fell upon his features. On the contrary, the
+expression was agitated, almost angry.
+
+‘Oh! that is by a country artist,’ he said,’ of whom you never heard,’
+and moved away.
+
+They found Miss Millbank in the drawing-room; she was sitting at a round
+table covered with working materials, apparently dressing a doll.
+
+‘Nay,’ thought Coningsby, ‘she must be too old for that.’
+
+He addressed her, and seated himself by her side. There were several
+dolls on the table, but he discovered, on examination, that they were
+pincushions; and elicited, with some difficulty, that they were making
+for a fancy fair about to be held in aid of that excellent institution,
+the Manchester Athenaeum. Then the father came up and said,
+
+‘My child, let us have some tea;’ and she rose and seated herself at the
+tea-table. Coningsby also quitted his seat, and surveyed the apartment.
+
+There were several musical instruments; among others, he observed a
+guitar; not such an instrument as one buys in a music shop, but such an
+one as tinkles at Seville, a genuine Spanish guitar. Coningsby repaired
+to the tea-table.
+
+‘I am glad that you are fond of music, Miss Millbank.’
+
+A blush and a bow.
+
+‘I hope after tea you will be so kind as to touch the guitar.’
+
+Signals of great distress.
+
+‘Were you ever at Birmingham?’
+
+‘Yes:’ a sigh.
+
+‘What a splendid music-hall! They should build one at Manchester.’
+
+‘They ought,’ in a whisper.
+
+The tea-tray was removed; Coningsby was conversing with Mr. Millbank,
+who was asking him questions about his son; what he thought of Oxford;
+what he thought of Oriel; should himself have preferred Cambridge; but
+had consulted a friend, an Oriel man, who had a great opinion of Oriel;
+and Oswald’s name had been entered some years back. He rather regretted
+it now; but the thing was done. Coningsby, remembering the promise of
+the guitar, turned round to claim its fulfilment, but the singer
+had made her escape. Time elapsed, and no Miss Millbank reappeared.
+Coningsby looked at his watch; he had to go three miles to the train,
+which started, as his friend of the previous night would phrase it, at
+9.45.
+
+‘I should be happy if you remained with us,’ said Mr. Millbank; ‘but as
+you say it is out of your power, in this age of punctual travelling
+a host is bound to speed the parting guest. The carriage is ready for
+you.’
+
+‘Farewell, then, sir. You must make my adieux to Miss Millbank, and
+accept my thanks for your great kindness.’
+
+‘Farewell, Mr. Coningsby,’ said his host, taking his hand, which he
+retained for a moment, as if he would say more. Then leaving it, he
+repeated with a somewhat wandering air, and in a voice of emotion,
+‘Farewell, farewell, Mr. Coningsby.’
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+
+Towards the end of the session of 1836, the hopes of the Conservative
+party were again in the ascendant. The Tadpoles and the Tapers had
+infused such enthusiasm into all the country attorneys, who, in their
+turn, had so bedeviled the registration, that it was whispered in the
+utmost confidence, but as a flagrant truth, that Reaction was at length
+‘a great fact.’ All that was required was the opportunity; but as the
+existing parliament was not two years old, and the government had an
+excellent working majority, it seemed that the occasion could scarcely
+be furnished. Under these circumstances, the backstairs politicians,
+not content with having by their premature movements already seriously
+damaged the career of their leader, to whom in public they pretended to
+be devoted, began weaving again their old intrigues about the court, and
+not without effect.
+
+It was said that the royal ear lent itself with no marked repugnance to
+suggestions which might rid the sovereign of ministers, who, after all,
+were the ministers not of his choice, but of his necessity. But William
+IV., after two failures in a similar attempt, after his respective
+embarrassing interviews with Lord Grey and Lord Melbourne, on their
+return to office in 1832 and 1835, was resolved never to make another
+move unless it were a checkmate. The king, therefore, listened and
+smiled, and loved to talk to his favourites of his private feelings and
+secret hopes; the first outraged, the second cherished; and a little of
+these revelations of royalty was distilled to great personages, who
+in their turn spoke hypothetically to their hangers-on of royal
+dispositions, and possible contingencies, while the hangers-on and
+go-betweens, in their turn, looked more than they expressed; took
+county members by the button into a corner, and advised, as friends, the
+representatives of boroughs to look sharply after the next registration.
+
+Lord Monmouth, who was never greater than in adversity, and whose
+favourite excitement was to aim at the impossible, had never been more
+resolved on a Dukedom than when the Reform Act deprived him of the
+twelve votes which he had accumulated to attain that object. While
+all his companions in discomfiture were bewailing their irretrievable
+overthrow, Lord Monmouth became almost a convert to the measure, which
+had furnished his devising and daring mind, palled with prosperity, and
+satiated with a life of success, with an object, and the stimulating
+enjoyment of a difficulty.
+
+He had early resolved to appropriate to himself a division of the county
+in which his chief seat was situate; but what most interested him,
+because it was most difficult, was the acquisition of one of the
+new boroughs that was in his vicinity, and in which he possessed
+considerable property. The borough, however, was a manufacturing town,
+and returning only one member, it had hitherto sent up to Westminster a
+radical shopkeeper, one Mr. Jawster Sharp, who had taken what is called
+‘a leading part’ in the town on every ‘crisis’ that had occurred since
+1830; one of those zealous patriots who had got up penny subscriptions
+for gold cups to Lord Grey; cries for the bill, the whole bill, and
+nothing but the bill; and public dinners where the victual was devoured
+before grace was said; a worthy who makes speeches, passes resolutions,
+votes addresses, goes up with deputations, has at all times the
+necessary quantity of confidence in the necessary individual; confidence
+in Lord Grey; confidence in Lord Durham; confidence in Lord Melbourne:
+and can also, if necessary, give three cheers for the King, or three
+groans for the Queen.
+
+But the days of the genus Jawster Sharp were over in this borough as
+well as in many others. He had contrived in his lustre of agitation
+to feather his nest pretty successfully; by which he had lost public
+confidence and gained his private end. Three hungry Jawster Sharps,
+his hopeful sons, had all become commissioners of one thing or another;
+temporary appointments with interminable duties; a low-church son-in-law
+found himself comfortably seated in a chancellor’s living; and several
+cousins and nephews were busy in the Excise. But Jawster Sharp himself
+was as pure as Cato. He had always said he would never touch the public
+money, and he had kept his word. It was an understood thing that Jawster
+Sharp was never to show his face again on the hustings of Darlford; the
+Liberal party was determined to be represented in future by a man of
+station, substance, character, a true Reformer, but one who wanted
+nothing for himself, and therefore might, if needful, get something for
+them. They were looking out for such a man, but were in no hurry. The
+seat was looked upon as a good thing; a contest certainly, every place
+is contested now, but as certainly a large majority. Notwithstanding
+all this confidence, however, Reaction or Registration, or some other
+mystification, had produced effects even in this creature of the Reform
+Bill, the good Borough of Darlford. The borough that out of gratitude
+to Lord Grey returned a jobbing shopkeeper twice to Parliament as its
+representative without a contest, had now a Conservative Association,
+with a banker for its chairman, and a brewer for its vice-president, and
+four sharp lawyers nibbing their pens, noting their memorandum-books,
+and assuring their neighbours, with a consoling and complacent air, that
+‘Property must tell in the long run.’ Whispers also were about, that
+when the proper time arrived, a Conservative candidate would certainly
+have the honour of addressing the electors. No name mentioned, but it
+was not concealed that he was to be of no ordinary calibre; a tried man,
+a distinguished individual, who had already fought the battle of the
+constitution, and served his country in eminent posts; honoured by
+the nation, favoured by his sovereign. These important and encouraging
+intimations were ably diffused in the columns of the Conservative
+journal, and in a style which, from its high tone, evidently
+indicated no ordinary source and no common pen. Indeed, there appeared
+occasionally in this paper, articles written with such unusual vigour,
+that the proprietors of the Liberal journal almost felt the necessity
+of getting some eminent hand down from town to compete with them. It was
+impossible that they could emanate from the rival Editor. They knew well
+the length of their brother’s tether. Had they been more versant in the
+periodical literature of the day, they might in this ‘slashing’ style
+have caught perhaps a glimpse of the future candidate for their borough,
+the Right Honourable Nicholas Rigby.
+
+Lord Monmouth, though he had been absent from England since 1832, had
+obtained from his vigilant correspondent a current knowledge of all that
+had occurred in the interval: all the hopes, fears, plans, prospects,
+manoeuvres, and machinations; their rise and fall; how some had bloomed,
+others were blighted; not a shade of reaction that was not represented
+to him; not the possibility of an adhesion that was not duly reported;
+he could calculate at Naples at any time, within ten, the result of a
+dissolution. The season of the year had prevented him crossing the Alps
+in 1834, and after the general election he was too shrewd a practiser
+in the political world to be deceived as to the ultimate result. Lord
+Eskdale, in whose judgment he had more confidence than in that of any
+individual, had told him from the first that the pear was not ripe;
+Rigby, who always hedged against his interest by the fulfilment of his
+prophecy of irremediable discomfiture, was never very sanguine. Indeed,
+the whole affair was always considered premature by the good judges;
+and a long time elapsed before Tadpole and Taper recovered their secret
+influence, or resumed their ostentatious loquacity, or their silent
+insolence.
+
+The pear, however, was now ripe. Even Lord Eskdale wrote that after
+the forthcoming registration a bet was safe, and Lord Monmouth had the
+satisfaction of drawing the Whig Minister at Naples into a cool thousand
+on the event. Soon after this he returned to England, and determined
+to pay a visit to Coningsby Castle, feast the county, patronise the
+borough, diffuse that confidence in the party which his presence never
+failed to do; so great and so just was the reliance in his unerring
+powers of calculation and his intrepid pluck. Notwithstanding Schedule
+A, the prestige of his power had not sensibly diminished, for his
+essential resources were vast, and his intellect always made the most of
+his influence.
+
+True, however, to his organisation, Lord Monmouth, even to save his
+party and gain his dukedom, must not be bored. He, therefore, filled his
+castle with the most agreeable people from London, and even secured for
+their diversion a little troop of French comedians. Thus supported, he
+received his neighbours with all the splendour befitting his immense
+wealth and great position, and with one charm which even immense wealth
+and great position cannot command, the most perfect manner in the world.
+Indeed, Lord Monmouth was one of the most finished gentlemen that
+ever lived; and as he was good-natured, and for a selfish man even
+good-humoured, there was rarely a cloud of caprice or ill-temper to
+prevent his fine manners having their fair play. The country neighbours
+were all fascinated; they were received with so much dignity and
+dismissed with so much grace. Nobody would believe a word of the stories
+against him. Had he lived all his life at Coningsby, fulfilled every
+duty of a great English nobleman, benefited the county, loaded the
+inhabitants with favours, he would not have been half so popular as he
+found himself within a fortnight of his arrival with the worst county
+reputation conceivable, and every little squire vowing that he would not
+even leave his name at the Castle to show his respect.
+
+Lord Monmouth, whose contempt for mankind was absolute; not a
+fluctuating sentiment, not a mournful conviction, ebbing and flowing
+with circumstances, but a fixed, profound, unalterable instinct; who
+never loved any one, and never hated any one except his own children;
+was diverted by his popularity, but he was also gratified by it. At
+this moment it was a great element of power; he was proud that, with a
+vicious character, after having treated these people with unprecedented
+neglect and contumely, he should have won back their golden opinions
+in a moment by the magic of manner and the splendour of wealth. His
+experience proved the soundness of his philosophy.
+
+Lord Monmouth worshipped gold, though, if necessary, he could squander
+it like a caliph. He had even a respect for very rich men; it was his
+only weakness, the only exception to his general scorn for his species.
+Wit, power, particular friendships, general popularity, public opinion,
+beauty, genius, virtue, all these are to be purchased; but it does not
+follow that you can buy a rich man: you may not be able or willing to
+spare enough. A person or a thing that you perhaps could not buy, became
+invested, in the eyes of Lord Monmouth, with a kind of halo amounting
+almost to sanctity.
+
+As the prey rose to the bait, Lord Monmouth resolved they should be
+gorged. His banquets were doubled; a ball was announced; a public
+day fixed; not only the county, but the principal inhabitants of the
+neighbouring borough, were encouraged to attend; Lord Monmouth wished
+it, if possible, to be without distinction of party. He had come to
+reside among his old friends, to live and die where he was born.
+The Chairman of the Conservative Association and the Vice President
+exchanged glances, which would have become Tadpole and Taper; the
+four attorneys nibbed their pens with increased energy, and vowed that
+nothing could withstand the influence of the aristocracy ‘in the long
+run.’ All went and dined at the Castle; all returned home overpowered
+by the condescension of the host, the beauty of the ladies, several real
+Princesses, the splendour of his liveries, the variety of his viands,
+and the flavour of his wines. It was agreed that at future meetings of
+the Conservative Association, they should always give ‘Lord Monmouth
+and the House of Lords!’ superseding the Duke of Wellington, who was to
+figure in an after-toast with the Battle of Waterloo.
+
+It was not without emotion that Coningsby beheld for the first time the
+castle that bore his name. It was visible for several miles before he
+even entered the park, so proud and prominent was its position, on the
+richly-wooded steep of a considerable eminence. It was a castellated
+building, immense and magnificent, in a faulty and incongruous style
+of architecture, indeed, but compensating in some degree for these
+deficiencies of external taste and beauty by the splendour and
+accommodation of its exterior, and which a Gothic castle, raised
+according to the strict rules of art, could scarcely have afforded. The
+declining sun threw over the pile a rich colour as Coningsby approached
+it, and lit up with fleeting and fanciful tints the delicate foliage of
+the rare shrubs and tall thin trees that clothed the acclivity on which
+it stood. Our young friend felt a little embarrassed when, without a
+servant and in a hack chaise, he drew up to the grand portal, and
+a crowd of retainers came forth to receive him. A superior servant
+inquired his name with a stately composure that disdained to be
+supercilious. It was not without some degree of pride and satisfaction
+that the guest replied, ‘Mr. Coningsby.’ The instantaneous effect was
+magical. It seemed to Coningsby that he was borne on the shoulders
+of the people to his apartment; each tried to carry some part of his
+luggage; and he only hoped his welcome from their superiors might be as
+hearty.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+It appeared to Coningsby in his way to his room, that the Castle was in
+a state of great excitement; everywhere bustle, preparation, moving to
+and fro, ascending and descending of stairs, servants in every
+corner; orders boundlessly given, rapidly obeyed; many desires, equal
+gratification. All this made him rather nervous. It was quite unlike
+Beaumanoir. That also was a palace, but it was a home. This, though it
+should be one to him, seemed to have nothing of that character. Of
+all mysteries the social mysteries are the most appalling. Going to
+an assembly for the first time is more alarming than the first battle.
+Coningsby had never before been in a great house full of company. It
+seemed an overwhelming affair. The sight of the servants bewildered him;
+how then was he to encounter their masters?
+
+That, however, he must do in a moment. A groom of the chambers indicates
+the way to him, as he proceeds with a hesitating yet hurried step
+through several ante-chambers and drawing-rooms; then doors are suddenly
+thrown open, and he is ushered into the largest and most sumptuous
+saloon that he had ever entered. It was full of ladies and gentlemen.
+Coningsby for the first time in his life was at a great party. His
+immediate emotion was to sink into the earth; but perceiving that no
+one even noticed him, and that not an eye had been attracted to his
+entrance, he regained his breath and in some degree his composure, and
+standing aside, endeavoured to make himself, as well as he could, master
+of the land.
+
+Not a human being that he had ever seen before! The circumstance of not
+being noticed, which a few minutes since he had felt as a relief, became
+now a cause of annoyance. It seemed that he was the only person standing
+alone whom no one was addressing. He felt renewed and aggravated
+embarrassment, and fancied, perhaps was conscious, that he was blushing.
+At length his ear caught the voice of Mr. Rigby. The speaker was not
+visible; he was at a distance surrounded by a wondering group, whom he
+was severally and collectively contradicting, but Coningsby could not
+mistake those harsh, arrogant tones. He was not sorry indeed that Mr.
+Rigby did not observe him. Coningsby never loved him particularly, which
+was rather ungrateful, for he was a person who had been kind, and, on
+the whole, serviceable to him; but Coningsby writhed, especially as he
+grew older, under Mr. Rigby’s patronising air and paternal tone. Even in
+old days, though attentive, Coningsby had never found him affectionate.
+Mr. Rigby would tell him what to do and see, but never asked him what
+he wished to do and see. It seemed to Coningsby that it was always
+contrived that he should appear the _protégé_, or poor relation, of a
+dependent of his family. These feelings, which the thought of Mr. Rigby
+had revived, caused our young friend, by an inevitable association of
+ideas, to remember that, unknown and unnoticed as he might be, he was
+the only Coningsby in that proud Castle, except the Lord of the Castle
+himself; and he began to be rather ashamed of permitting a sense of his
+inexperience in the mere forms and fashions of society so to oppress
+him, and deprive him, as it were, of the spirit and carriage which
+became alike his character and his position. Emboldened and greatly
+restored to himself, Coningsby advanced into the body of the saloon.
+
+On his legs, wearing his blue ribbon and bending his head frequently
+to a lady who was seated on a sofa, and continually addressed him,
+Coningsby recognised his grandfather. Lord Monmouth was somewhat balder
+than four years ago, when he had come down to Montem, and a little
+more portly perhaps; but otherwise unchanged. Lord Monmouth
+never condescended to the artifices of the toilet, and, indeed,
+notwithstanding his life of excess, had little need of them. Nature had
+done much for him, and the slow progress of decay was carried off by his
+consummate bearing. He looked, indeed, the chieftain of a house of whom
+a cadet might be proud.
+
+For Coningsby, not only the chief of his house, but his host too. In
+either capacity he ought to address Lord Monmouth. To sit down to dinner
+without having previously paid his respects to his grandfather, to whom
+he was so much indebted, and whom he had not seen for so many years,
+struck him not only as uncourtly, but as unkind and ungrateful, and,
+indeed, in the highest degree absurd. But how was he to do it? Lord
+Monmouth seemed deeply engaged, and apparently with some very great
+lady. And if Coningsby advanced and bowed, in all probability he would
+only get a bow in return. He remembered the bow of his first interview.
+It had made a lasting impression on his mind. For it was more than
+likely Lord Monmouth would not recognise him. Four years had not
+sensibly altered Lord Monmouth, but four years had changed Harry
+Coningsby from a schoolboy into a man. Then how was he to make himself
+known to his grandfather? To announce himself as Coningsby, as his
+Lordship’s grandson, seemed somewhat ridiculous: to address his
+grandfather as Lord Monmouth would serve no purpose: to style Lord
+Monmouth ‘grandfather’ would make every one laugh, and seem stiff and
+unnatural. What was he to do? To fall into an attitude and exclaim,
+‘Behold your grandchild!’ or, ‘Have you forgotten your Harry?’
+
+Even to catch Lord Monmouth’s glance was not an easy affair; he was
+much occupied on one side by the great lady, on the other were several
+gentlemen who occasionally joined in the conversation. But something
+must be done.
+
+There ran through Coningsby’s character, as we have before mentioned, a
+vein of simplicity which was not its least charm. It resulted, no doubt,
+in a great degree from the earnestness of his nature. There never was a
+boy so totally devoid of affectation, which was remarkable, for he had a
+brilliant imagination, a quality that, from its fantasies, and the
+vague and indefinite desires it engenders, generally makes those whose
+characters are not formed, affected. The Duchess, who was a fine judge
+of character, and who greatly regarded Coningsby, often mentioned this
+trait as one which, combined with his great abilities and acquirements
+so unusual at his age, rendered him very interesting. In the present
+instance it happened that, while Coningsby was watching his grandfather,
+he observed a gentleman advance, make his bow, say and receive a few
+words and retire. This little incident, however, made a momentary
+diversion in the immediate circle of Lord Monmouth, and before they
+could all resume their former talk and fall into their previous
+positions, an impulse sent forth Coningsby, who walked up to Lord
+Monmouth, and standing before him, said,
+
+‘How do you do, grandpapa?’
+
+Lord Monmouth beheld his grandson. His comprehensive and penetrating
+glance took in every point with a flash. There stood before him one of
+the handsomest youths he had ever seen, with a mien as graceful as his
+countenance was captivating; and his whole air breathing that freshness
+and ingenuousness which none so much appreciates as the used man of the
+world. And this was his child; the only one of his blood to whom he had
+been kind. It would be exaggeration to say that Lord Monmouth’s heart
+was touched; but his goodnature effervesced, and his fine taste was
+deeply gratified. He perceived in an instant such a relation might be
+a valuable adherent; an irresistible candidate for future elections: a
+brilliant tool to work out the Dukedom. All these impressions and ideas,
+and many more, passed through the quick brain of Lord Monmouth ere the
+sound of Coningsby’s words had seemed to cease, and long before the
+surrounding guests had recovered from the surprise which they had
+occasioned them, and which did not diminish, when Lord Monmouth,
+advancing, placed his arms round Coningsby with a dignity of affection
+that would have become Louis XIV., and then, in the high manner of the
+old Court, kissed him on each cheek.
+
+‘Welcome to your home,’ said Lord Monmouth. ‘You have grown a great
+deal.’
+
+Then Lord Monmouth led the agitated Coningsby to the great lady, who was
+a Princess and an Ambassadress, and then, placing his arm gracefully in
+that of his grandson, he led him across the room, and presented him
+in due form to some royal blood that was his guest, in the shape of
+a Russian Grand-duke. His Imperial Highness received our hero as
+graciously as the grandson of Lord Monmouth might expect; but no
+greeting can be imagined warmer than the one he received from the lady
+with whom the Grand-duke was conversing. She was a dame whose beauty was
+mature, but still radiant. Her figure was superb; her dark hair crowned
+with a tiara of curious workmanship. Her rounded arm was covered with
+costly bracelets, but not a jewel on her finely formed bust, and the
+least possible rouge on her still oval cheek. Madame Colonna retained
+her charms.
+
+The party, though so considerable, principally consisted of the guests
+at the Castle. The suite of the Grand-duke included several counts and
+generals; then there were the Russian Ambassador and his lady; and a
+Russian Prince and Princess, their relations. The Prince and Princess
+Colonna and the Princess Lucretia were also paying a visit to the
+Marquess; and the frequency of these visits made some straight-laced
+magnificoes mysteriously declare it was impossible to go to Coningsby;
+but as they were not asked, it did not much signify. The Marquess knew
+a great many very agreeable people of the highest _ton_, who took a more
+liberal view of human conduct, and always made it a rule to presume the
+best motives instead of imputing the worst. There was Lady St. Julians,
+for example, whose position was of the highest; no one more sought; she
+made it a rule to go everywhere and visit everybody, provided they had
+power, wealth, and fashion. She knew no crime except a woman not
+living with her husband; that was past pardon. So long as his presence
+sanctioned her conduct, however shameless, it did not signify; but if
+the husband were a brute, neglected his wife first, and then deserted
+her; then, if a breath but sullies her name she must be crushed; unless,
+indeed, her own family were very powerful, which makes a difference, and
+sometimes softens immorality into indiscretion.
+
+Lord and Lady Gaverstock were also there, who never said an unkind thing
+of anybody; her ladyship was pure as snow; but her mother having been
+divorced, she ever fancied she was paying a kind of homage to her
+parent, by visiting those who might some day be in the same predicament.
+There were other lords and ladies of high degree; and some who, though
+neither lords nor ladies, were charming people, which Lord Monmouth
+chiefly cared about; troops of fine gentlemen who came and went; and
+some who were neither fine nor gentlemen, but who were very amusing
+or very obliging, as circumstances required, and made life easy and
+pleasant to others and themselves.
+
+A new scene this for Coningsby, who watched with interest all that
+passed before him. The dinner was announced as served; an affectionate
+arm guides him at a moment of some perplexity.
+
+‘When did you arrive, Harry? We shall sit together. How is the Duchess?’
+inquired Mr. Rigby, who spoke as if he had seen Coningsby for the first
+time; but who indeed had, with that eye which nothing could escape,
+observed his reception by his grandfather, marked it well, and inwardly
+digested it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+There was to be a first appearance on the stage of Lord Monmouth’s
+theatre to-night, the expectation of which created considerable interest
+in the party, and was one of the principal subjects of conversation at
+dinner. Villebecque, the manager of the troop, had married the actress
+Stella, once celebrated for her genius and her beauty; a woman who had
+none of the vices of her craft, for, though she was a fallen angel,
+there were what her countrymen style extenuating circumstances in
+her declension. With the whole world at her feet, she had remained
+unsullied. Wealth and its enjoyments could not tempt her, although
+she was unable to refuse her heart to one whom she deemed worthy of
+possessing it. She found her fate in an Englishman, who was the father
+of her only child, a daughter. She thought she had met in him a hero, a
+demi-god, a being of deep passion and original and creative mind; but
+he was only a voluptuary, full of violence instead of feeling, and
+eccentric, because he had great means with which he could gratify
+extravagant whims. Stella found she had made the great and irretrievable
+mistake. She had exchanged devotion for a passionate and evanescent
+fancy, prompted at first by vanity, and daily dissipating under the
+influence of custom and new objects. Though not stainless in conduct,
+Stella was pure in spirit. She required that devotion which she had
+yielded; and she separated herself from the being to whom she had made
+the most precious sacrifice. He offered her the consoling compensation
+of a settlement, which she refused; and she returned with a broken
+spirit to that profession of which she was still the ornament and the
+pride.
+
+The animating principle of her career was her daughter, whom she
+educated with a solicitude which the most virtuous mother could not
+surpass. To preserve her from the stage, and to secure for her an
+independence, were the objects of her mother’s life; but nature
+whispered to her, that the days of that life were already numbered.
+The exertions of her profession had alarmingly developed an inherent
+tendency to pulmonary disease. Anxious that her child should not be left
+without some protector, Stella yielded to the repeated solicitations
+of one who from the first had been her silent admirer, and she married
+Villebecque, a clever actor, and an enterprising man who meant to be
+something more. Their union was not of long duration, though it was
+happy on the side of Villebecque, and serene on that of his wife. Stella
+was recalled from this world, where she had known much triumph and more
+suffering; and where she had exercised many virtues, which elsewhere,
+though not here, may perhaps be accepted as some palliation of one great
+error.
+
+Villebecque acted becomingly to the young charge which Stella had
+bequeathed to him. He was himself, as we have intimated, a man of
+enterprise, a restless spirit, not content to move for ever in the
+sphere in which he was born. Vicissitudes are the lot of such aspirants.
+Villebecque became manager of a small theatre, and made money. If
+Villebecque without a sou had been a schemer, Villebecque with a small
+capital was the very Chevalier Law of theatrical managers. He took a
+larger theatre, and even that succeeded. Soon he was recognised as the
+lessee of more than one, and still he prospered. Villebecque began to
+dabble in opera-houses. He enthroned himself at Paris; his envoys
+were heard of at Milan and Naples, at Berlin and St. Petersburg. His
+controversies with the Conservatoire at Paris ranked among state papers.
+Villebecque rolled in chariots and drove cabriolets; Villebecque gave
+refined suppers to great nobles, who were honoured by the invitation;
+Villebecque wore a red ribbon in the button-hole of his frock, and more
+than one cross in his gala dress.
+
+All this time the daughter of Stella increased in years and stature,
+and we must add in goodness: a mild, soft-hearted girl, as yet with no
+decided character, but one who loved calmness and seemed little fitted
+for the circle in which she found herself. In that circle, however,
+she ever experienced kindness and consideration. No enterprise however
+hazardous, no management however complicated, no schemes however vast,
+ever for a moment induced Villebecque to forget ‘La Petite.’ If only for
+one breathless instant, hardly a day elapsed but he saw her; she was his
+companion in all his rapid movements, and he studied every comfort and
+convenience that could relieve her delicate frame in some degree from
+the inconvenience and exhaustion of travel. He was proud to surround
+her with luxury and refinement; to supply her with the most celebrated
+masters; to gratify every wish that she could express.
+
+But all this time Villebecque was dancing on a volcano. The catastrophe
+which inevitably occurs in the career of all great speculators, and
+especially theatrical ones, arrived to him. Flushed with his prosperity,
+and confident in his constant success, nothing would satisfy him
+but universal empire. He had established his despotism at Paris, his
+dynasties at Naples and at Milan; but the North was not to him, and
+he was determined to appropriate it. Berlin fell before a successful
+campaign, though a costly one; but St. Petersburg and London still
+remained. Resolute and reckless, nothing deterred Villebecque. One
+season all the opera-houses in Europe obeyed his nod, and at the end
+of it he was ruined. The crash was utter, universal, overwhelming; and
+under ordinary circumstances a French bed and a brasier of charcoal
+alone remained for Villebecque, who was equal to the occasion. But
+the thought of La Petite and the remembrance of his promise to Stella
+deterred him from the deed. He reviewed his position in a spirit
+becoming a practical philosopher. Was he worse off than before he
+commenced his career? Yes, because he was older; though to be sure he
+had his compensating reminiscences. But was he too old to do anything?
+At forty-five the game was not altogether up; and in a large theatre,
+not too much lighted, and with the artifices of a dramatic toilet,
+he might still be able successfully to reassume those characters of
+coxcombs and muscadins, in which he was once so celebrated. Luxury had
+perhaps a little too much enlarged his waist, but diet and rehearsals
+would set all right.
+
+Villebecque in their adversity broke to La Petite, that the time had
+unfortunately arrived when it would be wise for her to consider the most
+effectual means for turning her talents and accomplishments to account.
+He himself suggested the stage, to which otherwise there were
+doubtless objections, because her occupation in any other pursuit would
+necessarily separate them; but he impartially placed before her the
+relative advantages and disadvantages of every course which seemed to
+lie open to them, and left the preferable one to her own decision. La
+Petite, who had wept very much over Villebecque’s misfortunes, and often
+assured him that she cared for them only for his sake, decided for the
+stage, solely because it would secure their not being parted; and yet,
+as she often assured him, she feared she had no predisposition for the
+career.
+
+Villebecque had now not only to fill his own parts at the theatre
+at which he had obtained an engagement, but he had also to be the
+instructor of his ward. It was a life of toil; an addition of labour
+and effort that need scarcely have been made to the exciting exertion
+of performance, and the dull exercise of rehearsal; but he bore it all
+without a murmur; with a self-command and a gentle perseverance which
+the finest temper in the world could hardly account for; certainly not
+when we remember that its possessor, who had to make all these exertions
+and endure all this wearisome toil, had just experienced the most
+shattering vicissitudes of fortune, and been hurled from the possession
+of absolute power and illimitable self-gratification.
+
+Lord Eskdale, who was always doing kind things to actors and actresses,
+had a great regard for Villebecque, with whom he had often supped. He
+had often been kind, too, to La Petite. Lord Eskdale had a plan for
+putting Villebecque, as he termed it, ‘on his legs again.’ It was to
+establish him with a French Company in London at some pretty theatre;
+Lord Eskdale to take a private box and to make all his friends do the
+same. Villebecque, who was as sanguine as he was good-tempered, was
+ravished by this friendly scheme. He immediately believed that he should
+recover his great fortunes as rapidly as he had lost them. He foresaw in
+La Petite a genius as distinguished as that of her mother, although as
+yet not developed, and he was boundless in his expressions of gratitude
+to his patron. And indeed of all friends, a friend in need is the most
+delightful. Lord Eskdale had the talent of being a friend in need.
+Perhaps it was because he knew so many worthless persons. But it often
+happens that worthless persons are merely people who are worth nothing.
+
+Lord Monmouth having written to Mr. Rigby of his intention to reside for
+some months at Coningsby, and having mentioned that he wished a troop of
+French comedians to be engaged for the summer, Mr. Rigby had immediately
+consulted Lord Eskdale on the subject, as the best current authority.
+Thinking this a good opportunity of giving a turn to poor Villebecque,
+and that it might serve as a capital introduction to their scheme of the
+London company, Lord Eskdale obtained for him the engagement.
+
+Villebecque and his little troop had now been a month at Coningsby, and
+had hitherto performed three times a-week. Lord Monmouth was content;
+his guests much gratified; the company, on the whole, much approved
+of. It was, indeed, considering its limited numbers, a capital company.
+There was a young lady who played the old woman’s parts, nothing
+could be more garrulous and venerable; and a lady of maturer years who
+performed the heroines, gay and graceful as May. Villebecque himself was
+a celebrity in characters of airy insolence and careless frolic. Their
+old man, indeed, was rather hard, but handy; could take anything either
+in the high serious, or the low droll. Their sentimental lover was
+rather too much bewigged, and spoke too much to the audience, a fault
+rare with the French; but this hero had a vague idea that he was
+ultimately destined to run off with a princess.
+
+In this wise, affairs had gone on for a month; very well, but not too
+well. The enterprising genius of Villebecque, once more a manager,
+prompted him to action. He felt an itching desire to announce a novelty.
+He fancied Lord Monmouth had yawned once or twice when the heroine came
+on. Villebecque wanted to make a _coup._ It was clear that La Petite
+must sooner or later begin. Could she find a more favourable audience,
+or a more fitting occasion, than were now offered? True it was she had
+a great repugnance to come out; but it certainly seemed more to her
+advantage that she should make her first appearance at a private theatre
+than at a public one; supported by all the encouraging patronage of
+Coningsby Castle, than subjected to all the cynical criticism of the
+stalls of St. James’.
+
+These views and various considerations were urged and represented by
+Villebecque to La Petite, with all the practised powers of plausibility
+of which so much experience as a manager had made him master. La Petite
+looked infinitely distressed, but yielded, as she ever did. And the
+night of Coningsby’s arrival at the Castle was to witness in its private
+theatre the first appearance of MADEMOISELLE FLORA.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+The guests re-assembled in the great saloon before they repaired to the
+theatre. A lady on the arm of the Russian Prince bestowed on Coningsby
+a haughty, but not ungracious bow; which he returned, unconscious of
+the person to whom he bent. She was, however, a striking person; not
+beautiful, her face, indeed, at the first glance was almost repulsive,
+yet it ever attracted a second gaze. A remarkable pallor distinguished
+her; her features had neither regularity nor expression; neither were
+her eyes fine; but her brow impressed you with an idea of power of no
+ordinary character or capacity. Her figure was as fine and commanding as
+her face was void of charm. Juno, in the full bloom of her immortality,
+could have presented nothing more majestic. Coningsby watched her as she
+swept along like a resistless Fate.
+
+Servants now went round and presented to each of the guests a billet
+of the performance. It announced in striking characters the _début_ of
+Mademoiselle Flora. A principal servant, bearing branch lights, came
+forward and bowed to the Marquess. Lord Monmouth went immediately to the
+Grand-duke, and notified to his Imperial Highness that the comedy was
+ready. The Grand-duke offered his arm to the Ambassadress; the rest were
+following; Coningsby was called; Madame Colonna wished him to be her
+beau.
+
+It was a pretty theatre; had been rapidly rubbed up and renovated here
+and there; the painting just touched; a little gilding on a cornice.
+There were no boxes, but the ground-floor, which gradually ascended, was
+carpeted and covered with arm-chairs, and the back of the theatre with a
+new and rich curtain of green velvet.
+
+They are all seated; a great artist performs on the violin, accompanied
+by another great artist on the piano. The lights rise; somebody
+evidently crosses the stage behind the curtain. They are disposing the
+scene. In a moment the curtain will rise also.
+
+‘Have you seen Lucretia?’ said the Princess to Coningsby. ‘She is so
+anxious to resume her acquaintance with you.’
+
+But before he could answer the bell rang, and the curtain rose.
+
+The old man, who had a droll part to-night, came forward and maintained
+a conversation with his housekeeper; not bad. The young woman who played
+the grave matron performed with great finish. She was a favourite,
+and was ever applauded. The second scene came; a saloon tastefully
+furnished; a table with flowers, arranged with grace; birds in cages, a
+lap-dog on a cushion; some books. The audience were pleased; especially
+the ladies; they like to recognise signs of _bon ton_ in the details of
+the scene. A rather awful pause, and Mademoiselle Flora enters. She was
+greeted with even vehement approbation. Her agitation is extreme;
+she curtseys and bows her head, as if to hide her face. The face was
+pleasing, and pretty enough, soft and engaging. Her figure slight and
+rather graceful. Nothing could be more perfect than her costume; purely
+white, but the fashion consummate; a single rose her only ornament. All
+admitted that her hair was arranged to admiration.
+
+At length she spoke; her voice trembled, but she had a good elocution,
+though her organ wanted force. The gentlemen looked at each other, and
+nodded approbation. There was something so unobtrusive in her mien,
+that she instantly became a favourite with the ladies. The scene was not
+long, but it was successful.
+
+Flora did not appear in the next scene. In the fourth and final one
+of the act, she had to make a grand display. It was a love-scene, and
+rather of an impassioned character; Villebecque was her suitor. He
+entered first on the stage. Never had he looked so well, or performed
+with more spirit. You would not have given him five-and-twenty years; he
+seemed redolent of youth. His dress, too, was admirable. He had studied
+the most distinguished of his audience for the occasion, and had
+outdone them all. The fact is, he had been assisted a little by a great
+connoisseur, a celebrated French nobleman, Count D’O----y, who had been
+one of the guests. The thing was perfect; and Lord Monmouth took a pinch
+of snuff, and tapped approbation on the top of his box.
+
+Flora now re-appeared, received with renewed approbation. It did not
+seem, however, that in the interval she had gained courage; she looked
+agitated. She spoke, she proceeded with her part; it became impassioned.
+She had to speak of her feelings; to tell the secrets of her heart; to
+confess that she loved another; her emotion was exquisitely performed,
+the mournful tenderness of her tones thrilling. There was, throughout
+the audience, a dead silence; all were absorbed in their admiration of
+the unrivalled artist; all felt a new genius had visited the stage; but
+while they were fascinated by the actress, the woman was in torture. The
+emotion was the disturbance of her own soul; the mournful tenderness of
+her tones thrilled from the heart: suddenly she clasped her hands with
+all the exhaustion of woe; an expression of agony flitted over her
+countenance; and she burst into tears. Villebecque rushed forward, and
+carried, rather than led, her from the stage; the audience looking at
+each other, some of them suspecting that this movement was a part of the
+scene.
+
+‘She has talent,’ said Lord Monmouth to the Russian Ambassadress,
+‘but wants practice. Villebecque should send her for a time to the
+provinces.’
+
+At length M. Villebecque came forward to express his deep regret
+that the sudden and severe indisposition of Mlle. Flora rendered it
+impossible for the company to proceed with the piece; but that the
+curtain would descend to rise again for the second and last piece
+announced.
+
+All this accordingly took place. The experienced performer who acted the
+heroines now came forward and disported most jocundly. The failure of
+Flora had given fresh animation to her perpetual liveliness. She seemed
+the very soul of elegant frolic. In the last scene she figured in male
+attire; and in air, fashion, and youth, beat Villebecque out of
+the field. She looked younger than Coningsby when he went up to his
+grandpapa.
+
+The comedy was over, the curtain fell; the audience, much amused,
+chattered brilliant criticism, and quitted the theatre to repair to
+the saloon, where they were to be diverted tonight with Russian dances.
+Nobody thought of the unhappy Flora; not a single message to console her
+in her grief, to compliment her on what she had done, to encourage her
+future. And yet it was a season for a word of kindness; so, at least,
+thought one of the audience, as he lingered behind the hurrying crowd,
+absorbed in their coming amusements.
+
+Coningsby had sat very near the stage; he had observed, with great
+advantage and attention, the countenance and movements of Flora from the
+beginning. He was fully persuaded that her woe was genuine and profound.
+He had felt his eyes moist when she wept. He recoiled from the cruelty
+and the callousness that, without the slightest symptom of sympathy,
+could leave a young girl who had been labouring for their amusement, and
+who was suffering for her trial.
+
+He got on the stage, ran behind the scenes, and asked for Mlle. Flora.
+They pointed to a door; he requested permission to enter. Flora was
+sitting at a table, with her face resting on her hands. Villebecque was
+there, resting on the edge of the tall fender, and still in the dress in
+which he had performed in the last piece.
+
+‘I took the liberty,’ said Coningsby, ‘of inquiring after Mlle. Flora;’
+and then advancing to her, who had raised her head, he added, ‘I am sure
+my grandfather must feel much indebted to you, Mademoiselle, for making
+such exertions when you were suffering under so much indisposition.’
+
+‘This is very amiable of you, sir,’ said the young lady, looking at him
+with earnestness.
+
+‘Mademoiselle has too much sensibility,’ said Villebecque, making an
+observation by way of diversion.
+
+‘And yet that must be the soul of fine acting,’ said Coningsby; ‘I look
+forward, all look forward, with great interest to the next occasion on
+which you will favour us.’
+
+‘Never!’ said La Petite, in a plaintive tone; ‘oh, I hope, never!’
+
+‘Mademoiselle is not aware at this moment,’ said Coningsby, ‘how much
+her talent is appreciated. I assure you, sir,’ he added, turning
+to Villebecque, ‘I heard but one opinion, but one expression of
+gratification at her feeling and her fine taste.’
+
+‘The talent is hereditary,’ said Villebecque.
+
+‘Indeed you have reason to say so,’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘Pardon; I was not thinking of myself. My child reminded me so much of
+another this evening. But that is nothing. I am glad you are here, sir,
+to reassure Mademoiselle.’
+
+‘I came only to congratulate her, and to lament, for our sakes as well
+as her own, her indisposition.’
+
+‘It is not indisposition,’ said La Petite, in a low tone, with her eyes
+cast down.
+
+‘Mademoiselle cannot overcome the nervousness incidental to a first
+appearance,’ said Villebecque.
+
+‘A last appearance,’ said La Petite: ‘yes, it must be the last.’ She
+rose gently, she approached Villebecque, she laid her head on his
+breast, and placed her arms round his neck, ‘My father, my best father,
+yes, say it is the last.’
+
+‘You are the mistress of your lot, Flora,’ said Villebecque; ‘but with
+such a distinguished talent--’
+
+‘No, no, no; no talent. You are wrong, my father. I know myself. I am
+not of those to whom nature gives talents. I am born only for still
+life. I have no taste except for privacy. The convent is more suited to
+me than the stage.’
+
+‘But you hear what this gentleman says,’ said Villebecque, returning
+her embrace. ‘He tells you that his grandfather, my Lord Marquess, I
+believe, sir, that every one, that--’
+
+‘Oh, no, no, no!’ said Flora, shaking her head. ‘He comes here because
+he is generous, because he is a gentleman; and he wished to soothe the
+soul that he knew was suffering. Thank him, my father, thank him for
+me and before me, and promise in his presence that the stage and your
+daughter have parted for ever.’
+
+‘Nay, Mademoiselle,’ said Coningsby, advancing and venturing to take her
+hand, a soft hand, ‘make no such resolutions to-night. M. Villebecque
+can have no other thought or object but your happiness; and, believe me,
+‘tis not I only, but all, who appreciate, and, if they were here, must
+respect you.’
+
+‘I prefer respect to admiration,’ said Flora; ‘but I fear that respect
+is not the appanage of such as I am.’
+
+‘All must respect those who respect themselves,’ said Coningsby. ‘Adieu,
+Mademoiselle; I trust to-morrow to hear that you are yourself.’ He bowed
+to Villebecque and retired.
+
+In the meantime affairs in the drawing-room assumed a very different
+character from those behind the scenes. Coningsby returned to
+brilliancy, groups apparently gushing with light-heartedness, universal
+content, and Russian dances!
+
+‘And you too, do you dance the Russian dances, Mr. Coningsby?’ said
+Madame Colonna.
+
+‘I cannot dance at all,’ said Coningsby, beginning a little to lose his
+pride in the want of an accomplishment which at Eton he had thought it
+spirited to despise.
+
+‘Ah! you cannot dance the Russian dances! Lucretia shall teach you,’
+said the Princess; ‘nothing will please her so much.’
+
+On the present occasion the ladies were not so experienced in the
+entertainment as the gentlemen; but there was amusement in being
+instructed. To be disciplined by a Grand-duke or a Russian Princess
+was all very well; but what even good-tempered Lady Gaythorp could not
+pardon was, that a certain Mrs. Guy Flouncey, whom they were all of them
+trying to put down and to keep down, on this, as almost on every
+other occasion, proved herself a more finished performer than even the
+Russians themselves.
+
+Lord Monmouth had picked up the Guy Flounceys during a Roman winter.
+They were people of some position in society. Mr. Guy Flouncey was a man
+of good estate, a sportsman, proud of his pretty wife. Mrs. Guy Flouncey
+was even very pretty, dressed in a style of ultra fashion. However, she
+could sing, dance, act, ride, and talk, and all well; and was mistress
+of the art of flirtation. She had amused the Marquess abroad, and had
+taken care to call at Monmouth House the instant the _Morning Post_
+apprised her he had arrived in England; the consequence was an
+invitation to Coningsby. She came with a wardrobe which, in point of
+variety, fancy, and fashion, never was surpassed. Morning and evening,
+every day a new dress equally striking; and a riding habit that was the
+talk and wonder of the whole neighbourhood. Mrs. Guy Flouncey created
+far more sensation in the borough when she rode down the High Street,
+than what the good people called the real Princesses.
+
+At first the fine ladies never noticed her, or only stared at her over
+their shoulders; everywhere sounded, in suppressed whispers, the fatal
+question, ‘Who is she?’ After dinner they formed always into polite
+groups, from which Mrs. Guy Flouncey was invariably excluded; and if
+ever the Princess Colonna, impelled partly by goodnature, and partly
+from having known her on the Continent, did kindly sit by her, Lady St.
+Julians, or some dame equally benevolent, was sure, by an adroit appeal
+to Her Highness on some point which could not be decided without moving,
+to withdraw her from her pretty and persecuted companion.
+
+It was, indeed, rather difficult work the first few days for Mrs. Guy
+Flouncey, especially immediately after dinner. It is not soothing to
+one’s self-love to find oneself sitting alone, pretending to look at
+prints, in a fine drawing-room, full of fine people who don’t speak
+to you. But Mrs. Guy Flouncey, after having taken Coningsby Castle by
+storm, was not to be driven out of its drawing-room by the tactics
+even of a Lady St. Julians. Experience convinced her that all that was
+required was a little patience. Mrs. Guy had confidence in herself, her
+quickness, her ever ready accomplishments, and her practised powers of
+attraction. And she was right. She was always sure of an ally the moment
+the gentlemen appeared. The cavalier who had sat next to her at dinner
+was only too happy to meet her again. More than once, too, she had
+caught her noble host, though a whole garrison was ever on the watch to
+prevent her, and he was greatly amused, and showed that he was greatly
+amused by her society. Then she suggested plans to him to divert his
+guests. In a country-house the suggestive mind is inestimable. Somehow
+or other, before a week passed, Mrs. Guy Flouncey seemed the soul of
+everything, was always surrounded by a cluster of admirers, and with
+what are called ‘the best men’ ever ready to ride with her, dance
+with her, act with her, or fall at her feet. The fine ladies found it
+absolutely necessary to thaw: they began to ask her questions after
+dinner. Mrs. Guy Flouncey only wanted an opening. She was an adroit
+flatterer, with a temper imperturbable, and gifted with a ceaseless
+energy of conferring slight obligations. She lent them patterns for new
+fashions, in all which mysteries she was very versant; and what with
+some gentle glozing and some gay gossip, sugar for their tongues and
+salt for their tails, she contrived pretty well to catch them all.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+Nothing could present a greater contrast than the respective interiors
+of Coningsby and Beaumanoir. That air of habitual habitation, which so
+pleasingly distinguished the Duke’s family seat, was entirely wanting
+at Coningsby. Everything, indeed, was vast and splendid; but it seemed
+rather a gala-house than a dwelling; as if the grand furniture and
+the grand servants had all come down express from town with the grand
+company, and were to disappear and to be dispersed at the same time. And
+truly there were manifold traces of hasty and temporary arrangement;
+new carpets and old hangings; old paint, new gilding; battalions of odd
+French chairs, squadrons of queer English tables; and large tasteless
+lamps and tawdry chandeliers, evidently true cockneys, and only taking
+the air by way of change. There was, too, throughout the drawing-rooms
+an absence of all those minor articles of ornamental furniture that are
+the offering of taste to the home we love. There were no books neither;
+few flowers; no pet animals; no portfolios of fine drawings by our
+English artists like the album of the Duchess, full of sketches by
+Landseer and Stanfield, and their gifted brethren; not a print even,
+except portfolios of H. B.’s caricatures. The modes and manners of the
+house were not rural; there was nothing of the sweet order of a country
+life. Nobody came down to breakfast; the ladies were scarcely seen
+until dinner-time; they rolled about in carriages together late in the
+afternoon as if they were in London, or led a sort of factitious boudoir
+life in their provincial dressing-rooms.
+
+The Marquess sent for Coningsby the morning after his arrival and asked
+him to breakfast with him in his private rooms. Nothing could be
+more kind or more agreeable than his grandfather. He appeared to be
+interested in his grandson’s progress, was glad to find Coningsby had
+distinguished himself at Eton, solemnly adjured him not to neglect his
+French. A classical education, he said, was a very admirable thing, and
+one which all gentlemen should enjoy; but Coningsby would find some day
+that there were two educations, one which his position required, and
+another which was demanded by the world. ‘French, my dear Harry,’ he
+continued, ‘is the key to this second education. In a couple of years
+or so you will enter the world; it is a different thing to what you read
+about. It is a masquerade; a motley, sparkling multitude, in which
+you may mark all forms and colours, and listen to all sentiments and
+opinions; but where all you see and hear has only one object, plunder.
+When you get into this crowd you will find that Greek and Latin are not
+so much diffused as you imagine. I was glad to hear you speaking French
+yesterday. Study your accent. There are a good many foreigners here with
+whom you may try your wing a little; don’t talk to any of them too
+much. Be very careful of intimacies. All the people here are good
+acquaintance; at least pretty well. Now, here,’ said the Marquess,
+taking up a letter and then throwing it on the table again, ‘now here is
+a man whom I should like you to know, Sidonia. He will be here in a few
+days. Lay yourself out for him if you have the opportunity. He is a
+man of rare capacity, and enormously rich. No one knows the world like
+Sidonia. I never met his equal; and ‘tis so pleasant to talk with one
+that can want nothing of you.’
+
+Lord Monmouth had invited Coningsby to take a drive with him in the
+afternoon. The Marquess wished to show a part of his domain to the
+Ambassadress. Only Lucretia, he said, would be with them, and there was
+a place for him. This invitation was readily accepted by Coningsby, who
+was not yet sufficiently established in the habits of the house exactly
+to know how to pass his morning. His friend and patron, Mr. Rigby, was
+entirely taken up with the Grand-duke, whom he was accompanying all
+over the neighbourhood, in visits to manufactures, many of which Rigby
+himself saw for the first time, but all of which he fluently explained
+to his Imperial Highness. In return for this, he extracted much
+information from the Grand-duke on Russian plans and projects, materials
+for a ‘slashing’ article against the Russophobia that he was preparing,
+and in which he was to prove that Muscovite aggression was an English
+interest, and entirely to be explained by the want of sea-coast, which
+drove the Czar, for the pure purposes of commerce, to the Baltic and the
+Euxine.
+
+When the hour for the drive arrived, Coningsby found Lucretia, a young
+girl when he had first seen her only four years back, and still his
+junior, in that majestic dame who had conceded a superb recognition to
+him the preceding eve. She really looked older than Madame Colonna; who,
+very beautiful, very young-looking, and mistress of the real arts of
+the toilet, those that cannot be detected, was not in the least altered
+since she first so cordially saluted Coningsby as her dear young friend
+at Monmouth House.
+
+The day was delightful, the park extensive and picturesque, the
+Ambassadress sparkling with anecdote, and occasionally, in a low voice,
+breathing a diplomatic hint to Lord Monmouth, who bowed his graceful
+consciousness of her distinguished confidence. Coningsby occasionally
+took advantage of one of those moments, when the conversation ceased to
+be general, to address Lucretia, who replied in calm, fine smiles, and
+in affable monosyllables. She indeed generally succeeded in conveying an
+impression to those she addressed, that she had never seen them before,
+did not care to see them now, and never wished to see them again. And
+all this, too, with an air of great courtesy.
+
+They arrived at the brink of a wooded bank; at their feet flowed a
+fine river, deep and rushing, though not broad; its opposite bank the
+boundary of a richly-timbered park.
+
+‘Ah! this is beautiful!’ exclaimed the Ambassadress. ‘And is that yours,
+Lord Monmouth?’
+
+‘Not yet,’ said the Marquess. ‘That is Hellingsley; it is one of the
+finest places in the county, with a splendid estate; not so considerable
+as Coningsby, but very great. It belongs to an old, a very old man,
+without a relative in the world. It is known that the estate will be
+sold at his death, which may be almost daily expected. Then it is mine.
+No one can offer for it what I can afford. For it gives me this division
+of the county, Princess. To possess Hellingsley is one of my objects.’
+The Marquess spoke with an animation unusual with him, almost with a
+degree of excitement.
+
+The wind met them as they returned, the breeze blew rather freshly.
+Lucretia all of a sudden seemed touched with unusual emotion. She was
+alarmed lest Lord Monmouth should catch cold; she took a kerchief from
+her own well-turned throat to tie round his neck. He feebly resisted,
+evidently much pleased.
+
+The Princess Lucretia was highly accomplished. In the evening, having
+refused several distinguished guests, but instantly yielding to the
+request of Lord Monmouth, she sang. It was impossible to conceive a
+contralto of more thrilling power, or an execution more worthy of the
+voice. Coningsby, who was not experienced in fine singing, listened as
+if to a supernatural lay, but all agreed it was of the highest class of
+nature and of art; and the Grand-duke was in raptures. Lucretia received
+even his Highness’ compliments with a graceful indifference. Indeed, to
+those who watched her demeanour, it might be remarked that she seemed to
+yield to none, although all bowed before her.
+
+Madame Colonna, who was always kind to Coningsby, expressed to him
+her gratification from the party of the morning. It must have been
+delightful, she assured Coningsby, for Lord Monmouth to have had both
+Lucretia and his grandson with him; and Lucretia too, she added, must
+have been so pleased.
+
+Coningsby could not make out why Madame Colonna was always intimating
+to him that the Princess Lucretia took such great interest in his
+existence, looked forward with such gratification to his society,
+remembered with so much pleasure the past, anticipated so much happiness
+from the future. It appeared to him that he was to Lucretia, if not an
+object of repugnance, as he sometimes fancied, certainly one only of
+absolute indifference; but he said nothing. He had already lived long
+enough to know that it is unwise to wish everything explained.
+
+In the meantime his life was agreeable. Every day, he found, added to
+his acquaintance. He was never without a companion to ride or to shoot
+with; and of riding Coningsby was very fond. His grandfather, too, was
+continually giving him goodnatured turns, and making him of consequence
+in the Castle: so that all the guests were fully impressed with the
+importance of Lord Monmouth’s grandson. Lady St. Julians pronounced him
+distinguished; the Ambassadress thought diplomacy should be his part,
+as he had a fine person and a clear brain; Madame Colonna spoke of him
+always as if she took intense interest in his career, and declared she
+liked him almost as much as Lucretia did; the Russians persisted
+in always styling him ‘the young Marquess,’ notwithstanding the
+Ambassador’s explanations; Mrs. Guy Flouncey made a dashing attack
+on him; but Coningsby remembered a lesson which Lady Everingham had
+graciously bestowed on him. He was not to be caught again easily.
+Besides, Mrs. Guy Flouncey laughed a little too much, and talked a
+little too loud.
+
+As time flew on, there were changes of visitors, chiefly among the
+single men. At the end of the first week after Coningsby’s arrival, Lord
+Eskdale appeared, bringing with him Lucian Gay; and soon after followed
+the Marquess of Beaumanoir and Mr. Melton. These were all heroes who,
+in their way, interested the ladies, and whose advent was hailed
+with general satisfaction. Even Lucretia would relax a little to Lord
+Eskdale. He was one of her oldest friends, and with a simplicity of
+manner which amounted almost to plainness, and with rather a cynical
+nonchalance in his carriage towards men, Lord Eskdale was invariably a
+favourite with women. To be sure his station was eminent; he was noble,
+and very rich, and very powerful, and these are qualities which tell as
+much with the softer as the harsher sex; but there are individuals with
+all these qualities who are nevertheless unpopular with women. Lord
+Eskdale was easy, knew the world thoroughly, had no prejudices, and,
+above all, had a reputation for success. A reputation for success has as
+much influence with women as a reputation for wealth has with men. Both
+reputations may be, and often are, unjust; but we see persons daily make
+good fortunes by them all the same. Lord Eskdale was not an impostor;
+and though he might not have been so successful a man had he not been
+Lord Eskdale, still, thrown over by a revolution, he would have lighted
+on his legs.
+
+The arrival of this nobleman was the occasion of giving a good turn to
+poor Flora. He went immediately to see his friend Villebecque and his
+troop. Indeed it was a sort of society which pleased Lord Eskdale more
+than that which is deemed more refined. He was very sorry about ‘La
+Petite;’ but thought that everything would come right in the long run;
+and told Villebecque that he was glad to hear him well spoken of here,
+especially by the Marquess, who seemed to take to him. As for Flora, he
+was entirely against her attempting the stage again, at least for the
+present, but as she was a good musician, he suggested to the Princess
+Lucretia one night, that the subordinate aid of Flora might be of
+service to her, and permit her to favour her friends with some pieces
+which otherwise she must deny to them. This suggestion was successful;
+Flora was introduced occasionally, soon often, to their parties in the
+evening, and her performances were in every respect satisfactory. There
+was nothing to excite the jealousy of Lucretia either in her style or
+her person. And yet she sang well enough, and was a quiet, refined,
+retiring, by no means disagreeable person. She was the companion of
+Lucretia very often in the morning as well as in the illumined saloon;
+for the Princess was devoted to the art in which she excelled. This
+connexion on the whole contributed to the happiness of poor Flora. True
+it was, in the evening she often found herself sitting or standing alone
+and no one noticing her; she had no dazzling quality to attract men of
+fashion, who themselves love to worship ever the fashionable. Even
+their goddesses must be _à la mode_. But Coningsby never omitted an
+opportunity to show Flora some kindness under these circumstances.
+He always came and talked to her, and praised her singing, and would
+sometimes hand her refreshments and give her his arm if necessary. These
+slight attentions coming from the grandson of Lord Monmouth were for
+the world redoubled in their value, though Flora thought only of their
+essential kindness; all in character with that first visit which dwelt
+on the poor girl’s memory, though it had long ago escaped that of her
+visitor. For in truth Coningsby had no other impulse for his conduct but
+kind-heartedness.
+
+Thus we have attempted to give some faint idea how life glided away at
+the Castle the first fortnight that Coningsby passed there. Perhaps we
+ought not to omit that Mrs. Guy Flouncey, to the infinite disgust of
+Lady St. Julians, who had a daughter with her, successfully entrapped
+the devoted attentions of the young Marquess of Beaumanoir, who was
+never very backward if a lady would take trouble enough; while his
+friend, Mr. Melton, whose barren homage Lady St. Julians wished
+her daughter ever particularly to shun, employed all his gaiety,
+good-humour, frivolity, and fashion in amusing that young lady, and with
+irresistible effect. For the rest, they continued, though they had only
+partridges to shoot, to pass the morning without weariness. The weather
+was fine; the stud numerous; all might be mounted. The Grand-duke and
+his suite, guided by Mr. Rigby, had always some objects to visit, and
+railroads returned them just in time for the banquet with an appetite
+which they had earned, and during which Rigby recounted their
+achievements, and his own opinions.
+
+The dinner was always firstrate; the evening never failed; music,
+dancing, and the theatre offered great resources independently of the
+soul-subduing sentiment harshly called flirtation, and which is the
+spell of a country house. Lord Monmouth was satisfied, for he had
+scarcely ever felt wearied. All that he required in life was to be
+amused; perhaps that was not all he required, but it was indispensable.
+Nor was it wonderful that on the present occasion he obtained his
+purpose, for there were half a hundred of the brightest eyes
+and quickest brains ever on the watch or the whirl to secure him
+distraction. The only circumstance that annoyed him was the non-arrival
+of Sidonia. Lord Monmouth could not bear to be disappointed. He could
+not refrain from saying, notwithstanding all the resources and all the
+exertions of his guests,
+
+‘I cannot understand why Sidonia does not come. I wish Sidonia were
+here.’
+
+‘So do I,’ said Lord Eskdale; ‘Sidonia is the only man who tells one
+anything new.’
+
+‘We saw Sidonia at Lord Studcaster’s,’ said Lord Beaumanoir. ‘He told
+Melton he was coming here.’
+
+‘You know he has bought all Studcaster’s horses,’ said Mr. Melton.
+
+‘I wonder he does not buy Studcaster himself,’ said Lord Monmouth; ‘I
+would if I were he; Sidonia can buy anything,’ he turned to Mrs. Guy
+Flouncey.
+
+‘I wonder who Sidonia is,’ thought Mrs. Guy Flouncey, but she was
+determined no one should suppose she did not know.
+
+At length one day Coningsby met Madame Colonna in the vestibule before
+dinner.
+
+‘Milor is in such good temper, Mr. Coningsby,’ she said; ‘Monsieur de
+Sidonia has arrived.’
+
+About ten minutes before dinner there was a stir in the chamber.
+Coningsby looked round. He saw the Grand-duke advancing, and holding out
+his hand in a manner the most gracious. A gentleman, of distinguished
+air, but with his back turned to Coningsby, was bowing as he received
+his Highness’ greeting. There was a general pause in the room. Several
+came forward: even the Marquess seemed a little moved. Coningsby could
+not resist the impulse of curiosity to see this individual of whom he
+had heard so much. He glided round the room, and caught the countenance
+of his companion in the forest inn; he who announced to him, that ‘the
+Age of Ruins was past.’
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+
+Sidonia was descended from a very ancient and noble family of Arragon,
+that, in the course of ages, had given to the state many distinguished
+citizens. In the priesthood its members had been peculiarly eminent.
+Besides several prelates, they counted among their number an Archbishop
+of Toledo; and a Sidonia, in a season of great danger and difficulty,
+had exercised for a series of years the paramount office of Grand
+Inquisitor.
+
+Yet, strange as it may sound, it is nevertheless a fact, of which there
+is no lack of evidence, that this illustrious family during all this
+period, in common with two-thirds of the Arragonese nobility, secretly
+adhered to the ancient faith and ceremonies of their fathers; a belief
+in the unity of the God of Sinai, and the rights and observances of the
+laws of Moses.
+
+Whence came those Mosaic Arabs whose passages across the strait from
+Africa to Europe long preceded the invasion of the Mohammedan Arabs, it
+is now impossible to ascertain. Their traditions tell us that from time
+immemorial they had sojourned in Africa; and it is not improbable that
+they may have been the descendants of some of the earlier dispersions;
+like those Hebrew colonies that we find in China, and who probably
+emigrated from Persia in the days of the great monarchies. Whatever may
+have been their origin in Africa, their fortunes in Southern Europe
+are not difficult to trace, though the annals of no race in any age can
+detail a history of such strange vicissitudes, or one rife with more
+touching and romantic incident. Their unexampled prosperity in the
+Spanish Peninsula, and especially in the south, where they had become
+the principal cultivators of the soil, excited the jealousy of the
+Goths; and the Councils of Toledo during the sixth and seventh
+centuries attempted, by a series of decrees worthy of the barbarians who
+promulgated them, to root the Jewish Arabs out of the land. There is no
+doubt the Council of Toledo led, as directly as the lust of Roderick,
+to the invasion of Spain by the Moslemin Arabs. The Jewish population,
+suffering under the most sanguinary and atrocious persecution, looked to
+their sympathising brethren of the Crescent, whose camps already gleamed
+on the opposite shore. The overthrow of the Gothic kingdoms was as much
+achieved by the superior information which the Saracens received from
+their suffering kinsmen, as by the resistless valour of the Desert. The
+Saracen kingdoms were established. That fair and unrivalled civilisation
+arose which preserved for Europe arts and letters when Christendom was
+plunged in darkness. The children of Ishmael rewarded the children of
+Israel with equal rights and privileges with themselves. During these
+halcyon centuries, it is difficult to distinguish the follower of Moses
+from the votary of Mahomet. Both alike built palaces, gardens, and
+fountains; filled equally the highest offices of the state, competed
+in an extensive and enlightened commerce, and rivalled each other in
+renowned universities.
+
+Even after the fall of the principal Moorish kingdoms, the Jews of
+Spain were still treated by the conquering Goths with tenderness and
+consideration. Their numbers, their wealth, the fact that, in Arragon
+especially, they were the proprietors of the soil, and surrounded by
+warlike and devoted followers, secured for them an usage which, for
+a considerable period, made them little sensible of the change of
+dynasties and religions. But the tempest gradually gathered. As the
+Goths grew stronger, persecution became more bold. Where the Jewish
+population was scanty they were deprived of their privileges, or obliged
+to conform under the title of ‘Nuevos Christianos.’ At length the union
+of the two crowns under Ferdinand and Isabella, and the fall of the
+last Moorish kingdom, brought the crisis of their fate both to the New
+Christian and the nonconforming Hebrew. The Inquisition appeared, the
+Institution that had exterminated the Albigenses and had desolated
+Languedoc, and which, it should ever be remembered, was established in
+the Spanish kingdoms against the protests of the Cortes and amid the
+terror of the populace. The Dominicans opened their first tribunal at
+Seville, and it is curious that the first individuals they summoned
+before them were the Duke of Medina Sidonia, the Marquess of Cadiz, and
+the Count of Arcos; three of the most considerable personages in Spain.
+How many were burned alive at Seville during the first year, how many
+imprisoned for life, what countless thousands were visited with severe
+though lighter punishments, need not be recorded here. In nothing was
+the Holy Office more happy than in multiform and subtle means by which
+they tested the sincerity of the New Christians.
+
+At length the Inquisition was to be extended to Arragon. The
+high-spirited nobles of that kingdom knew that its institution was for
+them a matter of life or death. The Cortes of Arragon appealed to the
+King and to the Pope; they organised an extensive conspiracy; the chief
+Inquisitor was assassinated in the cathedral of Saragossa. Alas! it
+was fated that in this, one of the many, and continual, and continuing
+struggles between the rival organisations of the North and the South,
+the children of the sun should fall. The fagot and the San Benito were
+the doom of the nobles of Arragon. Those who were convicted of secret
+Judaism, and this scarcely three centuries ago, were dragged to the
+stake; the sons of the noblest houses, in whose veins the Hebrew taint
+could be traced, had to walk in solemn procession, singing psalms, and
+confessing their faith in the religion of the fell Torquemada.
+
+This triumph in Arragon, the almost simultaneous fall of the last
+Moorish kingdom, raised the hopes of the pure Christians to the
+highest pitch. Having purged the new Christians, they next turned their
+attention to the old Hebrews. Ferdinand was resolved that the delicious
+air of Spain should be breathed no longer by any one who did not profess
+the Catholic faith. Baptism or exile was the alternative. More than
+six hundred thousand individuals, some authorities greatly increase
+the amount, the most industrious, the most intelligent, and the most
+enlightened of Spanish subjects, would not desert the religion of their
+fathers. For this they gave up the delightful land wherein they
+had lived for centuries, the beautiful cities they had raised, the
+universities from which Christendom drew for ages its most precious
+lore, the tombs of their ancestors, the temples where they had
+worshipped the God for whom they had made this sacrifice. They had but
+four months to prepare for eternal exile, after a residence of as many
+centuries; during which brief period forced sales and glutted markets
+virtually confiscated their property. It is a calamity that the
+scattered nation still ranks with the desolations of Nebuchadnezzar
+and of Titus. Who after this should say the Jews are by nature a sordid
+people? But the Spanish Goth, then so cruel and so haughty, where is
+he? A despised suppliant to the very race which he banished, for some
+miserable portion of the treasure which their habits of industry have
+again accumulated. Where is that tribunal that summoned Medina Sidonia
+and Cadiz to its dark inquisition? Where is Spain? Its fall, its
+unparalleled and its irremediable fall, is mainly to be attributed
+to the expulsion of that large portion of its subjects, the most
+industrious and intelligent, who traced their origin to the Mosaic and
+Mohammedan Arabs.
+
+The Sidonias of Arragon were Nuevos Christianos. Some of them, no doubt,
+were burned alive at the end of the fifteenth century, under the system
+of Torquemada; many of them, doubtless, wore the San Benito; but they
+kept their titles and estates, and in time reached those great offices
+to which we have referred.
+
+During the long disorders of the Peninsular war, when so many openings
+were offered to talent, and so many opportunities seized by the
+adventurous, a cadet of a younger branch of this family made a large
+fortune by military contracts, and supplying the commissariat of the
+different armies. At the peace, prescient of the great financial future
+of Europe, confident in the fertility of his own genius, in his original
+views of fiscal subjects, and his knowledge of national resources, this
+Sidonia, feeling that Madrid, or even Cadiz, could never be a base
+on which the monetary transactions of the world could be regulated,
+resolved to emigrate to England, with which he had, in the course of
+years, formed considerable commercial connections. He arrived here after
+the peace of Paris, with his large capital. He staked all he was
+worth on the Waterloo loan; and the event made him one of the greatest
+capitalists in Europe.
+
+No sooner was Sidonia established in England than he professed Judaism;
+which Torquemada flattered himself, with the fagot and the San Benito,
+he had drained out of the veins of his family more than three centuries
+ago. He sent over, also, for several of his brothers, who were as
+good Catholics in Spain as Ferdinand and Isabella could have possibly
+desired, but who made an offering in the synagogue, in gratitude for
+their safe voyage, on their arrival in England.
+
+Sidonia had foreseen in Spain that, after the exhaustion of a war of
+twenty-five years, Europe must require capital to carry on peace. He
+reaped the due reward of his sagacity. Europe did require money, and
+Sidonia was ready to lend it to Europe. France wanted some; Austria
+more; Prussia a little; Russia a few millions. Sidonia could furnish
+them all. The only country which he avoided was Spain; he was too well
+acquainted with its resources. Nothing, too, would ever tempt him to
+lend anything to the revolted colonies of Spain. Prudence saved him from
+being a creditor of the mother-country; his Spanish pride recoiled from
+the rebellion of her children.
+
+It is not difficult to conceive that, after having pursued the career we
+have intimated for about ten years, Sidonia had become one of the most
+considerable personages in Europe. He had established a brother, or
+a near relative, in whom he could confide, in most of the principal
+capitals. He was lord and master of the money-market of the world, and
+of course virtually lord and master of everything else. He literally
+held the revenues of Southern Italy in pawn; and monarchs and ministers
+of all countries courted his advice and were guided by his suggestions.
+He was still in the vigour of life, and was not a mere money-making
+machine. He had a general intelligence equal to his position, and looked
+forward to the period when some relaxation from his vast enterprises and
+exertions might enable him to direct his energies to great objects of
+public benefit. But in the height of his vast prosperity he suddenly
+died, leaving only one child, a youth still of tender years, and heir to
+the greatest fortune in Europe, so great, indeed, that it could only be
+calculated by millions.
+
+Shut out from universities and schools, those universities and schools
+which were indebted for their first knowledge of ancient philosophy
+to the learning and enterprise of his ancestors, the young Sidonia was
+fortunate in the tutor whom his father had procured for him, and who
+devoted to his charge all the resources of his trained intellect and
+vast and varied erudition. A Jesuit before the revolution; since then an
+exiled Liberal leader; now a member of the Spanish Cortes; Rebello
+was always a Jew. He found in his pupil that precocity of intellectual
+development which is characteristic of the Arabian organisation. The
+young Sidonia penetrated the highest mysteries of mathematics with
+a facility almost instinctive; while a memory, which never had any
+twilight hours, but always reflected a noontide clearness, seemed to
+magnify his acquisitions of ancient learning by the promptness with
+which they could be reproduced and applied.
+
+The circumstances of his position, too, had early contributed to give
+him an unusual command over the modern languages. An Englishman, and
+taught from his cradle to be proud of being an Englishman, he first
+evinced in speaking his native language those remarkable powers of
+expression, and that clear and happy elocution, which ever afterwards
+distinguished him. But the son of a Spaniard, the sonorous syllables
+of that noble tongue constantly resounded in his ear; while the foreign
+guests who thronged his father’s mansion habituated him from an early
+period of life to the tones of languages that were not long strange to
+him. When he was nineteen, Sidonia, who had then resided some time
+with his uncle at Naples, and had made a long visit to another of his
+father’s relatives at Frankfort, possessed a complete mastery over the
+principal European languages.
+
+At seventeen he had parted with Rebello, who returned to Spain, and
+Sidonia, under the control of his guardians, commenced his travels. He
+resided, as we have mentioned, some time in Germany, and then, having
+visited Italy, settled at Naples, at which city it may be said he
+made his entrance into life. With an interesting person, and highly
+accomplished, he availed himself of the gracious attentions of a
+court of which he was principal creditor; and which, treating him as a
+distinguished English traveller, were enabled perhaps to show him some
+favours that the manners of the country might not have permitted them
+to accord to his Neapolitan relatives. Sidonia thus obtained at an
+early age that experience of refined and luxurious society, which is a
+necessary part of a finished education. It gives the last polish to the
+manners; it teaches us something of the power of the passions, early
+developed in the hot-bed of self-indulgence; it instils into us that
+indefinable tact seldom obtained in later life, which prevents us from
+saying the wrong thing, and often impels us to do the right.
+
+Between Paris and Naples Sidonia passed two years, spent apparently in
+the dissipation which was perhaps inseparable from his time of life. He
+was admired by women, to whom he was magnificent, idolised by artists
+whom he patronised, received in all circles with great distinction, and
+appreciated for his intellect by the very few to whom he at all
+opened himself. For, though affable and gracious, it was impossible
+to penetrate him. Though unreserved in his manner, his frankness was
+strictly limited to the surface. He observed everything, thought ever,
+but avoided serious discussion. If you pressed him for an opinion, he
+took refuge in raillery, or threw out some grave paradox with which it
+was not easy to cope.
+
+The moment he came of age, Sidonia having previously, at a great family
+congress held at Naples, made arrangements with the heads of the houses
+that bore his name respecting the disposition and management of his vast
+fortune, quitted Europe.
+
+Sidonia was absent from his connections for five years, during which
+period he never communicated with them. They were aware of his existence
+only by the orders which he drew on them for payment, and which arrived
+from all quarters of the globe. It would appear from these documents
+that he had dwelt a considerable time in the Mediterranean regions;
+penetrated Nilotic Africa to Sennaar and Abyssinia; traversed the
+Asiatic continent to Tartary, whence he had visited Hindostan, and the
+isles of that Indian Sea which are so little known. Afterwards he was
+heard of at Valparaiso, the Brazils, and Lima. He evidently remained
+some time at Mexico, which he quitted for the United States. One
+morning, without notice, he arrived in London.
+
+Sidonia had exhausted all the sources of human knowledge; he was master
+of the learning of every nation, of all tongues dead or living, of every
+literature, Western and Oriental. He had pursued the speculations
+of science to their last term, and had himself illustrated them by
+observation and experiment. He had lived in all orders of society, had
+viewed every combination of Nature and of Art, and had observed man
+under every phasis of civilisation. He had even studied him in the
+wilderness. The influence of creeds and laws, manners, customs,
+traditions, in all their diversities, had been subjected to his personal
+scrutiny.
+
+He brought to the study of this vast aggregate of knowledge a
+penetrative intellect that, matured by long meditation, and assisted
+by that absolute freedom from prejudice, which, was the compensatory
+possession of a man without a country, permitted Sidonia to fathom,
+as it were by intuition, the depth of questions apparently the most
+difficult and profound. He possessed the rare faculty of communicating
+with precision ideas the most abstruse, and in general a power of
+expression which arrests and satisfies attention.
+
+With all this knowledge, which no one knew more to prize, with boundless
+wealth, and with an athletic frame, which sickness had never tried, and
+which had avoided excess, Sidonia nevertheless looked upon life with
+a glance rather of curiosity than content. His religion walled him
+out from the pursuits of a citizen; his riches deprived him of the
+stimulating anxieties of a man. He perceived himself a lone being, alike
+without cares and without duties.
+
+To a man in his position there might yet seem one unfailing source
+of felicity and joy; independent of creed, independent of country,
+independent even of character. He might have discovered that perpetual
+spring of happiness in the sensibility of the heart. But this was a
+sealed fountain to Sidonia. In his organisation there was a peculiarity,
+perhaps a great deficiency. He was a man without affections. It would be
+harsh to say he had no heart, for he was susceptible of deep emotions,
+but not for individuals. He was capable of rebuilding a town that was
+burned down; of restoring a colony that had been destroyed by some awful
+visitation of Nature; of redeeming to liberty a horde of captives; and
+of doing these great acts in secret; for, void of all self-love, public
+approbation was worthless to him; but the individual never touched him.
+Woman was to him a toy, man a machine.
+
+The lot the most precious to man, and which a beneficent Providence
+has made not the least common; to find in another heart a perfect and
+profound sympathy; to unite his existence with one who could share all
+his joys, soften all his sorrows, aid him in all his projects, respond
+to all his fancies, counsel him in his cares, and support him in
+his perils; make life charming by her charms, interesting by her
+intelligence, and sweet by the vigilant variety of her tenderness;
+to find your life blessed by such an influence, and to feel that your
+influence can bless such a life: this lot, the most divine of divine
+gifts, that power and even fame can never rival in its delights, all
+this Nature had denied to Sidonia.
+
+With an imagination as fiery as his native Desert, and an intellect as
+luminous as his native sky, he wanted, like that land, those softening
+dews without which the soil is barren, and the sunbeam as often a
+messenger of pestilence as an angel of regenerative grace.
+
+Such a temperament, though rare, is peculiar to the East. It inspired
+the founders of the great monarchies of antiquity, the prophets that the
+Desert has sent forth, the Tartar chiefs who have overrun the world;
+it might be observed in the great Corsican, who, like most of the
+inhabitants of the Mediterranean isles, had probably Arab blood in his
+veins. It is a temperament that befits conquerors and legislators, but,
+in ordinary times and ordinary situations, entails on its possessor only
+eccentric aberrations or profound melancholy.
+
+The only human quality that interested Sidonia was Intellect. He cared
+not whence it came; where it was to be found: creed, country, class,
+character, in this respect, were alike indifferent to him. The author,
+the artist, the man of science, never appealed to him in vain. Often he
+anticipated their wants and wishes. He encouraged their society; was as
+frank in his conversation as he was generous in his contributions; but
+the instant they ceased to be authors, artists, or philosophers, and
+their communications arose from anything but the intellectual quality
+which had originally interested him, the moment they were rash enough
+to approach intimacy and appealed to the sympathising man instead of
+the congenial intelligence, he saw them no more. It was not however
+intellect merely in these unquestionable shapes that commanded his
+notice. There was not an adventurer in Europe with whom he was not
+familiar. No Minister of State had such communication with secret agents
+and political spies as Sidonia. He held relations with all the clever
+outcasts of the world. The catalogue of his acquaintance in the shape of
+Greeks, Armenians, Moors, secret Jews, Tartars, Gipsies, wandering
+Poles and Carbonari, would throw a curious light on those subterranean
+agencies of which the world in general knows so little, but which
+exercise so great an influence on public events. His extensive travels,
+his knowledge of languages, his daring and adventurous disposition, and
+his unlimited means, had given him opportunities of becoming acquainted
+with these characters, in general so difficult to trace, and of gaining
+their devotion. To these sources he owed that knowledge of strange and
+hidden things which often startled those who listened to him. Nor was it
+easy, scarcely possible, to deceive him. Information reached him from
+so many, and such contrary quarters, that with his discrimination and
+experience, he could almost instantly distinguish the truth. The secret
+history of the world was his pastime. His great pleasure was to contrast
+the hidden motive, with the public pretext, of transactions.
+
+One source of interest Sidonia found in his descent and in the
+fortunes of his race. As firm in his adherence to the code of the great
+Legislator as if the trumpet still sounded on Sinai, he might have
+received in the conviction of divine favour an adequate compensation
+for human persecution. But there were other and more terrestrial
+considerations that made Sidonia proud of his origin, and confident
+in the future of his kind. Sidonia was a great philosopher, who took
+comprehensive views of human affairs, and surveyed every fact in its
+relative position to other facts, the only mode of obtaining truth.
+
+Sidonia was well aware that in the five great varieties into which
+Physiology has divided the human species; to wit, the Caucasian, the
+Mongolian, the Malayan, the American, the Ethiopian; the Arabian tribes
+rank in the first and superior class, together, among others, with the
+Saxon and the Greek. This fact alone is a source of great pride and
+satisfaction to the animal Man. But Sidonia and his brethren could
+claim a distinction which the Saxon and the Greek, and the rest of
+the Caucasian nations, have forfeited. The Hebrew is an unmixed race.
+Doubtless, among the tribes who inhabit the bosom of the Desert,
+progenitors alike of the Mosaic and the Mohammedan Arabs, blood may be
+found as pure as that of the descendants of the Scheik Abraham. But the
+Mosaic Arabs are the most ancient, if not the only, unmixed blood that
+dwells in cities.
+
+An unmixed race of a firstrate organisation are the aristocracy of
+Nature. Such excellence is a positive fact; not an imagination, a
+ceremony, coined by poets, blazoned by cozening heralds, but perceptible
+in its physical advantages, and in the vigour of its unsullied
+idiosyncrasy.
+
+In his comprehensive travels, Sidonia had visited and examined the
+Hebrew communities of the world. He had found, in general, the lower
+orders debased; the superior immersed in sordid pursuits; but he
+perceived that the intellectual development was not impaired. This gave
+him hope. He was persuaded that organisation would outlive persecution.
+When he reflected on what they had endured, it was only marvellous
+that the race had not disappeared. They had defied exile, massacre,
+spoliation, the degrading influence of the constant pursuit of gain;
+they had defied Time. For nearly three thousand years, according to
+Archbishop Usher, they have been dispersed over the globe. To the
+unpolluted current of their Caucasian structure, and to the segregating
+genius of their great Law-giver, Sidonia ascribed the fact that they
+had not been long ago absorbed among those mixed races, who presume
+to persecute them, but who periodically wear away and disappear, while
+their victims still flourish in all the primeval vigour of the pure
+Asian breed.
+
+Shortly after his arrival in England, Sidonia repaired to the principal
+Courts of Europe, that he might become personally acquainted with
+the monarchs and ministers of whom he had heard so much. His position
+insured him a distinguished reception; his personal qualities
+immediately made him cherished. He could please; he could do more, he
+could astonish. He could throw out a careless observation which would
+make the oldest diplomatist start; a winged word that gained him the
+consideration, sometimes the confidence, of Sovereigns. When he had
+fathomed the intelligence which governs Europe, and which can only be
+done by personal acquaintance, he returned to this country.
+
+The somewhat hard and literal character of English life suited one who
+shrank from sensibility, and often took refuge in sarcasm. Its masculine
+vigour and active intelligence occupied and interested his mind.
+Sidonia, indeed, was exactly the character who would be welcomed in our
+circles. His immense wealth, his unrivalled social knowledge, his clear
+vigorous intellect, the severe simplicity of his manners, frank, but
+neither claiming nor brooking familiarity, and his devotion to field
+sports, which was the safety-valve of his energy, were all circumstances
+and qualities which the English appreciate and admire; and it may be
+fairly said of Sidonia that few men were more popular, and none less
+understood.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+
+At dinner, Coningsby was seated on the same side as Sidonia, and distant
+from him. There had been, therefore, no mutual recognition. Another
+guest had also arrived, Mr. Ormsby. He came straight from London,
+full of rumours, had seen Tadpole, who, hearing he was on the wing for
+Coningsby Castle, had taken him into a dark corner of a club, and
+shown him his book, a safe piece of confidence, as Mr. Ormsby was very
+near-sighted. It was, however, to be received as an undoubted fact, that
+all was right, and somehow or other, before very long, there would be
+national demonstration of the same. This arrival of Mr. Ormsby, and the
+news that he bore, gave a political turn to the conversation after the
+ladies had left the room.
+
+‘Tadpole wants me to stand for Birmingham,’ said Mr. Ormsby, gravely.
+
+‘You!’ exclaimed Lord Monmouth, and throwing himself back in his chair,
+he broke into a real, hearty laugh.
+
+‘Yes; the Conservatives mean to start two candidates; a manufacturer
+they have got, and they have written up to Tadpole for a “West-end
+man.”’
+
+‘A what?’
+
+‘A West-end man, who will make the ladies patronise their fancy
+articles.’
+
+‘The result of the Reform Bill, then,’ said Lucian Gay, ‘will be to give
+Manchester a bishop, and Birmingham a dandy.’
+
+‘I begin to believe the result will be very different from what we
+expected,’ said Lord Monmouth.
+
+Mr. Rigby shook his head and was going to prophesy, when Lord Eskdale,
+who liked talk to be short, and was of opinion that Rigby should keep
+his amplifications for his slashing articles, put in a brief careless
+observation, which balked his inspiration.
+
+‘Certainly,’ said Mr. Ormsby, ‘when the guns were firing over Vyvyan’s
+last speech and confession, I never expected to be asked to stand for
+Birmingham.’
+
+‘Perhaps you may be called up to the other house by the title,’ said
+Lucian Gay. ‘Who knows?’
+
+‘I agree with Tadpole,’ said Mr. Ormsby, ‘that if we only stick to the
+Registration the country is saved.’
+
+‘Fortunate country!’ said Sidonia, ‘that can be saved by a good
+registration!’
+
+‘I believe, after all, that with property and pluck,’ said Lord
+Monmouth, ‘Parliamentary Reform is not such a very bad thing.’
+
+Here several gentlemen began talking at the same time, all agreeing
+with their host, and proving in their different ways, the irresistible
+influence of property and pluck; property in Lord Monmouth’s mind
+meaning vassals, and pluck a total disregard for public opinion. Mr. Guy
+Flouncey, who wanted to get into parliament, but why nobody knew, who
+had neither political abilities nor political opinions, but had some
+floating idea that it would get himself and his wife to some more
+balls and dinners, and who was duly ticketed for ‘a good thing’ in the
+candidate list of the Tadpoles and the Tapers, was of opinion that an
+immense deal might be done by properly patronising borough races. That
+was his specific how to prevent revolution.
+
+Taking advantage of a pause, Lord Monmouth said, ‘I should like to know
+what you think of this question, Sidonia?’
+
+‘I am scarcely a competent judge,’ he said, as if wishing to disclaim
+any interference in the conversation, and then added, ‘but I have been
+ever of opinion that revolutions are not to be evaded.’
+
+‘Exactly my views,’ said Mr. Rigby, eagerly; ‘I say it now, I have said
+it a thousand times, you may doctor the registration as you like, but
+you can never get rid of Schedule A.’
+
+‘Is there a person in this room who can now tell us the names of the
+boroughs in Schedule A?’ said Sidonia.
+
+‘I am sure I cannot, ‘said Lord Monmouth, ‘though six of them belong to
+myself.’
+
+‘But the principle,’ said Mr. Rigby; ‘they represented a principle.’
+
+‘Nothing else, certainly,’ said Lucian Gay.
+
+‘And what principle?’ inquired Sidonia.
+
+‘The principle of nomination.’
+
+‘That is a practice, not a principle,’ said Sidonia. ‘Is it a practice
+that no longer exists?’
+
+‘You think then,’ said Lord Eskdale, cutting in before Rigby, ‘that the
+Reform Bill has done us no harm?’
+
+‘It is not the Reform Bill that has shaken the aristocracy of this
+country, but the means by which that Bill was carried,’ replied Sidonia.
+
+‘Physical force?’ said Lord Eskdale.
+
+‘Or social power?’ said Sidonia.
+
+Upon this, Mr. Rigby, impatient at any one giving the tone in a
+political discussion but himself, and chafing under the vigilance of
+Lord Eskdale, which to him ever appeared only fortuitous, violently
+assaulted the argument, and astonished several country gentlemen present
+by its volubility. They at length listened to real eloquence. At the
+end of a long appeal to Sidonia, that gentleman only bowed his head and
+said, ‘Perhaps;’ and then, turning to his neighbour, inquired whether
+birds were plentiful in Lancashire this season; so that Mr. Rigby was
+reduced to the necessity of forming the political opinions of Mr. Guy
+Flouncey.
+
+As the gentlemen left the dining-room, Coningsby, though at some
+distance, was observed by Sidonia, who stopped instantly, then advanced
+to Coningsby, and extending his hand said, ‘I said we should meet again,
+though I hardly expected so quickly.’
+
+‘And I hope we shall not separate so soon,’ said Coningsby; ‘I was much
+struck with what you said just now about the Reform Bill. Do you know
+that the more I think the more I am perplexed by what is meant by
+Representation?’
+
+‘It is a principle of which a limited definition is only current in
+this country,’ said Sidonia, quitting the room with him. ‘People may be
+represented without periodical elections of neighbours who are incapable
+to maintain their interests, and strangers who are unwilling.’
+
+The entrance of the gentlemen produced the same effect on the saloon as
+sunrise on the world; universal animation, a general though gentle stir.
+The Grand-duke, bowing to every one, devoted himself to the daughter
+of Lady St. Julians, who herself pinned Lord Beaumanoir before he could
+reach Mrs. Guy Flouncey. Coningsby instead talked nonsense to that lady.
+Brilliant cavaliers, including Mr. Melton, addressed a band of beautiful
+damsels grouped on a large ottoman. Everywhere sounded a delicious
+murmur, broken occasionally by a silver-sounding laugh not too loud.
+Sidonia and Lord Eskdale did not join the ladies. They stood for a few
+moments in conversation, and then threw themselves on a sofa.
+
+‘Who is that?’ asked Sidonia of his companion rather earnestly, as
+Coningsby quitted them.
+
+‘’Tis the grandson of Monmouth; young Coningsby.’
+
+‘Ah! The new generation then promises. I met him once before, by chance;
+he interests me.’
+
+‘They tell me he is a lively lad. He is a prodigious favourite here, and
+I should not be surprised if Monmouth made him his heir.’
+
+‘I hope he does not dream of inheritance,’ said Sidonia. ‘’Tis the most
+enervating of visions.’
+
+‘Do you admire Lady Augustina St. Julians?’ said Mrs. Guy Flouncey to
+Coningsby.
+
+‘I admire no one except yourself.’
+
+‘Oh! how very gallant, Mr. Coningsby!’
+
+‘When should men be gallant, if not to the brilliant and the beautiful!’
+said Coningsby.
+
+‘Ah! you are laughing at me.’
+
+‘No, I am not. I am quite grave.’
+
+‘Your eyes laugh. Now tell me, Mr. Coningsby, Lord Henry Sydney is a
+very great friend of yours?’
+
+‘Very.’
+
+‘He is very amiable.’
+
+‘Very.’
+
+‘He does a great deal for the poor at Beaumanoir. A very fine place, is
+it not?’
+
+‘Very.’
+
+‘As fine as Coningsby?’
+
+‘At present, with Mrs. Guy Flouncey at Coningsby, Beaumanoir would have
+no chance.’
+
+‘Ah! you laugh at me again! Now tell me, Mr. Coningsby, what do you
+think we shall do to-night? I look upon you, you know, as the real
+arbiter of our destinies.’
+
+‘You shall decide,’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘Mon cher Harry,’ said Madame Colonna, coming up, ‘they wish Lucretia to
+sing and she will not. You must ask her, she cannot refuse you.’
+
+‘I assure you she can,’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘Mon cher Harry, your grandpapa did desire me to beg you to ask her to
+sing.’
+
+So Coningsby unwillingly approached Lucretia, who was talking with the
+Russian Ambassador.
+
+‘I am sent upon a fruitless mission,’ said Coningsby, looking at her,
+and catching her glance.
+
+‘What and why?’ she replied.
+
+‘The mission is to entreat you to do us all a great favour; and the
+cause of its failure will be that I am the envoy.’
+
+‘If the favour be one to yourself, it is granted; and if you be the
+envoy, you need never fear failure with me.’
+
+‘I must presume then to lead you away,’ said Coningsby, bending to the
+Ambassador.
+
+‘Remember,’ said Lucretia, as they approached the instrument, ‘that I am
+singing to you.’
+
+‘It is impossible ever to forget it,’ said Coningsby, leading her to the
+piano with great politeness, but only with great politeness.
+
+‘Where is Mademoiselle Flora?’ she inquired.
+
+Coningsby found La Petite crouching as it were behind some furniture,
+and apparently looking over some music. She looked up as he approached,
+and a smile stole over her countenance. ‘I am come to ask a favour,’ he
+said, and he named his request.
+
+‘I will sing,’ she replied; ‘but only tell me what you like.’
+
+Coningsby felt the difference between the courtesy of the head and of
+the heart, as he contrasted the manner of Lucretia and Flora. Nothing
+could be more exquisitely gracious than the daughter of Colonna was
+to-night; Flora, on the contrary, was rather agitated and embarrassed;
+and did not express her readiness with half the facility and the grace
+of Lucretia; but Flora’s arm trembled as Coningsby led her to the piano.
+
+Meantime Lord Eskdale and Sidonia are in deep converse.
+
+‘Hah! that is a fine note!’ said Sidonia, and he looked round. ‘Who is
+that singing? Some new _protégée_ of Lord Monmouth?’
+
+‘’Tis the daughter of the Colonnas,’ said Lord Eskdale, ‘the Princess
+Lucretia.’
+
+‘Why, she was not at dinner to-day.’
+
+‘No, she was not there.’
+
+‘My favourite voice; and of all, the rarest to be found. When I was a
+boy, it made me almost in love even with Pisaroni.’
+
+‘Well, the Princess is scarcely more lovely. ‘Tis a pity the plumage is
+not as beautiful as the note. She is plain.’
+
+‘No; not plain with that brow.’
+
+‘Well, I rather admire her myself,’ said Lord Eskdale. ‘She has fine
+points.’
+
+‘Let us approach,’ said Sidonia.
+
+The song ceased, Lord Eskdale advanced, made his compliments, and then
+said, ‘You were not at dinner to-day.’
+
+‘Why should I be?’ said the Princess.
+
+‘For our sakes, for mine, if not for your own,’ said Lord Eskdale,
+smiling. ‘Your absence has been remarked, and felt, I assure you, by
+others as well as myself. There is my friend Sidonia so enraptured with
+your thrilling tones, that he has abruptly closed a conversation which I
+have been long counting on. Do you know him? May I present him to you?’
+
+And having obtained a consent, not often conceded, Lord Eskdale looked
+round, and calling Sidonia, he presented his friend to the Princess.
+
+‘You are fond of music, Lord Eskdale tells me?’ said Lucretia.
+
+‘When it is excellent,’ said Sidonia.
+
+‘But that is so rare,’ said the Princess.
+
+‘And precious as Paradise,’ said Sidonia. ‘As for indifferent music,
+‘tis Purgatory; but when it is bad, for my part I feel myself--’
+
+‘Where?’ said Lord Eskdale.
+
+‘In the last circle of the Inferno,’ said Sidonia.
+
+Lord Eskdale turned to Flora.
+
+‘And in what circle do you place us who are here?’ the Princess inquired
+of Sidonia.
+
+‘One too polished for his verse,’ replied her companion.
+
+‘You mean too insipid,’ said the Princess. ‘I wish that life were a
+little more Dantesque.’
+
+‘There is not less treasure in the world,’ said Sidonia, ‘because we use
+paper currency; and there is not less passion than of old, though it is
+_bon ton_ to be tranquil.’
+
+‘Do you think so?’ said the Princess, inquiringly, and then looking
+round the apartment. ‘Have these automata, indeed, souls?’
+
+‘Some of them,’ said Sidonia. ‘As many as would have had souls in the
+fourteenth century.’
+
+‘I thought they were wound up every day,’ said the Princess.
+
+‘Some are self-impelling,’ said Sidonia.
+
+‘And you can tell at a glance?’ inquired the Princess. ‘You are one of
+those who can read human nature?’
+
+‘’Tis a book open to all.’
+
+‘But if they cannot read?’
+
+‘Those must be your automata.’
+
+‘Lord Monmouth tells me you are a great traveller?’
+
+‘I have not discovered a new world.’
+
+‘But you have visited it?’
+
+‘It is getting old.’
+
+‘I would sooner recall the old than discover the new,’ said the
+Princess.
+
+‘We have both of us cause,’ said Sidonia. ‘Our names are the names of
+the Past.’
+
+‘I do not love a world of Utility,’ said the Princess.
+
+‘You prefer to be celebrated to being comfortable,’ said Sidonia.
+
+‘It seems to me that the world is withering under routine.’
+
+‘’Tis the inevitable lot of humanity,’ said Sidonia. ‘Man must ever
+be the slave of routine: but in old days it was a routine of great
+thoughts, and now it is a routine of little ones.’
+
+The evening glided on; the dance succeeded the song; the ladies were
+fast vanishing; Coningsby himself was meditating a movement, when Lord
+Beaumanoir, as he passed him, said, ‘Come to Lucian Gay’s room; we are
+going to smoke a cigar.’
+
+This was a favourite haunt, towards midnight, of several of the younger
+members of the party at the Castle, who loved to find relaxation from
+the decorous gravities of polished life in the fumes of tobacco, the
+inspiration of whiskey toddy, and the infinite amusement of Lucian Gay’s
+conversation and company. This was the genial hour when the good story
+gladdened, the pun flashed, and the song sparkled with jolly mirth
+or saucy mimicry. To-night, being Coningsby’s initiation, there was a
+special general meeting of the Grumpy Club, in which everybody was to
+say the gayest things with the gravest face, and every laugh carried a
+forfeit. Lucian was the inimitable president. He told a tale for which
+he was famous, of ‘the very respectable county family who had been
+established in the shire for several generations, but who, it was
+a fact, had been ever distinguished by the strange and humiliating
+peculiarity of being born with sheep’s tails.’ The remarkable
+circumstances under which Lucian Gay had become acquainted with this
+fact; the traditionary mysteries by which the family in question had
+succeeded for generations in keeping it secret; the decided measures to
+which the chief of the family had recourse to stop for ever the rumour
+when it first became prevalent; and finally the origin and result of the
+legend; were details which Lucian Gay, with the most rueful countenance,
+loved to expend upon the attentive and expanding intelligence of a new
+member of the Grumpy Club. Familiar as all present were with the story
+whose stimulus of agonising risibility they had all in turn experienced,
+it was with extreme difficulty that any of them could resist the fatal
+explosion which was to be attended with the dreaded penalty. Lord
+Beaumanoir looked on the table with desperate seriousness, an ominous
+pucker quivering round his lip; Mr. Melton crammed his handkerchief into
+his mouth with one hand, while he lighted the wrong end of a cigar with
+the other; one youth hung over the back of his chair pinching himself
+like a faquir, while another hid his countenance on the table.
+
+‘It was at the Hunt dinner,’ continued Lucian Gay, in an almost solemn
+tone, ‘that an idea for a moment was prevalent, that Sir Mowbray
+Cholmondeley Fetherstonehaugh, as the head of the family, had resolved
+to terminate for ever these mysterious aspersions on his race, that had
+circulated in the county for more than two centuries; I mean that the
+highly respectable family of the Cholmondeley Fetherstonehaughs had the
+misfortune to be graced with that appendage to which I have referred.
+His health being drunk, Sir Mowbray Cholmondeley Fetherstonehaugh
+rose. He was a little unpopular at the moment, from an ugly story about
+killing foxes, and the guests were not as quiet as orators generally
+desire, so the Honourable Baronet prayed particular attention to a
+matter personal to himself. Instantly there was a dead silence--’ but
+here Coningsby, who had moved for some time very restlessly on his
+chair, suddenly started up, and struggling for a moment against the
+inward convulsion, but in vain, stamped against the floor, and gave a
+shout.
+
+‘A song from Mr. Coningsby,’ said the president of the Grumpy Club, amid
+an universal, and now permissible roar of laughter.
+
+Coningsby could not sing; so he was to favour them as a substitute
+with a speech or a sentiment. But Lucian Gay always let one off these
+penalties easily, and, indeed, was ever ready to fulfil them for all.
+Song, speech, or sentiment, he poured them all forth; nor were pastimes
+more active wanting. He could dance a Tarantella like a Lazzarone, and
+execute a Cracovienne with all the mincing graces of a ballet heroine.
+
+His powers of mimicry, indeed, were great and versatile. But in nothing
+was he so happy as in a Parliamentary debate. And it was remarkable
+that, though himself a man who on ordinary occasions was quite incapable
+without infinite perplexity of publicly expressing his sense of the
+merest courtesy of society, he was not only a master of the style of
+every speaker of distinction in either house, but he seemed in his
+imitative play to appropriate their intellectual as well as their
+physical peculiarities, and presented you with their mind as well as
+their manner. There were several attempts to-night to induce Lucian to
+indulge his guests with a debate, but he seemed to avoid the exertion,
+which was great. As the night grew old, however, and every hour he
+grew more lively, he suddenly broke without further pressure into the
+promised diversion; and Coningsby listened really with admiration to a
+discussion, of which the only fault was that it was more parliamentary
+than the original, ‘plus Arabe que l’Arabie.’
+
+The Duke was never more curt, nor Sir Robert more specious; he was as
+fiery as Stanley, and as bitter as Graham. Nor did he do their opponents
+less justice. Lord Palmerston himself never treated a profound subject
+with a more pleasant volatility; and when Lucian rose at an early hour
+of morn, in a full house alike exhausted and excited, and after having
+endured for hours, in sarcastic silence, the menacing finger of Sir
+Robert, shaking over the green table and appealing to his misdeeds in
+the irrevocable records of Hansard, Lord John himself could not have
+afforded a more perfect representative of pluck.
+
+But loud as was the laughter, and vehement the cheering, with which
+Lucian’s performances were received, all these ebullitions sank into
+insignificance compared with the reception which greeted what he himself
+announced was to be the speech of the night. Having quaffed full many
+a quaigh of toddy, he insisted on delivering, it on the table, a
+proposition with which his auditors immediately closed.
+
+The orator appeared, the great man of the night, who was to answer
+everybody on both sides. Ah! that harsh voice, that arrogant style,
+that saucy superficiality which decided on everything, that insolent
+ignorance that contradicted everybody; it was impossible to mistake
+them! And Coningsby had the pleasure of seeing reproduced before him the
+guardian of his youth and the patron of the mimic, the Right Honourable
+Nicholas Rigby!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+
+Madame Colonna, with that vivacious energy which characterises the
+south, had no sooner seen Coningsby, and heard his praises celebrated
+by his grandfather, than she resolved that an alliance should sooner
+or later take place between him and her step-daughter. She imparted her
+projects without delay to Lucretia, who received them in a different
+spirit from that in which they were communicated. Lucretia bore as
+little resemblance to her step-mother in character, as in person. If
+she did not possess her beauty, she was born with an intellect of far
+greater capacity and reach. She had a deep judgment. A hasty alliance
+with a youth, arranged by their mutual relatives, might suit very well
+the clime and manners of Italy, but Lucretia was well aware that it was
+altogether opposed to the habits and feelings of this country. She had
+no conviction that either Coningsby would wish to marry her, or, if
+willing, that his grandfather would sanction such a step in one as yet
+only on the threshold of the world. Lucretia therefore received
+the suggestions and proposals of Madarne Colonna with coldness and
+indifference; one might even say contempt, for she neither felt respect
+for this lady, nor was she sedulous to evince it. Although really
+younger than Coningsby, Lucretia felt that a woman of eighteen is, in
+all worldly considerations, ten years older than a youth of the same
+age. She anticipated that a considerable time might elapse before
+Coningsby would feel it necessary to seal his destiny by marriage,
+while, on the other hand, she was not only anxious, but resolved, not
+to delay on her part her emancipation from the galling position in which
+she very frequently found herself.
+
+Lucretia felt rather than expressed these ideas and impressions. She
+was not naturally communicative, and conversed with no one with less
+frankness and facility than with her step-mother. Madame Colonna
+therefore found no reasons in her conversation with Lucretia to change
+her determination. As her mind was not ingenious she did not see
+questions in those various lights which make us at the same time infirm
+of purpose and tolerant. What she fancied ought to be done, she fancied
+must be done; for she perceived no middle course or alternative. For
+the rest, Lucretia’s carriage towards her gave her little discomfort.
+Besides, she herself, though good-natured, was obstinate. Her feelings
+were not very acute; nothing much vexed her. As long as she had fine
+dresses, good dinners, and opera-boxes, she could bear her plans to be
+crossed like a philosopher; and her consolation under her unaccomplished
+devices was her admirable consistency, which always assured her that her
+projects were wise, though unfulfilled.
+
+She broke her purpose to Mr. Rigby, that she might gain not only his
+adhesion to her views, but his assistance in achieving them. As Madame
+Colonna, in Mr. Rigby’s estimation, exercised more influence over Lord
+Monmouth than any other individual, faithful to his policy or practice,
+he agreed with all Madame Colonna’s plans and wishes, and volunteered
+instantly to further them. As for the Prince, his wife never consulted
+him on any subject, nor did he wish to be consulted. On the contrary, he
+had no opinion about anything. All that he required was that he should
+be surrounded by what contributed to his personal enjoyment, that he
+should never be troubled, and that he should have billiards. He was not
+inexpert in field-sports, rode indeed very well for an Italian, but
+he never cared to be out-of-doors; and there was only one room in the
+interior which passionately interested him. It was where the echoing
+balls denoted the sweeping hazard or the effective cannonade. That was
+the chamber where the Prince Colonna literally existed. Half-an-hour
+after breakfast he was in the billiard-room; he never quitted it until
+he dressed for dinner; and he generally contrived, while the world were
+amused or amusing themselves at the comedy or in the dance, to steal
+down with some congenial sprites to the magical and illumined chamber,
+and use his cue until bedtime.
+
+Faithful to her first impressions, Lucretia had made no difference
+in her demeanour to Coningsby to that which she offered to the other
+guests. Polite, but uncommunicative; ready to answer, but never
+originating conversation; she charmed him as little by her manner as by
+her person; and after some attempts, not very painstaking, to interest
+her, Coningsby had ceased to address her. The day passed by with only a
+faint recognition between them; even that sometimes omitted.
+
+When, however, Lucretia observed that Coningsby had become one of the
+most notable persons in the Castle; when she heard everywhere of
+his talents and accomplishments, his beauty and grace and great
+acquirements, and perceived that he was courted by all; that Lord
+Monmouth omitted no occasion publicly to evince towards him his regard
+and consideration; that he seemed generally looked upon in the light of
+his grandfather’s heir; and that Lady St. Julians, more learned in that
+respect than any lady in the kingdom, was heard more than once to regret
+that she had not brought another daughter with her, Clara Isabella, as
+well as Augustina; the Princess Lucretia began to imagine that Madame
+Colonna, after all, might not be so extravagant in her purpose as she
+had first supposed. She, therefore, surprised Coningsby with the almost
+affectionate moroseness with which, while she hated to sing, she yet
+found pleasure in singing for him alone. And it is impossible to say
+what might not have been the next move in her tactics in this respect,
+had not the very night on which she had resolved to commence the
+enchantment of Coningsby introduced to her Sidonia.
+
+The Princess Lucretia encountered the dark still glance of the friend of
+Lord Eskdale. He, too, beheld a woman unlike other women, and with his
+fine experience, both as a man and as a physiologist, felt that he was
+in the presence of no ordinary organisation. From the evening of his
+introduction Sidonia sought the society of the Princess Lucretia. He
+could not complain of her reserve. She threw out her mind in various and
+highly-cultivated intelligence. He recognised in her a deep and subtile
+spirit, considerable reading for a woman, habits of thought, and a soul
+passionate and daring. She resolved to subdue one whose appreciation she
+had gained, and who had subdued her. The profound meaning and the calm
+manner of Sidonia combined to quell her spirit. She struggled against
+the spell. She tried to rival his power; to cope with him, and with
+the same weapons. But prompt as was her thought and bright as was
+its expression, her heart beat in tumult; and, with all her apparent
+serenity, her agitated soul was a prey of absorbing passion. She could
+not contend with that intelligent, yet inscrutable, eye; with that
+manner so full of interest and respect, and yet so tranquil. Besides,
+they were not on equal terms. Here was a girl contending with a man
+learned in the world’s way.
+
+Between Sidonia and Coningsby there at once occurred companionship. The
+morning after his arrival they went out shooting together. After a long
+ramble they would stretch themselves on the turf under a shady tree,
+often by the side of some brook where the cresses grow, that added
+a luxury to their sporting-meal; and then Coningsby would lead their
+conversation to some subject on which Sidonia would pour out his mind
+with all that depth of reflection, variety of knowledge, and richness
+of illustrative memory, which distinguished him; and which offered so
+striking a contrast to the sharp talent, the shallow information, and
+the worldly cunning, that make a Rigby.
+
+This fellowship between Sidonia and Coningsby elevated the latter still
+more in the estimation of Lucretia, and rendered her still more desirous
+of gaining his good will and opinion. A great friendship seemed to have
+arisen between them, and the world began to believe that there must be
+some foundation for Madame Colonna’s innuendos. That lady herself
+was not in the least alarmed by the attention which Sidonia paid her
+step-daughter. It was, of course, well known that Sidonia was not a
+marrying man. He was, however, a great friend of Mr. Coningsby, his
+presence and society brought Coningsby and Lucretia more together; and
+however flattered her daughter might be for the moment by Sidonia’s
+homage, still, as she would ultimately find out, if indeed she ever
+cared so to do, that Sidonia could only be her admirer, Madame Colonna
+had no kind of doubt that ultimately Coningsby would be Lucretia’s
+husband, as she had arranged from the first.
+
+The Princess Lucretia was a fine horse-woman, though she rarely joined
+the various riding-parties that were daily formed at the Castle. Often,
+indeed, attended only by her groom, she met the equestrians. Now she
+would ride with Sidonia and Coningsby, and as a female companion was
+indispensable, she insisted upon La Petite accompanying her. This was a
+fearful trial for Flora, but she encountered it, encouraged by the kind
+solicitude of Coningsby, who always seemed her friend.
+
+Very shortly after the arrival of Sidonia, the Grand-duke and his suite
+quitted the Castle, which had been his Highness’ head-quarters during
+his visit to the manufacturing districts; but no other great change in
+the assembled company occurred for some little time.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+
+‘You will observe one curious trait,’ said Sidonia to Coningsby, ‘in the
+history of this country: the depository of power is always unpopular;
+all combine against it; it always falls. Power was deposited in the
+great Barons; the Church, using the King for its instrument, crushed the
+great Barons. Power was deposited in the Church; the King, bribing the
+Parliament, plundered the Church. Power was deposited in the King; the
+Parliament, using the People, beheaded the King, expelled the King,
+changed the King, and, finally, for a King substituted an administrative
+officer. For one hundred and fifty years Power has been deposited in the
+Parliament, and for the last sixty or seventy years it has been becoming
+more and more unpopular. In 1830 it was endeavoured by a reconstruction
+to regain the popular affection; but, in truth, as the Parliament then
+only made itself more powerful, it has only become more odious. As we
+see that the Barons, the Church, the King, have in turn devoured each
+other, and that the Parliament, the last devourer, remains, it is
+impossible to resist the impression that this body also is doomed to be
+destroyed; and he is a sagacious statesman who may detect in what form
+and in what quarter the great consumer will arise.’
+
+‘You take, then, a dark view of our position?’
+
+‘Troubled, not dark. I do not ascribe to political institutions that
+paramount influence which it is the feeling of this age to attribute to
+them. The Senate that confronted Brennus in the Forum was the same body
+that registered in an after-age the ribald decrees of a Nero. Trial
+by jury, for example, is looked upon by all as the Palladium of our
+liberties; yet a jury, at a very recent period of our own history, the
+reign of Charles II., was a tribunal as iniquitous as the Inquisition.’
+And a graver expression stole over the countenance of Sidonia as he
+remembered what that Inquisition had operated on his own race and his
+own destiny. ‘There are families in this country,’ he continued, ‘of
+both the great historical parties, that in the persecution of their
+houses, the murder and proscription of some of their most illustrious
+members, found judges as unjust and relentless in an open jury of their
+countrymen as we did in the conclaves of Madrid and Seville.’
+
+‘Where, then, would you look for hope?’
+
+‘In what is more powerful than laws and institutions, and without which
+the best laws and the most skilful institutions may be a dead letter,
+or the very means of tyranny in the national character. It is not in
+the increased feebleness of its institutions that I see the peril of
+England; it is in the decline of its character as a community.’
+
+‘And yet you could scarcely describe this as an age of corruption?’
+
+‘Not of political corruption. But it is an age of social
+disorganisation, far more dangerous in its consequences, because far
+more extensive. You may have a corrupt government and a pure community;
+you may have a corrupt community and a pure administration. Which would
+you elect?’
+
+Neither,’ said Coningsby; ‘I wish to see a people full of faith, and a
+government full of duty.’
+
+‘Rely upon it,’ said Sidonia, ‘that England should think more of the
+community and less of the government.’
+
+‘But tell me, what do you understand by the term national character?’
+
+‘A character is an assemblage of qualities; the character of England
+should be an assemblage of great qualities.’
+
+‘But we cannot deny that the English have great virtues.’
+
+‘The civilisation of a thousand years must produce great virtues; but we
+are speaking of the decline of public virtue, not its existence.’
+
+‘In what, then, do you trace that decline?’
+
+‘In the fact that the various classes of this country are arrayed
+against each other.’
+
+‘But to what do you attribute those reciprocal hostilities?’
+
+‘Not entirely, not even principally, to those economical causes of which
+we hear so much. I look upon all such as secondary causes, which, in a
+certain degree, must always exist, which obtrude themselves in troubled
+times, and which at all times it is the business of wise statesmen to
+watch, to regulate, to ameliorate, to modify.’
+
+‘I am speaking to elicit truth, not to maintain opinions,’ said
+Coningsby; ‘for I have none,’ he added, mournfully.
+
+‘I think,’ said Sidonia, ‘that there is no error so vulgar as to believe
+that revolutions are occasioned by economical causes. They come in,
+doubtless, very often to precipitate a catastrophe; very rarely do they
+occasion one. I know no period, for example, when physical comfort
+was more diffused in England than in 1640. England had a moderate
+population, a very improved agriculture, a rich commerce; yet she was
+on the eve of the greatest and most violent changes that she has as yet
+experienced.’
+
+‘That was a religious movement.’
+
+‘Admit it; the cause, then, was not physical. The imagination of England
+rose against the government. It proves, then, that when that faculty is
+astir in a nation, it will sacrifice even physical comfort to follow its
+impulses.’
+
+‘Do you think, then, there is a wild desire for extensive political
+change in the country?’
+
+‘Hardly that: England is perplexed at the present moment, not inventive.
+That will be the next phasis in her moral state, and to that I wish
+to draw your thoughts. For myself, while I ascribe little influence to
+physical causes for the production of this perplexity, I am still less
+of opinion that it can be removed by any new disposition of political
+power. It would only aggravate the evil. That would be recurring to
+the old error of supposing you can necessarily find national content in
+political institutions. A political institution is a machine; the motive
+power is the national character. With that it rests whether the
+machine will benefit society, or destroy it. Society in this country is
+perplexed, almost paralysed; in time it will move, and it will devise.
+How are the elements of the nation to be again blended together? In what
+spirit is that reorganisation to take place?’
+
+‘To know that would be to know everything.’
+
+‘At least let us free ourselves from the double ignorance of the
+Platonists. Let us not be ignorant that we are ignorant.’
+
+‘I have emancipated myself from that darkness for a long time,’ said
+Coningsby. ‘Long has my mind been musing over these thoughts, but to me
+all is still obscurity.’
+
+‘In this country,’ said Sidonia, ‘since the peace, there has been an
+attempt to advocate a reconstruction of society on a purely rational
+basis. The principle of Utility has been powerfully developed. I speak
+not with lightness of the labours of the disciples of that school. I bow
+to intellect in every form: and we should be grateful to any school of
+philosophers, even if we disagree with them; doubly grateful in this
+country, where for so long a period our statesmen were in so pitiable an
+arrear of public intelligence. There has been an attempt to reconstruct
+society on a basis of material motives and calculations. It has failed.
+It must ultimately have failed under any circumstances; its failure in
+an ancient and densely-peopled kingdom was inevitable. How limited is
+human reason, the profoundest inquirers are most conscious. We are not
+indebted to the Reason of man for any of the great achievements which
+are the landmarks of human action and human progress. It was not Reason
+that besieged Troy; it was not Reason that sent forth the Saracen
+from the Desert to conquer the world; that inspired the Crusades; that
+instituted the Monastic orders; it was not Reason that produced
+the Jesuits; above all, it was not Reason that created the French
+Revolution. Man is only truly great when he acts from the passions;
+never irresistible but when he appeals to the imagination. Even Mormon
+counts more votaries than Bentham.’
+
+‘And you think, then, that as Imagination once subdued the State,
+Imagination may now save it?’
+
+‘Man is made to adore and to obey: but if you will not command him, if
+you give him nothing to worship, he will fashion his own divinities, and
+find a chieftain in his own passions.’
+
+‘But where can we find faith in a nation of sectaries? Who can feel
+loyalty to a sovereign of Downing Street?’
+
+‘I speak of the eternal principles of human nature, you answer me with
+the passing accidents of the hour. Sects rise and sects disappear. Where
+are the Fifth-Monarchy men? England is governed by Downing Street; once
+it was governed by Alfred and Elizabeth.’
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+
+About this time a steeple-chase in the West of England had attracted
+considerable attention. This sport was then of recent introduction in
+England, and is, in fact, an importation of Irish growth, although it
+has flourished in our soil. A young guardsman, who was then a guest at
+the Castle, and who had been in garrison in Ireland, had some experience
+of this pastime in the Kildare country, and he proposed that they should
+have a steeple-chase at Coningsby. This was a suggestion very agreeable
+to the Marquess of Beaumanoir, celebrated for his feats of horsemanship,
+and, indeed, to most of the guests. It was agreed that the race should
+come off at once, before any of the present company, many of whom
+gave symptoms of being on the wing, had quitted the Castle. The young
+guardsman and Mr. Guy Flouncey had surveyed the country and had selected
+a line which they esteemed very appropriate for the scene of action.
+From a hill of common land you looked down upon the valley of Coningsby,
+richly cultivated, deeply ditched, and stiffly fenced; the valley was
+bounded by another rising ground, and the scene was admirably calculated
+to give an extensive view to a multitude.
+
+The distance along the valley was to be two miles out, and home again;
+the starting-post being also the winning-post, and the flags, which were
+placed on every fence which the horses were to pass, were to be passed
+on the left hand of the rider both going and coming; so that although
+the horses had to leap the same fences forward and backward, they
+could not come over the same place twice. In the last field before they
+turned, was a brook seventeen feet clear from side to side, with good
+taking off both banks. Here real business commenced.
+
+Lord Monmouth highly approved the scheme, but mentioned that the stakes
+must be moderate, and open to the whole county. The neighbourhood had
+a week of preparation, and the entries for the Coningsby steeple-chase
+were numerous. Lord Monmouth, after a reserve for his own account,
+placed his stable at the service of his guests. For himself, he offered
+to back his horse, Sir Robert, which was to be ridden by his grandson.
+
+Now, nothing was spoken or thought of at Coningsby Castle except the
+coming sport. The ladies shared the general excitement. They embroidered
+handkerchiefs, and scarfs, and gloves, with the respective colours of
+the rivals, and tried to make jockey-caps. Lady St. Julians postponed
+her intended departure in consequence. Madame Colonna wished that some
+means could be contrived by which they might all win.
+
+Sidonia, with the other competitors, had ridden over the ground and
+glanced at the brook with the eye of a workman. On his return to the
+Castle he sent a despatch for some of his stud.
+
+Coningsby was all anxiety to win. He was proud of the confidence of
+his grandfather in backing him. He had a powerful horse and a firstrate
+fencer, and he was resolved himself not to flinch. On the night before
+the race, retiring somewhat earlier than usual to his chamber, he
+observed on his dressing-table a small packet addressed to his name, and
+in an unknown handwriting. Opening it, he found a pretty racing-jacket
+embroidered with his colours of pink and white. This was a perplexing
+circumstance, but he fancied it on the whole a happy omen. And who was
+the donor? Certainly not the Princess Lucretia, for he had observed her
+fashioning some maroon ribbons, which were the colours of Sidonia. It
+could scarcely be from Mrs. Guy Flouncey. Perhaps Madame Colonna to
+please the Marquess? Thinking over this incident he fell asleep.
+
+The morning before the race Sidonia’s horses arrived. All went to
+examine them at the stables. Among them was an Arab mare. Coningsby
+recognised the Daughter of the Star. She was greatly admired for her
+points; but Guy Flouncey whispered to Mr. Melton that she never could do
+the work.
+
+‘But Lord Beaumanoir says he is all for speed against strength in these
+affairs,’ said Mr. Melton.
+
+Guy Flouncey smiled incredulously.
+
+The night before the race it rained rather heavily.
+
+‘I take it the country will not be very like the Deserts of Arabia,’
+said Mr. Guy Flouncey, with a knowing look to Mr. Melton, who was noting
+a bet in his memorandum-book.
+
+The morning was fine, clear, and sunny, with a soft western breeze. The
+starting-post was about three miles from the Castle; but, long before
+the hour, the surrounding hills were covered with people; squire and
+farmer; with no lack of their wives and daughters; many a hind in his
+smock-frock, and many an ‘operative’ from the neighbouring factories.
+The ‘gentlemen riders’ gradually arrived. The entries were very
+numerous, though it was understood that not more than a dozen would
+come to the post, and half of these were the guests of Lord Monmouth.
+At half-past one the _cortège_ from the Castle arrived, and took up the
+post which had been prepared for them on the summit of the hill. Lord
+Monmouth was much cheered on his arrival. In the carriage with him
+were Madame Colonna and Lady St. Julians. The Princess Lucretia, Lady
+Gaythorp, Mrs. Guy Flouncey, accompanied by Lord Eskdale and other
+cavaliers, formed a brilliant company. There was scarcely a domestic
+in the Castle who was not there. The comedians, indeed, did not care to
+come, but Villebecque prevailed upon Flora to drive with him to the race
+in a buggy he borrowed of the steward.
+
+The start was to be at two o’clock. The ‘gentlemen jockeys’ are
+mustered. Never were riders mounted and appointed in better style. The
+stewards and the clerk of the course attend them to the starting-post.
+There they are now assembled. Guy Flouncey takes up his stirrup-leathers
+a hole; Mr. Melton looks at his girths. In a few moments, the
+irrevocable monosyllable will be uttered.
+
+The bugle sounds for them to face about; the clerk of the course sings
+out, ‘Gentlemen, are you all ready?’ No objection made, the word given
+to go, and fifteen riders start in excellent style.
+
+Prince Colonna, who rode like Prince Rupert, took the lead, followed
+close by a stout yeoman on an old white horse of great provincial
+celebrity, who made steady running, and, from his appearance and action,
+an awkward customer. The rest, with two exceptions, followed in a
+cluster at no great distance, and in this order they continued, with
+very slight variation, for the first two miles, though there were
+several ox-fences, and one or two of them remarkably stiff. Indeed, they
+appeared more like horses running over a course than over a country. The
+two exceptions were Lord Beaumanoir on his horse Sunbeam, and Sidonia on
+the Arab. These kept somewhat slightly in the rear.
+
+Almost in this wise they approached the dreaded brook. Indeed, with the
+exception of the last two riders, who were about thirty yards behind, it
+seemed that you might have covered the rest of the field with a sheet.
+They arrived at the brook at the same moment: seventeen feet of water
+between strong sound banks is no holiday work; but they charged with
+unfaltering intrepidity. But what a revolution in their spirited order
+did that instant produce! A masked battery of canister and grape could
+not have achieved more terrible execution. Coningsby alone clearly
+lighted on the opposing bank; but, for the rest of them, it seemed for a
+moment that they were all in the middle of the brook, one over another,
+splashing, kicking, swearing; every one trying to get out and keep
+others in. Mr. Melton and the stout yeoman regained their saddles and
+were soon again in chase. The Prince lost his horse, and was not alone
+in his misfortune. Mr. Guy Flouncey lay on his back with a horse across
+his diaphragm; only his head above the water, and his mouth full of
+chickweed and dockleaves. And if help had not been at hand, he and
+several others might have remained struggling in their watery bed for
+a considerable period. In the midst of this turmoil, the Marquess and
+Sidonia at the same moment cleared the brook.
+
+Affairs now became interesting. Here Coningsby took up the running,
+Sidonia and the Marquess lying close at his quarters. Mr. Melton had
+gone the wrong side of a flag, and the stout yeoman, though close at
+hand, was already trusting much to his spurs. In the extreme distance
+might be detected three or four stragglers. Thus they continued until
+within three fields of home. A ploughed field finished the old white
+horse; the yeoman struck his spurs to the rowels, but the only effect
+of the experiment was, that the horse stood stock-still. Coningsby,
+Sidonia, and the Marquess were now all together. The winning-post is in
+sight, and a high and strong gate leads to the last field. Coningsby,
+looking like a winner, gallantly dashed forward and sent Sir Robert at
+the gate, but he had over-estimated his horse’s powers at this point of
+the game, and a rattling fall was the consequence: however, horse and
+rider were both on the right side, and Coningsby was in his saddle and
+at work again in a moment. It seemed that the Marquess was winning.
+There was only one more fence; and that the foot people had made a
+breach in by the side of a gate-post, and wide enough, as was said, for
+a broad-wheeled waggon to travel by. Instead of passing straight over
+this gap, Sunbeam swerved against the gate and threw his rider. This
+was decisive. The Daughter of the Star, who was still going beautifully,
+pulling double, and her jockey sitting still, sprang over the gap
+and went in first; Coningsby, on Sir Robert, being placed second. The
+distance measured was about four miles; there were thirty-nine leaps;
+and it was done under fifteen minutes.
+
+Lord Monmouth was well content with the prowess of his grandson, and
+his extreme cordiality consoled Coningsby under a defeat which was very
+vexatious. It was some alleviation that he was beaten by Sidonia.
+Madame Colonna even shed tears at her young friend’s disappointment, and
+mourned it especially for Lucretia, who had said nothing, though a flush
+might be observed on her usually pale countenance. Villebecque, who had
+betted, was so extremely excited by the whole affair, especially during
+the last three minutes, that he quite forgot his quiet companion, and
+when he looked round he found Flora fainting.
+
+‘You rode well,’ said Sidonia to Coningsby; ‘but your horse was more
+strong than swift. After all, this thing is a race; and, notwithstanding
+Solomon, in a race speed must win.’
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+
+Notwithstanding the fatigues of the morning, the evening was passed with
+great gaiety at the Castle. The gentlemen all vowed that, far from being
+inconvenienced by their mishaps, they felt, on the whole, rather better
+for them. Mr. Guy Flouncey, indeed, did not seem quite so limber
+and flexible as usual; and the young guardsman, who had previously
+discoursed in an almost alarming style of the perils and feats of the
+Kildare country, had subsided into a remarkable reserve. The Provincials
+were delighted with Sidonia’s riding, and even the Leicestershire
+gentlemen admitted that he was a ‘customer.’
+
+Lord Monmouth beckoned to Coningsby to sit by him on the sofa, and spoke
+of his approaching University life. He gave his grandson a great deal of
+good advice: told him to avoid drinking, especially if he ever chanced
+to play cards, which he hoped he never would; urged the expediency of
+never borrowing money, and of confining his loans to small sums, and
+then only to friends of whom he wished to get rid; most particularly
+impressed on him never to permit his feelings to be engaged by any
+woman; nobody, he assured Coningsby, despised that weakness more than
+women themselves. Indeed, feeling of any kind did not suit the present
+age: it was not _bon ton_; and in some degree always made a man
+ridiculous. Coningsby was always to have before him the possible
+catastrophe of becoming ridiculous. It was the test of conduct, Lord
+Monmouth said; a fear of becoming ridiculous is the best guide in life,
+and will save a man from all sorts of scrapes. For the rest, Coningsby
+was to appear at Cambridge as became Lord Monmouth’s favourite grandson.
+His grandfather had opened an account for him with Drummonds’, on whom
+he was to draw for his considerable allowance; and if by any chance he
+found himself in a scrape, no matter of what kind, he was to be sure to
+write to his grandfather, who would certainly get him out of it.
+
+‘Your departure is sudden,’ said the Princess Lucretia, in a low deep
+tone to Sidonia, who was sitting by her side and screened from general
+observation by the waltzers who whirled by.
+
+‘Departures should be sudden.’
+
+‘I do not like departures,’ said the Princess.
+
+‘Nor did the Queen of Sheba when she quitted Solomon. You know what she
+did?’
+
+‘Tell me.’
+
+‘She wept very much, and let one of the King’s birds fly into the
+garden. “You are freed from your cage,” she said; “but I am going back
+to mine.”’
+
+‘But you never weep?’ said the Princess.
+
+‘Never.’
+
+‘And are always free?’
+
+‘So are men in the Desert.’
+
+‘But your life is not a Desert?’
+
+‘It at least resembles the Desert in one respect: it is useless.’
+
+‘The only useless life is woman’s.’
+
+‘Yet there have been heroines,’ said Sidonia.
+
+‘The Queen of Sheba,’ said the Princess, smiling.
+
+‘A favourite of mine,’ said Sidonia.
+
+‘And why was she a favourite of yours?’ rather eagerly inquired
+Lucretia.
+
+‘Because she thought deeply, talked finely, and moved gracefully.’
+
+‘And yet might be a very unfeeling dame at the same time,’ said the
+Princess.
+
+‘I never thought of that,’ said Sidonia.
+
+‘The heart, apparently, does not reckon in your philosophy.’
+
+‘What we call the heart,’ said Sidonia, ‘is a nervous sensation, like
+shyness, which gradually disappears in society. It is fervent in the
+nursery, strong in the domestic circle, tumultuous at school. The
+affections are the children of ignorance; when the horizon of
+our experience expands, and models multiply, love and admiration
+imperceptibly vanish.’
+
+‘I fear the horizon of your experience has very greatly expanded. With
+your opinions, what charm can there be in life?’
+
+‘The sense of existence.’
+
+‘So Sidonia is off to-morrow, Monmouth,’ said Lord Eskdale.
+
+‘Hah!’ said the Marquess. ‘I must get him to breakfast with me before he
+goes.’
+
+The party broke up. Coningsby, who had heard Lord Eskdale announce
+Sidonia’s departure, lingered to express his regret, and say farewell.
+
+‘I cannot sleep,’ said Sidonia, ‘and I never smoke in Europe. If you are
+not stiff with your wounds, come to my rooms.’
+
+This invitation was willingly accepted.
+
+‘I am going to Cambridge in a week,’ said Coningsby. I was almost in
+hopes you might have remained as long.’
+
+‘I also; but my letters of this morning demand me. If it had not been
+for our chase, I should have quitted immediately. The minister
+cannot pay the interest on the national debt; not an unprecedented
+circumstance, and has applied to us. I never permit any business of
+State to be transacted without my personal interposition; and so I must
+go up to town immediately.’
+
+‘Suppose you don’t pay it,’ said Coningsby, smiling.
+
+‘If I followed my own impulse, I would remain here,’ said Sidonia. ‘Can
+anything be more absurd than that a nation should apply to an individual
+to maintain its credit, and, with its credit, its existence as an
+empire, and its comfort as a people; and that individual one to whom its
+laws deny the proudest rights of citizenship, the privilege of sitting
+in its senate and of holding land? for though I have been rash enough
+to buy several estates, my own opinion is, that, by the existing law of
+England, an Englishman of Hebrew faith cannot possess the soil.’
+
+‘But surely it would be easy to repeal a law so illiberal--’
+
+‘Oh! as for illiberality, I have no objection to it if it be an element
+of power. Eschew political sentimentalism. What I contend is, that if
+you permit men to accumulate property, and they use that permission to a
+great extent, power is inseparable from that property, and it is in the
+last degree impolitic to make it the interest of any powerful class to
+oppose the institutions under which they live. The Jews, for example,
+independently of the capital qualities for citizenship which they
+possess in their industry, temperance, and energy and vivacity of mind,
+are a race essentially monarchical, deeply religious, and shrinking
+themselves from converts as from a calamity, are ever anxious to see
+the religious systems of the countries in which they live flourish;
+yet, since your society has become agitated in England, and powerful
+combinations menace your institutions, you find the once loyal
+Hebrew invariably arrayed in the same ranks as the leveller, and the
+latitudinarian, and prepared to support the policy which may even
+endanger his life and property, rather than tamely continue under a
+system which seeks to degrade him. The Tories lose an important election
+at a critical moment; ‘tis the Jews come forward to vote against them.
+The Church is alarmed at the scheme of a latitudinarian university, and
+learns with relief that funds are not forthcoming for its establishment;
+a Jew immediately advances and endows it. Yet the Jews, Coningsby,
+are essentially Tories. Toryism, indeed, is but copied from the mighty
+prototype which has fashioned Europe. And every generation they must
+become more powerful and more dangerous to the society which is hostile
+to them. Do you think that the quiet humdrum persecution of a decorous
+representative of an English university can crush those who have
+successively baffled the Pharaohs, Nebuchadnezzar, Rome, and the Feudal
+ages? The fact is, you cannot destroy a pure race of the Caucasian
+organisation. It is a physiological fact; a simple law of nature, which
+has baffled Egyptian and Assyrian Kings, Roman Emperors, and Christian
+Inquisitors. No penal laws, no physical tortures, can effect that a
+superior race should be absorbed in an inferior, or be destroyed by it.
+The mixed persecuting races disappear; the pure persecuted race remains.
+And at this moment, in spite of centuries, of tens of centuries, of
+degradation, the Jewish mind exercises a vast influence on the affairs
+of Europe. I speak not of their laws, which you still obey; of their
+literature, with which your minds are saturated; but of the living
+Hebrew intellect.
+
+‘You never observe a great intellectual movement in Europe in which
+the Jews do not greatly participate. The first Jesuits were Jews; that
+mysterious Russian Diplomacy which so alarms Western Europe is organised
+and principally carried on by Jews; that mighty revolution which is at
+this moment preparing in Germany, and which will be, in fact, a second
+and greater Reformation, and of which so little is as yet known in
+England, is entirely developing under the auspices of Jews, who almost
+monopolise the professorial chairs of Germany. Neander, the founder of
+Spiritual Christianity, and who is Regius Professor of Divinity in the
+University of Berlin, is a Jew. Benary, equally famous, and in the same
+University, is a Jew. Wehl, the Arabic Professor of Heidelberg, is a
+Jew. Years ago, when I was In Palestine, I met a German student who was
+accumulating materials for the History of Christianity, and studying
+the genius of the place; a modest and learned man. It was Wehl; then
+unknown, since become the first Arabic scholar of the day, and the
+author of the life of Mahomet. But for the German professors of this
+race, their name is Legion. I think there are more than ten at Berlin
+alone.
+
+‘I told you just now that I was going up to town tomorrow, because I
+always made it a rule to interpose when affairs of State were on
+the carpet. Otherwise, I never interfere. I hear of peace and war in
+newspapers, but I am never alarmed, except when I am informed that the
+Sovereigns want treasure; then I know that monarchs are serious.
+
+‘A few years back we were applied, to by Russia. Now, there has been
+no friendship between the Court of St. Petersburg and my family. It
+has Dutch connections, which have generally supplied it; and our
+representations in favour of the Polish Hebrews, a numerous race, but
+the most suffering and degraded of all the tribes, have not been very
+agreeable to the Czar. However, circumstances drew to an approximation
+between the Romanoffs and the Sidonias. I resolved to go myself to St.
+Petersburg. I had, on my arrival, an interview with the Russian Minister
+of Finance, Count Cancrin; I beheld the son of a Lithuanian Jew. The
+loan was connected with the affairs of Spain; I resolved on repairing to
+Spain from Russia. I travelled without intermission. I had an audience
+immediately on my arrival with the Spanish Minister, Senor Mendizabel; I
+beheld one like myself, the son of a Nuevo Christiano, a Jew of Arragon.
+In consequence of what transpired at Madrid, I went straight to Paris
+to consult the President of the French Council; I beheld the son of a
+French Jew, a hero, an imperial marshal, and very properly so, for who
+should be military heroes if not those who worship the Lord of Hosts?’
+
+‘And is Soult a Hebrew?’
+
+‘Yes, and others of the French marshals, and the most famous; Massena,
+for example; his real name was Manasseh: but to my anecdote. The
+consequence of our consultations was, that some Northern power should
+be applied to in a friendly and mediative capacity. We fixed on Prussia;
+and the President of the Council made an application to the Prussian
+Minister, who attended a few days after our conference. Count Arnim
+entered the cabinet, and I beheld a Prussian Jew. So you see, my dear
+Coningsby, that the world is governed by very different personages from
+what is imagined by those who are not behind the scenes.’
+
+‘You startle, and deeply interest me.’
+
+‘You must study physiology, my dear child. Pure races of Caucasus may be
+persecuted, but they cannot be despised, except by the brutal ignorance
+of some mongrel breed, that brandishes fagots and howls extermination,
+but is itself exterminated without persecution, by that irresistible law
+of Nature which is fatal to curs.’
+
+‘But I come also from Caucasus,’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘Verily; and thank your Creator for such a destiny: and your race is
+sufficiently pure. You come from the shores of the Northern Sea, land
+of the blue eye, and the golden hair, and the frank brow: ‘tis a
+famous breed, with whom we Arabs have contended long; from whom we have
+suffered much: but these Goths, and Saxons, and Normans were doubtless
+great men.’
+
+‘But so favoured by Nature, why has not your race produced great poets,
+great orators, great writers?’
+
+‘Favoured by Nature and by Nature’s God, we produced the lyre of David;
+we gave you Isaiah and Ezekiel; they are our Olynthians, our Philippics.
+Favoured by Nature we still remain: but in exact proportion as we have
+been favoured by Nature we have been persecuted by Man. After a thousand
+struggles; after acts of heroic courage that Rome has never equalled;
+deeds of divine patriotism that Athens, and Sparta, and Carthage have
+never excelled; we have endured fifteen hundred years of supernatural
+slavery, during which, every device that can degrade or destroy man has
+been the destiny that we have sustained and baffled. The Hebrew child
+has entered adolescence only to learn that he was the Pariah of that
+ungrateful Europe that owes to him the best part of its laws, a fine
+portion of its literature, all its religion. Great poets require a
+public; we have been content with the immortal melodies that we sung
+more than two thousand years ago by the waters of Babylon and wept. They
+record our triumphs; they solace our affliction. Great orators are the
+creatures of popular assemblies; we were permitted only by stealth to
+meet even in our temples. And as for great writers, the catalogue is not
+blank. What are all the schoolmen, Aquinas himself, to Maimonides? And
+as for modern philosophy, all springs from Spinoza.
+
+‘But the passionate and creative genius, that is the nearest link to
+Divinity, and which no human tyranny can destroy, though it can divert
+it; that should have stirred the hearts of nations by its inspired
+sympathy, or governed senates by its burning eloquence; has found a
+medium for its expression, to which, in spite of your prejudices and
+your evil passions, you have been obliged to bow. The ear, the voice,
+the fancy teeming with combinations, the imagination fervent with
+picture and emotion, that came from Caucasus, and which we have
+preserved unpolluted, have endowed us with almost the exclusive
+privilege of Music; that science of harmonious sounds, which the
+ancients recognised as most divine, and deified in the person of their
+most beautiful creation. I speak not of the past; though, were I to
+enter into the history of the lords of melody, you would find it the
+annals of Hebrew genius. But at this moment even, musical Europe is
+ours. There is not a company of singers, not an orchestra in a single
+capital, that is not crowded with our children under the feigned names
+which they adopt to conciliate the dark aversion which your posterity
+will some day disclaim with shame and disgust. Almost every great
+composer, skilled musician, almost every voice that ravishes you with
+its transporting strains, springs from our tribes. The catalogue is too
+vast to enumerate; too illustrious to dwell for a moment on secondary
+names, however eminent. Enough for us that the three great creative
+minds to whose exquisite inventions all nations at this moment yield,
+Rossini, Meyerbeer, Mendelssohn, are of Hebrew race; and little do your
+men of fashion, your muscadins of Paris, and your dandies of London, as
+they thrill into raptures at the notes of a Pasta or a Grisi, little do
+they suspect that they are offering their homage to “the sweet singers
+of Israel!”’
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+
+It was the noon of the day on which Sidonia was to leave the Castle. The
+wind was high; the vast white clouds scudded over the blue heaven; the
+leaves yet green, and tender branches snapped like glass, were whirled
+in eddies from the trees; the grassy sward undulated like the ocean with
+a thousand tints and shadows. From the window of the music-room Lucretia
+Colonna gazed on the turbulent sky.
+
+The heaven of her heart, too, was disturbed.
+
+She turned from the agitated external world to ponder over her inward
+emotion. She uttered a deep sigh.
+
+Slowly she moved towards her harp; wildly, almost unconsciously, she
+touched with one hand its strings, while her eyes were fixed on the
+ground. An imperfect melody resounded; yet plaintive and passionate. It
+seemed to attract her soul. She raised her head, and then, touching
+the strings with both her hands, she poured forth tones of deep, yet
+thrilling power.
+
+  ‘I am a stranger in the halls of a stranger! Ah! whither shall I flee?
+  To the castle of my fathers in the green mountains; to the palace of my
+    fathers in the ancient city?
+  There is no flag on the castle of my fathers in the green mountains,
+    silent is the palace of my fathers in the ancient city.
+  Is there no home for the homeless? Can the unloved never find love?
+  Ah! thou fliest away, fleet cloud: he will leave us swifter than thee!
+    Alas! cutting wind, thy breath is not so cold as his heart!
+  I am a stranger in the halls of a stranger! Ah! whither shall I flee?’
+
+The door of the music-room slowly opened. It was Sidonia. His hat was in
+his hand; he was evidently on the point of departure.
+
+‘Those sounds assured me,’ he said calmly but kindly, as he advanced,
+‘that I might find you here, on which I scarcely counted at so early an
+hour.’
+
+‘You are going then?’ said the Princess.
+
+‘My carriage is at the door; the Marquess has delayed me; I must be in
+London to-night. I conclude more abruptly than I could have wished one
+of the most agreeable visits I ever made; and I hope you will permit
+me to express to you how much I am indebted to you for a society which
+those should deem themselves fortunate who can more frequently enjoy.’
+
+He held forth his hand; she extended hers, cold as marble, which he bent
+over, but did not press to his lips.
+
+‘Lord Monmouth talks of remaining here some time,’ he observed; ‘but I
+suppose next year, if not this, we shall all meet in some city of the
+earth?’
+
+Lucretia bowed; and Sidonia, with a graceful reverence, withdrew.
+
+The Princess Lucretia stood for some moments motionless; a sound
+attracted her to the window; she perceived the equipage of Sidonia
+whirling along the winding roads of the park. She watched it till it
+disappeared; then quitting the window, she threw herself into a chair,
+and buried her face in her shawl.
+
+END OF BOOK IV.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK V.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+An University life did not bring to Coningsby that feeling of
+emancipation usually experienced by freshmen. The contrast between
+school and college life is perhaps, under any circumstances, less
+striking to the Etonian than to others: he has been prepared for
+becoming his own master by the liberty wisely entrusted to him in his
+boyhood, and which is, in general, discreetly exercised. But there were
+also other reasons why Coningsby should have been less impressed with
+the novelty of his life, and have encountered less temptations than
+commonly are met with in the new existence which an University opens to
+youth. In the interval which had elapsed between quitting Eton and going
+to Cambridge, brief as the period may comparatively appear, Coningsby
+had seen much of the world. Three or four months, indeed, may not seem,
+at the first blush, a course of time which can very materially influence
+the formation of character; but time must not be counted by calendars,
+but by sensations, by thought. Coningsby had felt a good deal, reflected
+more. He had encountered a great number of human beings, offering a vast
+variety of character for his observation. It was not merely manners, but
+even the intellectual and moral development of the human mind, which
+in a great degree, unconsciously to himself, had been submitted to his
+study and his scrutiny. New trains of ideas had been opened to him; his
+mind was teeming with suggestions. The horizon of his intelligence had
+insensibly expanded. He perceived that there were other opinions in the
+world, besides those to which he had been habituated. The depths of his
+intellect had been stirred. He was a wiser man.
+
+He distinguished three individuals whose acquaintance had greatly
+influenced his mind; Eustace Lyle, the elder Millbank, above all,
+Sidonia. He curiously meditated over the fact, that three English
+subjects, one of them a principal landed proprietor, another one of the
+most eminent manufacturers, and the third the greatest capitalist in the
+kingdom, all of them men of great intelligence, and doubtless of a
+high probity and conscience, were in their hearts disaffected with the
+political constitution of the country. Yet, unquestionably, these were
+the men among whom we ought to seek for some of our first citizens.
+What, then, was this repulsive quality in those institutions which we
+persisted in calling national, and which once were so? Here was a great
+question.
+
+There was another reason, also, why Coningsby should feel a little
+fastidious among his new habits, and, without being aware of it, a
+little depressed. For three or four months, and for the first time in
+his life, he had passed his time in the continual society of refined and
+charming women. It is an acquaintance which, when habitual, exercises a
+great influence over the tone of the mind, even if it does not produce
+any more violent effects. It refines the taste, quickens the perception,
+and gives, as it were, a grace and flexibility to the intellect.
+Coningsby in his solitary rooms arranging his books, sighed when he
+recalled the Lady Everinghams and the Lady Theresas; the gracious
+Duchess; the frank, good-natured Madame Colonna; that deeply interesting
+enigma the Princess Lucretia; and the gentle Flora. He thought with
+disgust of the impending dissipation of an University, which could only
+be an exaggeration of their coarse frolics at school. It seemed rather
+vapid this mighty Cambridge, over which they had so often talked in
+the playing fields of Eton, with such anticipations of its vast and
+absorbing interest. And those University honours that once were the
+great object of his aspirations, they did not figure in that grandeur
+with which they once haunted his imagination.
+
+What Coningsby determined to conquer was knowledge. He had watched the
+influence of Sidonia in society with an eye of unceasing vigilance.
+Coningsby perceived that all yielded to him; that Lord Monmouth even,
+who seemed to respect none, gave place to his intelligence; appealed
+to him, listened to him, was guided by him. What was the secret of this
+influence? Knowledge. On all subjects, his views were prompt and clear,
+and this not more from his native sagacity and reach of view, than from
+the aggregate of facts which rose to guide his judgment and illustrate
+his meaning, from all countries and all ages, instantly at his command.
+
+The friends of Coningsby were now hourly arriving. It seemed when he
+met them again, that they had all suddenly become men since they had
+separated; Buckhurst especially. He had been at Paris, and returned with
+his mind very much opened, and trousers made quite in a new style. All
+his thoughts were, how soon he could contrive to get back again; and
+he told them endless stories of actresses, and dinners at fashionable
+_cafés_. Vere enjoyed Cambridge most, because he had been staying
+with his family since he quitted Eton. Henry Sydney was full of
+church architecture, national sports, restoration of the order of the
+Peasantry, and was to maintain a constant correspondence on these and
+similar subjects with Eustace Lyle. Finally, however, they all fell into
+a very fair, regular, routine life. They all read a little, but not
+with the enthusiasm which they had once projected. Buckhurst drove
+four-in-hand, and they all of them sometimes assisted him; but not
+immoderately. Their suppers were sometimes gay, but never outrageous;
+and, among all of them, the school friendship was maintained unbroken,
+and even undisturbed.
+
+The fame of Coningsby preceded him at Cambridge. No man ever went up
+from whom more was expected in every way. The dons awaited a sucking
+member for the University, the undergraduates were prepared to welcome
+a new Alcibiades. He was neither: neither a prig nor a profligate; but
+a quiet, gentlemanlike, yet spirited young man, gracious to all, but
+intimate only with his old friends, and giving always an impression in
+his general tone that his soul was not absorbed in his University.
+
+And yet, perhaps, he might have been coddled into a prig, or flattered
+into a profligate, had it not been for the intervening experience which
+he had gained between his school and college life. That had visibly
+impressed upon him, what before he had only faintly acquired from books,
+that there was a greater and more real world awaiting him, than to be
+found in those bowers of Academus to which youth is apt at first to
+attribute an exaggerated importance. A world of action and passion,
+of power and peril; a world for which a great preparation was indeed
+necessary, severe and profound, but not altogether such an one as was
+now offered to him. Yet this want must be supplied, and by himself.
+Coningsby had already acquirements sufficiently considerable, with some
+formal application, to ensure him at all times his degree. He was no
+longer engrossed by the intention he once proudly entertained of trying
+for honours, and he chalked out for himself that range of reading,
+which, digested by his thought, should furnish him in some degree with
+that various knowledge of the history of man to which he aspired. No, we
+must not for a moment believe that accident could have long diverted
+the course of a character so strong. The same desire that prevented the
+Castle of his grandfather from proving a Castle of Indolence to
+him, that saved him from a too early initiation into the seductive
+distractions of a refined and luxurious society, would have preserved
+Coningsby from the puerile profligacy of a college life, or from being
+that idol of private tutors, a young pedant. It was that noble ambition,
+the highest and the best, that must be born in the heart and organised
+in the brain, which will not let a man be content, unless his
+intellectual power is recognised by his race, and desires that it should
+contribute to their welfare. It is the heroic feeling; the feeling that
+in old days produced demigods; without which no State is safe; without
+which political institutions are meat without salt; the Crown a
+bauble, the Church an establishment, Parliaments debating-clubs, and
+Civilisation itself but a fitful and transient dream.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+Less than a year after the arrival of Coningsby at Cambridge, and which
+he had only once quitted in the interval, and that to pass a short
+time in Berkshire with his friend Buckhurst, occurred the death of
+King William IV. This event necessarily induced a dissolution of the
+Parliament, elected under the auspices of Sir Robert Peel in 1834, and
+after the publication of the Tamworth Manifesto.
+
+The death of the King was a great blow to what had now come to be
+generally styled the ‘Conservative Cause.’ It was quite unexpected;
+within a fortnight of his death, eminent persons still believed that
+‘it was only the hay-fever.’ Had his Majesty lived until after the then
+impending registration, the Whigs would have been again dismissed. Nor
+is there any doubt that, under these circumstances, the Conservative
+Cause would have secured for the new ministers a parliamentary majority.
+What would have been the consequences to the country, if the four years
+of Whig rule, from 1837 to 1841, had not occurred? It is easier to
+decide what would have been the consequences to the Whigs. Some of their
+great friends might have lacked blue ribbons and lord-lieutenancies,
+and some of their little friends comfortable places in the Customs and
+Excise. They would have lost, undoubtedly, the distribution of four
+years’ patronage; we can hardly say the exercise of four years’ power;
+but they would have existed at this moment as the most powerful and
+popular Opposition that ever flourished in this country, if, indeed, the
+course of events had not long ere this carried them back to their old
+posts in a proud and intelligible position. The Reform Bill did not
+do more injury to the Tories, than the attempt to govern this country
+without a decided Parliamentary majority did the Whigs. The greatest of
+all evils is a weak government. They cannot carry good measures, they
+are forced to carry bad ones.
+
+The death of the King was a great blow to the Conservative Cause; that
+is to say, it darkened the brow of Tadpole, quailed the heart of Taper,
+crushed all the rising hopes of those numerous statesmen who believe
+the country must be saved if they receive twelve hundred a-year. It is a
+peculiar class, that; 1,200_l._ per annum, paid quarterly, is their idea
+of political science and human nature. To receive 1,200_l._ per annum is
+government; to try to receive 1,200_l._ per annum is opposition; to wish
+to receive 1,200_l._ per annum is ambition. If a man wants to get into
+Parliament, and does not want to get 1,200_l._ per annum, they look upon
+him as daft; as a benighted being. They stare in each other’s face,
+and ask, ‘What can ***** want to get into Parliament for?’ They have no
+conception that public reputation is a motive power, and with many men
+the greatest. They have as much idea of fame or celebrity, even of the
+masculine impulse of an honourable pride, as eunuchs of manly joys.
+
+The twelve-hundred-a-yearers were in despair about the King’s death.
+Their loyal souls were sorely grieved that his gracious Majesty had not
+outlived the Registration. All their happy inventions about ‘hay-fever,’
+circulated in confidence, and sent by post to chairmen of Conservative
+Associations, followed by a royal funeral! General election about to
+take place with the old registration; government boroughs against them,
+and the young Queen for a cry. What a cry! Youth, beauty, and a Queen!
+Taper grew pale at the thought. What could they possibly get up to
+countervail it? Even Church and Corn-laws together would not do; and
+then Church was sulky, for the Conservative Cause had just made it a
+present of a commission, and all that the country gentlemen knew of
+Conservatism was, that it would not repeal the Malt Tax, and had made
+them repeal their pledges. Yet a cry must be found. A dissolution
+without a cry, in the Taper philosophy, would be a world without a sun.
+A rise might be got by ‘Independence of the House of Lords;’ and Lord
+Lyndhurst’s summaries might be well circulated at one penny per hundred,
+large discount allowed to Conservative Associations, and endless credit.
+Tadpole, however, was never very fond of the House of Lords; besides, it
+was too limited. Tadpole wanted the young Queen brought in; the rogue!
+At length, one morning, Taper came up to him with a slip of paper, and a
+smile of complacent austerity on his dull visage, ‘I think, Mr. Tadpole,
+that will do!’
+
+Tadpole took the paper and read, ‘OUR YOUNG QUEEN, AND OUR OLD
+INSTITUTIONS.’
+
+The eyes of Tadpole sparkled as if they had met a gnomic sentence of
+Periander or Thales; then turning to Taper, he said,
+
+‘What do you think of “ancient,” instead of “old”?’
+
+‘You cannot have “Our modern Queen and our ancient Institutions,”’ said
+Mr. Taper.
+
+The dissolution was soon followed by an election for the borough of
+Cambridge. The Conservative Cause candidate was an old Etonian. That was
+a bond of sympathy which imparted zeal even to those who were a little
+sceptical of the essential virtues of Conservatism. Every undergraduate
+especially who remembered ‘the distant spires,’ became enthusiastic.
+Buckhurst took a very decided part. He cheered, he canvassed, he brought
+men to the poll whom none could move; he influenced his friends and
+his companions. Even Coningsby caught the contagion, and Vere, who had
+imbibed much of Coningsby’s political sentiment, prevailed on himself to
+be neutral. The Conservative Cause triumphed in the person of its Eton
+champion. The day the member was chaired, several men in Coningsby’s
+rooms were talking over their triumph.
+
+‘By Jove!’ said the panting Buckhurst, throwing himself on the sofa, ‘it
+was well done; never was any thing better done. An immense triumph! The
+greatest triumph the Conservative Cause has had. And yet,’ he added,
+laughing, ‘if any fellow were to ask me what the Conservative Cause is,
+I am sure I should not know what to say.’
+
+‘Why, it is the cause of our glorious institutions,’ said Coningsby. ‘A
+Crown robbed of its prerogatives; a Church controlled by a commission;
+and an Aristocracy that does not lead.’
+
+‘Under whose genial influence the order of the Peasantry, “a country’s
+pride,” has vanished from the face of the land,’ said Henry Sydney, ‘and
+is succeeded by a race of serfs, who are called labourers, and who burn
+ricks.’
+
+‘Under which,’ continued Coningsby, ‘the Crown has become a cipher; the
+Church a sect; the Nobility drones; and the People drudges.’
+
+‘It is the great constitutional cause,’ said Lord Vere, ‘that refuses
+everything to opposition; yields everything to agitation; conservative
+in Parliament, destructive out-of-doors; that has no objection to any
+change provided only it be effected by unauthorised means.’
+
+‘The first public association of men,’ said Coningsby, ‘who have worked
+for an avowed end without enunciating a single principle.’
+
+‘And who have established political infidelity throughout the land,’
+said Lord Henry.
+
+‘By Jove!’ said Buckhurst, ‘what infernal fools we have made ourselves
+this last week!’
+
+‘Nay,’ said Coningsby, smiling, ‘it was our last schoolboy weakness.
+Floreat Etona, under all circumstances.’
+
+‘I certainly, Coningsby,’ said Lord Vere, ‘shall not assume the
+Conservative Cause, instead of the cause for which Hampden died in the
+field, and Sydney on the scaffold.’
+
+‘The cause for which Hampden died in the field and Sydney on the
+scaffold,’ said Coningsby, ‘was the cause of the Venetian Republic.’
+
+‘How, how?’ cried Buckhurst.
+
+‘I repeat it,’ said Coningsby. ‘The great object of the Whig leaders
+in England from the first movement under Hampden to the last most
+successful one in 1688, was to establish in England a high aristocratic
+republic on the model of the Venetian, then the study and admiration of
+all speculative politicians. Read Harrington; turn over Algernon
+Sydney; then you will see how the minds of the English leaders in the
+seventeenth century were saturated with the Venetian type. And they at
+length succeeded. William III. found them out. He told the Whig leaders,
+“I will not be a Doge.” He balanced parties; he baffled them as the
+Puritans baffled them fifty years before. The reign of Anne was a
+struggle between the Venetian and the English systems. Two great Whig
+nobles, Argyle and Somerset, worthy of seats in the Council of Ten,
+forced their Sovereign on her deathbed to change the ministry. They
+accomplished their object. They brought in a new family on their own
+terms. George I. was a Doge; George II. was a Doge; they were what
+William III., a great man, would not be. George III. tried not to be
+a Doge, but it was impossible materially to resist the deeply-laid
+combination. He might get rid of the Whig magnificoes, but he could not
+rid himself of the Venetian constitution. And a Venetian constitution
+did govern England from the accession of the House of Hanover until
+1832. Now I do not ask you, Vere, to relinquish the political tenets
+which in ordinary times would have been your inheritance. All I say is,
+the constitution introduced by your ancestors having been subverted by
+their descendants your contemporaries, beware of still holding Venetian
+principles of government when you have not a Venetian constitution to
+govern with. Do what I am doing, what Henry Sydney and Buckhurst are
+doing, what other men that I could mention are doing, hold yourself
+aloof from political parties which, from the necessity of things, have
+ceased to have distinctive principles, and are therefore practically
+only factions; and wait and see, whether with patience, energy, honour,
+and Christian faith, and a desire to look to the national welfare and
+not to sectional and limited interests; whether, I say, we may not
+discover some great principles to guide us, to which we may adhere, and
+which then, if true, will ultimately guide and control others.’
+
+‘The Whigs are worn out,’ said Vere, ‘Conservatism is a sham, and
+Radicalism is pollution.’
+
+‘I certainly,’ said Buckhurst, ‘when I get into the House of Commons,
+shall speak my mind without reference to any party whatever; and all
+I hope is, we may all come in at the same time, and then we may make a
+party of our own.’
+
+‘I have always heard my father say,’ said Vere, ‘that there was nothing
+so difficult as to organise an independent party in the House of
+Commons.’
+
+‘Ay! but that was in the Venetian period, Vere,’ said Henry Sydney,
+smiling.
+
+‘I dare say,’ said Buckhurst, ‘the only way to make a party in the
+House of Commons is just the one that succeeds anywhere else. Men must
+associate together. When you are living in the same set, dining together
+every day, and quizzing the Dons, it is astonishing how well men
+agree. As for me, I never would enter into a conspiracy, unless the
+conspirators were fellows who had been at Eton with me; and then there
+would be no treachery.’
+
+‘Let us think of principles, and not of parties,’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘For my part,’ said Buckhurst, ‘whenever a political system is breaking
+up, as in this country at present, I think the very best thing is to
+brush all the old Dons off the stage. They never take to the new road
+kindly. They are always hampered by their exploded prejudices and
+obsolete traditions. I don’t think a single man, Vere, that sat in the
+Venetian Senate ought to be allowed to sit in the present English House
+of Commons.’
+
+‘Well, no one does in our family except my uncle Philip,’ said Lord
+Henry; ‘and the moment I want it, he will resign; for he detests
+Parliament. It interferes so with his hunting.’
+
+‘Well, we all have fair parliamentary prospects,’ said Buckhurst. ‘That
+is something. I wish we were in now.’
+
+‘Heaven forbid!’ said Coningsby. ‘I tremble at the responsibility of a
+seat at any time. With my present unsettled and perplexed views, there
+is nothing from which I should recoil so much as the House of Commons.’
+
+‘I quite agree with you,’ said Henry Sydney. ‘The best thing we can do
+is to keep as clear of political party as we possibly can. How many
+men waste the best part of their lives in painfully apologising for
+conscientious deviation from a parliamentary course which they adopted
+when they were boys, without thought, or prompted by some local
+connection, or interest, to secure a seat.’
+
+It was the midnight following the morning when this conversation
+took place, that Coningsby, alone, and having just quitted a rather
+boisterous party of wassailers who had been celebrating at Buckhurst’s
+rooms the triumph of ‘Eton Statesmen,’ if not of Conservative
+principles, stopped in the precincts of that Royal College that reminded
+him of his schooldays, to cool his brow in the summer air, that even
+at that hour was soft, and to calm his mind in the contemplation of the
+still, the sacred, and the beauteous scene that surrounded him.
+
+There rose that fane, the pride and boast of Cambridge, not unworthy
+to rank among the chief temples of Christendom. Its vast form was
+exaggerated in the uncertain hour; part shrouded in the deepest
+darkness, while a flood of silver light suffused its southern side,
+distinguished with revealing beam the huge ribs of its buttresses, and
+bathed with mild lustre its airy pinnacles.
+
+‘Where is the spirit that raised these walls?’ thought Coningsby. ‘Is it
+indeed extinct? Is then this civilisation, so much vaunted, inseparable
+from moderate feelings and little thoughts? If so, give me back
+barbarism! But I cannot believe it. Man that is made in the image of the
+Creator, is made for God-like deeds. Come what come may, I will cling to
+the heroic principle. It can alone satisfy my soul.’
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+We must now revert to the family, or rather the household, of Lord
+Monmouth, in which considerable changes and events had occurred since
+the visit of Coningsby to the Castle in the preceding autumn.
+
+In the first place, the earliest frost of the winter had carried off
+the aged proprietor of Hellingsley, that contiguous estate which Lord
+Monmouth so much coveted, the possession of which was indeed one of the
+few objects of his life, and to secure which he was prepared to pay
+far beyond its intrinsic value, great as that undoubtedly was. Yet Lord
+Monmouth did not become its possessor. Long as his mind had been intent
+upon the subject, skilful as had been his combinations to secure his
+prey, and unlimited the means which were to achieve his purpose, another
+stepped in, and without his privity, without even the consolation of a
+struggle, stole away the prize; and this too a man whom he hated, almost
+the only individual out of his own family that he did hate; a man who
+had crossed him before in similar enterprises; who was his avowed foe;
+had lavished treasure to oppose him in elections; raised associations
+against his interest; established journals to assail him; denounced him
+in public; agitated against him in private; had declared more than
+once that he would make ‘the county too hot for him;’ his personal,
+inveterate, indomitable foe, Mr. Millbank of Millbank.
+
+The loss of Hellingsley was a bitter disappointment to Lord Monmouth;
+but the loss of it to such an adversary touched him to the quick. He did
+not seek to control his anger; he could not succeed even in concealing
+his agitation. He threw upon Rigby that glance so rare with him, but
+under which men always quailed; that play of the eye which Lord Monmouth
+shared in common with Henry VIII., that struck awe into the trembling
+Commons when they had given an obnoxious vote, as the King entered the
+gallery of his palace, and looked around him.
+
+It was a look which implied that dreadful question, ‘Why have I bought
+you that such things should happen? Why have I unlimited means and
+unscrupulous agents?’ It made Rigby even feel; even his brazen tones
+were hushed.
+
+To fly from everything disagreeable was the practical philosophy of Lord
+Monmouth; but he was as brave as he was sensual. He would not shrink
+before the new proprietor of Hellingsley. He therefore remained at
+the Castle with an aching heart, and redoubled his hospitalities. An
+ordinary mind might have been soothed by the unceasing consideration and
+the skilful and delicate flattery that ever surrounded Lord Monmouth;
+but his sagacious intelligence was never for a moment the dupe of his
+vanity. He had no self-love, and as he valued no one, there were really
+no feelings to play upon. He saw through everybody and everything; and
+when he had detected their purpose, discovered their weakness or their
+vileness, he calculated whether they could contribute to his pleasure
+or his convenience in a degree that counterbalanced the objections which
+might be urged against their intentions, or their less pleasing and
+profitable qualities. To be pleased was always a principal object with
+Lord Monmouth; but when a man wants vengeance, gay amusement is not
+exactly a satisfactory substitute.
+
+A month elapsed. Lord Monmouth with a serene or smiling visage to his
+guests, but in private taciturn and morose, scarcely ever gave a word
+to Mr. Rigby, but continually bestowed on him glances which painfully
+affected the appetite of that gentleman. In a hundred ways it was
+intimated to Mr. Rigby that he was not a welcome guest, and yet
+something was continually given him to do which rendered it impossible
+for him to take his departure. In this state of affairs, another event
+occurred which changed the current of feeling, and by its possible
+consequences distracted the Marquess from his brooding meditations over
+his discomfiture in the matter of Hellingsley. The Prince Colonna, who,
+since the steeple-chase, had imbibed a morbid predilection for such
+amusements, and indeed for every species of rough-riding, was thrown
+from his horse and killed on the spot.
+
+This calamity broke up the party at Coningsby, which was not at the
+moment very numerous. Mr. Rigby, by command, instantly seized the
+opportunity of preventing the arrival of other guests who were expected.
+This catastrophe was the cause of Mr. Rigby resuming in a great measure
+his old position in the Castle. There were a great many things to
+be done, and all disagreeable; he achieved them all, and studied
+everybody’s convenience. Coroners’ inquests, funerals especially,
+weeping women, these were all spectacles which Lord Monmouth could not
+endure, but he was so high-bred, that he would not for the world
+that there should be in manner or degree the slightest deficiency in
+propriety or even sympathy. But he wanted somebody to do everything that
+was proper; to be considerate and consoling and sympathetic. Mr. Rigby
+did it all; gave evidence at the inquest, was chief mourner at the
+funeral, and arranged everything so well that not a single emblem of
+death crossed the sight of Lord Monmouth; while Madame Colonna found
+submission in his exhortations, and the Princess Lucretia, a little more
+pale and pensive than usual, listened with tranquillity to his discourse
+on the vanity of all sublunary things.
+
+When the tumult had subsided, and habits and feelings had fallen into
+their old routine and relapsed into their ancient channels, the
+Marquess proposed that they should all return to London, and with great
+formality, though with warmth, begged that Madame Colonna would ever
+consider his roof as her own. All were glad to quit the Castle, which
+now presented a scene so different from its former animation, and Madame
+Colonna, weeping, accepted the hospitality of her friend, until the
+impending expansion of the spring would permit her to return to Italy.
+This notice of her return to her own country seemed to occasion the
+Marquess great disquietude.
+
+After they had remained about a month in London, Madame Colonna sent
+for Mr. Rigby one morning to tell him how very painful it was to her
+feelings to remain under the roof of Monmouth House without the sanction
+of a husband; that the circumstance of being a foreigner, under such
+unusual affliction, might have excused, though not authorised, the step
+at first, and for a moment; but that the continuance of such a course
+was quite out of the question; that she owed it to herself, to her
+step-child, no longer to trespass on this friendly hospitality, which,
+if persisted in, might be liable to misconstruction. Mr. Rigby
+listened with great attention to this statement, and never in the least
+interrupted Madame Colonna; and then offered to do that which he was
+convinced the lady desired, namely, to make the Marquess acquainted with
+the painful state of her feelings. This he did according to his fashion,
+and with sufficient dexterity. Mr. Rigby himself was anxious to
+know which way the wind blew, and the mission with which he had been
+entrusted, fell in precisely with his inclinations and necessities. The
+Marquess listened to the communication and sighed, then turned gently
+round and surveyed himself in the mirror and sighed again, then said to
+Rigby,
+
+‘You understand exactly what I mean, Rigby. It is quite ridiculous their
+going, and infinitely distressing to me. They must stay.’
+
+Rigby repaired to the Princess full of mysterious bustle, and with a
+face beaming with importance and satisfaction. He made much of the
+two sighs; fully justified the confidence of the Marquess in his
+comprehension of unexplained intentions; prevailed on Madame Colonna to
+have some regard for the feelings of one so devoted; expatiated on the
+insignificance of worldly misconstructions, when replied to by such
+honourable intentions; and fully succeeded in his mission. They did
+stay. Month after month rolled on, and still they stayed; every
+month all the family becoming more resigned or more content, and more
+cheerful. As for the Marquess himself, Mr. Rigby never remembered him
+more serene and even joyous. His Lordship scarcely ever entered general
+society. The Colonna family remained in strict seclusion; and he
+preferred the company of these accomplished and congenial friends to the
+mob of the great world.
+
+Between Madame Colonna and Mr. Rigby there had always subsisted
+considerable confidence. Now, that gentleman seemed to have achieved
+fresh and greater claims to her regard. In the pleasure with which he
+looked forward to her approaching alliance with his patron, he reminded
+her of the readiness with which he had embraced her suggestions for the
+marriage of her daughter with Coningsby. Always obliging, she was never
+wearied of chanting his praises to her noble admirer, who was apparently
+much gratified she should have bestowed her esteem on one of whom she
+would necessarily in after-life see so much. It is seldom the lot of
+husbands that their confidential friends gain the regards of their
+brides.
+
+‘I am glad you all like Rigby,’ said Lord Monmouth, ‘as you will see so
+much of him.’
+
+The remembrance of the Hellingsley failure seemed to be erased from the
+memory of the Marquess. Rigby never recollected him more cordial and
+confidential, and more equable in his manner. He told Rigby one day,
+that he wished that Monmouth House should possess the most sumptuous
+and the most fanciful boudoir in London or Paris. What a hint for Rigby!
+That gentleman consulted the first artists, and gave them some hints in
+return; his researches on domestic decoration ranged through all
+ages; he even meditated a rapid tour to mature his inventions; but his
+confidence in his native taste and genius ultimately convinced him that
+this movement was unnecessary.
+
+The summer advanced; the death of the King occurred; the dissolution
+summoned Rigby to Coningsby and the borough of Darlford. His success was
+marked certain in the secret books of Tadpole and Taper. A manufacturing
+town, enfranchised under the Reform Act, already gained by the
+Conservative cause! Here was reaction; here influence of property!
+Influence of character, too; for no one was so popular as Lord Monmouth;
+a most distinguished nobleman of strict Conservative principles, who,
+if he carried the county and the manufacturing borough also, merited the
+strawberry-leaf.
+
+‘There will be no holding Rigby,’ said Taper; ‘I’m afraid he will be
+looking for something very high.’
+
+‘The higher the better,’ rejoined Tadpole, ‘and then he will not
+interfere with us. I like your high-flyers; it is your plodders I
+detest, wearing old hats and high-lows, speaking in committee, and
+thinking they are men of business: d----n them!’
+
+Rigby went down, and made some impressive speeches; at least they read
+very well in some of his second-rate journals, where all the uproar
+figured as loud cheering, and the interruption of a cabbage-stalk was
+represented as a question from some intelligent individual in the crowd.
+The fact is, Rigby bored his audience too much with history, especially
+with the French Revolution, which he fancied was his ‘forte,’ so that
+the people at last, whenever he made any allusion to the subject, were
+almost as much terrified as if they had seen the guillotine.
+
+Rigby had as yet one great advantage; he had no opponent; and without
+personal opposition, no contest can be very bitter. It was for some days
+Rigby _versus_ Liberal principles; and Rigby had much the best of it;
+for he abused Liberal principles roundly in his harangues, who, not
+being represented on the occasion, made no reply; while plenty of ale,
+and some capital songs by Lucian Gay, who went down express, gave the
+right cue to the mob, who declared in chorus, beneath the windows of
+Rigby’s hotel, that he was ‘a fine old English gentleman!’
+
+But there was to be a contest; no question about that, and a sharp
+one, although Rigby was to win, and well. The Liberal party had been so
+fastidious about their new candidate, that they had none ready though
+several biting. Jawster Sharp thought at one time that sheer necessity
+would give him another chance still; but even Rigby was preferable to
+Jawster Sharp, who, finding it would not do, published his long-prepared
+valedictory address, in which he told his constituents, that having long
+sacrificed his health to their interests, he was now obliged to retire
+into the bosom of his family. And a very well-provided-for family, too.
+
+All this time the Liberal deputation from Darlford, two aldermen, three
+town-councillors, and the Secretary of the Reform Association, were
+walking about London like mad things, eating luncheons and looking for
+a candidate. They called at the Reform Club twenty times in the morning,
+badgered whips and red-tapers; were introduced to candidates, badgered
+candidates; examined would-be members as if they were at a cattle-show,
+listened to political pedigrees, dictated political pledges, referred
+to Hansard to see how men had voted, inquired whether men had spoken,
+finally discussed terms. But they never could hit the right man. If
+the principles were right, there was no money; and if money were ready,
+money would not take pledges. In fact, they wanted a Phoenix: a very
+rich man, who would do exactly as they liked, with extremely low
+opinions and with very high connections.
+
+‘If he would go for the ballot and had a handle to his name, it would
+have the best effect,’ said the secretary of the Reform Association,
+‘because you see we are fighting against a Right Honourable, and you
+have no idea how that takes with the mob.’
+
+The deputation had been three days in town, and urged by despatches
+by every train to bring affairs to a conclusion; jaded, perplexed,
+confused, they were ready to fall into the hands of the first jobber
+or bold adventurer. They discussed over their dinner at a Strand
+coffee-house the claims of the various candidates who had presented
+themselves. Mr. Donald Macpherson Macfarlane, who would only pay the
+legal expenses; he was soon despatched. Mr. Gingerly Browne, of Jermyn
+Street, the younger son of a baronet, who would go as far as 1000_l._
+provided the seat was secured. Mr. Juggins, a distiller, 2000_l._ man;
+but would not agree to any annual subscriptions. Sir Baptist Placid,
+vague about expenditure, but repeatedly declaring that ‘there could
+be no difficulty on that head.’ He however had a moral objection to
+subscribing to the races, and that was a great point at Darlford. Sir
+Baptist would subscribe a guinea per annum to the infirmary, and the
+same to all religious societies without any distinction of sects; but
+races, it was not the sum, 100_l._ per annum, but the principle. He had
+a moral objection.
+
+In short, the deputation began to suspect, what was the truth, that they
+were a day after the fair, and that all the electioneering rips that
+swarm in the purlieus of political clubs during an impending dissolution
+of Parliament, men who become political characters in their small circle
+because they have been talked of as once having an intention to stand
+for places for which they never offered themselves, or for having stood
+for places where they never could by any circumstance have succeeded,
+were in fact nibbling at their dainty morsel.
+
+At this moment of despair, a ray of hope was imparted to them by a
+confidential note from a secretary of the Treasury, who wished to
+see them at the Reform Club on the morrow. You may be sure they were
+punctual to their appointment. The secretary received them with great
+consideration. He had got them a candidate, and one of high mark, the
+son of a Peer, and connected with the highest Whig houses. Their eyes
+sparkled. A real honourable. If they liked he would introduce them
+immediately to the Honourable Alberic de Crecy. He had only to introduce
+them, as there was no difficulty either as to means or opinions,
+expenses or pledges.
+
+The secretary returned with a young gentleman, whose diminutive stature
+would seem, from his smooth and singularly puerile countenance, to be
+merely the consequence of his very tender years; but Mr. De Crecy was
+really of age, or at least would be by nomination-day. He did not say
+a word, but looked like the rosebud which dangled in the button-hole of
+his frock-coat. The aldermen and town-councillors were what is
+sometimes emphatically styled flabbergasted; they were speechless from
+bewilderment. ‘Mr. De Crecy will go for the ballot,’ said the secretary
+of the Treasury, with an audacious eye and a demure look, ‘and for Total
+and Immediate, if you press him hard; but don’t, if you can help it,
+because he has an uncle, an old county member, who has prejudices, and
+might disinherit him. However, we answer for him. And I am very happy
+that I have been the means of bringing about an arrangement which,
+I feel, will be mutually advantageous.’ And so saying, the secretary
+effected his escape.
+
+Circumstances, however, retarded for a season the political career of
+the Honourable Alberic de Crecy. While the Liberal party at Darlford
+were suffering under the daily inflictions of Mr. Rigby’s slashing
+style, and the post brought them very unsatisfactory prospects of a
+champion, one offered himself, and in an address which intimated that he
+was no man of straw, likely to recede from any contest in which he
+chose to embark. The town was suddenly placarded with a letter to
+the Independent Electors from Mr. Millbank, the new proprietor of
+Hellingsley.
+
+He expressed himself as one not anxious to obtrude himself on their
+attention, and founding no claim to their confidence on his recent
+acquisition; but at the same time as one resolved that the free and
+enlightened community, with which he must necessarily hereafter be much
+connected, should not become the nomination borough of any Peer of the
+realm without a struggle, if they chose to make one. And so he offered
+himself if they could not find a better candidate, without waiting for
+the ceremony of a requisition. He was exactly the man they wanted; and
+though he had ‘no handle to his name,’ and was somewhat impracticable
+about pledges, his fortune was so great, and his character so high, that
+it might be hoped that the people would be almost as content as if
+they were appealed to by some obscure scion of factitious nobility,
+subscribing to political engagements which he could not comprehend,
+and which, in general, are vomited with as much facility as they are
+swallowed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+The people of Darlford, who, as long as the contest for their
+representation remained between Mr. Rigby and the abstraction called
+Liberal Principles, appeared to be very indifferent about the result,
+the moment they learned that for the phrase had been substituted a
+substance, and that, too, in the form of a gentleman who was soon
+to figure as their resident neighbour, became excited, speedily
+enthusiastic. All the bells of all the churches rang when Mr. Millbank
+commenced his canvass; the Conservatives, on the alert, if not alarmed,
+insisted on their champion also showing himself in all directions; and
+in the course of four-and-twenty hours, such is the contagion of popular
+feeling, the town was divided into two parties, the vast majority of
+which were firmly convinced that the country could only be saved by the
+return of Mr. Rigby, or preserved from inevitable destruction by the
+election of Mr. Millbank.
+
+The results of the two canvasses were such as had been anticipated from
+the previous reports of the respective agents and supporters. In these
+days the personal canvass of a candidate is a mere form. The whole
+country that is to be invaded has been surveyed and mapped out before
+entry; every position reconnoitred; the chain of communications
+complete. In the present case, as was not unusual, both candidates were
+really supported by numerous and reputable adherents; and both had good
+grounds for believing that they would be ultimately successful. But
+there was a body of the electors sufficiently numerous to turn the
+election, who would not promise their votes: conscientious men who felt
+the responsibility of the duty that the constitution had entrusted to
+their discharge, and who would not make up their minds without duly
+weighing the respective merits of the two rivals. This class of deeply
+meditative individuals are distinguished not only by their pensive turn
+of mind, but by a charitable vein that seems to pervade their being. Not
+only will they think of your request, but for their parts they wish both
+sides equally well. Decision, indeed, as it must dash the hopes of one
+of their solicitors, seems infinitely painful to them; they have always
+a good reason for postponing it. If you seek their suffrage during the
+canvass, they reply, that the writ not having come down, the day of
+election is not yet fixed. If you call again to inform them that the
+writ has arrived, they rejoin, that perhaps after all there may not be a
+contest. If you call a third time, half dead with fatigue, to give them
+friendly notice that both you and your rival have pledged yourselves to
+go to the poll, they twitch their trousers, rub their hands, and with a
+dull grin observe,
+
+‘Well, sir, we shall see.’
+
+‘Come, Mr. Jobson,’ says one of the committee, with an insinuating
+smile, ‘give Mr. Millbank one.’
+
+‘Jobson, I think you and I know each other,’ says a most influential
+supporter, with a knowing nod.
+
+‘Yes, Mr. Smith, I should think we did.’
+
+‘Come, come, give us one.’
+
+‘Well, I have not made up my mind yet, gentlemen.’
+
+‘Jobson!’ says a solemn voice, ‘didn’t you tell me the other night you
+wished well to this gentleman?’
+
+‘So I do; I wish well to everybody,’ replies the imperturbable Jobson.
+
+‘Well, Jobson,’ exclaims another member of the committee, with a sigh,
+‘who could have supposed that you would have been an enemy?’
+
+‘I don’t wish to be no enemy to no man, Mr. Trip.’
+
+‘Come, Jobson,’ says a jolly tanner, ‘if I wanted to be a Parliament
+man, I don’t think you could refuse me one!’
+
+‘I don’t think I could, Mr. Oakfield.’
+
+‘Well, then, give it to my friend.’
+
+‘Well, sir, I’ll think about it.’
+
+‘Leave him to me,’ says another member of the committee, with a
+significant look. ‘I know how to get round him. It’s all right.’
+
+‘Yes, leave him to Hayfield, Mr. Millbank; he knows how to manage him.’
+
+But all the same, Jobson continues to look as little tractable and
+lamb-like as can be well fancied.
+
+And here, in a work which, in an unpretending shape, aspires to take
+neither an uninformed nor a partial view of the political history of the
+ten eventful years of the Reform struggle, we should pause for a
+moment to observe the strangeness, that only five years after the
+reconstruction of the electoral body by the Whig party, in a borough
+called into political existence by their policy, a manufacturing
+town, too, the candidate comprising in his person every quality and
+circumstance which could recommend him to the constituency, and
+his opponent the worst specimen of the Old Generation, a political
+adventurer, who owed the least disreputable part of his notoriety to
+his opposition to the Reform Bill; that in such a borough, under such
+circumstances, there should be a contest, and that, too, one of a very
+doubtful issue.
+
+What was the cause of this? Are we to seek it in the ‘Reaction’ of the
+Tadpoles and the Tapers? That would not be a satisfactory solution.
+Reaction, to a certain extent, is the law of human existence. In the
+particular state of affairs before us, England after the Reform Act, it
+never could be doubtful that Time would gradually, and in some instances
+rapidly, counteract the national impulse of 1832. There never could
+have been a question, for example, that the English counties would
+have reverted to their natural allegiance to their proprietors; but the
+results of the appeals to the third Estate in 1835 and 1837 are not to
+be accounted for by a mere readjustment of legitimate influences.
+
+The truth is, that, considerable as are the abilities of the Whig
+leaders, highly accomplished as many of them unquestionably must be
+acknowledged in parliamentary debate, experienced in council, sedulous
+in office, eminent as scholars, powerful from their position, the
+absence of individual influence, and of the pervading authority of a
+commanding mind, have been the cause of the fall of the Whig party.
+
+Such a supremacy was generally acknowledged in Lord Grey on the
+accession of this party to power: but it was the supremacy of a
+tradition rather than of a fact. Almost at the outset of his authority
+his successor was indicated. When the crisis arrived, the intended
+successor was not in the Whig ranks. It is in this virtual absence of
+a real and recognised leader, almost from the moment that they passed
+their great measure, that we must seek a chief cause of all that
+insubordination, all those distempered ambitions, and all those dark
+intrigues, that finally broke up, not only the Whig government, but the
+Whig party; demoralised their ranks, and sent them to the country, both
+in 1835 and 1837, with every illusion, which had operated so happily in
+their favour in 1832, scattered to the winds. In all things we trace the
+irresistible influence of the individual.
+
+And yet the interval that elapsed between 1835 and 1837 proved, that
+there was all this time in the Whig array one entirely competent to the
+office of leading a great party, though his capacity for that fulfilment
+was too tardily recognised.
+
+LORD JOHN RUSSELL has that degree of imagination, which, though evinced
+rather in sentiment than expression, still enables him to generalise
+from the details of his reading and experience; and to take those
+comprehensive views, which, however easily depreciated by ordinary
+men in an age of routine, are indispensable to a statesman in the
+conjunctures in which we live. He understands, therefore, his position;
+and he has the moral intrepidity which prompts him ever to dare that
+which his intellect assures him is politic. He is consequently, at the
+same time, sagacious and bold in council. As an administrator he is
+prompt and indefatigable. He is not a natural orator, and labours under
+physical deficiencies which even a Demosthenic impulse could scarcely
+overcome. But he is experienced in debate, quick in reply, fertile in
+resource, takes large views, and frequently compensates for a dry and
+hesitating manner by the expression of those noble truths that flash
+across the fancy, and rise spontaneously to the lip, of men of poetic
+temperament when addressing popular assemblies. If we add to this, a
+private life of dignified repute, the accidents of his birth and rank,
+which never can be severed from the man, the scion of a great historic
+family, and born, as it were, to the hereditary service of the State, it
+is difficult to ascertain at what period, or under what circumstances,
+the Whig party have ever possessed, or could obtain, a more efficient
+leader.
+
+But we must return to the Darlford election. The class of thoughtful
+voters was sufficiently numerous in that borough to render the result
+of the contest doubtful to the last; and on the eve of the day of
+nomination both parties were equally sanguine.
+
+Nomination-day altogether is an unsatisfactory affair. There is little
+to be done, and that little mere form. The tedious hours remain, and no
+one can settle his mind to anything. It is not a holiday, for every one
+is serious; it is not business, for no one can attend to it; it is not
+a contest, for there is no canvassing; nor an election, for there is no
+poll. It is a day of lounging without an object, and luncheons without
+an appetite; of hopes and fears; confidence and dejection; bravado bets
+and secret hedging; and, about midnight, of furious suppers of grilled
+bones, brandy-and-water, and recklessness.
+
+The president and vice-president of the Conservative Association, the
+secretary and the four solicitors who were agents, had impressed upon
+Mr. Rigby that it was of the utmost importance, and must produce a
+great moral effect, if he obtain the show of hands. With his powers of
+eloquence and their secret organisation, they flattered themselves it
+might be done. With this view, Rigby inflicted a speech of more than
+two hours’ duration on the electors, who bore it very kindly, as the mob
+likes, above all things, that the ceremonies of nomination-day should
+not be cut short: moreover, there is nothing that the mob likes so much
+as a speech. Rigby therefore had, on the whole, a far from unfavourable
+audience, and he availed himself of their forbearance. He brought in
+his crack theme, the guillotine, and dilated so elaborately upon its
+qualities, that one of the gentlemen below could not refrain from
+exclaiming, ‘I wish you may get it.’ This exclamation gave Mr. Rigby
+what is called a great opening, which, like a practised speaker, he
+immediately seized. He denounced the sentiment as ‘un-English,’ and got
+much cheered. Excited by this success, Rigby began to call everything
+else ‘un-English’ with which he did not agree, until menacing murmurs
+began to rise, when he shifted the subject, and rose into a grand
+peroration, in which he assured them that the eyes of the whole empire
+were on this particular election; cries of ‘That’s true,’ from all
+sides; and that England expected every man to do his duty.
+
+‘And who do you expect to do yours?’ inquired a gentleman below, ‘about
+that ’ere pension?’
+
+‘Rigby,’ screeched a hoarse voice, ‘don’t you mind; you guv it them
+well.’
+
+‘Rigby, keep up your spirits, old chap: we will have you.’
+
+‘Now!’ said a stentorian voice; and a man as tall as Saul looked round
+him. This was the engaged leader of the Conservative mob; the eye of
+every one of his minions was instantly on him. ‘Now! Our young Queen and
+our Old Institutions! Rigby for ever!’
+
+This was a signal for the instant appearance of the leader of the
+Liberal mob. Magog Wrath, not so tall as Bully Bluck, his rival, had
+a voice almost as powerful, a back much broader, and a countenance far
+more forbidding. ‘Now, my boys, the Queen and Millbank for ever!’
+
+These rival cries were the signals for a fight between the two bands of
+gladiators in the face of the hustings, the body of the people little
+interfering. Bully Bluck seized Magog Wrath’s colours; they wrestled,
+they seized each other; their supporters were engaged in mutual contest;
+it appeared to be a most alarming and perilous fray; several ladies from
+the windows screamed, one fainted; a band of special constables pushed
+their way through the mob; you heard their staves resounded on the
+skulls of all who opposed them, especially the little boys: order was at
+length restored; and, to tell the truth, the only hurts inflicted were
+those which came from the special constables. Bully Bluck and Magog
+Wrath, with all their fierce looks, flaunting colours, loud cheers, and
+desperate assaults, were, after all, only a couple of Condottieri, who
+were cautious never to wound each other. They were, in fact, a peaceful
+police, who kept the town in awe, and prevented others from being
+mischievous who were more inclined to do harm. Their hired gangs were
+the safety-valves for all the scamps of the borough, who, receiving a
+few shillings per head for their nominal service, and as much drink as
+they liked after the contest, were bribed and organised into peace
+and sobriety on the days in which their excesses were most to be
+apprehended.
+
+Now Mr. Millbank came forward: he was brief compared with Mr. Rigby; but
+clear and terse. No one could misunderstand him. He did not favour his
+hearers with any history, but gave them his views about taxes, free
+trade, placemen, and pensioners, whoever and wherever they might be.
+
+‘Hilloa, Rigby, about that ‘ere pension?’
+
+‘Millbank for ever! We will have him.’
+
+‘Never mind, Rigby, you’ll come in next time.’
+
+Mr. Millbank was energetic about resident representatives, but did not
+understand that a resident representative meant the nominee of a great
+Lord, who lived in a great castle; great cheering. There was a Lord
+once who declared that, if he liked, he would return his negro valet to
+Parliament; but Mr. Millbank thought those days were over. It remained
+for the people of Darlford to determine whether he was mistaken.
+
+‘Never!’ exclaimed the mob. ‘Millbank for ever! Rigby in the river! No
+niggers, no walets!’
+
+‘Three groans for Rigby.’
+
+‘His language ain’t as purty as the Lunnun chap’s,’ said a critic below;
+‘but he speaks from his ‘art: and give me the man who ‘as got a ‘art.’
+
+‘That’s your time of day, Mr. Robinson.’
+
+‘Now!’ said Magog Wrath, looking around. ‘Now, the Queen and Millbank
+for ever! Hurrah!’
+
+The show of hands was entirely in favour of Mr. Millbank. Scarcely a
+hand was held up for Mr. Rigby below, except by Bully Bluck and his
+praetorians. The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Conservative
+Association, the Secretary, and the four agents, severally and
+respectively went up to Mr. Rigby and congratulated him on the result,
+as it was a known fact, ‘that the show of hands never won.’
+
+The eve of polling-day was now at hand. This is the most critical period
+of an election. All night parties in disguise were perambulating the
+different wards, watching each other’s tactics; masks, wigs, false
+noses, gentles in livery coats, men in female attire, a silent carnival
+of manoeuvre, vigilance, anxiety, and trepidation. The thoughtful voters
+about this time make up their minds; the enthusiasts who have told you
+twenty times a-day for the last fortnight, that they would get up in the
+middle of the night to serve you, require the most watchful cooping; all
+the individuals who have assured you that ‘their word is their bond,’
+change sides.
+
+Two of the Rigbyites met in the market-place about an hour after
+midnight.
+
+‘Well, how goes it?’ said one.
+
+‘I have been the rounds. The blunt’s going like the ward-pump. I saw
+a man come out of Moffatt’s house, muffled up with a mask on. I dodged
+him. It was Biggs.’
+
+‘You don’t mean that, do you? D----e, I’ll answer for Moffatt.’
+
+‘I never thought he was a true man.’
+
+‘Told Robins?’
+
+‘I could not see him; but I met young Gunning and told him.’
+
+‘Young Gunning! That won’t do.’
+
+‘I thought he was as right as the town clock.’
+
+‘So did I, once. Hush! who comes here? The enemy, Franklin and Sampson
+Potts. Keep close.’
+
+‘I’ll speak to them. Good night, Potts. Up rather late to-night?’
+
+‘All fair election time. You ain’t snoring, are you?’
+
+‘Well, I hope the best man will win.’
+
+‘I am sure he will.’
+
+‘You must go for Moffatt early, to breakfast at the White Lion; that’s
+your sort. Don’t leave him, and poll him your-self. I am going off to
+Solomon Lacey’s. He has got four Millbankites cooped up very drunk, and
+I want to get them quietly into the country before daybreak.’
+
+‘Tis polling-day! The candidates are roused from their slumbers at an
+early hour by the music of their own bands perambulating the town, and
+each playing the ‘conquering hero’ to sustain the courage of their jaded
+employers, by depriving them of that rest which can alone tranquillise
+the nervous system. There is something in that matin burst of music,
+followed by a shrill cheer from the boys of the borough, the only
+inhabitants yet up, that is very depressing.
+
+The committee-rooms of each candidate are soon rife with black reports;
+each side has received fearful bulletins of the preceding night
+campaign; and its consequences as exemplified in the morning,
+unprecedented tergiversations, mysterious absences; men who breakfast
+with one side and vote with the other; men who won’t come to breakfast;
+men who won’t leave breakfast.
+
+At ten o’clock Mr. Rigby was in a majority of twenty-eight.
+
+The polling was brisk and equal until the middle of the day, when it
+became slack. Mr. Rigby kept a majority, but an inconsiderable one.
+Mr. Millbank’s friends were not disheartened, as it was known that
+the leading members of Mr. Rigby’s committee had polled; whereas his
+opponent’s were principally reserved. At a quarter-past two there was
+great cheering and uproar. The four voters in favour of Millbank, whom
+Solomon Lacey had cooped up, made drunk, and carried into the country,
+had recovered iheir senses, made their escape, and voted as they
+originally intended. Soon after this, Mr. Millbank was declared by his
+committee to be in a majority of one, but the committee of Mr. Rigby
+instantly posted a placard, in large letters, to announce that, on the
+contrary, their man was in a majority of nine.
+
+‘If we could only have got another registration,’ whispered the
+principal agent to Mr. Rigby, at a quarter-past four.
+
+‘You think it’s all over, then?’
+
+‘Why, I do not see now how we can win. We have polled all our dead men,
+and Millbank is seven ahead.’
+
+‘I have no doubt we shall be able to have a good petition,’ said the
+consoling chairman of the Conservative Association.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+
+It was not with feelings of extreme satisfaction that Mr. Rigby returned
+to London. The loss of Hellingsley, followed by the loss of the borough
+to Hellingsley’s successful master, were not precisely the incidents
+which would be adduced as evidence of Mr. Rigby’s good management or
+good fortune. Hitherto that gentleman had persuaded the world that he
+was not only very clever, but that he was also always in luck; a quality
+which many appreciate more even than capacity. His reputation was
+unquestionably damaged, both with his patron and his party. But what
+the Tapers and the Tadpoles thought or said, what even might be the
+injurious effect on his own career of the loss of this election, assumed
+an insignificant character when compared with its influence on the
+temper and disposition of the Marquess of Monmouth.
+
+And yet his carriage is now entering the courtyard of Monmouth House,
+and, in all probability, a few minutes would introduce him to that
+presence before which he had, ere this, trembled. The Marquess was at
+home, and anxious to see Mr. Rigby. In a few minutes that gentleman was
+ascending the private staircase, entering the antechamber, and waiting
+to be received in the little saloon, exactly as our Coningsby did more
+than five years ago, scarcely less agitated, but by feelings of a very
+different character.
+
+‘Well, you made a good fight of it,’ exclaimed the Marquess, in a
+cheerful and cordial tone, as Mr. Rigby entered his dressing-room.
+‘Patience! We shall win next time.’
+
+This reception instantly reassured the defeated candidate, though its
+contrast to that which he expected rather perplexed him. He entered into
+the details of the election, talked rapidly of the next registration,
+the propriety of petitioning; accustomed himself to hearing his voice
+with its habitual volubility in a chamber where he had feared it might
+not sound for some time.
+
+‘D----n politics!’ said the Marquess. ‘These fellows are in for this
+Parliament, and I am really weary of the whole affair. I begin to think
+the Duke was right, and it would have been best to have left them to
+themselves. I am glad you have come up at once, for I want you. The fact
+is, I am going to be married.’
+
+This was not a startling announcement to Mr. Rigby; he was prepared for
+it, though scarcely could have hoped that he would have been favoured
+with it on the present occasion, instead of a morose comment on his
+misfortunes. Marriage, then, was the predominant idea of Lord Monmouth
+at the present moment, in whose absorbing interest all vexations were
+forgotten. Fortunate Rigby! Disgusted by the failure of his political
+combinations, his disappointments in not dictating to the county and not
+carrying the borough, and the slight prospect at present of obtaining
+the great object of his ambition, Lord Monmouth had resolved to
+precipitate his fate, was about to marry immediately, and quit England.
+
+‘You will be wanted, Rigby,’ continued the Marquess. ‘We must have a
+couple of trustees, and I have thought of you as one. You know you are
+my executor; and it is better not to bring in unnecessarily new names
+into the management of my affairs. Lord Eskdale will act with you.’
+
+Rigby then, after all, was a lucky man. After such a succession of
+failures, he had returned only to receive fresh and the most delicate
+marks of his patron’s good feeling and consideration. Lord Monmouth’s
+trustee and executor! ‘You know you are my executor.’ Sublime truth! It
+ought to be blazoned in letters of gold in the most conspicuous part of
+Rigby’s library, to remind him perpetually of his great and impending
+destiny. Lord Monmouth’s executor, and very probably one of his
+residuary legatees! A legatee of some sort he knew he was. What a
+splendid _memento mori_! What cared Rigby for the borough of Darlford?
+And as for his political friends, he wished them joy of their barren
+benches. Nothing was lost by not being in this Parliament.
+
+It was then with sincerity that Rigby offered his congratulations to
+his patron. He praised the judicious alliance, accompanied by every
+circumstance conducive to worldly happiness; distinguished beauty,
+perfect temper, princely rank. Rigby, who had hardly got out of his
+hustings’ vein, was most eloquent in his praises of Madame Colonna.
+
+‘An amiable woman,’ said Lord Monmouth, ‘and very handsome. I always
+admired her; and an agreeable person too; I dare say a very good temper,
+but I am not going to marry her.’
+
+‘Might I then ask who is--’
+
+‘Her step-daughter, the Princess Lucretia,’ replied the Marquess,
+quietly, and looking at his ring.
+
+Here was a thunderbolt! Rigby had made another mistake. He had been
+working all this time for the wrong woman! The consciousness of being a
+trustee alone sustained him. There was an inevitable pause. The Marquess
+would not speak however, and Rigby must. He babbled rather incoherently
+about the Princess Lucretia being admired by everybody; also that she
+was the most fortunate of women, as well as the most accomplished; he
+was just beginning to say he had known her from a child, when discretion
+stopped his tongue, which had a habit of running on somewhat rashly;
+but Rigby, though he often blundered in his talk, had the talent of
+extricating himself from the consequence of his mistakes.
+
+‘And Madame must be highly gratified by all this?’ observed Mr. Rigby,
+with an enquiring accent. He was dying to learn how she had first
+received the intelligence, and congratulated himself that his absence at
+his contest had preserved him from the storm.
+
+‘Madame Colonna knows nothing of our intentions,’ said Lord Monmouth.
+‘And by the bye, that is the very business on which I wish to see you,
+Rigby. I wish you to communicate them to her. We are to be married,
+and immediately. It would gratify me that the wife of Lucretia’s father
+should attend our wedding. You understand exactly what I mean, Rigby; I
+must have no scenes. Always happy to see the Princess Colonna under my
+roof; but then I like to live quietly, particularly at present;
+harassed as I have been by the loss of these elections, by all this bad
+management, and by all these disappointments on subjects in which I was
+led to believe success was certain. Madame Colonna is at home;’ and the
+Marquess bowed Mr. Rigby out of the room.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+The departure of Sidonia from Coningsby Castle, in the autumn,
+determined the Princess Lucretia on a step which had for some time
+before his arrival occupied her brooding imagination. Nature had
+bestowed on this lady an ambitious soul and a subtle spirit; she could
+dare much and could execute finely. Above all things she coveted power;
+and though not free from the characteristic susceptibility of her sex,
+the qualities that could engage her passions or fascinate her fancy must
+partake of that intellectual eminence which distinguished her. Though
+the Princess Lucretia in a short space of time had seen much of the
+world, she had as yet encountered no hero. In the admirers whom her
+rank, and sometimes her intelligence, assembled around her, her master
+had not yet appeared. Her heart had not trembled before any of those
+brilliant forms whom she was told her sex admired; nor did she envy any
+one the homage which she did not appreciate. There was, therefore, no
+disturbing element in the worldly calculations which she applied to that
+question which is, to woman, what a career is to man, the question of
+marriage. She would marry to gain power, and therefore she wished to
+marry the powerful. Lord Eskdale hovered around her, and she liked
+him. She admired his incomparable shrewdness; his freedom from ordinary
+prejudices; his selfishness which was always good-natured, and the
+imperturbability that was not callous. But Lord Eskdale had hovered
+round many; it was his easy habit. He liked clever women, young, but who
+had seen something of the world. The Princess Lucretia pleased him much;
+with the form and mind of a woman even in the nursery. He had watched
+her development with interest; and had witnessed her launch in that
+world where she floated at once with as much dignity and consciousness
+of superior power, as if she had braved for seasons its waves and its
+tempests.
+
+Musing over Lord Eskdale, the mind of Lucretia was drawn to the image
+of his friend; her friend; the friend of her parents. And why not marry
+Lord Monmouth? The idea pleased her. There was something great in the
+conception; difficult and strange. The result, if achieved, would give
+her all that she desired. She devoted her mind to this secret thought.
+She had no confidants. She concentrated her intellect on one point,
+and that was to fascinate the grandfather of Coningsby, while her
+step-mother was plotting that she should marry his grandson. The
+volition of Lucretia Colonna was, if not supreme, of a power most
+difficult to resist. There was something charm-like and alluring in the
+conversation of one who was silent to all others; something in the tones
+of her low rich voice which acted singularly on the nervous system. It
+was the voice of the serpent; indeed, there was an undulating movement
+in Lucretia, when she approached you, which irresistibly reminded you of
+that mysterious animal.
+
+Lord Monmouth was not insensible to the spell, though totally
+unconscious of its purpose. He found the society of Lucretia very
+agreeable to him; she was animated, intelligent, original; her inquiries
+were stimulating; her comments on what she saw, and heard, and read,
+racy and often indicating a fine humour. But all this was reserved for
+his ear. Before her parents, as before all others, Lucretia was silent,
+a little scornful, never communicating, neither giving nor seeking
+amusement, shut up in herself.
+
+Lord Monmouth fell therefore into the habit of riding and driving with
+Lucretia alone. It was an arrangement which he found made his life more
+pleasant. Nor was it displeasing to Madame Colonna. She looked upon
+Lord Monmouth’s fancy for Lucretia as a fresh tie for them all. Even the
+Prince, when his wife called his attention to the circumstance, observed
+it with satisfaction. It was a circumstance which represented in his
+mind a continuance of good eating and good drinking, fine horses,
+luxurious baths, unceasing billiards.
+
+In this state of affairs appeared Sidonia, known before to her
+step-mother, but seen by Lucretia for the first time. Truly, he came,
+saw, and conquered. Those eyes that rarely met another’s were fixed upon
+his searching yet unimpassioned glance. She listened to that voice,
+full of music yet void of tenderness; and the spirit of Lucretia Colonna
+bowed before an intelligence that commanded sympathy, yet offered none.
+
+Lucretia naturally possessed great qualities as well as great talents.
+Under a genial influence, her education might have formed a being
+capable of imparting and receiving happiness. But she found herself
+without a guide. Her father offered her no love; her step-mother gained
+from her no respect. Her literary education was the result of her
+own strong mind and inquisitive spirit. She valued knowledge, and she
+therefore acquired it. But not a single moral principle or a single
+religious truth had ever been instilled into her being. Frequent
+absence from her own country had by degrees broken off even an habitual
+observance of the forms of her creed; while a life of undisturbed
+indulgence, void of all anxiety and care, while it preserved her from
+many of the temptations to vice, deprived her of that wisdom ‘more
+precious than rubies,’ which adversity and affliction, the struggles and
+the sorrows of existence, can alone impart.
+
+Lucretia had passed her life in a refined, but rather dissolute society.
+Not indeed that a word that could call forth a maiden blush, conduct
+that could pain the purest feelings, could be heard or witnessed in
+those polished and luxurious circles. The most exquisite taste pervaded
+their atmosphere; and the uninitiated who found themselves in those
+perfumed chambers and those golden saloons, might believe, from all that
+passed before them, that their inhabitants were as pure, as orderly, and
+as irreproachable as their furniture. But among the habitual dwellers
+in these delicate halls there was a tacit understanding, a
+prevalent doctrine that required no formal exposition, no proofs and
+illustrations, no comment and no gloss; which was indeed rather a
+traditional conviction than an imparted dogma; that the exoteric public
+were, on many subjects, the victims of very vulgar prejudices, which
+these enlightened personages wished neither to disturb nor to adopt.
+
+A being of such a temper, bred in such a manner; a woman full
+of intellect and ambition, daring and lawless, and satiated with
+prosperity, is not made for equable fortunes and an uniform existence.
+She would have sacrificed the world for Sidonia, for he had touched
+the fervent imagination that none before could approach; but that
+inscrutable man would not read the secret of her heart; and prompted
+alike by pique, the love of power, and a weariness of her present life,
+Lucretia resolved on that great result which Mr. Rigby is now about to
+communicate to the Princess Colonna.
+
+About half-an-hour after Mr. Rigby had entered that lady’s apartments
+it seemed that all the bells of Monmouth House were ringing at the same
+time. The sound even reached the Marquess in his luxurious recess; who
+immediately took a pinch of snuff, and ordered his valet to lock the
+door of the ante-chamber. The Princess Lucretia, too, heard the sounds;
+she was lying on a sofa, in her boudoir, reading the _Inferno_, and
+immediately mustered her garrison in the form of a French maid, and gave
+directions that no one should be admitted. Both the Marquess and
+his intended bride felt that a crisis was at hand, and resolved to
+participate in no scenes.
+
+The ringing ceased; there was again silence. Then there was another
+ring; a short, hasty, and violent pull; followed by some slamming of
+doors. The servants, who were all on the alert, and had advantages
+of hearing and observation denied to their secluded master, caught a
+glimpse of Mr. Rigby endeavouring gently to draw back into her apartment
+Madame Colonna, furious amid his deprecatory exclamations.
+
+‘For heaven’s sake, my dear Madame; for your own sake; now really; now
+I assure you; you are quite wrong; you are indeed; it is a complete
+misapprehension; I will explain everything. I entreat, I implore,
+whatever you like, just what you please; only listen.’
+
+Then the lady, with a mantling visage and flashing eye, violently
+closing the door, was again lost to their sight. A few minutes after
+there was a moderate ring, and Mr. Rigby, coming out of the apartments,
+with his cravat a little out of order, as if he had had a violent
+shaking, met the servant who would have entered.
+
+‘Order Madame Colonna’s travelling carriage,’ he exclaimed in a loud
+voice, ‘and send Mademoiselle Conrad here directly. I don’t think the
+fellow hears me,’ added Mr. Rigby, and following the servant, he added
+in a low tone and with a significant glance, ‘no travelling carriage; no
+Mademoiselle Conrad; order the britska round as usual.’
+
+Nearly another hour passed; there was another ring; very moderate
+indeed. The servant was informed that Madame Colonna was coming down,
+and she appeared as usual. In a beautiful morning dress, and leaning on
+the arm of Mr. Rigby, she descended the stairs, and was handed into her
+carriage by that gentleman, who, seating himself by her side, ordered
+them to drive to Richmond.
+
+Lord Monmouth having been informed that all was calm, and that Madame
+Colonna, attended by Mr. Rigby, had gone to Richmond, ordered his
+carriage, and accompanied by Lucretia and Lucian Gay, departed
+immediately for Blackwall, where, in whitebait, a quiet bottle of
+claret, the society of his agreeable friends, and the contemplation of
+the passing steamers, he found a mild distraction and an amusing repose.
+
+Mr. Rigby reported that evening to the Marquess on his return, that all
+was arranged and tranquil. Perhaps he exaggerated the difficulties,
+to increase the service; but according to his account they were
+considerable. It required some time to make Madame Colonna comprehend
+the nature of his communication. All Rigby’s diplomatic skill was
+expended in the gradual development. When it was once fairly put before
+her, the effect was appalling. That was the first great ringing of
+bells. Rigby softened a little what he had personally endured; but
+he confessed she sprang at him like a tigress balked of her prey, and
+poured forth on him a volume of epithets, many of which Rigby
+really deserved. But after all, in the present instance, he was not
+treacherous, only base, which he always was. Then she fell into a
+passion of tears, and vowed frequently that she was not weeping for
+herself, but only for that dear Mr. Coningsby, who had been treated so
+infamously and robbed of Lucretia, and whose heart she knew must break.
+It seemed that Rigby stemmed the first violence of her emotion by
+mysterious intimations of an important communication that he had to
+make; and piquing her curiosity, he calmed her passion. But really
+having nothing to say, he was nearly involved in fresh dangers. He took
+refuge in the affectation of great agitation which prevented exposition.
+The lady then insisted on her travelling carriage being ordered and
+packed, as she was determined to set out for Rome that afternoon. This
+little occurrence gave Rigby some few minutes to collect himself, at
+the end of which he made the Princess several announcements of intended
+arrangements, all of which pleased her mightily, though they were so
+inconsistent with each other, that if she had not been a woman in a
+passion, she must have detected that Rigby was lying. He assured her
+almost in the same breath, that she was never to be separated from them,
+and that she was to have any establishment in any country she liked. He
+talked wildly of equipages, diamonds, shawls, opera-boxes; and while
+her mind was bewildered with these dazzling objects, he, with intrepid
+gravity, consulted her as to the exact amount she would like to have
+apportioned, independent of her general revenue, for the purposes of
+charity.
+
+At the end of two hours, exhausted by her rage and soothed by these
+visions, Madame Colonna having grown calm and reasonable, sighed and
+murmured a complaint, that Lord Monmouth ought to have communicated this
+important intelligence in person. Upon this Rigby instantly assured
+her, that Lord Monmouth had been for some time waiting to do so, but
+in consequence of her lengthened interview with Rigby, his Lordship had
+departed for Richmond with Lucretia, where he hoped that Madame Colonna
+and Mr. Rigby would join him. So it ended, with a morning drive and
+suburban dinner; Rigby, after what he had gone through, finding no
+difficulty in accounting for the other guests not being present, and
+bringing home Madame Colonna in the evening, at times almost as gay and
+good-tempered as usual, and almost oblivious of her disappointment.
+
+When the Marquess met Madame Colonna he embraced her with great
+courtliness, and from that time consulted her on every arrangement. He
+took a very early occasion of presenting her with a diamond necklace of
+great value. The Marquess was fond of making presents to persons to whom
+he thought he had not behaved very well, and who yet spared him scenes.
+
+The marriage speedily followed, by special license, at the villa of the
+Right Hon. Nicholas Rigby, who gave away the bride. The wedding was very
+select, but brilliant as the diamond necklace: a royal Duke and Duchess,
+Lady St. Julians, and a few others. Mr. Ormsby presented the bride with
+a bouquet of precious stones, and Lord Eskdale with a French fan in
+a diamond frame. It was a fine day; Lord Monmouth, calm as if he were
+winning the St. Leger; Lucretia, universally recognised as a beauty; all
+the guests gay, the Princess Colonna especially.
+
+The travelling carriage is at the door which is to bear away the happy
+pair. Madame Colonna embraces Lucretia; the Marquess gives a grand bow:
+they are gone. The guests remain awhile. A Prince of the blood will
+propose a toast; there is another glass of champagne quaffed, another
+ortolan devoured; and then they rise and disperse. Madame Colonna leaves
+with Lady St. Julians, whose guest for a while she is to become. And in
+a few minutes their host is alone.
+
+Mr. Rigby retired into his library: the repose of the chamber must
+have been grateful to his feelings after all this distraction. It was
+spacious, well-stored, classically adorned, and opened on a beautiful
+lawn. Rigby threw himself into an ample chair, crossed his legs, and
+resting his head on his arm, apparently fell into deep contemplation.
+
+He had some cause for reflection, and though we did once venture to
+affirm that Rigby never either thought or felt, this perhaps may be the
+exception that proves the rule.
+
+He could scarcely refrain from pondering over the strange event which he
+had witnessed, and at which he had assisted.
+
+It was an incident that might exercise considerable influence over his
+fortunes. His patron married, and married to one who certainly did
+not offer to Mr. Rigby such a prospect of easy management as her
+step-mother! Here were new influences arising; new characters, new
+situations, new contingencies. Was he thinking of all this? He suddenly
+jumps up, hurries to a shelf and takes down a volume. It is his
+interleaved peerage, of which for twenty years he had been threatening
+an edition. Turning to the Marquisate of Monmouth, he took up his pen
+and thus made the necessary entry:
+
+‘_Married, second time, August 3rd, 1837, The Princess Lucretia Colonna,
+daughter of Prince Paul Colonna, born at Rome, February 16th, 1819._’
+
+That was what Mr. Rigby called ‘a great fact.’ There was not a
+peerage-compiler in England who had that date save himself.
+
+Before we close this slight narrative of the domestic incidents that
+occurred in the family of his grandfather since Coningsby quitted the
+Castle, we must not forget to mention what happened to Villebecque and
+Flora. Lord Monmouth took a great liking to the manager. He found him
+very clever in many things independently of his profession; he was
+useful to Lord Monmouth, and did his work in an agreeable manner. And
+the future Lady Monmouth was accustomed to Flora, and found her useful
+too, and did not like to lose her. And so the Marquess, turning all the
+circumstances in his mind, and being convinced that Villebecque could
+never succeed to any extent in England in his profession, and probably
+nowhere else, appointed him, to Villebecque’s infinite satisfaction,
+intendant of his household, with a considerable salary, while Flora
+still lived with her kind step-father.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+Another year elapsed; not so fruitful in incidents to Coningsby as the
+preceding ones, and yet not unprofitably passed. It had been spent in
+the almost unremitting cultivation of his intelligence. He had read
+deeply and extensively, digested his acquisitions, and had practised
+himself in surveying them, free from those conventional conclusions
+and those traditionary inferences that surrounded him. Although he had
+renounced his once cherished purpose of trying for University honours,
+an aim which he found discordant with the investigations on which his
+mind was bent, he had rarely quitted Cambridge. The society of his
+friends, the great convenience of public libraries, and the general
+tone of studious life around, rendered an University for him a genial
+residence. There is a moment in life, when the pride and thirst of
+knowledge seem to absorb our being, and so it happened now to Coningsby,
+who felt each day stronger in his intellectual resources, and each day
+more anxious and avid to increase them. The habits of public
+discussion fostered by the Debating Society were also for Coningsby no
+Inconsiderable tie to the University. This was the arena in which he
+felt himself at home. The promise of his Eton days was here fulfilled.
+And while his friends listened to his sustained argument or his
+impassioned declamation, the prompt reply or the apt retort, they looked
+forward with pride through the vista of years to the time when the hero
+of the youthful Club should convince or dazzle in the senate. It is
+probable then that he would have remained at Cambridge with slight
+intervals until he had taken his degree, had not circumstances occurred
+which gave altogether a new turn to his thoughts.
+
+When Lord Monmouth had fixed his wedding-day he had written himself
+to Coningsby to announce his intended marriage, and to request his
+grandson’s presence at the ceremony. The letter was more than kind; it
+was warm and generous. He assured his grandson that this alliance
+should make no difference in the very ample provision which he had
+long intended for him; that he should ever esteem Coningsby his
+nearest relative; and that, while his death would bring to Coningsby as
+considerable an independence as an English gentleman need desire, so
+in his lifetime Coningsby should ever be supported as became his birth,
+breeding, and future prospects. Lord Monmouth had mentioned to Lucretia,
+that he was about to invite his grandson to their wedding, and the lady
+had received the intimation with satisfaction. It so happened that a
+few hours after, Lucretia, who now entered the private rooms of Lord
+Monmouth without previously announcing her arrival, met Villebecque with
+the letter to Coningsby in his hand. Lucretia took it away from him,
+and said it should be posted with her own letters. It never reached its
+destination. Our friend learnt the marriage from the newspapers, which
+somewhat astounded him; but Coningsby was fond of his grandfather, and
+he wrote Lord Monmouth a letter of congratulation, full of feeling and
+ingenuousness, and which, while it much pleased the person to whom it
+was addressed, unintentionally convinced him that Coningsby had never
+received his original communication. Lord Monmouth spoke to Villebecque,
+who could throw sufficient light upon the subject, but it was never
+mentioned to Lady Monmouth. The Marquess was a man who always found out
+everything, and enjoyed the secret.
+
+Rather more than a year after the marriage, when Coningsby had completed
+his twenty-first year, the year which he had passed so quietly at
+Cambridge, he received a letter from his grandfather, informing him that
+after a variety of movements Lady Monmouth and himself were established
+in Paris for the season, and desiring that he would not fail to come
+over as soon as practicable, and pay them as long a visit as the
+regulations of the University would permit. So, at the close of the
+December term, Coningsby quitted Cambridge for Paris.
+
+Passing through London, he made his first visit to his banker at Charing
+Cross, on whom he had periodically drawn since he commenced his college
+life. He was in the outer counting-house, making some inquiries about a
+letter of credit, when one of the partners came out from an inner room,
+and invited him to enter. This firm had been for generations the bankers
+of the Coningsby family; and it appeared that there was a sealed box
+in their possession, which had belonged to the father of Coningsby, and
+they wished to take this opportunity of delivering it to his son. This
+communication deeply interested him; and as he was alone in London, at
+an hotel, and on the wing for a foreign country, he requested permission
+at once to examine it, in order that he might again deposit it with
+them: so he was shown into a private room for that purpose. The seal was
+broken; the box was full of papers, chiefly correspondence: among them
+was a packet described as letters from ‘my dear Helen,’ the mother of
+Coningsby. In the interior of this packet there was a miniature of that
+mother. He looked at it; put it down; looked at it again and again.
+He could not be mistaken. There was the same blue fillet in the bright
+hair. It was an exact copy of that portrait which had so greatly excited
+his attention when at Millbank! This was a mysterious and singularly
+perplexing incident. It greatly agitated him. He was alone in the room
+when he made the discovery. When he had recovered himself, he sealed up
+the contents of the box, with the exception of his mother’s letters and
+the miniature, which he took away with him, and then re-delivered it to
+his banker for custody until his return.
+
+Coningsby found Lord and Lady Monmouth in a splendid hotel in the
+Faubourg St. Honoré, near the English Embassy. His grandfather looked at
+him with marked attention, and received him with evident satisfaction.
+Indeed, Lord Monmouth was greatly pleased that Harry had come to Paris;
+it was the University of the World, where everybody should graduate.
+Paris and London ought to be the great objects of all travellers; the
+rest was mere landscape.
+
+It cannot be denied that between Lucretia and Coningsby there existed
+from the first a certain antipathy; and though circumstances for a short
+time had apparently removed or modified the aversion, the manner of the
+lady when Coningsby was ushered into her boudoir, resplendent with all
+that Parisian taste and luxury could devise, was characterised by that
+frigid politeness which had preceded the days of their more genial
+acquaintance. If the manner of Lucretia were the same as before her
+marriage, a considerable change might however be observed in her
+appearance. Her fine form had become more developed; while her dress,
+that she once neglected, was elaborate and gorgeous, and of the last
+mode. Lucretia was the fashion of Paris; a great lady, greatly admired.
+A guest under such a roof, however, Coningsby was at once launched
+into the most brilliant circles of Parisian society, which he found
+fascinating.
+
+The art of society is, without doubt, perfectly comprehended and
+completely practised in the bright metropolis of France. An Englishman
+cannot enter a saloon without instantly feeling he is among a race more
+social than his compatriots. What, for example, is more consummate
+than the manner in which a French lady receives her guests! She unites
+graceful repose and unaffected dignity, with the most amiable regard for
+others. She sees every one; she speaks to every one; she sees them at
+the right moment; she says the right thing; it is utterly impossible
+to detect any difference in the position of her guests by the spirit in
+which she welcomes them. There is, indeed, throughout every circle of
+Parisian society, from the chateau to the cabaret, a sincere homage to
+intellect; and this without any maudlin sentiment. None sooner than
+the Parisians can draw the line between factitious notoriety and honest
+fame; or sooner distinguished between the counterfeit celebrity and
+the standard reputation. In England, we too often alternate between a
+supercilious neglect of genius and a rhapsodical pursuit of quacks. In
+England when a new character appears in our circles, the first question
+always is, ‘Who is he?’ In France it is, ‘What is he?’ In England, ‘How
+much a-year?’ In France, ‘What has he done?’
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+About a week after Coningsby’s arrival in Paris, as he was sauntering on
+the soft and sunny Boulevards, soft and sunny though Christmas, he met
+Sidonia.
+
+‘So you are here?’ said Sidonia. ‘Turn now with me, for I see you are
+only lounging, and tell me when you came, where you are, and what you
+have done since we parted. I have been here myself but a few days.’
+
+There was much to tell. And when Coningsby had rapidly related all that
+had passed, they talked of Paris. Sidonia had offered him hospitality,
+until he learned that Lord Monmouth was in Paris, and that Coningsby was
+his guest.
+
+‘I am sorry you cannot come to me,’ he remarked; ‘I would have shown you
+everybody and everything. But we shall meet often.’
+
+‘I have already seen many remarkable things,’ said Coningsby; ‘and met
+many celebrated persons. Nothing strikes me more in this brilliant
+city than the tone of its society, so much higher than our own. What an
+absence of petty personalities! How much conversation, and how little
+gossip! Yet nowhere is there less pedantry. Here all women are as
+agreeable as is the remarkable privilege in London of some half-dozen.
+Men too, and great men, develop their minds. A great man in England,
+on the contrary, is generally the dullest dog in company. And yet, how
+piteous to think that so fair a civilisation should be in such imminent
+peril!’
+
+‘Yes! that is a common opinion: and yet I am somewhat sceptical of
+its truth,’ replied Sidonia. ‘I am inclined to believe that the social
+system of England is in infinitely greater danger than that of France.
+We must not be misled by the agitated surface of this country. The
+foundations of its order are deep and sure. Learn to understand France.
+France is a kingdom with a Republic for its capital. It has been always
+so, for centuries. From the days of the League to the days of the
+Sections, to the days of 1830. It is still France, little changed; and
+only more national, for it is less Frank and more Gallic; as England has
+become less Norman and more Saxon.’
+
+‘And it is your opinion, then, that the present King may maintain
+himself?’
+
+‘Every movement in this country, however apparently discordant, seems to
+tend to that inevitable end. He would not be on the throne if the nature
+of things had not demanded his presence. The Kingdom of France required
+a Monarch; the Republic of Paris required a Dictator. He comprised in
+his person both qualifications; lineage and intellect; blood for the
+provinces, brains for the city.’
+
+‘What a position! what an individual!’ exclaimed Coningsby. ‘Tell me,’
+he added, eagerly, ‘what is he? This Prince of whom one hears in all
+countries at all hours; on whose existence we are told the tranquillity,
+almost the civilisation, of Europe depends, yet of whom we receive
+accounts so conflicting, so contradictory; tell me, you who can tell me,
+tell me what he is.’
+
+Sidonia smiled at his earnestness. ‘I have a creed of mine own,’ he
+remarked, ‘that the great characters of antiquity are at rare epochs
+reproduced for our wonder, or our guidance. Nature, wearied
+with mediocrity, pours the warm metal into an heroic mould. When
+circumstances at length placed me in the presence of the King of France,
+I recognised, ULYSSES!’
+
+‘But is there no danger,’ resumed Coningsby, after the pause of a few
+moments, ‘that the Republic of Paris may absorb the Kingdom of France?’
+
+‘I suspect the reverse,’ replied Sidonia. ‘The tendency of advanced
+civilisation is in truth to pure Monarchy. Monarchy is indeed a
+government which requires a high degree of civilisation for its full
+development. It needs the support of free laws and manners, and of
+a widely-diffused intelligence. Political compromises are not to be
+tolerated except at periods of rude transition. An educated nation
+recoils from the imperfect vicariate of what is called a representative
+government. Your House of Commons, that has absorbed all other powers
+in the State, will in all probability fall more rapidly than it rose.
+Public opinion has a more direct, a more comprehensive, a more efficient
+organ for its utterance, than a body of men sectionally chosen. The
+Printing-press is a political element unknown to classic or feudal
+times. It absorbs in a great degree the duties of the Sovereign, the
+Priest, the Parliament; it controls, it educates, it discusses. That
+public opinion, when it acts, would appear in the form of one who has no
+class interests. In an enlightened age the Monarch on the throne, free
+from the vulgar prejudices and the corrupt interests of the subject,
+becomes again divine!’
+
+At this moment they reached that part of the Boulevards which leads into
+the Place of the Madeleine, whither Sidonia was bound; and Coningsby was
+about to quit his companion, when Sidonia said:
+
+‘I am only going a step over to the Rue Tronchet to say a few words to a
+friend of mine, M. P----s. I shall not detain you five minutes; and you
+should know him, for he has some capital pictures, and a collection of
+Limoges ware that is the despair of the dilettanti.’
+
+So saying they turned down by the Place of the Madeleine, and soon
+entered the court of the hotel of M. P----s. That gentleman received
+them in his gallery. After some general conversation, Coningsby turned
+towards the pictures, and left Sidonia with their host. The collection
+was rare, and interested Coningsby, though unacquainted with art. He
+sauntered on from picture to picture until he reached the end of the
+gallery, where an open door invited him into a suite of rooms also
+full of pictures and objects of curiosity and art. As he was entering
+a second chamber, he observed a lady leaning back in a cushioned
+chair, and looking earnestly on a picture. His entrance was unheard and
+unnoticed, for the lady’s back was to the door; yet Coningsby, advancing
+in an angular direction, obtained nearly a complete view of her
+countenance. It was upraised, gazing on the picture with an expression
+of delight; the bonnet thrown back, while the large sable cloak of the
+gazer had fallen partly off. The countenance was more beautiful than the
+beautiful picture. Those glowing shades of the gallery to which love,
+and genius, and devotion had lent their inspiration, seemed without
+life and lustre by the radiant expression and expressive presence which
+Coningsby now beheld.
+
+The finely-arched brow was a little elevated, the soft dark eyes were
+fully opened, the nostril of the delicate nose slightly dilated, the
+small, yet rich, full lips just parted; and over the clear, transparent
+visage, there played a vivid glance of gratified intelligence.
+
+The lady rose, advanced towards the picture, looked at it earnestly for
+a few moments, and then, turning in a direction opposite to Coningsby,
+walked away. She was somewhat above the middle stature, and yet could
+scarcely be called tall; a quality so rare, that even skilful dancers
+do not often possess it, was hers; that elastic gait that is so winning,
+and so often denotes the gaiety and quickness of the spirit.
+
+The fair object of his observation had advanced into other chambers,
+and as soon as it was becoming, Coningsby followed her. She had joined a
+lady and gentleman, who were examining an ancient carving in ivory. The
+gentleman was middle-aged and portly; the elder lady tall and elegant,
+and with traces of interesting beauty. Coningsby heard her speak; the
+words were English, but the accent not of a native.
+
+In the remotest part of the room, Coningsby, apparently engaged in
+examining some of that famous Limoges ware of which Sidonia had spoken,
+watched with interest and intentness the beautiful being whom he had
+followed, and whom he concluded to be the child of her companions. After
+some little time, they quitted the apartment on their return to the
+gallery; Coningsby remained behind, caring for none of the rare and
+fanciful objects that surrounded him, yet compelled, from the fear of
+seeming obtrusive, for some minutes to remain. Then he too returned
+to the gallery, and just as he had gained its end, he saw the portly
+gentleman in the distance shaking hands with Sidonia, the ladies
+apparently expressing their thanks and gratification to M. P----s, and
+then all vanishing by the door through which Coningsby had originally
+entered.
+
+‘What a beautiful countrywoman of yours!’ said M. P----s, as Coningsby
+approached him.
+
+‘Is she my countrywoman? I am glad to hear it; I have been admiring
+her,’ he replied.
+
+‘Yes,’ said M. P----s, ‘it is Sir Wallinger: one of your deputies; don’t
+you know him?’
+
+‘Sir Wallinger!’ said Coningsby, ‘no, I have not that honour.’ He looked
+at Sidonia.
+
+‘Sir Joseph Wallinger,’ said Sidonia, ‘one of the new Whig baronets,
+and member for ----. I know him. He married a Spaniard. That is not his
+daughter, but his niece; the child of his wife’s sister. It is not easy
+to find any one more beautiful.’
+
+END OF BOOK V.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK VI.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+The knowledge that Sidonia was in Paris greatly agitated Lady Monmouth.
+She received the intimation indeed from Coningsby at dinner with
+sufficient art to conceal her emotion. Lord Monmouth himself was quite
+pleased at the announcement. Sidonia was his especial favourite; he knew
+so much, had such an excellent judgment, and was so rich. He had always
+something to tell you, was the best man in the world to bet on, and
+never wanted anything. A perfect character according to the Monmouth
+ethics.
+
+In the evening of the day that Coningsby met Sidonia, Lady Monmouth made
+a little visit to the charming Duchess de G----t who was ‘at home’
+every other night in her pretty hotel, with its embroidered white satin
+draperies, its fine old cabinets, and ancestral portraits of famous
+name, brave marshals and bright princesses of the olden time, on its
+walls. These receptions without form, yet full of elegance, are what
+English ‘at homes’ were before the Continental war, though now, by a
+curious perversion of terms, the easy domestic title distinguishes in
+England a formally-prepared and elaborately-collected assembly, in which
+everything and every person are careful to be as little ‘homely’ as
+possible. In France, on the contrary, ‘tis on these occasions, and in
+this manner, that society carries on that degree and kind of intercourse
+which in England we attempt awkwardly to maintain by the medium of
+that unpopular species of visitation styled a morning call; which all
+complain that they have either to make or to endure.
+
+Nowhere was this species of reception more happily conducted than at
+the Duchess de G----t’s. The rooms, though small, decorated with taste,
+brightly illumined; a handsome and gracious hostess, the Duke the very
+pearl of gentlemen, and sons and daughters worthy of such parents. Every
+moment some one came in, and some one went away. In your way from a
+dinner to a ball, you stopped to exchange agreeable _on dits_. It seemed
+that every woman was pretty, every man a wit. Sure you were to find
+yourself surrounded by celebrities, and men were welcomed there, if they
+were clever, before they were famous, which showed it was a house that
+regarded intellect, and did not seek merely to gratify its vanity by
+being surrounded by the distinguished.
+
+Enveloped in a rich Indian shawl, and leaning back on a sofa, Lady
+Monmouth was engaged in conversation with the courtly and classic Count
+M----é, when, on casually turning her head, she observed entering the
+saloon, Sidonia. She just caught his form bowing to the Duchess, and
+instantly turned her head and replunged into her conversation with
+increased interest. Lady Monmouth was a person who had the power of
+seeing all about her, everything and everybody, without appearing to
+look. She was conscious that Sidonia was approaching her neighbourhood.
+Her heart beat in tumult; she dreaded to catch the eye of that very
+individual whom she was so anxious to meet. He was advancing towards
+the sofa. Instinctively, Lady Monmouth turned from the Count, and began
+speaking earnestly to her other neighbour, a young daughter of the
+house, innocent and beautiful, not yet quite fledged, trying her wings
+in society under the maternal eye. She was surprised by the extreme
+interest which her grand neighbour suddenly took in all her pursuits,
+her studies, her daily walks in the Bois de Boulogne. Sidonia, as the
+Marchioness had anticipated, had now reached the sofa. But no, it was to
+the Count, and not to Lady Monmouth that he was advancing; and they were
+immediately engaged in conversation. After some little time, when she
+had become accustomed to his voice, and found her own heart throbbing
+with less violence, Lucretia turned again, as if by accident, to the
+Count, and met the glance of Sidonia. She meant to have received him
+with haughtiness, but her self-command deserted her; and slightly rising
+from the sofa, she welcomed him with a countenance of extreme pallor and
+with some awkwardness.
+
+His manner was such as might have assisted her, even had she been more
+troubled. It was marked by a degree of respectful friendliness. He
+expressed without reserve his pleasure at meeting her again; inquired
+much how she had passed her time since they last parted; asked more than
+once after the Marquess. The Count moved away; Sidonia took his seat.
+His ease and homage combined greatly relieved her. She expressed to
+him how kind her Lord would consider his society, for the Marquess had
+suffered in health since Sidonia last saw him. His periodical gout had
+left him, which made him ill and nervous. The Marquess received his
+friends at dinner every day. Sidonia, particularly amiable, offered
+himself as a guest for the following one.
+
+‘And do you go to the great ball to-morrow?’ inquired Lucretia,
+delighted with all that had occurred.
+
+‘I always go to their balls,’ said Sidonia, ‘I have promised.’
+
+There was a momentary pause; Lucretia happier than she had been for a
+long time, her face a little flushed, and truly in a secret tumult of
+sweet thoughts, remembered she had been long there, and offering her
+hand to Sidonia, bade him adieu until to-morrow, while he, as was his
+custom, soon repaired to the refined circle of the Countess de C-s-l-ne,
+a lady whose manners he always mentioned as his fair ideal, and whose
+house was his favourite haunt.
+
+Before to-morrow comes, a word or two respecting two other characters
+of this history connected with the family of Lord Monmouth. And first
+of Flora. La Petite was neither very well nor very happy. Her hereditary
+disease developed itself; gradually, but in a manner alarming to those
+who loved her. She was very delicate, and suffered so much from the
+weakness of her chest, that she was obliged to relinquish singing. This
+was really the only tie between her and the Marchioness, who, without
+being a petty tyrant, treated her often with unfeeling haughtiness. She
+was, therefore, now rarely seen in the chambers of the great. In her own
+apartments she found, indeed, some distraction in music, for which she
+had a natural predisposition, but this was a pursuit that only fed
+the morbid passion of her tender soul. Alone, listening only to sweet
+sounds, or indulging in soft dreams that never could be realised, her
+existence glided away like a vision, and she seemed to become every day
+more fair and fragile. Alas! hers was the sad and mystic destiny to love
+one whom she never met, and by whom, if she met him, she would scarcely,
+perhaps, be recognised. Yet in that passion, fanciful, almost ideal,
+her life was absorbed; nor for her did the world contain an existence,
+a thought, a sensation, beyond those that sprang from the image of
+the noble youth who had sympathised with her in her sorrows, and had
+softened the hard fortunes of dependence by his generous sensibility.
+Happy that, with many mortifications, it was still her lot to live under
+the roof of one who bore his name, and in whose veins flowed the same
+blood! She felt indeed for the Marquess, whom she so rarely saw, and
+from whom she had never received much notice, prompted, it would seem,
+by her fantastic passion, a degree of reverence, almost of affection,
+which seemed occasionally, even to herself, as something inexplicable
+and without reason.
+
+As for her fond step-father, M. Villebecque, the world fared very
+differently with him. His lively and enterprising genius, his ready and
+multiform talents, and his temper which defied disturbance, had made
+their way. He had become the very right hand of Lord Monmouth; his only
+counsellor, his only confidant; his secret agent; the minister of his
+will. And well did Villebecque deserve this trust, and ably did he
+maintain himself in the difficult position which he achieved. There was
+nothing which Villebecque did not know, nothing which he could not do,
+especially at Paris. He was master of his subject; in all things the
+secret of success, and without which, however they may from accident
+dazzle the world, the statesman, the orator, the author, all alike feel
+the damning consciousness of being charlatans.
+
+Coningsby had made a visit to M. Villebecque and Flora the day after
+his arrival. It was a recollection and a courtesy that evidently greatly
+gratified them. Villebecque talked very much and amusingly; and Flora,
+whom Coningsby frequently addressed, very little, though she listened
+with great earnestness. Coningsby told her that he thought, from all he
+heard, she was too much alone, and counselled her to gaiety. But nature,
+that had made her mild, had denied her that constitutional liveliness of
+being which is the graceful property of French women. She was a lily of
+the valley, that loved seclusion and the tranquillity of virgin glades.
+Almost every day, as he passed their _entresol_, Coningsby would look
+into Villebecque’s apartments for a moment, to ask after Flora.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+Sidonia was to dine at Lord Monmouth’s the day after he met Lucretia,
+and afterwards they were all to meet at a ball much talked of, and
+to which invitations were much sought; and which was to be given that
+evening by the Baroness S. de R----d.
+
+Lord Monmouth’s dinners at Paris were celebrated. It was generally
+agreed that they had no rivals; yet there were others who had as skilful
+cooks, others who, for such a purpose, were equally profuse in their
+expenditure. What, then, was the secret spell of his success? The
+simplest in the world, though no one seemed aware of it. His Lordship’s
+plates were always hot: whereas at Paris, in the best appointed houses,
+and at dinners which, for costly materials and admirable art in their
+preparation, cannot be surpassed, the effect is always considerably
+lessened, and by a mode the most mortifying: by the mere circumstance
+that every one at a French dinner is served on a cold plate. The reason
+of a custom, or rather a necessity, which one would think a nation so
+celebrated for their gastronomical taste would recoil from, is really,
+it is believed, that the ordinary French porcelain is so very inferior
+that it cannot endure the preparatory heat for dinner. The common white
+pottery, for example, which is in general use, and always found at the
+cafés, will not bear vicinage to a brisk kitchen fire for half-an-hour.
+Now, if we only had that treaty of commerce with France which has been
+so often on the point of completion, the fabrics of our unrivalled
+potteries, in exchange for their capital wines, would be found
+throughout France. The dinners of both nations would be improved: the
+English would gain a delightful beverage, and the French, for the first
+time in their lives, would dine off hot plates. An unanswerable instance
+of the advantages of commercial reciprocity.
+
+The guests at Lord Monmouth’s to-day were chiefly Carlists, individuals
+bearing illustrious names, that animate the page of history, and are
+indissolubly bound up with the glorious annals of their great country.
+They are the phantoms of a past, but real Aristocracy; an Aristocracy
+that was founded on an intelligible principle; which claimed great
+privileges for great purposes; whose hereditary duties were such, that
+their possessors were perpetually in the eye of the nation, and
+who maintained, and, in a certain point of view justified, their
+pre-eminence by constant illustration.
+
+It pleased Lord Monmouth to show great courtesies to a fallen race with
+whom he sympathised; whose fathers had been his friends in the days of
+his hot youth; whose mothers he had made love to; whose palaces had been
+his home; whose brilliant fêtes he remembered; whose fanciful splendour
+excited his early imagination; and whose magnificent and wanton luxury
+had developed his own predisposition for boundless enjoyment. Soubise
+and his suppers; his cutlets and his mistresses; the profuse and
+embarrassed De Lauragais, who sighed for ‘entire ruin,’ as for a strange
+luxury, which perpetually eluded his grasp; these were the heroes of the
+olden time that Lord Monmouth worshipped; the wisdom of our ancestors
+which he appreciated; and he turned to their recollection for relief
+from the vulgar prudence of the degenerate days on which he had fallen:
+days when nobles must be richer than other men, or they cease to have
+any distinction.
+
+It was impossible not to be struck by the effective appearance of Lady
+Monmouth as she received her guests in grand toilet preparatory to the
+ball; white satin and minever, a brilliant tiara. Her fine form, her
+costume of a fashion as perfect as its materials were sumptuous, and her
+presence always commanding and distinguished, produced a general effect
+to which few could be insensible. It was the triumph of mien over mere
+beauty of countenance.
+
+The hotel of Madame S. de R----d is not more distinguished by its
+profuse decoration, than by the fine taste which has guided the vast
+expenditure. Its halls of arabesque are almost without a rival; there is
+not the slightest embellishment in which the hand and feeling of art are
+not recognised. The rooms were very crowded; everybody distinguished in
+Paris was there: the lady of the Court, the duchess of the Faubourg, the
+wife of the financier, the constitutional Throne, the old Monarchy, the
+modern Bourse, were alike represented. Marshals of the Empire, Ministers
+of the Crown, Dukes and Marquesses, whose ancestors lounged in the
+Oeil de Boeuf; diplomatists of all countries, eminent foreigners of all
+nations, deputies who led sections, members of learned and scientific
+academies, occasionally a stray poet; a sea of sparkling tiaras,
+brilliant bouquets, glittering stars, and glowing ribbons, many
+beautiful faces, many famous ones: unquestionably the general air of a
+firstrate Parisian saloon, on a great occasion, is not easily equalled.
+In London there is not the variety of guests; nor the same size and
+splendour of saloons. Our houses are too small for reception.
+
+Coningsby, who had stolen away from his grandfather’s before the rest of
+the guests, was delighted with the novelty of the splendid scene. He had
+been in Paris long enough to make some acquaintances, and mostly with
+celebrated personages. In his long fruitless endeavour to enter the
+saloon in which they danced, he found himself hustled against the
+illustrious Baron von H----t, whom he had sat next to at dinner a few
+days before at Count M----é’s.
+
+‘It is more difficult than cutting through the Isthmus of Panama,
+Baron,’ said Coningsby, alluding to a past conversation.
+
+‘Infinitely,’ replied M. de H., smiling; ‘for I would undertake to
+cut through the Isthmus, and I cannot engage that I shall enter this
+ball-room.’
+
+Time, however, brought Coningsby into that brilliant chamber. What a
+blaze of light and loveliness! How coquettish are the costumes! How
+vivid the flowers! To sounds of stirring melody, beautiful beings move
+with grace. Grace, indeed, is beauty in action.
+
+Here, where all are fair and everything is attractive, his eye is
+suddenly arrested by one object, a form of surpassing grace among the
+graceful, among the beauteous a countenance of unrivalled beauty.
+
+She was young among the youthful; a face of sunshine amid all that
+artificial light; her head placed upon her finely-moulded shoulders with
+a queen-like grace; a coronet of white roses on her dark brown hair; her
+only ornament. It was the beauty of the picture-gallery.
+
+The eye of Coningsby never quitted her. When the dance ceased, he had an
+opportunity of seeing her nearer. He met her walking with her cavalier,
+and he was conscious that she observed him. Finally he remarked that she
+resumed a seat next to the lady whom he had mistaken for her mother, but
+had afterwards understood to be Lady Wallinger.
+
+Coningsby returned to the other saloons: he witnessed the entrance and
+reception of Lady Monmouth, who moved on towards the ball-room. Soon
+after this, Sidonia arrived; he came in with the still handsome and ever
+courteous Duke D----s. Observing Coningsby, he stopped to present him to
+the Duke. While thus conversing, the Duke, who is fond of the English,
+observed, ‘See, here is your beautiful countrywoman that all the world
+are talking of. That is her uncle. He brings to me letters from one of
+your lords, whose name I cannot recollect.’
+
+And Sir Joseph and his lovely niece veritably approached. The Duke
+addressed them: asked them in the name of his Duchess to a concert on
+the next Thursday; and, after a thousand compliments, moved on. Sidonia
+stopped; Coningsby could not refrain from lingering, but stood a little
+apart, and was about to move away, when there was a whisper, of which,
+without hearing a word, he could not resist the impression that he was
+the subject. He felt a little embarrassed, and was retiring, when he
+heard Sidonia reply to an inquiry of the lady, ‘The same,’ and then,
+turning to Coningsby, said aloud, ‘Coningsby, Miss Millbank says that
+you have forgotten her.’
+
+Coningsby started, advanced, coloured a little, could not conceal
+his surprise. The lady, too, though more prepared, was not without
+confusion, and for an instant looked down. Coningsby recalled at that
+moment the long dark eyelashes, and the beautiful, bashful countenance
+that had so charmed him at Millbank; but two years had otherwise
+effected a wonderful change in the sister of his school-day friend,
+and transformed the silent, embarrassed girl into a woman of surpassing
+beauty and of the most graceful and impressive mien.
+
+‘It is not surprising that Mr. Coningsby should not recollect my niece,’
+said Sir Joseph, addressing Sidonia, and wishing to cover their mutual
+embarrassment; ‘but it is impossible for her, or for anyone connected
+with her, not to be anxious at all times to express to him our sense of
+what we all owe him.’
+
+Coningsby and Miss Millbank were now in full routine conversation,
+consisting of questions; how long she had been at Paris; when she had
+heard last from Millbank; how her father was; also, how was her brother.
+Sidonia made an observation to Sir Joseph on a passer-by, and then
+himself moved on; Coningsby accompanying his new friends, in a contrary
+direction, to the refreshment-room, to which they were proceeding.
+
+‘And you have passed a winter at Rome,’ said Coningsby. ‘How I envy you!
+I feel that I shall never be able to travel.’
+
+‘And why not?’
+
+‘Life has become so stirring, that there is ever some great cause that
+keeps one at home.’
+
+‘Life, on the contrary, so swift, that all may see now that of which
+they once could only read.’
+
+‘The golden and silver sides of the shield,’ said Coningsby, with a
+smile.
+
+‘And you, like a good knight, will maintain your own.’
+
+‘No, I would follow yours.’
+
+‘You have not heard lately from Oswald?’
+
+‘Oh, yes; I think there are no such faithful correspondents as we are; I
+only wish we could meet.’
+
+‘You will soon; but he is such a devotee of Oxford; quite a monk; and
+you, too, Mr. Coningsby, are much occupied.’
+
+‘Yes, and at the same time as Millbank. I was in hopes, when I once paid
+you a visit, I might have found your brother.’
+
+‘But that was such a rapid visit,’ said Miss Millbank.
+
+‘I always remember it with delight,’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘You were willing to be pleased; but Millbank, notwithstanding Rome,
+commands my affections, and in spite of this surrounding splendour, I
+could have wished to have passed my Christmas in Lancashire.’
+
+‘Mr. Millbank has lately purchased a very beautiful place in the county.
+I became acquainted with Hellingsley when staying at my grandfather’s.’
+
+‘Ah! I have never seen it; indeed, I was much surprised that papa became
+its purchaser, because he never will live there; and Oswald, I am sure,
+could never be tempted to quit Millbank. You know what enthusiastic
+ideas he has of his order?’
+
+‘Like all his ideas, sound, and high, and pure. I always duly
+appreciated your brother’s great abilities, and, what is far more
+important, his lofty mind. When I recollect our Eton days, I cannot
+understand how more than two years have passed away without our being
+together. I am sure the fault is mine. I might now have been at Oxford
+instead of Paris. And yet,’ added Coningsby, ‘that would have been a sad
+mistake, since I should not have had the happiness of being here.
+
+‘Oh, yes, that would have been a sad mistake,’ said Miss Millbank.
+
+‘Edith,’ said Sir Joseph, rejoining his niece, from whom he had been
+momentarily separated, ‘Edith, that is Monsieur Thiers.’
+
+In the meantime Sidonia reached the ball-room, and sitting near the
+entrance was Lady Monmouth, who immediately addressed him. He was, as
+usual, intelligent and unimpassioned, and yet not without a delicate
+deference which is flattering to women, especially if not altogether
+unworthy of it. Sidonia always admired Lucretia, and preferred her
+society to that of most persons. But the Lady was in error in supposing
+that she had conquered or could vanquish his heart. Sidonia was one of
+those men, not so rare as may be supposed, who shrink, above all things,
+from an adventure of gallantry with a woman in a position. He had
+neither time nor temper for sentimental circumvolutions. He detested the
+diplomacy of passion: protocols, protracted negotiations, conferences,
+correspondence, treaties projected, ratified, violated. He had no genius
+for the tactics of intrigue; your reconnoiterings, and marchings, and
+countermarchings, sappings, and minings, assaults, sometimes surrenders,
+and sometimes repulses. All the solemn and studied hypocrisies were to
+him infinitely wearisome; and if the movements were not merely formal,
+they irritated him, distracted his feelings, disturbed the tenor of his
+mind, deranged his nervous system. Something of the old Oriental vein
+influenced him in his carriage towards women. He was oftener behind the
+scenes of the Opera-house than in his box; he delighted, too, in the
+society of _etairai_; Aspasia was his heroine. Obliged to appear much in
+what is esteemed pure society, he cultivated the acquaintance of clever
+women, because they interested him; but in such saloons his feminine
+acquaintances were merely psychological. No lady could accuse him of
+trifling with her feelings, however decided might be his predilection
+for her conversation. He yielded at once to an admirer; never trespassed
+by any chance into the domain of sentiment; never broke, by any accident
+or blunder, into the irregular paces of flirtation; was a man who
+notoriously would never diminish by marriage the purity of his race;
+and one who always maintained that passion and polished life were quite
+incompatible. He liked the drawing-room, and he liked the Desert, but he
+would not consent that either should trench on their mutual privileges.
+
+The Princess Lucretia had yielded herself to the spell of Sidonia’s
+society at Coningsby Castle, when she knew that marriage was impossible.
+But she loved him; and with an Italian spirit. Now they met again,
+and she was the Marchioness of Monmouth, a very great lady, very much
+admired, and followed, and courted, and very powerful. It is our great
+moralist who tells us, in the immortal page, that an affair of gallantry
+with a great lady is more delightful than with ladies of a lower degree.
+In this he contradicts the good old ballad; but certain it is that
+Dr. Johnson announced to Boswell, ‘Sir, in the case of a Countess the
+imagination is more excited.’
+
+But Sidonia was a man on whom the conventional superiorities of life
+produced as little effect as a flake falling on the glaciers of the high
+Alps. His comprehension of the world and human nature was too vast
+and complete; he understood too well the relative value of things to
+appreciate anything but essential excellence; and that not too much. A
+charming woman was not more charming to him because she chanced to be
+an empress in a particular district of one of the smallest planets; a
+charming woman under any circumstances was not an unique animal. When
+Sidonia felt a disposition to be spellbound, he used to review in his
+memory all the charming women of whom he had read in the books of all
+literatures, and whom he had known himself in every court and clime,
+and the result of his reflections ever was, that the charming woman in
+question was by no means the paragon, which some who had read, seen,
+and thought less, might be inclined to esteem her. There was, indeed,
+no subject on which Sidonia discoursed so felicitously as on woman, and
+none on which Lord Eskdale more frequently endeavoured to attract him.
+He would tell you Talmudical stories about our mother Eve and the Queen
+of Sheba, which would have astonished you. There was not a free lady of
+Greece, Leontium and Phryne, Lais, Danae, and Lamia, the Egyptian girl
+Thonis, respecting whom he could not tell you as many diverting tales as
+if they were ladies of Loretto; not a nook of Athenseus, not an obscure
+scholiast, not a passage in a Greek orator, that could throw light on
+these personages, which was not at his command. What stories he would
+tell you about Marc Antony and the actress Cytheris in their chariot
+drawn by tigers! What a character would he paint of that Flora who gave
+her gardens to the Roman people! It would draw tears to your eyes. No
+man was ever so learned in the female manners of the last centuries of
+polytheism as Sidonia. You would have supposed that he had devoted his
+studies peculiarly to that period if you had not chanced to draw him
+to the Italian middle ages. And even these startling revelations were
+almost eclipsed by his anecdotes of the Court of Henry III. of France,
+with every character of which he was as familiar as with the brilliant
+groups that at this moment filled the saloons of Madame de R----d.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+The image of Edith Millbank was the last thought of Coningsby, as he
+sank into an agitated slumber. To him had hitherto in general been
+accorded the precious boon of dreamless sleep. Homer tells us these
+phantasms come from Jove; they are rather the children of a distracted
+soul. Coningsby this night lived much in past years, varied by
+painful perplexities of the present, which he could neither subdue
+nor comprehend. The scene flitted from Eton to the castle of his
+grandfather; and then he found himself among the pictures of the Rue de
+Tronchet, but their owner bore the features of the senior Millbank. A
+beautiful countenance that was alternately the face in the mysterious
+picture, and then that of Edith, haunted him under all circumstances. He
+woke little refreshed; restless, and yet sensible of some secret joy.
+
+He woke to think of her of whom he had dreamed. The light had dawned on
+his soul. Coningsby loved.
+
+Ah! what is that ambition that haunts our youth, that thirst for power
+or that lust of fame that forces us from obscurity into the sunblaze of
+the world, what are these sentiments so high, so vehement, so ennobling?
+They vanish, and in an instant, before the glance of a woman!
+
+Coningsby had scarcely quitted her side the preceding eve. He hung
+upon the accents of that clear sweet voice, and sought, with tremulous
+fascination, the gleaming splendour of those soft dark eyes. And now
+he sat in his chamber, with his eyes fixed on vacancy. All thoughts and
+feelings, pursuits, desires, life, merge in one absorbing sentiment.
+
+It is impossible to exist without seeing her again, and instantly. He
+had requested and gained permission to call on Lady Wallinger; he would
+not lose a moment in availing himself of it. As early as was tolerably
+decorous, and before, in all probability, they could quit their hotel,
+Coningsby repaired to the Rue de Rivoli to pay his respects to his new
+friends.
+
+As he walked along, he indulged in fanciful speculations which connected
+Edith and the mysterious portrait of his mother. He felt himself, as
+it were, near the fulfilment of some fate, and on the threshold of some
+critical discovery. He recalled the impatient, even alarmed, expressions
+of Rigby at Montem six years ago, when he proposed to invite young
+Millbank to his grandfather’s dinner; the vindictive feud that existed
+between the two families, and for which political opinion, or even party
+passion, could not satisfactorily account; and he reasoned himself into
+a conviction, that the solution of many perplexities was at hand, and
+that all would be consummated to the satisfaction of every one, by his
+unexpected but inevitable agency.
+
+Coningsby found Sir Joseph alone. The worthy Baronet was at any rate
+no participator in Mr. Millbank’s vindictive feelings against Lord
+Monmouth. On the contrary, he had a very high respect for a Marquess,
+whatever might be his opinions, and no mean consideration for a
+Marquess’ grandson.
+
+Sir Joseph had inherited a large fortune made by commerce, and had
+increased it by the same means. He was a middle-class Whig, had
+faithfully supported that party in his native town during the days they
+wandered in the wilderness, and had well earned his share of the milk
+and honey when they had vanquished the promised land. In the springtide
+of Liberalism, when the world was not analytical of free opinions, and
+odious distinctions were not drawn between Finality men and progressive
+Reformers, Mr. Wallinger had been the popular leader of a powerful
+body of his fellow-citizens, who had returned him to the first Reformed
+Parliament, and where, in spite of many a menacing registration, he
+had contrived to remain. He had never given a Radical vote without
+the permission of the Secretary of the Treasury, and was not afraid
+of giving an unpopular one to serve his friends. He was not like that
+distinguished Liberal, who, after dining with the late Whig Premier,
+expressed his gratification and his gratitude, by assuring his Lordship
+that he might count on his support on all popular questions.
+
+‘I want men who will support the government on all unpopular questions,’
+replied the witty statesman.
+
+Mr. Wallinger was one of these men. His high character and strong purse
+were always in the front rank in the hour of danger. His support in the
+House was limited to his votes; but in other places equally important,
+at a meeting at a political club, or in Downing Street, he could find
+his tongue, take what is called a ‘practical’ view of a question, adopt
+what is called an ‘independent tone,’ reanimate confidence in ministers,
+check mutiny, and set a bright and bold example to the wavering. A man
+of his property, and high character, and sound views, so practical and
+so independent, this was evidently the block from which a Baronet should
+be cut, and in due time he figured Sir Joseph.
+
+A Spanish gentleman of ample means, and of a good Catalan family, flying
+during a political convulsion to England, arrived with his two
+daughters at Liverpool, and bore letters of introduction to the house
+of Wallinger. Some little time after this, by one of those stormy
+vicissitudes of political fortune, of late years not unusual in the
+Peninsula, he returned to his native country, and left his children, and
+the management of that portion of his fortune that he had succeeded in
+bringing with him, under the guardianship of the father of the present
+Sir Joseph. This gentleman was about again to become an exile, when
+he met with an untimely end in one of those terrible tumults of which
+Barcelona is the frequent scene.
+
+The younger Wallinger was touched by the charms of one of his father’s
+wards. Her beauty of a character to which he was unaccustomed,
+her accomplishments of society, and the refinement of her manners,
+conspicuous in the circle in which he lived, captivated him; and though
+they had no heir, the union had been one of great felicity. Sir Joseph
+was proud of his wife; he secretly considered himself, though his ‘tone’
+was as liberal and independent as in old days, to be on the threshold of
+aristocracy, and was conscious that Lady Wallinger played her part not
+unworthily in the elevated circles in which they now frequently found
+themselves. Sir Joseph was fond of great people, and not averse to
+travel; because, bearing a title, and being a member of the British
+Parliament, and always moving with the appendages of wealth, servants,
+carriages, and couriers, and fortified with no lack of letters from
+the Foreign Office, he was everywhere acknowledged, and received,
+and treated as a personage; was invited to court-balls, dined with
+ambassadors, and found himself and his lady at every festival of
+distinction.
+
+The elder Millbank had been Joseph Wallinger’s youthful friend.
+Different as were their dispositions and the rate of their abilities,
+their political opinions were the same; and commerce habitually
+connected their interests. During a visit to Liverpool, Millbank had
+made the acquaintance of the sister of Lady Wallinger, and had been a
+successful suitor for her hand. This lady was the mother of Edith and of
+the schoolfellow of Coningsby. It was only within a very few years
+that she had died; she had scarcely lived long enough to complete the
+education of her daughter, to whom she was devoted, and on whom she
+lavished the many accomplishments that she possessed. Lady Wallinger
+having no children, and being very fond of her niece, had watched over
+Edith with infinite solicitude, and finally had persuaded Mr. Millbank,
+that it would be well that his daughter should accompany them in their
+somewhat extensive travels. It was not, therefore, only that nature
+had developed a beautiful woman out of a bashful girl since Coningsby’s
+visit to Millbank; but really, every means and every opportunity that
+could contribute to render an individual capable of adorning the most
+accomplished circles of life, had naturally, and without effort, fallen
+to the fortunate lot of the manufacturer’s daughter. Edith possessed
+an intelligence equal to those occasions. Without losing the native
+simplicity of her character, which sprang from the heart, and which
+the strong and original bent of her father’s mind had fostered, she had
+imbibed all the refinement and facility of the polished circles in which
+she moved. She had a clear head, a fine taste, and a generous spirit;
+had received so much admiration, that, though by no means insensible to
+homage, her heart was free; was strongly attached to her family; and,
+notwithstanding all the splendour of Rome, and the brilliancy of Paris,
+her thoughts were often in her Saxon valley, amid the green hills and
+busy factories of Millbank.
+
+Sir Joseph, finding himself alone with the grandson of Lord Monmouth,
+was not very anxious that the ladies should immediately appear. He
+thought this a good opportunity of getting at what are called ‘the
+real feelings of the Tory party;’ and he began to pump with a seductive
+semblance of frankness. For his part, he had never doubted that a
+Conservative government was ultimately inevitable; had told Lord John
+so two years ago, and, between themselves, Lord John was of the same
+opinion. The present position of the Whigs was the necessary fate of
+all progressive parties; could not see exactly how it would end; thought
+sometimes it must end in a fusion of parties; but could not well see how
+that could be brought about, at least at present. For his part, should
+be happy to witness an union of the best men of all parties, for the
+preservation of peace and order, without any reference to any particular
+opinions. And, in that sense of the word, it was not at all impossible
+he might find it his duty some day to support a Conservative government.
+
+Sir Joseph was much astonished when Coningsby, who being somewhat
+impatient for the entrance of the ladies was rather more abrupt than his
+wont, told the worthy Baronet that he looked, upon a government without
+distinct principles of policy as only a stop-gap to a wide-spread and
+demoralising anarchy; that he for one could not comprehend how a free
+government could endure without national opinions to uphold it; and that
+governments for the preservation of peace and order, and nothing else,
+had better be sought in China, or among the Austrians, the Chinese of
+Europe. As for Conservative government, the natural question was, What
+do you mean to conserve? Do you mean to conserve things or only names,
+realities or merely appearances? Or, do you mean to continue the
+system commenced in 1834, and, with a hypocritical reverence for the
+principles, and a superstitious adhesion to the forms, of the old
+exclusive constitution, carry on your policy by latitudinarian practice?
+
+Sir Joseph stared; it was the first time that any inkling of the
+views of the New Generation had caught his ear. They were strange and
+unaccustomed accents. He was extremely perplexed; could by no means make
+out what his companion was driving at; at length, with a rather knowing
+smile, expressive as much of compassion as comprehension, he remarked,
+
+‘Ah! I see; you are a regular Orangeman.’
+
+‘I look upon an Orangeman,’ said Coningsby, ‘as a pure Whig; the only
+professor and practiser of unadulterated Whiggism.’
+
+This was too much for Sir Joseph, whose political knowledge did not
+reach much further back than the ministry of the Mediocrities; hardly
+touched the times of the Corresponding Society. But he was a cautious
+man, and never replied in haste. He was about feeling his way, when
+he experienced the golden advantage of gaining time, for the ladies
+entered.
+
+The heart of Coningsby throbbed as Edith appeared. She extended to him
+her hand; her face radiant with kind expression. Lady Wallinger seemed
+gratified also by his visit. She had much elegance in her manner;
+a calm, soft address; and she spoke English with a sweet Doric
+irregularity. They all sat down, talked of the last night’s ball, of a
+thousand things. There was something animating in the frank, cheerful
+spirit of Edith. She had a quick eye both for the beautiful and the
+ridiculous, and threw out her observations in terse and vivid phrases.
+An hour, and more than an hour, passed away, and Coningsby still found
+some excuse not to depart. It seemed that on this morning they were
+about to make an expedition into the antique city of Paris, to visit
+some old hotels which retained their character; especially they had
+heard much of the hotel of the Archbishop of Sens, with its fortified
+courtyard. Coningsby expressed great interest in the subject, and showed
+some knowledge. Sir Joseph invited him to join the party, which of all
+things in the world was what he most desired.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+Not a day elapsed without Coningsby being in the company of Edith. Time
+was precious for him, for the spires and pinnacles of Cambridge
+already began to loom in the distance, and he resolved to make the most
+determined efforts not to lose a day of his liberty. And yet to call
+every morning in the Rue de Rivoli was an exploit which surpassed even
+the audacity of love! More than once, making the attempt, his courage
+failed him, and he turned into the gardens of the Tuileries, and only
+watched the windows of the house. Circumstances, however, favoured him:
+he received a letter from Oswald Millbank; he was bound to communicate
+in person this evidence of his friend’s existence; and when he had to
+reply to the letter, he must necessarily inquire whether his friend’s
+relatives had any message to transmit to him. These, however, were only
+slight advantages. What assisted Coningsby in his plans and wishes was
+the great pleasure which Sidonia, with whom he passed a great deal of
+his time, took in the society of the Wallingers and their niece. Sidonia
+presented Lady Wallinger with his opera-box during her stay at Paris;
+invited them frequently to his agreeable dinner-parties; and announced
+his determination to give a ball, which Lady Wallinger esteemed a
+delicate attention to Edith; while Lady Monmouth flattered herself that
+the festival sprang from the desire she had expressed of seeing the
+celebrated hotel of Sidonia to advantage.
+
+Coningsby was very happy. His morning visits to the Rue de Rivoli seemed
+always welcome, and seldom an evening elapsed in which he did not find
+himself in the society of Edith. She seemed not to wish to conceal that
+his presence gave her pleasure, and though she had many admirers, and
+had an airy graciousness for all of them, Coningsby sometimes indulged
+the exquisite suspicion that there was a flattering distinction in her
+carriage to himself. Under the influence of these feelings, he began
+daily to be more conscious that separation would be an intolerable
+calamity; he began to meditate upon the feasibility of keeping a half
+term, and of postponing his departure to Cambridge to a period nearer
+the time when Edith would probably return to England.
+
+In the meanwhile, the Parisian world talked much of the grand fete which
+was about to be given by Sidonia. Coningsby heard much of it one day
+when dining at his grandfather’s. Lady Monmouth seemed very intent on
+the occasion. Even Lord Monmouth half talked of going, though, for his
+part, he wished people would come to him, and never ask him to their
+houses. That was his idea of society. He liked the world, but he liked
+to find it under his own roof. He grudged them nothing, so that they
+would not insist upon the reciprocity of cold-catching, and would eat
+his good dinners instead of insisting on his eating their bad ones.
+
+‘But Monsieur Sidonia’s cook is a gem, they say,’ observed an Attaché of
+an embassy.
+
+‘I have no doubt of it; Sidonia is a man of sense, almost the only man
+of sense I know. I never caught him tripping. He never makes a false
+move. Sidonia is exactly the sort of man I like; you know you cannot
+deceive him, and that he does not want to deceive you. I wish he liked a
+rubber more. Then he would be perfect.’
+
+‘They say he is going to be married,’ said the Attaché.
+
+‘Poh!’ said Lord Monmouth.
+
+‘Married!’ exclaimed Lady Monmouth. ‘To whom?’
+
+‘To your beautiful countrywoman, “la belle Anglaise,” that all the world
+talks of,’ said the Attaché.
+
+‘And who may she be, pray?’ said the Marquess. ‘I have so many beautiful
+countrywomen.’
+
+‘Mademoiselle Millbank,’ said the Attaché.
+
+‘Millbank!’ said the Marquess, with a lowering brow. ‘There are so many
+Millbanks. Do you know what Millbank this is, Harry?’ he inquired of his
+grandson, who had listened to the conversation with a rather embarrassed
+and even agitated spirit.
+
+‘What, sir; yes, Millbank?’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘I say, do you know who this Millbank is?’
+
+‘Oh! Miss Millbank: yes, I believe, that is, I know a daughter of the
+gentleman who purchased some property near you.’
+
+‘Oh! that fellow! Has he got a daughter here?’
+
+‘The most beautiful girl in Paris,’ said the Attaché.
+
+‘Lady Monmouth, have you seen this beauty, that Sidonia is going to
+marry?’ he added, with a fiendish laugh.
+
+‘I have seen the young lady,’ said Lady Monmouth; ‘but I had not heard
+that Monsieur Sidonia was about to marry her.’
+
+‘Is she so very beautiful?’ inquired another gentleman.
+
+‘Yes,’ said Lady Monmouth, calm, but pale.
+
+‘Poh!’ said the Marquess again.
+
+‘I assure you that it is a fact,’ said the Attaché, ‘not at least an
+_on-dit_. I have it from a quarter that could not well be mistaken.’
+
+Behold a little snatch of ordinary dinner gossip that left a very
+painful impression on the minds of three individuals who were present.
+
+The name of Millbank revived in Lord Monmouth’s mind a sense of defeat,
+discomfiture, and disgust; Hellingsley, lost elections, and Mr. Rigby;
+three subjects which Lord Monmouth had succeeded for a time in expelling
+from his sensations. His lordship thought that, in all probability, this
+beauty of whom they spoke so highly was not really the daughter of his
+foe; that it was some confusion which had arisen from the similarity of
+names: nor did he believe that Sidonia was going to marry her, whoever
+she might be; but a variety of things had been said at dinner, and a
+number of images had been raised in his mind that touched his spleen. He
+took his wine freely, and, the usual consequence of that proceeding with
+Lord Monmouth, became silent and sullen. As for Lady Monmouth, she
+had learnt that Sidonia, whatever might be the result, was paying very
+marked attention to another woman, for whom undoubtedly he was giving
+that very ball which she had flattered herself was a homage to her
+wishes, and for which she had projected a new dress of eclipsing
+splendour.
+
+Coningsby felt quite sure that the story of Sidonia’s marriage
+with Edith was the most ridiculous idea that ever entered into the
+imagination of man; at least he thought he felt quite sure. But the
+idlest and wildest report that the woman you love is about to marry
+another is not comfortable. Besides, he could not conceal from himself
+that, between the Wallingers and Sidonia there existed a remarkable
+intimacy, fully extended to their niece. He had seen her certainly on
+more than one occasion in lengthened and apparently earnest conversation
+with Sidonia, who, by-the-bye, spoke with her often in Spanish, and
+never concealed his admiration of her charms or the interest he found
+in her society. And Edith; what, after all, had passed between Edith
+and himself which should at all gainsay this report, which he had been
+particularly assured was not a mere report, but came from a quarter that
+could not well be mistaken? She had received him with kindness. And
+how should she receive one who was the friend and preserver of her only
+brother, and apparently the intimate and cherished acquaintance of
+her future husband? Coningsby felt that sickness of the heart that
+accompanies one’s first misfortune. The illusions of life seemed to
+dissipate and disappear. He was miserable; he had no confidence in
+himself, in his future. After all, what was he? A dependent on a man of
+very resolute will and passions. Could he forget the glance with which
+Lord Monmouth caught the name of Millbank, and received the intimation
+of Hellingsley? It was a glance for a Spagnoletto or a Caravaggio to
+catch and immortalise. Why, if Edith were not going to marry Sidonia,
+how was he ever to marry her, even if she cared for him? Oh! what a
+future of unbroken, continuous, interminable misery awaited him! Was
+there ever yet born a being with a destiny so dark and dismal? He was
+the most forlorn of men, utterly wretched! He had entirely mistaken
+his own character. He had no energy, no abilities, not a single eminent
+quality. All was over!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+
+It was fated that Lady Monmouth should not be present at that ball,
+the anticipation of which had occasioned her so much pleasure and some
+pangs.
+
+On the morning after that slight conversation, which had so disturbed
+the souls, though unconsciously to each other, of herself and Coningsby,
+the Marquess was driving Lucretia up the avenue Marigny in his phaeton.
+About the centre of the avenue the horses took fright, and started off
+at a wild pace. The Marquess was an experienced whip, calm, and with
+exertion still very powerful. He would have soon mastered the horses,
+had not one of the reins unhappily broken. The horses swerved; the
+Marquess kept his seat; Lucretia, alarmed, sprang up, the carriage was
+dashed against the trunk of a tree, and she was thrown out of it, at
+the very instant that one of the outriders had succeeded in heading the
+equipage and checking the horses.
+
+The Marchioness was senseless. Lord Monmouth had descended from the
+phaeton; several passengers had assembled; the door of a contiguous
+house was opened; there were offers of service, sympathy, inquiries, a
+babble of tongues, great confusion.
+
+‘Get surgeons and send for her maid,’ said Lord Monmouth to one of his
+servants.
+
+In the midst of this distressing tumult, Sidonia, on horseback, followed
+by a groom, came up the avenue from the Champs Elysées. The empty
+phaeton, reins broken, horses held by strangers, all the appearances of
+a misadventure, attracted him. He recognised the livery. He instantly
+dismounted. Moving aside the crowd, he perceived Lady Monmouth senseless
+and prostrate, and her husband, without assistance, restraining the
+injudicious efforts of the bystanders.
+
+‘Let us carry her in, Lord Monmouth,’ said Sidonia, exchanging a
+recognition as he took Lucretia in his arms, and bore her into the
+dwelling that was at hand. Those who were standing at the door assisted
+him. The woman of the house and Lord Monmouth only were present.
+
+‘I would hope there is no fracture,’ said Sidonia, placing her on a
+sofa, ‘nor does it appear to me that the percussion of the head, though
+considerable, could have been fatally violent. I have caught her pulse.
+Keep her in a horizontal position, and she will soon come to herself.’
+
+The Marquess seated himself in a chair by the side of the sofa, which
+Sidonia had advanced to the middle of the room. Lord Monmouth was silent
+and very serious. Sidonia opened the window, and touched the brow of
+Lucretia with water. At this moment M. Villebecque and a surgeon entered
+the chamber.
+
+‘The brain cannot be affected, with that pulse,’ said the surgeon;
+‘there is no fracture.’
+
+‘How pale she is!’ said Lord Monmouth, as if he were examining a
+picture.
+
+‘The colour seems to me to return,’ said Sidonia.
+
+The surgeon applied some restoratives which he had brought with him. The
+face of the Marchioness showed signs of life; she stirred.
+
+‘She revives,’ said the surgeon.
+
+The Marchioness breathed with some force; again; then half-opened her
+eyes, and then instantly closed them.
+
+‘If I could but get her to take this draught,’ said the surgeon.
+
+‘Stop! moisten her lips first,’ said Sidonia.
+
+They placed the draught to her mouth; in a moment she put forth her hand
+as if to repress them, then opened her eyes again, and sighed.
+
+‘She is herself,’ said the surgeon.
+
+‘Lucretia!’ said the Marquess.
+
+‘Sidonia!’ said the Marchioness.
+
+Lord Monmouth looked round to invite his friend to come forward.
+
+‘Lady Monmouth!’ said Sidonia, in a gentle voice.
+
+She started, rose a little on the sofa, stared around her. ‘Where am I?’
+she exclaimed.
+
+‘With me,’ said the Marquess; and he bent forward to her, and took her
+hand.
+
+‘Sidonia!’ she again exclaimed, in a voice of inquiry.
+
+‘Is here,’ said Lord Monmouth. ‘He carried you in after our accident.’
+
+‘Accident! Why is he going to marry?’
+
+The Marquess took a pinch of snuff.
+
+There was an awkward pause in the chamber.
+
+‘I think now,’ said Sidonia to the surgeon, ‘that Lady Monmouth would
+take the draught.’
+
+She refused it.
+
+‘Try you, Sidonia,’ said the Marquess, rather dryly.
+
+‘You feel yourself again?’ said Sidonia, advancing.
+
+‘Would I did not!’ said the Marchioness, with an air of stupor. ‘What
+has happened? Why am I here? Are you married?’
+
+‘She wanders a little,’ said Sidonia.
+
+The Marquess took another pinch of snuff.
+
+‘I could have borne even repulsion,’ said Lady Monmouth, in a voice of
+desolation, ‘but not for another!’
+
+‘M. Villebecque!’ said the Marquess.
+
+‘My Lord?’
+
+Lord Monmouth looked at him with that irresistible scrutiny which would
+daunt a galley-slave; and then, after a short pause, said, ‘The carriage
+should have arrived by this time. Let us get home.’
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+After the conversation at dinner which we have noticed, the restless
+and disquieted Coningsby wandered about Paris, vainly seeking in the
+distraction of a great city some relief from the excitement of his mind.
+His first resolution was immediately to depart for England; but when, on
+reflection, he was mindful that, after all, the assertion which had
+so agitated him might really be without foundation, in spite of many
+circumstances that to his regardful fancy seemed to accredit it, his
+firm resolution began to waver.
+
+These were the first pangs of jealousy that Coningsby had ever
+experienced, and they revealed to him the immensity of the stake which
+he was hazarding on a most uncertain die.
+
+The next morning he called in the Rue Rivoli, and was informed that the
+family were not at home. He was returning under the arcades, towards the
+Rue St. Florentin, when Sidonia passed him in an opposite direction, on
+horseback, and at a rapid rate. Coningsby, who was not observed by
+him, could not resist a strange temptation to watch for a moment his
+progress. He saw him enter the court of the hotel where the Wallinger
+family were staying. Would he come forth immediately? No. Coningsby
+stood still and pale. Minute followed minute. Coningsby flattered
+himself that Sidonia was only speaking to the porter. Then he would
+fain believe Sidonia was writing a note. Then, crossing the street, he
+mounted by some steps the terrace of the Tuileries, nearly opposite the
+Hotel of the Minister of Finance, and watched the house. A quarter of an
+hour elapsed; Sidonia did not come forth. They were at home to him; only
+to him. Sick at heart, infinitely wretched, scarcely able to guide his
+steps, dreading even to meet an acquaintance, and almost feeling that
+his tongue would refuse the office of conversation, he contrived to
+reach his grandfather’s hotel, and was about to bury himself in his
+chamber, when on the staircase he met Flora.
+
+Coningsby had not seen her for the last fortnight. Seeing her now, his
+heart smote him for his neglect, excusable as it really was. Any one
+else at this time he would have hurried by without a recognition, but
+the gentle and suffering Flora was too meek to be rudely treated by so
+kind a heart as Coningsby’s.
+
+He looked at her; she was pale and agitated. Her step trembled, while
+she still hastened on.
+
+‘What is the matter?’ inquired Coningsby.
+
+‘My Lord, the Marchioness, are in danger, thrown from their carriage.’
+Briefly she detailed to Coningsby all that had occurred; that M.
+Villebecque had already repaired to them; that she herself only this
+moment had learned the intelligence that seemed to agitate her to the
+centre. Coningsby instantly turned with her; but they had scarcely
+emerged from the courtyard when the carriage approached that brought
+Lord and Lady Monmouth home. They followed it into the court. They were
+immediately at its door.
+
+‘All is right, Harry,’ said the Marquess, calm and grave.
+
+Coningsby pressed his grandfather’s hand. Then he assisted Lucretia to
+alight.
+
+‘I am quite well,’ she said, ‘now.’
+
+‘But you must lean on me, dearest Lady Monmouth,’ Coningsby said in a
+tone of tenderness, as he felt Lucretia almost sinking from him. And he
+supported her into the hall of the hotel.
+
+Lord Monmouth had lingered behind. Flora crept up to him, and with
+unwonted boldness offered her arm to the Marquess. He looked at her with
+a glance of surprise, and then a softer expression, one indeed of an
+almost winning sweetness, which, though rare, was not a stranger to
+his countenance, melted his features, and taking the arm so humbly
+presented, he said,
+
+‘Ma Petite, you look more frightened than any of us. Poor child!’
+
+He had reached the top of the flight of steps; he withdrew his arm from
+Flora, and thanked her with all his courtesy.
+
+‘You are not hurt, then, sir?’ she ventured to ask with a look that
+expressed the infinite solicitude which her tongue did not venture to
+convey.
+
+‘By no means, my good little girl;’ and he extended his hand to her,
+which she reverently bent over and embraced.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+When Coningsby had returned to his grandfather’s hotel that morning, it
+was with a determination to leave Paris the next day for England;
+but the accident to Lady Monmouth, though, as it ultimately appeared,
+accompanied by no very serious consequences, quite dissipated this
+intention. It was impossible to quit them so crudely at such a moment.
+So he remained another day, and that was the day preceding Sidonia’s
+fête, which he particularly resolved not to attend. He felt it quite
+impossible that he could again endure the sight of either Sidonia or
+Edith. He looked upon them as persons who had deeply injured him;
+though they really were individuals who had treated him with invariable
+kindness. But he felt their existence was a source of mortification and
+misery to him. With these feelings, sauntering away the last hours at
+Paris, disquieted, uneasy; no present, no future; no enjoyment, no hope;
+really, positively, undeniably unhappy; unhappy too for the first time
+in his life; the first unhappiness; what a companion piece for the
+first love! Coningsby, of all places in the world, in the gardens of the
+Luxembourg, encountered Sir Joseph Wallinger and Edith.
+
+To avoid them was impossible; they met face to face; and Sir Joseph
+stopped, and immediately reminded him that it was three days since they
+had seen him, as if to reproach him for so unprecedented a neglect. And
+it seemed that Edith, though she said not as much, felt the same. And
+Coningsby turned round and walked with them. He told them he was going
+to leave Paris on the morrow.
+
+‘And miss Monsieur de Sidonia’s fête, of which we have all talked
+so much!’ said Edith, with unaffected surprise, and an expression of
+disappointment which she in vain attempted to conceal.
+
+‘The festival will not be less gay for my absence,’ said Coningsby, with
+that plaintive moroseness not unusual to despairing lovers.
+
+‘If we were all to argue from the same premises, and act accordingly,’
+said Edith, ‘the saloons would be empty. But if any person’s absence
+would be remarked, I should really have thought it would be yours. I
+thought you were one of Monsieur de Sidonia’s great friends?’
+
+‘He has no friends,’ said Coningsby. ‘No wise man has. What are friends?
+Traitors.’
+
+Edith looked much astonished. And then she said,
+
+‘I am sure you have not quarrelled with Monsieur de Sidonia, for we have
+just parted with him.’
+
+‘I have no doubt you have,’ thought Coningsby.
+
+‘And it is impossible to speak of another in higher terms than he spoke
+of you.’ Sir Joseph observed how unusual it was for Monsieur de Sidonia
+to express himself so warmly.
+
+‘Sidonia is a great man, and carries everything before him,’ said
+Coningsby. ‘I am nothing; I cannot cope with him; I retire from the
+field.’
+
+‘What field?’ inquired Sir Joseph, who did not clearly catch the drift
+of these observations. ‘It appears to me that a field for action is
+exactly what Sidonia wants. There is no vent for his abilities and
+intelligence. He wastes his energy in travelling from capital to capital
+like a King’s messenger. The morning after his fête he is going to
+Madrid.’
+
+This brought some reference to their mutual movements. Edith spoke of
+her return to Lancashire, of her hope that Mr. Coningsby would soon see
+Oswald; but Mr. Coningsby informed her that though he was going to leave
+Paris, he had no intention of returning to England; that he had not yet
+quite made up his mind whither he should go; but thought that he
+should travel direct to St. Petersburg. He wished to travel overland to
+Astrachan. That was the place he was particularly anxious to visit.
+
+After this incomprehensible announcement, they walked on for some
+minutes in silence, broken only by occasional monosyllables, with which
+Coningsby responded at hazard to the sound remarks of Sir Joseph. As
+they approached the Palace a party of English who were visiting the
+Chamber of Peers, and who were acquainted with the companions of
+Coningsby, encountered them. Amid the mutual recognitions, Coningsby,
+was about to take his leave somewhat ceremoniously, but Edith held forth
+her hand, and said,
+
+‘Is this indeed farewell?’
+
+His heart was agitated, his countenance changed; he retained her hand
+amid the chattering tourists, too full of their criticisms and their
+egotistical commonplaces to notice what was passing. A sentimental
+ebullition seemed to be on the point of taking place. Their eyes met.
+The look of Edith was mournful and inquiring.
+
+‘We will say farewell at the ball,’ said Coningsby, and she rewarded him
+with a radiant smile.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+Sidonia lived in the Faubourg St. Germain, in a large hotel that, in
+old days, had belonged to the Crillons; but it had received at his hands
+such extensive alterations, that nothing of the original decoration, and
+little of its arrangement, remained.
+
+A flight of marble steps, ascending from a vast court, led into a
+hall of great dimensions, which was at the same time an orangery and
+a gallery of sculpture. It was illumined by a distinct, yet soft
+and subdued light, which harmonised with the beautiful repose of the
+surrounding forms, and with the exotic perfume that was wafted about.
+A gallery led from this hall to an inner hall of quite a different
+character; fantastic, glittering, variegated; full of strange shapes and
+dazzling objects.
+
+The roof was carved and gilt in that honeycomb style prevalent in the
+Saracenic buildings; the walls were hung with leather stamped in rich
+and vivid patterns; the floor was a flood of mosaic; about were statues
+of negroes of human size with faces of wild expression, and holding
+in their outstretched hands silver torches that blazed with an almost
+painful brilliancy.
+
+From this inner hall a double staircase of white marble led to the grand
+suite of apartments.
+
+These saloons, lofty, spacious, and numerous, had been decorated
+principally in encaustic by the most celebrated artists of Munich. The
+three principal rooms were only separated from each other by columns,
+covered with rich hangings, on this night drawn aside. The decoration
+of each chamber was appropriate to its purpose. On the walls of the
+ball-room nymphs and heroes moved in measure in Sicilian landscapes,
+or on the azure shores of Aegean waters. From the ceiling beautiful
+divinities threw garlands on the guests, who seemed surprised that
+the roses, unwilling to quit Olympus, would not descend on earth.
+The general effect of this fair chamber was heightened, too, by
+that regulation of the house which did not permit any benches in the
+ball-room. That dignified assemblage who are always found ranged in
+precise discipline against the wall, did not here mar the flowing grace
+of the festivity. The chaperons had no cause to complain. A large saloon
+abounded in ottomans and easy chairs at their service, where their
+delicate charges might rest when weary, or find distraction when not
+engaged.
+
+All the world were at this fête of Sidonia. It exceeded in splendour and
+luxury every entertainment that had yet been given. The highest rank,
+even Princes of the blood, beauty, fashion, fame, all assembled in a
+magnificent and illuminated palace, resounding with exquisite melody.
+
+Coningsby, though somewhat depressed, was not insensible to the magic
+of the scene. Since the passage in the gardens of the Luxembourg, that
+tone, that glance, he had certainly felt much relieved, happier. And yet
+if all were, with regard to Sidonia, as unfounded as he could possibly
+desire, where was he then? Had he forgotten his grandfather, that fell
+look, that voice of intense detestation? What was Millbank to him?
+Where, what was the mystery? for of some he could not doubt. The Spanish
+parentage of Edith had only more perplexed Coningsby. It offered no
+solution. There could be no connection between a Catalan family and his
+mother, the daughter of a clergyman in a midland county. That there
+was any relationship between the Millbank family and his mother was
+contradicted by the conviction in which he had been brought up, that
+his mother had no relations; that she returned to England utterly
+friendless; without a relative, a connection, an acquaintance to whom
+she could appeal. Her complete forlornness was stamped upon his brain.
+Tender as were his years when he was separated from her, he could yet
+recall the very phrases in which she deplored her isolation; and there
+were numerous passages in her letters which alluded to it. Coningsby
+had taken occasion to sound the Wallingers on this subject; but he felt
+assured, from the manner in which his advances were met, that they knew
+nothing of his mother, and attributed the hostility of Mr. Millbank
+to his grandfather, solely to political emulation and local rivalries.
+Still there were the portrait and the miniature. That was a fact; a clue
+which ultimately, he was persuaded, must lead to some solution.
+
+Coningsby had met with great social success at Paris. He was at once a
+favourite. The Parisian dames decided in his favour. He was a specimen
+of the highest style of English beauty, which is popular in France. His
+air was acknowledged as distinguished. The men also liked him; he
+had not quite arrived at that age when you make enemies. The moment,
+therefore, that he found himself in the saloons of Sidonia, he was
+accosted by many whose notice was flattering; but his eye wandered,
+while he tried to be courteous and attempted to be sprightly. Where was
+she? He had nearly reached the ball-room when he met her. She was on
+the arm of Lord Beaumanoir, who had made her acquaintance at Rome, and
+originally claimed it as the member of a family who, as the reader may
+perhaps not forget, had experienced some kindnesses from the Millbanks.
+
+There were mutual and hearty recognitions between the young men; great
+explanations where they had been, what they were doing, where they were
+going. Lord Beaumanoir told Coningsby he had introduced steeple-chases
+at Rome, and had parted with Sunbeam to the nephew of a Cardinal.
+Coningsby securing Edith’s hand for the next dance, they all moved on
+together to her aunt.
+
+Lady Wallinger was indulging in some Roman reminiscences with the
+Marquess.
+
+‘And you are not going to Astrachan to-morrow?’ said Edith.
+
+‘Not to-morrow,’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘You know that you said once that life was too stirring in these days to
+permit travel to a man?’
+
+‘I wish nothing was stirring,’ said Coningsby. ‘I wish nothing to
+change. All that I wish is, that this fête should never end.’
+
+‘Is it possible that you can be capricious? You perplex me very much.’
+
+‘Am I capricious because I dislike change?’
+
+‘But Astrachan?’
+
+‘It was the air of the Luxembourg that reminded me of the Desert,’ said
+Coningsby.
+
+Soon after this Coningsby led Edith to the dance. It was at a ball that
+he had first met her at Paris, and this led to other reminiscences;
+all most interesting. Coningsby was perfectly happy. All mysteries, all
+difficulties, were driven from his recollection; he lived only in the
+exciting and enjoyable present. Twenty-one and in love!
+
+Some time after this, Coningsby, who was inevitably separated from
+Edith, met his host.
+
+‘Where have you been, child,’ said Sidonia, ‘that I have not seen you
+for some days? I am going to Madrid tomorrow.’
+
+‘And I must think, I suppose, of Cambridge.’
+
+‘Well, you have seen something; you will find it more profitable when
+you have digested it: and you will have opportunity. That’s the true
+spring of wisdom: meditate over the past. Adventure and Contemplation
+share our being like day and night.’
+
+The resolute departure for England on the morrow had already changed
+into a supposed necessity of thinking of returning to Cambridge. In
+fact, Coningsby felt that to quit Paris and Edith was an impossibility.
+He silenced the remonstrance of his conscience by the expedient of
+keeping a half-term, and had no difficulty in persuading himself that
+a short delay in taking his degree could not really be of the slightest
+consequence.
+
+It was the hour for supper. The guests at a French ball are not seen to
+advantage at this period. The custom of separating the sexes for this
+refreshment, and arranging that the ladies should partake of it by
+themselves, though originally founded in a feeling of consideration
+and gallantry, and with the determination to secure, under all
+circumstances, the convenience and comfort of the fair sex, is really,
+in its appearance and its consequences, anything but European, and
+produces a scene which rather reminds one of the harem of a sultan than
+a hall of chivalry. To judge from the countenances of the favoured fair,
+they are not themselves particularly pleased; and when their repast is
+over they necessarily return to empty halls, and are deprived of the
+dance at the very moment when they may feel most inclined to participate
+in its graceful excitement.
+
+These somewhat ungracious circumstances, however, were not attendant on
+the festival of this night. There was opened in the Hotel of Sidonia for
+the first time a banqueting-room which could contain with convenience
+all the guests. It was a vast chamber of white marble, the golden panels
+of the walls containing festive sculptures by Schwanthaler, relieved by
+encaustic tinting. In its centre was a fountain, a group of Bacchantes
+encircling Dionysos; and from this fountain, as from a star, diverged
+the various tables from which sprang orange-trees in fruit and flower.
+
+The banquet had but one fault; Coningsby was separated from Edith. The
+Duchess of Grand Cairo, the beautiful wife of the heir of one of the
+Imperial illustrations, had determined to appropriate Coningsby as
+her cavalier for the moment. Distracted, he made his escape; but his
+wandering eye could not find the object of its search; and he fell
+prisoner to the charming Princess de Petitpoix, a Carlist chieftain,
+whose witty words avenged the cause of fallen dynasties and a cashiered
+nobility.
+
+Behold a scene brilliant in fancy, magnificent in splendour! All the
+circumstances of his life at this moment were such as acted forcibly
+on the imagination of Coningsby. Separated from Edith, he had still the
+delight of seeing her the paragon of that bright company, the consummate
+being whom he adored! and who had spoken to him in a voice sweeter than
+a serenade, and had bestowed on him a glance softer than moonlight! The
+lord of the palace, more distinguished even for his capacity than his
+boundless treasure, was his chosen friend; gained under circumstances
+of romantic interest, when the reciprocal influence of their personal
+qualities was affected by no accessory knowledge of their worldly
+positions. He himself was in the very bloom of youth and health; the
+child of a noble house, rich for his present wants, and with a future of
+considerable fortunes. Entrancing love and dazzling friendship, a
+high ambition and the pride of knowledge, the consciousness of a great
+prosperity, the vague, daring energies of the high pulse of twenty-one,
+all combined to stimulate his sense of existence, which, as he looked
+around him at the beautiful objects and listened to the delicious
+sounds, seemed to him a dispensation of almost supernatural ecstasy.
+
+About an hour after this, the ball-room still full, but the other
+saloons gradually emptying, Coningsby entered a chamber which seemed
+deserted. Yet he heard sounds, as it were, of earnest conversation. It
+was the voice that invited his progress; he advanced another step, then
+suddenly stopped. There were two individuals in the room, by whom he was
+unnoticed. They were Sidonia and Miss Millbank. They were sitting on a
+sofa, Sidonia holding her hand and endeavouring, as it seemed, to soothe
+her. Her tones were tremulous; but the expression of her face was fond
+and confiding. It was all the work of a moment. Coningsby instantly
+withdrew, yet could not escape hearing an earnest request from Edith to
+her companion that he would write to her.
+
+In a few seconds Coningsby had quitted the hotel of Sidonia, and the
+next day found him on his road to England.
+
+END OF BOOK VI.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK VII.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+It was one of those gorgeous and enduring sunsets that seemed to linger
+as if they wished to celebrate the mid-period of the year. Perhaps the
+beautiful hour of impending twilight never exercises a more effective
+influence on the soul than when it descends on the aspect of some
+distant and splendid city. What a contrast between the serenity and
+repose of our own bosoms and the fierce passions and destructive cares
+girt in the walls of that multitude whose domes and towers rise in
+purple lustre against the resplendent horizon!
+
+And yet the disturbing emotions of existence and the bitter inheritance
+of humanity should exercise but a modified sway, and entail but a light
+burden, within the circle of the city into which the next scene of our
+history leads us. For it is the sacred city of study, of learning,
+and of faith; and the declining beam is resting on the dome of the
+Radcliffe, lingering on the towers of Christchurch and Magdalen,
+sanctifying the spires and pinnacles of holy St. Mary’s.
+
+A young Oxonian, who had for some time been watching the city in the
+sunset, from a rising ground in its vicinity, lost, as it would seem, in
+meditation, suddenly rose, and looking at his watch, as if remindful
+of some engagement, hastened his return at a rapid pace. He reached
+the High Street as the Blenheim light post coach dashed up to the Star
+Hotel, with that brilliant precision which even the New Generation can
+remember, and yet which already ranks among the traditions of English
+manners. A peculiar and most animating spectacle used to be the arrival
+of a firstrate light coach in a country town! The small machine,
+crowded with so many passengers, the foaming and curvetting leaders, the
+wheelers more steady and glossy, as if they had not done their ten miles
+in the hour, the triumphant bugle of the guard, and the haughty routine
+with which the driver, as he reached his goal, threw his whip to the
+obedient ostlers in attendance; and, not least, the staring crowd, a
+little awestruck, and looking for the moment at the lowest official of
+the stable with considerable respect, altogether made a picture which
+one recollects with cheerfulness, and misses now in many a dreary
+market-town.
+
+Our Oxonian was a young man about the middle height, and naturally of a
+thoughtful expression and rather reserved mien. The general character of
+his countenance was, indeed, a little stern, but it broke into an almost
+bewitching smile, and a blush suffused his face, as he sprang forward
+and welcomed an individual about the same age, who had jumped off the
+Blenheim.
+
+‘Well, Coningsby!’ he exclaimed, extending both his hands.
+
+‘By Jove! my dear Millbank, we have met at last,’ said his friend.
+
+And here we must for a moment revert to what had occurred to Coningsby
+since he so suddenly quitted Paris at the beginning of the year. The
+wound he had received was deep to one unused to wounds. Yet, after all,
+none had outraged his feelings, no one had betrayed his hopes. He had
+loved one who had loved another. Misery, but scarcely humiliation. And
+yet ‘tis a bitter pang under any circumstances to find another preferred
+to yourself. It is about the same blow as one would probably feel if
+falling from a balloon. Your Icarian flight melts into a grovelling
+existence, scarcely superior to that of a sponge or a coral, or redeemed
+only from utter insensibility by your frank detestation of your rival.
+It is quite impossible to conceal that Coningsby had imbibed for Sidonia
+a certain degree of aversion, which, in these days of exaggerated
+phrase, might even be described as hatred. And Edith was so beautiful!
+And there had seemed between them a sympathy so native and spontaneous,
+creating at once the charm of intimacy without any of the disenchanting
+attributes that are occasionally its consequence. He would recall the
+tones of her voice, the expression of her soft dark eye, the airy spirit
+and frank graciousness, sometimes even the flattering blush, with which
+she had ever welcomed one of whom she had heard so long and so kindly.
+It seemed, to use a sweet and homely phrase, that they were made for
+each other; the circumstances of their mutual destinies might have
+combined into one enchanting fate.
+
+And yet, had she accorded him that peerless boon, her heart, with what
+aspect was he to communicate this consummation of all his hopes to his
+grandfather, ask Lord Monmouth for his blessing, and the gracious favour
+of an establishment for the daughter of his foe, of a man whose name was
+never mentioned except to cloud his visage? Ah! what was that mystery
+that connected the haughty house of Coningsby with the humble blood of
+the Lancashire manufacturer? Why was the portrait of his mother beneath
+the roof of Millbank? Coningsby had delicately touched upon the subject
+both with Edith and the Wallingers, but the result of his inquiries
+only involved the question in deeper gloom. Edith had none but maternal
+relatives: more than once she had mentioned this, and the Wallingers, on
+other occasions, had confirmed the remark. Coningsby had sometimes drawn
+the conversation to pictures, and he would remind her with playfulness
+of their first unconscious meeting in the gallery of the Rue Tronchet;
+then he remembered that Mr. Millbank was fond of pictures; then he
+recollected some specimens of Mr. Millbank’s collection, and after
+touching on several which could not excite suspicion, he came to
+‘a portrait, a portrait of a lady; was it a portrait or an ideal
+countenance?’
+
+Edith thought she had heard it was a portrait, but she was by no means
+certain, and most assuredly was quite unacquainted with the name of the
+original, if there were an original.
+
+Coningsby addressed himself to the point with Sir Joseph. He inquired of
+the uncle explicitly whether he knew anything on the subject. Sir Joseph
+was of opinion that it was something that Millbank had somewhere ‘picked
+up.’ Millbank used often to ‘pick up’ pictures.
+
+Disappointed in his love, Coningsby sought refuge in the excitement
+of study, and in the brooding imagination of an aspiring spirit. The
+softness of his heart seemed to have quitted him for ever. He recurred
+to his habitual reveries of political greatness and public distinction.
+And as it ever seemed to him that no preparation could be complete
+for the career which he planned for himself, he devoted himself with
+increased ardour to that digestion of knowledge which converts it into
+wisdom. His life at Cambridge was now a life of seclusion. With the
+exception of a few Eton friends, he avoided all society. And, indeed,
+his acquisitions during this term were such as few have equalled, and
+could only have been mastered by a mental discipline of a severe and
+exalted character. At the end of the term Coningsby took his degree, and
+in a few days was about to quit that university where, on the whole,
+he had passed three serene and happy years in the society of fond and
+faithful friends, and in ennobling pursuits. He had many plans for his
+impending movements, yet none of them very mature ones. Lord Vere wished
+Coningsby to visit his family in the north, and afterwards to go to
+Scotland together: Coningsby was more inclined to travel for a year.
+Amid this hesitation a circumstance occurred which decided him to adopt
+neither of these courses.
+
+It was Commencement, and coming out of the quadrangle of St. John’s,
+Coningsby came suddenly upon Sir Joseph and Lady Wallinger, who were
+visiting the marvels and rarities of the university. They were alone.
+Coningsby was a little embarrassed, for he could not forget the abrupt
+manner in which he had parted from them; but they greeted him with
+so much cordiality that he instantly recovered himself, and, turning,
+became their companion. He hardly ventured to ask after Edith: at
+length, in a depressed tone and a hesitating manner, he inquired whether
+they had lately seen Miss Millbank. He was himself surprised at the
+extreme light-heartedness which came over him the moment he heard she
+was in England, at Millbank, with her family. He always very much liked
+Lady Wallinger, but this morning he hung over her like a lover, lavished
+on her unceasing and the most delicate attentions, seemed to exist only
+in the idea of making the Wallingers enjoy and understand Cambridge;
+and no one else was to be their guide at any place or under any
+circumstances. He told them exactly what they were to see; how they were
+to see it; when they were to see it. He told them of things which nobody
+did see, but which they should. He insisted that Sir Joseph should dine
+with him in hall; Sir Joseph could not think of leaving Lady Wallinger;
+Lady Wallinger could not think of Sir Joseph missing an opportunity that
+might never offer again. Besides, they might both join her after dinner.
+Except to give her husband a dinner, Coningsby evidently intended never
+to leave her side.
+
+And the next morning, the occasion favourable, being alone with the
+lady, Sir Joseph bustling about a carriage, Coningsby said suddenly,
+with a countenance a little disturbed, and in a low voice, ‘I was
+pleased, I mean surprised, to hear that there was still a Miss Millbank;
+I thought by this time she might have borne another name?’
+
+Lady Wallinger looked at him with an expression of some perplexity, and
+then said, ‘Yes, Edith was much admired; but she need not be precipitate
+in marrying. Marriage is for a woman _the_ event. Edith is too precious
+to be carelessly bestowed.’
+
+‘But I understood,’ said Coningsby, ‘when I left Paris,’ and here, he
+became very confused, ‘that Miss Millbank was engaged, on the point of
+marriage.’
+
+‘With whom?’
+
+‘Our friend Sidonia.’
+
+‘I am sure that Edith would never marry Monsieur de Sidonia, nor
+Monsieur de Sidonia, Edith. ‘Tis a preposterous idea!’ said Lady
+Wallinger.
+
+‘But he very much admired her?’ said Coningsby with a searching eye.
+
+‘Possibly,’ said Lady Wallinger; ‘but he never even intimated his
+admiration.’
+
+‘But he was very attentive to Miss Millbank?’
+
+‘Not more than our intimate friendship authorised, and might expect.’
+
+‘You have known Sidonia a long time?’
+
+‘It was Monsieur de Sidonia’s father who introduced us to the care
+of Mr. Wallinger,’ said Lady Wallinger, ‘and therefore I have ever
+entertained for his son a sincere regard. Besides, I look upon him as
+a compatriot. Recently he has been even more than usually kind to us,
+especially to Edith. While we were at Paris he recovered for her a great
+number of jewels which had been left to her by her uncle in Spain;
+and, what she prized infinitely more, the whole of her mother’s
+correspondence which she maintained with this relative since her
+marriage. Nothing but the influence of Sidonia could have effected this.
+Therefore, of course, Edith is attached to him almost as much as I am.
+In short, he is our dearest friend; our counsellor in all our cares. But
+as for marrying him, the idea is ridiculous to those who know Monsieur
+Sidonia. No earthly consideration would ever induce him to impair that
+purity of race on which he prides himself. Besides, there are other
+obvious objections which would render an alliance between him and my
+niece utterly impossible: Edith is quite as devoted to her religion as
+Monsieur Sidonia can be to his race.’
+
+A ray of light flashed on the brain of Coningsby as Lady Wallinger said
+these words. The agitated interview, which never could be explained
+away, already appeared in quite a different point of view. He became
+pensive, remained silent, was relieved when Sir Joseph, whose return he
+had hitherto deprecated, reappeared. Coningsby learnt in the course of
+the day that the Wallingers were about to make, and immediately, a visit
+to Hellingsley; their first visit; indeed, this was the first year that
+Mr. Millbank had taken up his abode there. He did not much like the
+change of life, Sir Joseph told Coningsby, but Edith was delighted with
+Hellingsley, which Sir Joseph understood was a very distinguished place,
+with fine gardens, of which his niece was particularly fond.
+
+When Coningsby returned to his rooms, those rooms which he was soon
+about to quit for ever, in arranging some papers preparatory to his
+removal, his eye lighted on a too-long unanswered letter of Oswald
+Millbank. Coningsby had often projected a visit to Oxford, which he much
+desired to make, but hitherto it had been impossible for him to effect
+it, except in the absence of Millbank; and he had frequently postponed
+it that he might combine his first visit to that famous seat of learning
+with one to his old schoolfellow and friend. Now that was practicable.
+And immediately Coningsby wrote to apprise Millbank that he had
+taken his degree, was free, and prepared to pay him immediately the
+long-projected visit. Three years and more had elapsed since they had
+quitted Eton. How much had happened in the interval! What new ideas, new
+feelings, vast and novel knowledge! Though they had not met, they were
+nevertheless familiar with the progress and improvement of each other’s
+minds. Their suggestive correspondence was too valuable to both of them
+to have been otherwise than cherished. And now they were to meet on
+the eve of entering that world for which they had made so sedulous a
+preparation.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+There are few things in life more interesting than an unrestrained
+interchange of ideas with a congenial spirit, and there are few things
+more rare. How very seldom do you encounter in the world a man of great
+abilities, acquirements, experience, who will unmask his mind, unbutton
+his brains, and pour forth in careless and picturesque phrase all the
+results of his studies and observation; his knowledge of men, books, and
+nature. On the contrary, if a man has by any chance what he conceives
+an original idea, he hoards it as if it were old gold; and rather avoids
+the subject with which he is most conversant, from fear that you may
+appropriate his best thoughts. One of the principal causes of our
+renowned dulness in conversation is our extreme intellectual jealousy.
+It must be admitted that in this respect authors, but especially poets,
+bear the palm. They never think they are sufficiently appreciated, and
+live in tremor lest a brother should distinguish himself. Artists have
+the repute of being nearly as bad. And as for a small rising politician,
+a clever speech by a supposed rival or suspected candidate for office
+destroys his appetite and disturbs his slumbers.
+
+One of the chief delights and benefits of travel is, that one is
+perpetually meeting men of great abilities, of original mind, and rare
+acquirements, who will converse without reserve. In these discourses
+the intellect makes daring leaps and marvellous advances. The tone that
+colours our afterlife is often caught in these chance colloquies, and
+the bent given that shapes a career.
+
+And yet perhaps there is no occasion when the heart is more open, the
+brain more quick, the memory more rich and happy, or the tongue more
+prompt and eloquent, than when two school-day friends, knit by every
+sympathy of intelligence and affection, meet at the close of their
+college careers, after a long separation, hesitating, as it were, on
+the verge of active life, and compare together their conclusions of the
+interval; impart to each other all their thoughts and secret plans
+and projects; high fancies and noble aspirations; glorious visions of
+personal fame and national regeneration.
+
+Ah! why should such enthusiasm ever die! Life is too short to be
+little. Man is never so manly as when he feels deeply, acts boldly, and
+expresses himself with frankness and with fervour.
+
+Most assuredly there never was a congress of friendship wherein more was
+said and felt than in this meeting, so long projected, and yet perhaps
+on the whole so happily procrastinated, between Coningsby and Millbank.
+In a moment they seemed as if they had never parted. Their faithful
+correspondence indeed had maintained the chain of sentiment unbroken.
+But details are only for conversation. Each poured forth his mind
+without stint. Not an author that had influenced their taste or judgment
+but was canvassed and criticised; not a theory they had framed or a
+principle they had adopted that was not confessed. Often, with boyish
+glee still lingering with their earnest purpose, they shouted as they
+discovered that they had formed the same opinion or adopted the same
+conclusion. They talked all day and late into the night. They condensed
+into a week the poignant conclusions of three years of almost unbroken
+study. And one night, as they sat together in Millbank’s rooms at
+Oriel, their conversation having for some time taken a political colour,
+Millbank said,
+
+‘Now tell me, Coningsby, exactly what you conceive to be the state of
+parties in this country; for it seems to me that if we penetrate the
+surface, the classification must be more simple than their many names
+would intimate.’
+
+‘The principle of the exclusive constitution of England having been
+conceded by the Acts of 1827-8-32,’ said Coningsby, ‘a party has arisen
+in the State who demand that the principle of political liberalism
+shall consequently be carried to its extent; which it appears to them is
+impossible without getting rid of the fragments of the old constitution
+that remain. This is the destructive party; a party with distinct and
+intelligible principles. They seek a specific for the evils of our
+social system in the general suffrage of the population.
+
+‘They are resisted by another party, who, having given up exclusion,
+would only embrace as much liberalism as is necessary for the moment;
+who, without any embarrassing promulgation of principles, wish to keep
+things as they find them as long as they can, and then will manage them
+as they find them as well as they can; but as a party must have the
+semblance of principles, they take the names of the things that they
+have destroyed. Thus they are devoted to the prerogatives of the Crown,
+although in truth the Crown has been stripped of every one of its
+prerogatives; they affect a great veneration for the constitution in
+Church and State, though every one knows that the constitution in Church
+and State no longer exists; they are ready to stand or fall with the
+“independence of the Upper House of Parliament”, though, in practice,
+they are perfectly aware that, with their sanction, “the Upper House”
+ has abdicated its initiatory functions, and now serves only as a court
+of review of the legislation of the House of Commons. Whenever public
+opinion, which this party never attempts to form, to educate, or to
+lead, falls into some violent perplexity, passion, or caprice, this
+party yields without a struggle to the impulse, and, when the storm has
+passed, attempts to obstruct and obviate the logical and, ultimately,
+the inevitable results of the very measures they have themselves
+originated, or to which they have consented. This is the Conservative
+party.
+
+‘I care not whether men are called Whigs or Tories, Radicals or
+Chartists, or by what nickname a bustling and thoughtless race may
+designate themselves; but these two divisions comprehend at present the
+English nation.
+
+‘With regard to the first school, I for one have no faith in the
+remedial qualities of a government carried on by a neglected democracy,
+who, for three centuries, have received no education. What prospect does
+it offer us of those high principles of conduct with which we have
+fed our imaginations and strengthened our will? I perceive none of the
+elements of government that should secure the happiness of a people and
+the greatness of a realm.
+
+‘But in my opinion, if Democracy be combated only by Conservatism,
+Democracy must triumph, and at no distant date. This, then, is our
+position. The man who enters public life at this epoch has to choose
+between Political Infidelity and a Destructive Creed.’
+
+‘This, then,’ said Millbank, ‘is the dilemma to which we are brought
+by nearly two centuries of Parliamentary Monarchy and Parliamentary
+Church.’
+
+‘’Tis true,’ said Coningsby. ‘We cannot conceal it from ourselves,
+that the first has made Government detested, and the second Religion
+disbelieved.’
+
+‘Many men in this country,’ said Millbank, ‘and especially in the class
+to which I belong, are reconciled to the contemplation of democracy;
+because they have accustomed themselves to believe, that it is the
+only power by which we can sweep away those sectional privileges and
+interests that impede the intelligence and industry of the community.’
+
+‘And yet,’ said Coningsby, ‘the only way to terminate what, in the
+language of the present day, is called Class Legislation, is not to
+entrust power to classes. You would find a Locofoco majority as much
+addicted to Class Legislation as a factitious aristocracy. The only
+power that has no class sympathy is the Sovereign.’
+
+‘But suppose the case of an arbitrary Sovereign, what would be your
+check against him?’
+
+‘The same as against an arbitrary Parliament.’
+
+‘But a Parliament is responsible.’
+
+‘To whom?’
+
+‘To their constituent body.’
+
+‘Suppose it was to vote itself perpetual?’
+
+‘But public opinion would prevent that.’
+
+‘And is public opinion of less influence on an individual than on a
+body?’
+
+‘But public opinion may be indifferent. A nation may be misled, may be
+corrupt.’
+
+‘If the nation that elects the Parliament be corrupt, the elected body
+will resemble it. The nation that is corrupt deserves to fall. But this
+only shows that there is something to be considered beyond forms of
+government, national character. And herein mainly should we repose our
+hopes. If a nation be led to aim at the good and the great, depend upon
+it, whatever be its form, the government will respond to its convictions
+and its sentiments.’
+
+‘Do you then declare against Parliamentary government.’
+
+‘Far from it: I look upon political change as the greatest of evils,
+for it comprehends all. But if we have no faith in the permanence of
+the existing settlement, if the very individuals who established it are,
+year after year, proposing their modifications or their reconstructions;
+so also, while we uphold what exists, ought we to prepare ourselves for
+the change we deem impending?
+
+‘Now I would not that either ourselves, or our fellow-citizens, should
+be taken unawares as in 1832, when the very men who opposed the Reform
+Bill offered contrary objections to it which destroyed each other, so
+ignorant were they of its real character, its historical causes, its
+political consequences. We should now so act that, when the occasions
+arrives, we should clearly comprehend what we want, and have formed an
+opinion as to the best means by which that want can be supplied.
+
+‘For this purpose I would accustom the public mind to the contemplation
+of an existing though torpid power in the constitution, capable
+of removing our social grievances, were we to transfer to it those
+prerogatives which the Parliament has gradually usurped, and used in
+a manner which has produced the present material and moral
+disorganisation. The House of Commons is the house of a few; the
+Sovereign is the sovereign of all. The proper leader of the people is
+the individual who sits upon the throne.’
+
+‘Then you abjure the Representative principle?’
+
+‘Why so? Representation is not necessarily, or even in a principal
+sense, Parliamentary. Parliament is not sitting at this moment, and yet
+the nation is represented in its highest as well as in its most minute
+interests. Not a grievance escapes notice and redress. I see in the
+newspaper this morning that a pedagogue has brutally chastised his
+pupil. It is a fact known over all England. We must not forget that a
+principle of government is reserved for our days that we shall not find
+in our Aristotles, or even in the forests of Tacitus, nor in our Saxon
+Wittenagemotes, nor in our Plantagenet parliaments. Opinion is now
+supreme, and Opinion speaks in print. The representation of the Press is
+far more complete than the representation of Parliament. Parliamentary
+representation was the happy device of a ruder age, to which it was
+admirably adapted: an age of semi-civilisation, when there was a leading
+class in the community; but it exhibits many symptoms of desuetude.
+It is controlled by a system of representation more vigorous and
+comprehensive; which absorbs its duties and fulfils them more
+efficiently, and in which discussion is pursued on fairer terms, and
+often with more depth and information.’
+
+‘And to what power would you entrust the function of Taxation?’
+
+‘To some power that would employ it more discreetly than in creating
+our present amount of debt, and in establishing our present system of
+imposts.
+
+‘In a word, true wisdom lies in the policy that would effect its ends
+by the influence of opinion, and yet by the means of existing forms.
+Nevertheless, if we are forced to revolutions, let us propose to our
+consideration the idea of a free monarchy, established on fundamental
+laws, itself the apex of a vast pile of municipal and local government,
+ruling an educated people, represented by a free and intellectual press.
+Before such a royal authority, supported by such a national opinion, the
+sectional anomalies of our country would disappear. Under such a system,
+where qualification would not be parliamentary, but personal, even
+statesmen would be educated; we should have no more diplomatists who
+could not speak French, no more bishops ignorant of theology, no more
+generals-in-chief who never saw a field.
+
+‘Now there is a polity adapted to our laws, our institutions, our
+feelings, our manners, our traditions; a polity capable of great ends
+and appealing to high sentiments; a polity which, in my opinion, would
+render government an object of national affection, which would terminate
+sectional anomalies, assuage religious heats, and extinguish Chartism.’
+
+‘You said to me yesterday,’ said Millbank after a pause, ‘quoting the
+words of another, which you adopted, that Man was made to adore and to
+obey. Now you have shown to me the means by which you deem it possible
+that government might become no longer odious to the subject; you have
+shown how man may be induced to obey. But there are duties and interests
+for man beyond political obedience, and social comfort, and national
+greatness, higher interests and greater duties. How would you deal
+with their spiritual necessities? You think you can combat political
+infidelity in a nation by the principle of enlightened loyalty; how
+would you encounter religious infidelity in a state? By what means is
+the principle of profound reverence to be revived? How, in short, is man
+to be led to adore?’
+
+‘Ah! that is a subject which I have not forgotten,’ replied Coningsby.
+‘I know from your letters how deeply it has engaged your thoughts.
+I confess to you that it has often filled mine with perplexity and
+depression. When we were at Eton, and both of us impregnated with the
+contrary prejudices in which we had been brought up, there was still
+between us one common ground of sympathy and trust; we reposed with
+confidence and affection in the bosom of our Church. Time and thought,
+with both of us, have only matured the spontaneous veneration of our
+boyhood. But time and thought have also shown me that the Church of our
+heart is not in a position, as regards the community, consonant with its
+original and essential character, or with the welfare of the nation.’
+
+‘The character of a Church is universality,’ replied Millbank. ‘Once
+the Church in this country was universal in principle and practice; when
+wedded to the State, it continued at least universal in principle, if
+not in practice. What is it now? All ties between the State and
+the Church are abolished, except those which tend to its danger and
+degradation.
+
+‘What can be more anomalous than the present connection between State
+and Church? Every condition on which it was originally consented to
+has been cancelled. That original alliance was, in my view, an equal
+calamity for the nation and the Church; but, at least, it was an
+intelligible compact. Parliament, then consisting only of members of
+the Established Church, was, on ecclesiastical matters, a lay synod, and
+might, in some points of view, be esteemed a necessary portion of Church
+government. But you have effaced this exclusive character of Parliament;
+you have determined that a communion with the Established Church shall
+no longer be part of the qualification for sitting in the House of
+Commons. There is no reason, so far as the constitution avails, why
+every member of the House of Commons should not be a dissenter. But the
+whole power of the country is concentrated in the House of Commons.
+The House of Lords, even the Monarch himself, has openly announced and
+confessed, within these ten years, that the will of the House of Commons
+is supreme. A single vote of the House of Commons, in 1832, made the
+Duke of Wellington declare, in the House of Lords, that he was obliged
+to abandon his sovereign in “the most difficult and distressing
+circumstances.” The House of Commons is absolute. It is the State.
+“L’Etat c’est moi.” The House of Commons virtually appoints the bishops.
+A sectarian assembly appoints the bishops of the Established Church.
+They may appoint twenty Hoadleys. James II was expelled the throne
+because he appointed a Roman Catholic to an Anglican see. A Parliament
+might do this to-morrow with impunity. And this is the constitution in
+Church and State which Conservative dinners toast! The only consequences
+of the present union of Church and State are, that, on the side of the
+State, there is perpetual interference in ecclesiastical government, and
+on the side of the Church a sedulous avoidance of all those principles
+on which alone Church government can be established, and by the
+influence of which alone can the Church of England again become
+universal.’
+
+‘But it is urged that the State protects its revenues?’
+
+‘No ecclesiastical revenues should be safe that require protection.
+Modern history is a history of Church spoliation. And by whom? Not by
+the people; not by the democracy. No; it is the emperor, the king, the
+feudal baron, the court minion. The estate of the Church is the estate
+of the people, so long as the Church is governed on its real principles.
+The Church is the medium by which the despised and degraded classes
+assert the native equality of man, and vindicate the rights and power
+of intellect. It made, in the darkest hour of Norman rule, the son of
+a Saxon pedlar Primate of England, and placed Nicholas Breakspear, a
+Hertfordshire peasant, on the throne of the Caesars. It would do as
+great things now, if it were divorced from the degrading and tyrannical
+connection that enchains it. You would have other sons of peasants
+Bishops of England, instead of men appointed to that sacred office
+solely because they were the needy scions of a factitious aristocracy;
+men of gross ignorance, profligate habits, and grinding extortion, who
+have disgraced the episcopal throne, and profaned the altar.’
+
+‘But surely you cannot justly extend such a description to the present
+bench?’
+
+‘Surely not: I speak of the past, of the past that has produced so much
+present evil. We live in decent times; frigid, latitudinarian, alarmed,
+decorous. A priest is scarcely deemed in our days a fit successor to the
+authors of the gospels, if he be not the editor of a Greek play; and he
+who follows St. Paul must now at least have been private tutor of
+some young nobleman who has taken a good degree! And then you are
+all astonished that the Church is not universal! Why! nothing but the
+indestructibleness of its principles, however feebly pursued, could have
+maintained even the disorganised body that still survives.
+
+‘And yet, my dear Coningsby, with all its past errors and all its
+present deficiencies, it is by the Church; I would have said until I
+listened to you to-night; by the Church alone that I see any chance of
+regenerating the national character. The parochial system, though
+shaken by the fatal poor-law, is still the most ancient, the most
+comprehensive, and the most popular institution of the country; the
+younger priests are, in general, men whose souls are awake to the high
+mission which they have to fulfil, and which their predecessors so
+neglected; there is, I think, a rising feeling in the community, that
+parliamentary intercourse in matters ecclesiastical has not tended
+either to the spiritual or the material elevation of the humbler
+orders. Divorce the Church from the State, and the spiritual power that
+struggled against the brute force of the dark ages, against tyrannical
+monarchs and barbarous barons, will struggle again in opposition to
+influences of a different form, but of a similar tendency; equally
+selfish, equally insensible, equally barbarising. The priests of God are
+the tribunes of the people. O, ignorant! that with such a mission they
+should ever have cringed in the antechambers of ministers, or bowed
+before parliamentary committees!’
+
+‘The Utilitarian system is dead,’ said Coningsby. ‘It has passed through
+the heaven of philosophy like a hailstorm, cold, noisy, sharp, and
+peppering, and it has melted away. And yet can we wonder that it found
+some success, when we consider the political ignorance and social torpor
+which it assailed? Anointed kings turned into chief magistrates, and
+therefore much overpaid; estates of the realm changed into parliaments
+of virtual representation, and therefore requiring real reform; holy
+Church transformed into national establishment, and therefore grumbled
+at by all the nation for whom it was not supported. What an inevitable
+harvest of sedition, radicalism, infidelity! I really think there is no
+society, however great its resources, that could long resist the united
+influences of chief magistrate, virtual representation, and Church
+establishment!’
+
+‘I have immense faith in the new generation,’ said Millbank, eagerly.
+
+‘It is a holy thing to see a state saved by its youth,’ said Coningsby;
+and then he added, in a tone of humility, if not of depression,
+‘But what a task! What a variety of qualities, what a combination
+of circumstances is requisite! What bright abilities and what noble
+patience! What confidence from the people, what favour from the Most
+High!’
+
+‘But He will favour us,’ said Millbank. ‘And I say to you as Nathan said
+unto David, “Thou art the man!” You were our leader at Eton; the friends
+of your heart and boyhood still cling and cluster round you! they are
+all men whose position forces them into public life. It is a nucleus of
+honour, faith, and power. You have only to dare. And will you not dare?
+It is our privilege to live in an age when the career of the highest
+ambition is identified with the performance of the greatest good. Of the
+present epoch it may be truly said, “Who dares to be good, dares to be
+great.”’
+
+‘Heaven is above all,’ said Coningsby. ‘The curtain of our fate is
+still undrawn. We are happy in our friends, dear Millbank, and whatever
+lights, we will stand together. For myself, I prefer fame to life;
+and yet, the consciousness of heroic deeds to the most wide-spread
+celebrity.’
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+The beautiful light of summer had never shone on a scene and surrounding
+landscape which recalled happier images of English nature, and better
+recollections of English manners, than that to which we would now
+introduce our readers. One of those true old English Halls, now
+unhappily so rare, built in the time of the Tudors, and in its elaborate
+timber-framing and decorative woodwork indicating, perhaps, the scarcity
+of brick and stone at the period of its structure, as much as the
+grotesque genius of its fabricator, rose on a terrace surrounded
+by ancient and very formal gardens. The hall itself, during many
+generations, had been vigilantly and tastefully preserved by its
+proprietors. There was not a point which was not as fresh as if it had
+been renovated but yesterday. It stood a huge and strange blending
+of Grecian, Gothic, and Italian architecture, with a wild dash of the
+fantastic in addition. The lantern watch-towers of a baronial castle
+were placed in juxtaposition with Doric columns employed for chimneys,
+while under oriel windows might be observed Italian doorways with
+Grecian pediments. Beyond the extensive gardens an avenue of Spanish
+chestnuts at each point of the compass approached the mansion, or led
+into a small park which was table-land, its limits opening on all sides
+to beautiful and extensive valleys, sparkling with cultivation, except
+at one point, where the river Darl formed the boundary of the domain,
+and then spread in many a winding through the rich country beyond.
+
+Such was Hellingsley, the new home that Oswald Millbank was about to
+visit for the first time. Coningsby and himself had travelled together
+as far as Darlford, where their roads diverged, and they had separated
+with an engagement on the part of Coningsby to visit Hellingsley on the
+morrow. As they had travelled along, Coningsby had frequently led the
+conversation to domestic topics; gradually he had talked, and
+talked much of Edith. Without an obtrusive curiosity, he extracted,
+unconsciously to his companion, traits of her character and early days,
+which filled him with a wild and secret interest. The thought that in a
+few hours he was to meet her again, infused into his being a degree of
+transport, which the very necessity of repressing before his companion
+rendered more magical and thrilling. How often it happens in life that
+we have with a grave face to discourse of ordinary topics, while all the
+time our heart and memory are engrossed with some enchanting secret!
+
+The castle of his grandfather presented a far different scene on the
+arrival of Coningsby from that which it had offered on his first visit.
+The Marquess had given him a formal permission to repair to it at
+his pleasure, and had instructed the steward accordingly. But he came
+without notice, at a season of the year when the absence of all sports
+made his arrival unexpected. The scattered and sauntering household
+roused themselves into action, and contemplated the conviction that it
+might be necessary to do some service for their wages. There was a stir
+in that vast, sleepy castle. At last the steward was found, and came
+forward to welcome their young master, whose simple wants were limited
+to the rooms he had formerly occupied.
+
+Coningsby reached the castle a little before sunset, almost the same
+hour that he had arrived there more than three years ago. How much had
+happened in the interval! Coningsby had already lived long enough to
+find interest in pondering over the past. That past too must inevitably
+exercise a great influence over his present. He recalled his morning
+drive with his grandfather, to the brink of that river which was
+the boundary between his own domain and Hellingsley. Who dwelt at
+Hellingsley now?
+
+Restless, excited, not insensible to the difficulties, perhaps the
+dangers of his position, yet full of an entrancing emotion in which all
+thoughts and feelings seemed to merge, Coningsby went forth into the
+fair gardens to muse over his love amid objects as beautiful. A rosy
+light hung over the rare shrubs and tall fantastic trees; while a rich
+yet darker tint suffused the distant woods. This euthanasia of the day
+exercises a strange influence on the hearts of those who love. Who has
+not felt it? Magical emotions that touch the immortal part!
+
+But as for Coningsby, the mitigating hour that softens the heart made
+his spirit brave. Amid the ennobling sympathies of nature, the pursuits
+and purposes of worldly prudence and conventional advantage subsided
+into their essential nothingness. He willed to blend his life and fate
+with a being beautiful as that nature that subdued him, and he felt in
+his own breast the intrinsic energies that in spite of all obstacles
+should mould such an imagination into reality.
+
+He descended the slopes, now growing dimmer in the fleeting light, into
+the park. The stillness was almost supernatural; the jocund sounds of
+day had died, and the voices of the night had not commenced. His heart
+too was still. A sacred calm had succeeded to that distraction of
+emotion which had agitated him the whole day, while he had mused over
+his love and the infinite and insurmountable barriers that seemed to
+oppose his will. Now he felt one of those strong groundless convictions
+that are the inspirations of passion, that all would yield to him as to
+one holding an enchanted wand.
+
+Onward he strolled; it seemed without purpose, yet always proceeding. A
+pale and then gleaming tint stole over the masses of mighty timber; and
+soon a glittering light flooded the lawns and glades. The moon was high
+in her summer heaven, and still Coningsby strolled on. He crossed the
+broad lawns, he traversed the bright glades: amid the gleaming and
+shadowy woods, he traced his prescient way.
+
+He came to the bank of a rushing river, foaming in the moonlight, and
+wafting on its blue breast the shadow of a thousand stars.
+
+‘O river!’ he said, ‘that rollest to my mistress, bear her, bear her my
+heart!’
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+Lady Wallinger and Edith were together in the morning room of
+Hellingsley, the morrow after the arrival of Oswald. Edith was arranging
+flowers in a vase, while her aunt was embroidering a Spanish peasant in
+correct costume. The daughter of Millbank looked as bright and fragrant
+as the fair creations that surrounded her. Beautiful to watch her as she
+arranged their forms and composed their groups; to mark her eye glance
+with gratification at some happy combination of colour, or to listen to
+her delight as they wafted to her in gratitude their perfume. Oswald and
+Sir Joseph were surveying the stables; Mr. Millbank, who had been daily
+expected for the last week from the factories, had not yet arrived.
+
+‘I must say he gained my heart from the first,’ said Lady Wallinger.
+
+‘I wish the gardener would send us more roses,’ said Edith.
+
+‘He is so very superior to any young man I ever met,’ continued Lady
+Wallinger.
+
+‘I think we must have this vase entirely of roses; don’t you think so,
+aunt?’ inquired her niece.
+
+‘I am fond of roses,’ said Lady Wallinger. ‘What beautiful bouquets Mr.
+Coningsby gave us at Paris, Edith!’
+
+‘Beautiful!’
+
+‘I must say, I was very happy when I met Mr. Coningsby again at
+Cambridge,’ said Lady Wallinger. ‘It gave me much greater pleasure than
+seeing any of the colleges.’
+
+‘How delighted Oswald seems at having Mr. Coningsby for a companion
+again!’ said Edith.
+
+‘And very naturally,’ said Lady Wallinger. ‘Oswald ought to deem
+himself fortunate in having such a friend. I am sure the kindness of Mr.
+Coningsby when we met him at Cambridge is what I never shall forget. But
+he always was my favourite from the first time I saw him at Paris. Do
+you know, Edith, I liked him best of all your admirers.’
+
+‘Oh! no, aunt,’ said Edith, smiling, ‘not more than Lord Beaumanoir; you
+forget your great favourite, Lord Beaumanoir.’
+
+‘But I did not know Mr. Coningsby at Rome,’ said Lady Wallinger; ‘I
+cannot agree that anybody is equal to Mr. Coningsby. I cannot tell you
+how pleased I am that he is our neighbour!’
+
+As Lady Wallinger gave a finishing stroke to the jacket of her
+Andalusian, Edith, vividly blushing, yet speaking in a voice of affected
+calmness, said,
+
+‘Here is Mr. Coningsby, aunt.’
+
+And, truly, at this moment our hero might be discerned, approaching the
+hall by one of the avenues; and in a few minutes there was a ringing at
+the hall bell, and then, after a short pause, the servants announced Mr.
+Coningsby, and ushered him into the morning room.
+
+Edith was embarrassed; the frankness and the gaiety of her manner had
+deserted her; Coningsby was rather earnest than self-possessed. Each
+felt at first that the presence of Lady Wallinger was a relief. The
+ordinary topics of conversation were in sufficient plenty; reminiscences
+of Paris, impressions of Hellingsley, his visit to Oxford, Lady
+Wallinger’s visit to Cambridge. In ten minutes their voices seemed to
+sound to each other as they did in the Rue de Rivoli, and their mutual
+perplexity had in a great degree subsided.
+
+Oswald and Sir Joseph now entered the room, and the conversation became
+general. Hellingsley was the subject on which Coningsby dwelt; he was
+charmed with all that he had seen! wished to see more. Sir Joseph was
+quite prepared to accompany him; but Lady Wallinger, who seemed to read
+Coningsby’s wishes in his eyes, proposed that the inspection should be
+general; and in the course of half an hour Coningsby was walking by the
+side of Edith, and sympathising with all the natural charms to which her
+quick taste and lively expression called his notice and appreciation.
+Few things more delightful than a country ramble with a sweet companion!
+Exploring woods, wandering over green commons, loitering in shady lanes,
+resting on rural stiles; the air full of perfume, the heart full of
+bliss!
+
+It seemed to Coningsby that he had never been happy before. A thrilling
+joy pervaded his being. He could have sung like a bird. His heart was as
+sunny as the summer scene. Past and Future were absorbed in the flowing
+hour; not an allusion to Paris, not a speculation on what might arrive;
+but infinite expressions of agreement, sympathy; a multitude of slight
+phrases, that, however couched, had but one meaning, congeniality. He
+felt each moment his voice becoming more tender; his heart gushing
+in soft expressions; each moment he was more fascinated; her step was
+grace, her glance was beauty. Now she touched him by some phrase of
+sweet simplicity; or carried him spell-bound by her airy merriment.
+
+Oswald assumed that Coningsby remained to dine with them. There was not
+even the ceremony of invitation. Coningsby could not but remember his
+dinner at Millbank, and the timid hostess whom he then addressed so
+often in vain, as he gazed upon the bewitching and accomplished woman
+whom he now passionately loved. It was a most agreeable dinner. Oswald,
+happy in his friend being his guest, under his own roof, indulged in
+unwonted gaiety.
+
+The ladies withdrew; Sir Joseph began to talk politics, although the
+young men had threatened their fair companions immediately to follow
+them. This was the period of the Bed-Chamber Plot, when Sir Robert Peel
+accepted and resigned power in the course of three days. Sir Joseph,
+who had originally made up his mind to support a Conservative government
+when he deemed it inevitable, had for the last month endeavoured to
+compensate for this trifling error by vindicating the conduct of his
+friends, and reprobating the behaviour of those who would deprive her
+Majesty of the ‘friends-of-her-youth.’ Sir Joseph was a most chivalrous
+champion of the ‘friends-of-her-youth’ principle. Sir Joseph, who was
+always moderate and conciliatory in his talk, though he would go, at any
+time, any lengths for his party, expressed himself to-day with
+extreme sobriety, as he was determined not to hurt the feelings of
+Mr. Coningsby, and he principally confined himself to urging temperate
+questions, somewhat in the following fashion:--
+
+‘I admit that, on the whole, under ordinary circumstances, it would
+perhaps have been more convenient that these appointments should have
+remained with Sir Robert; but don’t you think that, under the peculiar
+circumstances, being friends of her Majesty’s youth?’ &c. &c.
+
+Sir Joseph was extremely astonished when Coningsby replied that he
+thought, under no circumstances, should any appointment in the Royal
+Household be dependent on the voice of the House of Commons, though he
+was far from admiring the ‘friends-of-her-youth’ principle, which he
+looked upon as impertinent.
+
+‘But surely,’ said Sir Joseph, ‘the Minister being responsible to
+Parliament, it must follow that all great offices of State should be
+filled at his discretion.’
+
+‘But where do you find this principle of Ministerial responsibility?’
+inquired Coningsby.
+
+‘And is not a Minister responsible to his Sovereign?’ inquired Millbank.
+
+Sir Joseph seemed a little confused. He had always heard that Ministers
+were responsible to Parliament; and he had a vague conviction,
+notwithstanding the reanimating loyalty of the Bed-Chamber Plot, that
+the Sovereign of England was a nonentity. He took refuge in indefinite
+expressions, and observed, ‘The Responsibility of Ministers is surely a
+constitutional doctrine.’
+
+‘The Ministers of the Crown are responsible to their master; they are
+not the Ministers of Parliament.’
+
+‘But then you know virtually,’ said Sir Joseph, ‘the Parliament, that
+is, the House of Commons, governs the country.’
+
+‘It did before 1832,’ said Coningsby; ‘but that is all past now. We got
+rid of that with the Venetian Constitution.’
+
+‘The Venetian Constitution!’ said Sir Joseph.
+
+‘To be sure,’ said Millbank. ‘We were governed in this country by the
+Venetian Constitution from the accession of the House of Hanover. But
+that yoke is past. And now I hope we are in a state of transition from
+the Italian Dogeship to the English Monarchy.’
+
+‘King, Lords, and Commons, the Venetian Constitution!’ exclaimed Sir
+Joseph.
+
+‘But they were phrases,’ said Coningsby, ‘not facts. The King was a
+Doge; the Cabinet the Council of Ten. Your Parliament, that you call
+Lords and Commons, was nothing more than the Great Council of Nobles.’
+
+‘The resemblance was complete,’ said Millbank, ‘and no wonder, for it
+was not accidental; the Venetian Constitution was intentionally copied.’
+
+‘We should have had the Venetian Republic in 1640,’ said Coningsby, ‘had
+it not been for the Puritans. Geneva beat Venice.’
+
+‘I am sure these ideas are not very generally known,’ said Sir Joseph,
+bewildered.
+
+‘Because you have had your history written by the Venetian party,’ said
+Coningsby, ‘and it has been their interest to conceal them.’
+
+‘I will venture to say that there are very few men on our side in the
+House of Commons,’ said Sir Joseph, ‘who are aware that they were born
+under a Venetian Constitution.’
+
+‘Let us go to the ladies,’ said Millbank, smiling.
+
+Edith was reading a letter as they entered.
+
+‘A letter from papa,’ she exclaimed, looking up at her brother with
+great animation. ‘We may expect him every day; and yet, alas! he cannot
+fix one.’
+
+They now all spoke of Millbank, and Coningsby was happy that he was
+familiar with the scene. At length he ventured to say to Edith, ‘You
+once made me a promise which you never fulfilled. I shall claim it
+to-night.’
+
+‘And what can that be?’
+
+‘The song that you promised me at Millbank more than three years ago.’
+
+‘Your memory is good.’
+
+‘It has dwelt upon the subject.’
+
+Then they spoke for a while of other recollections, and then Coningsby
+appealing to Lady Wallinger for her influence, Edith rose and took up
+her guitar. Her voice was rich and sweet; the air she sang gay, even
+fantastically frolic, such as the girls of Granada chaunt trooping home
+from some country festival; her soft, dark eye brightened with joyous
+sympathy; and ever and anon, with an arch grace, she beat the guitar, in
+chorus, with her pretty hand.
+
+The moon wanes; and Coningsby must leave these enchanted halls. Oswald
+walked homeward with him until he reached the domain of his grandfather.
+Then mounting his horse, Coningsby bade his friend farewell till the
+morrow, and made his best way to the Castle.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+
+There is a romance in every life. The emblazoned page of Coningsby’s
+existence was now open. It had been prosperous before, with some moments
+of excitement, some of delight; but they had all found, as it were,
+their origin in worldly considerations, or been inevitably mixed up with
+them. At Paris, for example, he loved, or thought he loved. But there
+not an hour could elapse without his meeting some person, or hearing
+something, which disturbed the beauty of his emotions, or broke his
+spell-bound thoughts. There was his grandfather hating the Millbanks,
+or Sidonia loving them; and common people, in the common world, making
+common observations on them; asking who they were, or telling who they
+were; and brushing the bloom off all life’s fresh delicious fancies with
+their coarse handling.
+
+But now his feelings were ethereal. He loved passionately, and he loved
+in a scene and in a society as sweet, as pure, and as refined as his
+imagination and his heart. There was no malicious gossip, no callous
+chatter to profane his ear and desecrate his sentiment. All that he
+heard or saw was worthy of the summer sky, the still green woods, the
+gushing river, the gardens and terraces, the stately and fantastic
+dwellings, among which his life now glided as in some dainty and
+gorgeous masque.
+
+All the soft, social, domestic sympathies of his nature, which, however
+abundant, had never been cultivated, were developed by the life he was
+now leading. It was not merely that he lived in the constant presence,
+and under the constant influence of one whom he adored, that made him so
+happy. He was surrounded by beings who found felicity in the interchange
+of kind feelings and kind words, in the cultivation of happy talents and
+refined tastes, and the enjoyment of a life which their own good sense
+and their own good hearts made them both comprehend and appreciate.
+Ambition lost much of its splendour, even his lofty aspirations
+something of their hallowing impulse of paramount duty, when Coningsby
+felt how much ennobling delight was consistent with the seclusion of a
+private station; and mused over an existence to be passed amid woods and
+waterfalls with a fair hand locked in his, or surrounded by his friends
+in some ancestral hall.
+
+The morning after his first visit to Hellingsley Coningsby rejoined his
+friends, as he had promised Oswald at their breakfast-table; and day
+after day he came with the early sun, and left them only when the late
+moon silvered the keep of Coningsby Castle. Mr. Millbank, who wrote
+daily, and was daily to be expected, did not arrive. A week, a week
+of unbroken bliss, had vanished away, passed in long rides and longer
+walks, sunset saunterings, and sometimes moonlit strolls; talking of
+flowers, and thinking of things even sweeter; listening to delicious
+songs, and sometimes reading aloud some bright romance or some inspiring
+lay.
+
+One day Coningsby, who arrived at the hall unexpectedly late; indeed it
+was some hours past noon, for he had been detained by despatches
+which arrived at the Castle from Mr. Rigby, and which required his
+interposition; found the ladies alone, and was told that Sir Joseph and
+Oswald were at the fishing-cottage where they wished him to join them.
+He was in no haste to do this; and Lady Wallinger proposed that
+when they felt inclined to ramble they should all walk down to the
+fishing-cottage together. So, seating himself by the side of Edith, who
+was tinting a sketch which she had made of a rich oriel of Hellingsley,
+the morning passed away in that slight and yet subtle talk in which a
+lover delights, and in which, while asking a thousand questions, that
+seem at the first glance sufficiently trifling, he is indeed often
+conveying a meaning that is not expressed, or attempting to discover a
+feeling that is hidden. And these are occasions when glances meet
+and glances are withdrawn: the tongue may speak idly, the eye is more
+eloquent, and often more true.
+
+Coningsby looked up; Lady Wallinger, who had more than once announced
+that she was going to put on her bonnet, was gone. Yet still he
+continued to talk trifles; and still Edith listened.
+
+‘Of all that you have told me,’ said Edith, ‘nothing pleases me so much
+as your description of St. Geneviève. How much I should like to catch
+the deer at sunset on the heights! What a pretty drawing it would make!’
+
+‘You would like Eustace Lyle,’ said Coningsby. ‘He is so shy and yet so
+ardent.’
+
+‘You have such a band of friends! Oswald was saying this morning there
+was no one who had so many devoted friends.’
+
+‘We are all united by sympathy. It is the only bond of friendship; and
+yet friendship--’
+
+‘Edith,’ said Lady Wallinger, looking into the room from the garden,
+with her bonnet on, ‘you will find me roaming on the terrace.’
+
+‘We come, dear aunt.’
+
+And yet they did not move. There were yet a few pencil touches to be
+given to the tinted sketch; Coningsby would cut the pencils.
+
+‘Would you give me,’ he said, ‘some slight memorial of Hellingsley and
+your art? I would not venture to hope for anything half so beautiful as
+this; but the slightest sketch. It would make me so happy when away to
+have it hanging in my room.’
+
+A blush suffused the cheek of Edith; she turned her head a little aside,
+as if she were arranging some drawings. And then she said, in a somewhat
+hushed and hesitating voice,
+
+‘I am sure I will do so; and with pleasure. A view of the Hall itself;
+I think that would be the best memorial. Where shall we take it from?
+We will decide in our walk?’ and she rose, and promised immediately to
+return, left the room.
+
+Coningsby leant over the mantel-piece in deep abstraction, gazing
+vacantly on a miniature of the father of Edith. A light step roused
+him; she had returned. Unconsciously he greeted her with a glance of
+ineffable tenderness.
+
+They went forth; it was a grey, sultry day. Indeed it was the covered
+sky which had led to the fishing scheme of the morning. Sir Joseph was
+an expert and accomplished angler, and the Darl was renowned for its
+sport. They lingered before they reached the terrace where they were to
+find Lady Wallinger, observing the different points of view which
+the Hall presented, and debating which was to form the subject of
+Coningsby’s drawing; for already it was to be not merely a sketch, but a
+drawing, the most finished that the bright and effective pencil of Edith
+could achieve. If it really were to be placed in his room, and were
+to be a memorial of Hellingsley, her artistic reputation demanded a
+masterpiece.
+
+They reached the terrace: Lady Wallinger was not there, nor could they
+observe her in the vicinity. Coningsby was quite certain that she had
+gone onward to the fishing-cottage, and expected them to follow her;
+and he convinced Edith of the justness of his opinion. To the
+fishing-cottage, therefore, they bent their steps. They emerged from the
+gardens into the park, sauntering over the table-land, and seeking as
+much as possible the shade, in the soft but oppressive atmosphere. At
+the limit of the table-land their course lay by a wild but winding path
+through a gradual and wooded declivity. While they were yet in this
+craggy and romantic woodland, the big fervent drops began to fall.
+Coningsby urged Edith to seek at once a natural shelter; but she, who
+knew the country, assured him that the fishing-cottage was close by, and
+that they might reach it before the rain could do them any harm.
+
+And truly, at this moment emerging from the wood, they found themselves
+in the valley of the Darl. The river here was narrow and winding, but
+full of life; rushing, and clear but for the dark sky it reflected; with
+high banks of turf and tall trees; the silver birch, above all others,
+in clustering groups; infinitely picturesque. At the turn of the river,
+about two hundred yards distant, Coningsby observed the low, dark roof
+of the fishing-cottage on its banks. They descended from the woods to
+the margin of the stream by a flight of turfen steps, Coningsby holding
+Edith’s hand as he guided her progress.
+
+The drops became thicker. They reached, at a rapid pace, the cottage.
+The absent boat indicated that Sir Joseph and Oswald were on the river.
+The cottage was an old building of rustic logs, with a shelving roof,
+so that you might obtain sufficient shelter without entering its walls.
+Coningsby found a rough garden seat for Edith. The shower was now
+violent.
+
+Nature, like man, sometimes weeps from gladness. It is the joy and
+tenderness of her heart that seek relief; and these are summer showers.
+In this instance the vehemence of her emotion was transient, though the
+tears kept stealing down her cheek for a long time, and gentle sighs and
+sobs might for some period be distinguished. The oppressive atmosphere
+had evaporated; the grey, sullen tint had disappeared; a soft breeze
+came dancing up the stream; a glowing light fell upon the woods and
+waters; the perfume of trees and flowers and herbs floated around. There
+was a carolling of birds; a hum of happy insects in the air; freshness
+and stir, and a sense of joyous life, pervaded all things; it seemed
+that the heart of all creation opened.
+
+Coningsby, after repeatedly watching the shower with Edith, and
+speculating on its progress, which did not much annoy them, had seated
+himself on a log almost at her feet. And assuredly a maiden and a youth
+more beautiful and engaging had seldom met before in a scene more fresh
+and fair. Edith on her rustic seat watched the now blue and foaming
+river, and the birch-trees with a livelier tint, and quivering in the
+sunset air; an expression of tranquil bliss suffused her beautiful brow,
+and spoke from the thrilling tenderness of her soft dark eye. Coningsby
+gazed on that countenance with a glance of entranced rapture. His cheek
+was flushed, his eye gleamed with dazzling lustre. She turned her head;
+she met that glance, and, troubled, she withdrew her own.
+
+‘Edith!’ he said in a tone of tremulous passion, ‘Let me call you Edith!
+Yes,’ he continued, gently taking her hand, let me call you my Edith! I
+love you!’
+
+She did not withdraw her hand; but turned away a face flushed as the
+impending twilight.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+It was past the dinner hour when Edith and Coningsby reached the Hall;
+an embarrassing circumstance, but mitigated by the conviction that they
+had not to encounter a very critical inspection. What, then, were their
+feelings when the first servant that they met informed them that Mr.
+Millbank had arrived! Edith never could have believed that the return of
+her beloved father to his home could ever have been to her other than
+a cause of delight. And yet now she trembled when she heard the
+announcement. The mysteries of love were fast involving her existence.
+But this was not the season of meditation. Her heart was still agitated
+by the tremulous admission that she responded to that fervent and
+adoring love whose eloquent music still sounded in her ear, and the
+pictures of whose fanciful devotion flitted over her agitated vision.
+Unconsciously she pressed the arm of Coningsby as the servant spoke,
+and then, without looking into his face, whispering him to be quick, she
+sprang away.
+
+As for Coningsby, notwithstanding the elation of his heart, and the
+ethereal joy which flowed in all his veins, the name of Mr. Millbank
+sounded, something like a knell. However, this was not the time to
+reflect. He obeyed the hint of Edith; made the most rapid toilet that
+ever was consummated by a happy lover, and in a few minutes entered the
+drawing-room of Hellingsley, to encounter the gentleman whom he hoped by
+some means or other, quite inconceivable, might some day be transformed
+into his father-in-law, and the fulfilment of his consequent duties
+towards whom he had commenced by keeping him waiting for dinner.
+
+‘How do you do, sir,’ said Mr. Millbank, extending his hand to
+Coningsby. ‘You seem to have taken a long walk.’
+
+Coningsby looked round to the kind Lady Wallinger, and half addressed
+his murmured answer to her, explaining how they had lost her, and their
+way, and were caught in a storm or a shower, which, as it terminated
+about three hours back, and the fishing-cottage was little more than a
+mile from the Hall, very satisfactorily accounted for their not being in
+time for dinner.
+
+Lady Wallinger then said something about the lowering clouds having
+frightened her from the terrace, and Sir Joseph and Oswald talked a
+little of their sport, and of their having seen an otter; but there was,
+or at least there seemed to Coningsby, a tone of general embarrassment
+which distressed him. The fact is, keeping people from dinner under
+any circumstances is distressing. They are obliged to talk at the very
+moment when they wish to use their powers of expression for a very
+different purpose. They are faint, and conversation makes them more
+exhausted. A gentleman, too, fond of his family, who in turn are devoted
+to him, making a great and inconvenient effort to reach them by dinner
+time, to please and surprise them; and finding them all dispersed,
+dinner so late that he might have reached home in good time without any
+great inconvenient effort; his daughter, whom he had wished a thousand
+times to embrace, taking a singularly long ramble with no other
+companion than a young gentleman, whom he did not exactly expect to
+see; all these are circumstances, individually perhaps slight, and yet,
+encountered collectively, it may be doubted they would not a little
+ruffle even the sweetest temper.
+
+Mr. Millbank, too, had not the sweetest temper, though not a bad one;
+a little quick and fiery. But then he had a kind heart. And when Edith,
+who had providentially sent down a message to order dinner, entered and
+embraced him at the very moment that dinner was announced, her father
+forgot everything in his joy in seeing her, and his pleasure in being
+surrounded by his friends. He gave his hand to Lady Wallinger, and Sir
+Joseph led away his niece. Coningsby put his arm around the astonished
+neck of Oswald, as if they were once more in the playing fields of Eton.
+
+‘By Jove! my dear fellow,’ he exclaimed, ‘I am so sorry we kept your
+father from dinner.’
+
+As Edith headed her father’s table, according to his rigid rule,
+Coningsby was on one side of her. They never spoke so little; Coningsby
+would have never unclosed his lips, had he followed his humour. He was
+in a stupor of happiness; the dining room took the appearance of
+the fishing-cottage; and he saw nothing but the flowing river. Lady
+Wallinger was however next to him, and that was a relief; for he felt
+always she was his friend. Sir Joseph, a good-hearted man, and
+on subjects with which he was acquainted full of sound sense, was
+invaluable to-day, for he entirely kept up the conversation, speaking
+of things which greatly interested Mr. Millbank. And so their host soon
+recovered his good temper; he addressed several times his observations
+to Coningsby, and was careful to take wine with him. On the whole,
+affairs went on flowingly enough. The gentlemen, indeed, stayed much
+longer over their wine than on the preceding days, and Coningsby did not
+venture on the liberty of quitting the room before his host. It was as
+well. Edith required repose. She tried to seek it on the bosom of her
+aunt, as she breathed to her the delicious secret of her life. When the
+gentlemen returned to the drawing-room the ladies were not there.
+
+This rather disturbed Mr. Millbank again; he had not seen enough of his
+daughter; he wished to hear her sing. But Edith managed to reappear; and
+even to sing. Then Coningsby went up to her and asked her to sing the
+song of the Girls of Granada. She said in a low voice, and with a fond
+yet serious look,
+
+‘I am not in the mood for such a song, but if you wish me--’
+
+She sang it, and with inexpressible grace, and with an arch vivacity,
+that to a fine observer would have singularly contrasted with the
+almost solemn and even troubled expression of her countenance a moment
+afterwards.
+
+The day was about to die; the day the most important, the most precious
+in the lives of Harry Coningsby and Edith Millbank. Words had been
+spoken, vows breathed, which were to influence their careers for ever.
+For them hereafter there was to be but one life, one destiny, one world.
+Each of them was still in such a state of tremulous excitement, that
+neither had found time or occasion to ponder over the mighty result.
+They both required solitude; they both longed to be alone. Coningsby
+rose to depart. He pressed the soft hand of Edith, and his glance spoke
+his soul.
+
+‘We shall see you at breakfast to-morrow, Coningsby!’ said Oswald,
+very loud, knowing that the presence of his father would make Coningsby
+hesitate about coming. Edith’s heart fluttered; but she said nothing. It
+was with delight she heard her father, after a moment’s pause, say,
+
+‘Oh! I beg we may have that pleasure.’
+
+‘Not quite at so early an hour,’ said Coningsby; ‘but if you will permit
+me, I hope to have the pleasure of hearing from you to-morrow, sir, that
+your journey has not fatigued you.’
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+To be alone; to have no need of feigning a tranquillity he could not
+feel; of coining common-place courtesy when his heart was gushing
+with rapture; this was a great relief to Coningsby, though gained by a
+separation from Edith.
+
+The deed was done; he had breathed his long-brooding passion, he
+had received the sweet expression of her sympathy, he had gained
+the long-coveted heart. Youth, beauty, love, the innocence of
+unsophisticated breasts, and the inspiration of an exquisite nature,
+combined to fashion the spell that now entranced his life. He turned to
+gaze upon the moonlit towers and peaked roofs of Hellingsley. Silent and
+dreamlike, the picturesque pile rested on its broad terrace flooded with
+the silver light and surrounded by the quaint bowers of its fantastic
+gardens tipped with the glittering beam. Half hid in deep shadow, half
+sparkling in the midnight blaze, he recognised the oriel window that had
+been the subject of the morning’s sketch. Almost he wished there should
+be some sound to assure him of his reality. But nothing broke the
+all-pervading stillness. Was his life to be as bright and as tranquil?
+And what was to be his life?
+
+Whither was he to bear the beautiful bride he had gained? Were the
+portals of Coningsby the proud and hospitable gates that were to greet
+her? How long would they greet him after the achievement of the last
+four-and-twenty hours was known to their lord? Was this the return for
+the confiding kindness of his grandsire? That he should pledge his troth
+to the daughter of that grandsire’s foe?
+
+Away with such dark and scaring visions! Is it not the noon of a summer
+night fragrant with the breath of gardens, bright with the beam that
+lovers love, and soft with the breath of Ausonian breezes? Within that
+sweet and stately residence, dwells there not a maiden fair enough to
+revive chivalry; who is even now thinking of him as she leans on her
+pensive hand, or, if perchance she dream, recalls him in her visions?
+And himself, is he one who would cry craven with such a lot? What avail
+his golden youth, his high blood, his daring and devising spirit, and
+all his stores of wisdom, if they help not now? Does not he feel the
+energy divine that can confront Fate and carve out fortunes? Besides it
+is nigh Midsummer Eve, and what should fairies reign for but to aid such
+a bright pair as this?
+
+He recalls a thousand times the scene, the moment, in which but a few
+hours past he dared to tell her that he loved; he recalls a thousand
+times the still, small voice, that murmured her agitated felicity: more
+than a thousand times, for his heart clenched the idea as a diver grasps
+a gem, he recalls the enraptured yet gentle embrace, that had sealed
+upon her blushing cheek his mystical and delicious sovereignty.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+
+The morning broke lowering and thunderous; small white clouds, dull and
+immovable, studded the leaden sky; the waters of the rushing Darl seemed
+to have become black and almost stagnant; the terraces of Hellingsley
+looked like the hard lines of a model; and the mansion itself had a
+harsh and metallic character. Before the chief portal of his Hall, the
+elder Millbank, with an air of some anxiety, surveyed the landscape and
+the heavens, as if he were speculating on the destiny of the day.
+
+Often his eye wandered over the park; often with an uneasy and restless
+step he paced the raised walk before him. The clock of Hellingsley
+church had given the chimes of noon. His son and Coningsby appeared
+at the end of one of the avenues. His eye lightened; his lip became
+compressed; he advanced to meet them.
+
+‘Are you going to fish to-day, Oswald?’ he inquired of his son.
+
+‘We had some thoughts of it, sir.’
+
+‘A fine day for sport, I should think,’ he observed, as he turned
+towards the Hall with them.
+
+Coningsby remarked the fanciful beauty of the portal; its twisted
+columns, and Caryatides carved in dark oak.
+
+‘Yes, it’s very well,’ said Millbank; ‘but I really do not know why I
+came here; my presence is an effort. Oswald does not care for the place;
+none of us do, I believe.’
+
+‘Oh! I like it now, father; and Edith doats on it.’
+
+‘She was very happy at Millbank,’ said the father, rather sharply.
+
+‘We are all of us happy at Millbank,’ said Oswald.
+
+‘I was much struck with the valley and the whole settlement when I first
+saw it,’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘Suppose you go and see about the tackle, Oswald,’ said Mr. Millbank,
+‘and Mr. Coningsby and I will take a stroll on the terrace in the
+meantime.’
+
+The habit of obedience, which was supreme in this family, instantly
+carried Oswald away, though he was rather puzzled why his father should
+be so anxious about the preparation of the fishing-tackle, as he rarely
+used it. His son had no sooner departed than Mr. Millbank turned to
+Coningsby, and said very abruptly,
+
+‘You have never seen my own room here, Mr. Coningsby; step in, for I
+wish to say a word to you.’ And thus speaking, he advanced before the
+astonished, and rather agitated Coningsby, and led the way through a
+door and long passage to a room of moderate dimensions, partly furnished
+as a library, and full of parliamentary papers and blue-books. Shutting
+the door with some earnestness and pointing to a chair, he begged his
+guest to be seated. Both in their chairs, Mr. Millbank, clearing his
+throat, said without preface, ‘I have reason to believe, Mr. Coningsby,
+that you are attached to my daughter?’
+
+‘I have been attached to her for a long time most ardently,’ replied
+Coningsby, in a calm and rather measured tone, but looking very pale.
+
+‘And I have reason to believe that she returns your attachment?’ said
+Mr. Millbank.
+
+‘I believe she deigns not to disregard it,’ said Coningsby, his white
+cheek becoming scarlet.
+
+‘It is then a mutual attachment, which, if cherished, must produce
+mutual unhappiness,’ said Mr. Millbank.
+
+‘I would fain believe the reverse,’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘Why?’ inquired Mr. Millbank.
+
+‘Because I believe she possesses every charm, quality, and virtue, that
+can bless man; and because, though I can make her no equivalent return,
+I have a heart, if I know myself, that would struggle to deserve her.’
+
+‘I know you to be a man of sense; I believe you to be a man of honour,’
+replied Mr. Millbank. ‘As the first, you must feel that an union between
+you and my daughter is impossible; what then should be your duty as a
+man of correct principle is obvious.’
+
+‘I could conceive that our union might be attended with difficulties,’
+said Coningsby, in a somewhat deprecating tone.
+
+‘Sir, it is impossible,’ repeated Mr. Millbank, interrupting him, though
+not with harshness; ‘that is to say, there is no conceivable marriage
+which could be effected at greater sacrifices, and which would occasion
+greater misery.’
+
+‘The sacrifices are more apparent to me than the misery,’ said
+Coningsby, ‘and even they may be imaginary.’
+
+‘The sacrifices and the misery are certain and inseparable,’ said Mr.
+Millbank. ‘Come now, see how we stand! I speak without reserve, for this
+is a subject which cannot permit misconception, but with no feelings
+towards you, sir, but fair and friendly ones. You are the grandson of
+my Lord Monmouth; at present enjoying his favour, but dependent on his
+bounty. You may be the heir of his wealth to-morrow, and to-morrow you
+may be the object of his hatred and persecution. Your grandfather and
+myself are foes; bitter, irreclaimable, to the death. It is idle to
+mince phrases; I do not vindicate our mutual feelings, I may regret that
+they have ever arisen; I may regret it especially at this exigency. They
+are not the feelings of good Christians; they may be altogether to be
+deplored and unjustifiable; but they exist, mutually exist; and have not
+been confined to words. Lord Monmouth would crush me, had he the power,
+like a worm; and I have curbed his proud fortunes often. Were it not
+for this feeling I should not be here; I purchased this estate merely
+to annoy him, as I have done a thousand other acts merely for his
+discomfiture and mortification. In our long encounter I have done him
+infinitely more injury than he could do me; I have been on the spot,
+I am active, vigilant, the maker of my fortunes. He is an epicurean,
+continually in foreign parts, obliged to leave the fulfilment of his
+will to others. But, for these very reasons, his hate is more intense.
+I can afford to hate him less than he hates me; I have injured him more.
+Here are feelings to exist between human beings! But they do exist;
+and now you are to go to this man, and ask his sanction to marry my
+daughter!’
+
+‘But I would appease these hatreds; I would allay these dark passions,
+the origin of which I know not, but which never could justify the end,
+and which lead to so much misery. I would appeal to my grandfather; I
+would show him Edith.’
+
+‘He has looked upon as fair even as Edith,’ said Mr. Millbank, rising
+suddenly from his seat, and pacing the room, ‘and did that melt his
+heart? The experience of your own lot should have guarded you from the
+perils that you have so rashly meditated encountering, and the misery
+which you have been preparing for others besides yourself. Is my
+daughter to be treated like your mother? And by the same hand? Your
+mother’s family were not Lord Monmouth’s foes. They were simple and
+innocent people, free from all the bad passions of our nature, and
+ignorant of the world’s ways. But because they were not noble, because
+they could trace no mystified descent from a foreign invader, or the
+sacrilegious minion of some spoliating despot, their daughter was hunted
+from the family which should have exulted to receive her, and the land
+of which she was the native ornament. Why should a happier lot await you
+than fell to your parents? You are in the same position as your father;
+you meditate the same act. The only difference being aggravating
+circumstances in your case, which, even if I were a member of the same
+order as my Lord Monmouth, would prevent the possibility of a prosperous
+union. Marry Edith, and you blast all the prospects of your life, and
+entail on her a sense of unceasing humiliation. Would you do this?
+Should I permit you to do this?’
+
+Coningsby, with his head resting on his arm, his face a little shaded,
+his eyes fixed on the ground, listened in silence. There was a pause;
+broken by Coningsby, as in a low voice, without changing his posture or
+raising his glance, he said, ‘It seems, sir, that you were acquainted
+with my mother!’
+
+‘I knew sufficient of her,’ replied Mr. Millbank, with a kindling cheek,
+‘to learn the misery that a woman may entail on herself by marrying out
+of her condition. I have bred my children in a respect for their class.
+I believe they have imbibed my feeling; though it is strange how in
+the commerce of the world, chance, in their friendships, has apparently
+baffled my designs.’
+
+‘Oh! do not say it is chance, sir,’ said Coningsby, looking up, and
+speaking with much fervour. ‘The feelings that animate me towards
+your family are not the feelings of chance: they are the creation of
+sympathy; tried by time, tested by thought. And must they perish? Can
+they perish? They were inevitable; they are indestructible. Yes, sir, it
+is in vain to speak of the enmities that are fostered between you and
+my grandfather; the love that exists between your daughter and myself is
+stronger than all your hatreds.’
+
+‘You speak like a young man, and a young man that is in love,’ said Mr.
+Millbank. ‘This is mere rhapsody; it will vanish in an instant
+before the reality of life. And you have arrived at that reality,’ he
+continued, speaking with emphasis, leaning over the back of his chair,
+and looking steadily at Coningsby with his grey, sagacious eye; ‘my
+daughter and yourself can meet no more.’
+
+‘It is impossible you can be so cruel!’ exclaimed Coningsby.
+
+‘So kind; kind to you both; for I wish to be kind to you as well as to
+her. You are entitled to kindness from us all; though I will tell you
+now, that, years ago, when the news arrived that my son’s life had been
+saved, and had been saved by one who bore the name of Coningsby, I had
+a presentiment, great as was the blessing, that it might lead to
+unhappiness.’
+
+‘I can answer for the misery of one,’ said Coningsby, in a tone of great
+despondency. ‘I feel as if my sun were set. Oh! why should there be such
+wretchedness? Why are there family hatreds and party feuds? Why am I the
+most wretched of men?’
+
+‘My good young friend, you will live, I doubt not, to be a happy one.
+Happiness is not, as we are apt to fancy, entirely dependent on these
+contingencies. It is the lot of most men to endure what you are now
+suffering, and they can look back to such conjunctures through the vista
+of years with calmness.’
+
+‘I may see Edith now?’
+
+‘Frankly, I should say, no. My daughter is in her room; I have had some
+conversation with her. Of course she suffers not less than yourself. To
+see her again will only aggravate woe. You leave under this roof, sir,
+some sad memories, but no unkind ones. It is not likely that I can
+serve you, or that you may want my aid; but whatever may be in my power,
+remember you may command it; without reserve and without restraint. If I
+control myself now, it is not because I do not respect your affliction,
+but because, in the course of my life, I have felt too much not to be
+able to command my feelings.’
+
+‘You never could have felt what I feel now,’ said Coningsby, in a tone
+of anguish.
+
+‘You touch on delicate ground,’ said Millbank; ‘yet from me you may
+learn to suffer. There was a being once, not less fair than the peerless
+girl that you would fain call your own, and her heart was my proud
+possession. There were no family feuds to baffle our union, nor was
+I dependent on anything, but the energies which had already made me
+flourishing. What happiness was mine! It was the first dream of my life,
+and it was the last; my solitary passion, the memory of which softens my
+heart. Ah! you dreaming scholars, and fine gentlemen who saunter through
+life, you think there is no romance in the loves of a man who lives in
+the toil and turmoil of business. You are in deep error. Amid my career
+of travail, there was ever a bright form which animated exertion,
+inspired my invention, nerved my energy, and to gain whose heart and
+life I first made many of those discoveries, and entered into many
+of those speculations, that have since been the foundation of my wide
+prosperity.
+
+‘Her faith was pledged to me; I lived upon her image; the day was even
+talked of when I should bear her to the home that I had proudly prepared
+for her.
+
+‘There came a young noble, a warrior who had never seen war, glittering
+with gewgaws. He was quartered in the town where the mistress of my
+heart, who was soon to share my life and my fortunes, resided. The tale
+is too bitter not to be brief. He saw her, he sighed; I will hope that
+he loved her; she gave him with rapture the heart which perhaps she
+found she had never given to me; and instead of bearing the name I had
+once hoped to have called her by, she pledged her faith at the altar to
+one who, like you, was called, CONINGSBY.’
+
+‘My mother!’
+
+‘You see, I too have had my griefs.’
+
+‘Dear sir,’ said Coningsby, rising and taking Mr. Millbank’s hand, ‘I am
+most wretched; and yet I wish to part from you even with affection. You
+have explained circumstances that have long perplexed me. A curse, I
+fear, is on our families. I have not mind enough at this moment even
+to ponder on my situation. My head is a chaos. I go; yes, I quit this
+Hellingsley, where I came to be so happy, where I have been so happy.
+Nay, let me go, dear sir! I must be alone, I must try to think. And tell
+her, no, tell her nothing. God will guard over us!’
+
+Proceeding down the avenue with a rapid and distempered step, his
+countenance lost, as it were, in a wild abstraction, Coningsby
+encountered Oswald Millbank. He stopped, collected his turbulent
+thoughts, and throwing on Oswald one look that seemed at the same time
+to communicate woe and to demand sympathy, flung himself into his arms.
+
+‘My friend!’ he exclaimed, and then added, in a broken voice, ‘I need a
+friend.’
+
+Then in a hurried, impassioned, and somewhat incoherent strain, leaning
+on Oswald’s arm, as they walked on together, he poured forth all that
+had occurred, all of which he had dreamed; his baffled bliss, his
+actual despair. Alas! there was little room for solace, and yet all
+that earnest affection could inspire, and a sagacious brain and a brave
+spirit, were offered for his support, if not his consolation, by the
+friend who was devoted to him.
+
+In the midst of this deep communion, teeming with every thought and
+sentiment that could enchain and absorb the spirit of man, they came to
+one of the park-gates of Coningsby. Millbank stopped. The command of
+his father was peremptory, that no member of his family, under any
+circumstances, or for any consideration, should set his foot on that
+domain. Lady Wallinger had once wished to have seen the Castle, and
+Coningsby was only too happy in the prospect of escorting her and Edith
+over the place; but Oswald had then at once put his veto on the project,
+as a thing forbidden; and which, if put in practice, his father would
+never pardon. So it passed off, and now Oswald himself was at the gates
+of that very domain with his friend who was about to enter them, his
+friend whom he might never see again; that Coningsby who, from their
+boyish days, had been the idol of his life; whom he had lived to see
+appeal to his affections and his sympathy, and whom Oswald was now going
+to desert in the midst of his lonely and unsolaced woe.
+
+‘I ought not to enter here,’ said Oswald, holding the hand of Coningsby
+as he hesitated to advance; ‘and yet there are duties more sacred even
+than obedience to a father. I cannot leave you thus, friend of my best
+heart!’
+
+The morning passed away in unceasing yet fruitless speculation on the
+future. One moment something was to happen, the next nothing could
+occur. Sometimes a beam of hope flashed over the fancy of Coningsby,
+and jumping up from the turf, on which they were reclining, he seemed
+to exult in his renovated energies; and then this sanguine paroxysm was
+succeeded by a fit of depression so dark and dejected that nothing but
+the presence of Oswald seemed to prevent Coningsby from flinging himself
+into the waters of the Darl.
+
+The day was fast declining, and the inevitable moment of separation was
+at hand. Oswald wished to appear at the dinner-table of Hellingsley,
+that no suspicion might arise in the mind of his father of his having
+accompanied Coningsby home. But just as he was beginning to mention the
+necessity of his departure, a flash of lightning seemed to transfix the
+heavens. The sky was very dark; though studded here and there with dingy
+spots. The young men sprang up at the same time.
+
+‘We had better get out of these trees,’ said Oswald.
+
+‘We had better get to the Castle,’ said Coningsby.
+
+A clap of thunder that seemed to make the park quake broke over their
+heads, followed by some thick drops. The Castle was close at hand;
+Oswald had avoided entering it; but the impending storm was so menacing
+that, hurried on by Coningsby, he could make no resistance; and, in a
+few minutes, the companions were watching the tempest from the windows
+of a room in Coningsby Castle.
+
+The fork-lightning flashed and scintillated from every quarter of the
+horizon: the thunder broke over the Castle, as if the keep were rocking
+with artillery: amid the momentary pauses of the explosion, the rain was
+heard descending like dissolving water-spouts.
+
+Nor was this one of those transient tempests that often agitate
+the summer. Time advanced, and its fierceness was little mitigated.
+Sometimes there was a lull, though the violence of the rain never
+appeared to diminish; but then, as in some pitched fight between
+contending hosts, when the fervour of the field seems for a moment to
+allay, fresh squadrons arrive and renew the hottest strife, so a low
+moaning wind that was now at intervals faintly heard bore up a great
+reserve of electric vapour, that formed, as it were, into field in
+the space between the Castle and Hellingsley, and then discharged its
+violence on that fated district.
+
+Coningsby and Oswald exchanged looks. ‘You must not think of going home
+at present, my dear fellow,’ said the first. ‘I am sure your father
+would not be displeased. There is not a being here who even knows you,
+and if they did, what then?’
+
+The servant entered the room, and inquired whether the gentlemen were
+ready for dinner.
+
+‘By all means; come, my dear Millbank, I feel reckless as the tempest;
+let us drown our cares in wine!’
+
+Coningsby, in fact, was exhausted by all the agitation of the day, and
+all the harassing spectres of the future. He found wine a momentary
+solace. He ordered the servants away, and for a moment felt a degree of
+wild satisfaction in the company of the brother of Edith.
+
+Thus they sat for a long time, talking only of one subject, and
+repeating almost the same things, yet both felt happier in being
+together. Oswald had risen, and opening the window, examined the
+approaching night. The storm had lulled, though the rain still fell; in
+the west was a streak of light. In a quarter of an hour, he calculated
+on departing. As he was watching the wind he thought he heard the sound
+of wheels, which reminded him of Coningsby’s promise to lend him a light
+carriage for his return.
+
+They sat down once more; they had filled their glasses for the last
+time; to pledge to their faithful friendship, and the happiness of
+Coningsby and Edith; when the door of the room opened, and there
+appeared, MR. RIGBY!
+
+END OF BOOK VII.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK VIII.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+It was the heart of the London season, nearly four years ago, twelve
+months having almost elapsed since the occurrence of those painful
+passages at Hellingsley which closed the last book of this history, and
+long lines of carriages an hour before midnight, up the classic mount of
+St. James and along Piccadilly, intimated that the world were received
+at some grand entertainment in Arlington Street.
+
+It was the town mansion of the noble family beneath whose roof at
+Beaumanoir we have more than once introduced the reader, to gain whose
+courtyard was at this moment the object of emulous coachmen, and to
+enter whose saloons was to reward the martyr-like patience of their
+lords and ladies.
+
+Among the fortunate who had already succeeded in bowing to their hostess
+were two gentlemen, who, ensconced in a good position, surveyed the
+scene, and made their observations on the passing guests. They
+were gentlemen who, to judge from their general air and the great
+consideration with which they were treated by those who were
+occasionally in their vicinity, were personages whose criticism bore
+authority.
+
+‘I say, Jemmy,’ said the eldest, a dandy who had dined with the Regent,
+but who was still a dandy, and who enjoyed life almost as much as in the
+days when Carlton House occupied the terrace which still bears its name.
+‘I say, Jemmy, what a load of young fellows there are! Don’t know their
+names at all. Begin to think fellows are younger than they used to be.
+Amazing load of young fellows, indeed!’
+
+At this moment an individual who came under the fortunate designation
+of a young fellow, but whose assured carriage hardly intimated that
+this was his first season in London, came up to the junior of the two
+critics, and said, ‘A pretty turn you played us yesterday at White’s,
+Melton. We waited dinner nearly an hour.’
+
+‘My dear fellow, I am infinitely sorry; but I was obliged to go down to
+Windsor, and I missed the return train. A good dinner? Who had you?’
+
+‘A capital party, only you were wanted. We had Beaumanoir and Vere, and
+Jack Tufton and Spraggs.’
+
+‘Was Spraggs rich?’
+
+‘Wasn’t he! I have not done laughing yet. He told us a story about the
+little Biron who was over here last year; I knew her at Paris; and an
+Indian screen. Killing! Get him to tell it you. The richest thing you
+ever heard!’
+
+‘Who’s your friend?’ inquired Mr. Melton’s companion, as the young man
+moved away.
+
+‘Sir Charles Buckhurst.’
+
+‘A--h! That is Sir Charles Buckhurst. Glad to have seen him. They say he
+is going it.’
+
+‘He knows what he is about.’
+
+‘Egad! so they all do. A young fellow now of two or three and twenty
+knows the world as men used to do after as many years of scrapes. I
+wonder where there is such a thing as a greenhorn. Effie Crabbs says
+the reason he gives up his house is, that he has cleaned out the old
+generation, and that the new generation would clean him.’
+
+‘Buckhurst is not in that sort of way: he swears by Henry Sydney, a
+younger son of the Duke, whom you don’t know; and young Coningsby; a
+sort of new set; new ideas and all that sort of thing. Beau tells me
+a good deal about it; and when I was staying with the Everinghams,
+at Easter, they were full of it. Coningsby had just returned from his
+travels, and they were quite on the _qui vive_. Lady Everingham is one
+of their set. I don’t know what it is exactly; but I think we shall hear
+more of it.’
+
+‘A sort of animal magnetism, or unknown tongues, I take it from your
+description,’ said his companion.
+
+‘Well, I don’t know what it is,’ said Mr. Melton; ‘but it has got hold
+of all the young fellows who have just come out. Beau is a little bit
+himself. I had some idea of giving my mind to it, they made such a fuss
+about it at Everingham; but it requires a devilish deal of history, I
+believe, and all that sort of thing.’
+
+‘Ah! that’s a bore,’ said his companion. ‘It is difficult to turn to
+with a new thing when you are not in the habit of it. I never could
+manage charades.’
+
+Mr. Ormsby, passing by, stopped. ‘They told me you had the gout,
+Cassilis?’ he said to Mr. Melton’s companion.
+
+‘So I had; but I have found out a fellow who cures the gout instanter.
+Tom Needham sent him to me. A German fellow. Pumicestone pills; sort
+of a charm, I believe, and all that kind of thing: they say it rubs the
+gout out of you. I sent him to Luxborough, who was very bad; cured him
+directly. Luxborough swears by him.’
+
+‘Luxborough believes in the Millennium,’ said Mr. Ormsby.
+
+‘But here’s a new thing that Melton has been telling me of, that all the
+world is going to believe in,’ said Mr. Cassilis, ‘something patronised
+by Lady Everingham.’
+
+‘A very good patroness,’ said Mr. Ormsby.
+
+‘Have you heard anything about it?’ continued Mr. Cassilis. ‘Young
+Coningsby brought it from abroad; didn’t you you say so, Jemmy?’
+
+‘No, no, my dear fellow; it is not at all that sort of thing.’
+
+‘But they say it requires a deuced deal of history,’ continued Mr.
+Cassilis. ‘One must brush up one’s Goldsmith. Canterton used to be the
+fellow for history at White’s. He was always boring one with William the
+Conqueror, Julius Caesar, and all that sort of thing.’
+
+‘I tell you what,’ said Mr. Ormsby, looking both sly and solemn, ‘I
+should not be surprised if, some day or another, we have a history about
+Lady Everingham and young Coningsby.’
+
+‘Poh!’ said Mr. Melton; ‘he is engaged to be married to her sister, Lady
+Theresa.’
+
+‘The deuce!’ said Mr. Ormsby; ‘well, you are a friend of the family, and
+I suppose you know.’
+
+‘He is a devilish good-looking fellow, that young Coningsby,’ said Mr.
+Cassilis. ‘All the women are in love with him, they say. Lady Eleanor
+Ducie quite raves about him.’
+
+‘By-the-bye, his grandfather has been very unwell,’ said Mr. Ormsby,
+looking mysteriously.
+
+‘I saw Lady Monmouth here just now,’ said Mr. Melton.
+
+‘Oh! he is quite well again,’ said Mr. Ormsby.
+
+‘Got an odd story at White’s that Lord Monmouth was going to separate
+from her,’ said Mr. Cassilis.
+
+‘No foundation,’ said Mr. Ormsby, shaking his head.
+
+‘They are not going to separate, I believe,’ said Mr. Melton; ‘but I
+rather think there was a foundation for the rumour.’
+
+Mr. Ormsby still shook his head.
+
+‘Well,’ continued Mr. Melton, ‘all I know is, that it was looked upon
+last winter at Paris as a settled thing.’
+
+‘There was some story about some Hungarian,’ said Mr. Cassilis.
+
+‘No, that blew over,’ said Mr. Melton; ‘it was Trautsmansdorff the row
+was about.’
+
+All this time Mr. Ormsby, as the friend of Lord and Lady Monmouth,
+remained shaking his head; but as a member of society, and therefore
+delighting in small scandal, appropriating the gossip with the greatest
+avidity.
+
+‘I should think old Monmouth was not the sort of fellow to blow up a
+woman,’ said Mr. Cassilis.
+
+‘Provided she would leave him quietly,’ said Mr. Melton.
+
+‘Yes, Lord Monmouth never could live with a woman more than two years,’
+said Mr. Ormsby, pensively. ‘And that I thought at the time rather an
+objection to his marriage.’
+
+We must now briefly revert to what befell our hero after those unhappy
+occurrences in the midst of whose first woe we left him.
+
+The day after the arrival of Mr. Rigby at the Castle, Coningsby quitted
+it for London, and before a week had elapsed had embarked for Cadiz. He
+felt a romantic interest in visiting the land to which Edith owed some
+blood, and in acquiring the language which he had often admired as she
+spoke it. A favourable opportunity permitted him in the autumn to visit
+Athens and the AEgean, which he much desired. In the pensive beauties
+of that delicate land, where perpetual autumn seems to reign, Coningsby
+found solace. There is something in the character of Grecian scenery
+which blends with the humour of the melancholy and the feelings of
+the sorrowful. Coningsby passed his winter at Rome. The wish of his
+grandfather had rendered it necessary for him to return to England
+somewhat abruptly. Lord Monmouth had not visited his native country
+since his marriage; but the period that had elapsed since that event had
+considerably improved the prospects of his party. The majority of the
+Whig Cabinet in the House of Commons by 1840 had become little more than
+nominal; and though it was circulated among their friends, as if from
+the highest authority, that ‘one was enough,’ there seemed daily a
+better chance of their being deprived even of that magical unit. For the
+first time in the history of this country since the introduction of the
+system of parliamentary sovereignty, the Government of England depended
+on the fate of single elections; and indeed, by a single vote, it is
+remarkable to observe, the fate of the Whig Government was ultimately
+decided.
+
+This critical state of affairs, duly reported to Lord Monmouth, revived
+his political passions, and offered him that excitement which he was
+ever seeking, and yet for which he had often sighed. The Marquess, too,
+was weary of Paris. Every day he found it more difficult to be amused.
+Lucretia had lost her charm. He, from whom nothing could be concealed,
+perceived that often, while she elaborately attempted to divert him, her
+mind was wandering elsewhere. Lord Monmouth was quite superior to all
+petty jealousy and the vulgar feelings of inferior mortals, but his
+sublime selfishness required devotion. He had calculated that a wife
+or a mistress who might be in love with another man, however powerfully
+their interests might prompt them, could not be so agreeable or amusing
+to their friends and husbands as if they had no such distracting hold
+upon their hearts or their fancy. Latterly at Paris, while Lucretia
+became each day more involved in the vortex of society, where all
+admired and some adored her, Lord Monmouth fell into the easy habit of
+dining in his private rooms, sometimes tête-à-tête with Villebecque,
+whose inexhaustible tales and adventures about a kind of society which
+Lord Monmouth had always preferred infinitely to the polished and
+somewhat insipid circles in which he was born, had rendered him the
+prime favourite of his great patron. Sometimes Villebecque, too, brought
+a friend, male or otherwise, whom he thought invested with the rare
+faculty of distraction: Lord Monmouth cared not who or what they were,
+provided they were diverting.
+
+Villebecque had written to Coningsby at Rome, by his grandfather’s
+desire, to beg him to return to England and meet Lord Monmouth there.
+The letter was couched with all the respect and good feeling which
+Villebecque really entertained for him whom he addressed; still a letter
+on such a subject from such a person was not agreeable to Coningsby, and
+his reply to it was direct to his grandfather; Lord Monmouth, however,
+had entirely given over writing letters.
+
+Coningsby had met at Paris, on his way to England, Lord and Lady
+Everingham, and he had returned with them. This revival of an old
+acquaintance was both agreeable and fortunate for our hero. The vivacity
+of a clever and charming woman pleasantly disturbed the brooding memory
+of Coningsby. There is no mortification however keen, no misery however
+desperate, which the spirit of woman cannot in some degree lighten or
+alleviate. About, too, to make his formal entrance into the great
+world, he could not have secured a more valuable and accomplished
+female friend. She gave him every instruction, every intimation that
+was necessary; cleared the social difficulties which in some degree are
+experienced on their entrance into the world even by the most highly
+connected, unless they have this benign assistance; planted him
+immediately in the position which was expedient; took care that he was
+invited at once to the right houses; and, with the aid of her husband,
+that he should become a member of the right clubs.
+
+‘And who is to have the blue ribbon, Lord Eskdale?’ said the Duchess to
+that nobleman, as he entered and approached to pay his respects.
+
+‘If I were Melbourne, I would keep it open,’ replied his Lordship. ‘It
+is a mistake to give away too quickly.’
+
+‘But suppose they go out,’ said her Grace.
+
+‘Oh! there is always a last day to clear the House. But they will be
+in another year. The cliff will not be sapped before then. We made a
+mistake last year about the ladies.’
+
+‘I know you always thought so.’
+
+‘Quarrels about women are always a mistake. One should make it a rule to
+give up to them, and then they are sure to give up to us.’
+
+‘You have no great faith in our firmness?’
+
+‘Male firmness is very often obstinacy: women have always something
+better, worth all qualities; they have tact.’
+
+‘A compliment to the sex from so finished a critic as Lord Eskdale is
+appreciated.’
+
+But at this moment the arrival of some guests terminated the
+conversation, and Lord Eskdale moved away, and approached a group which
+Lady Everingham was enlightening.
+
+‘My dear Lord Fitz-booby,’ her Ladyship observed, ‘in politics we
+require faith as well as in all other things.’
+
+Lord Fitz-booby looked rather perplexed; but, possessed of considerable
+official experience, having held high posts, some in the cabinet, for
+nearly a quarter of a century, he was too versed to acknowledge that he
+had not understood a single word that had been addressed to him for the
+last ten minutes. He looked on with the same grave, attentive stolidity,
+occasionally nodding his head, as he was wont of yore when he received
+a deputation on sugar duties or joint-stock banks, and when he made,
+as was his custom when particularly perplexed, an occasional note on a
+sheet of foolscap paper.
+
+‘An Opposition in an age of revolution,’ continued Lady Everingham,
+‘must be founded on principles. It cannot depend on mere personal
+ability and party address taking advantage of circumstances. You have
+not enunciated a principle for the last ten years; and when you seemed
+on the point of acceding to power, it was not on a great question of
+national interest, but a technical dispute respecting the constitution
+of an exhausted sugar colony.’
+
+‘If you are a Conservative party, we wish to know what you want to
+conserve,’ said Lord Vere.
+
+‘If it had not been for the Whig abolition of slavery,’ said Lord
+Fitz-booby, goaded into repartee, ‘Jamaica would not have been an
+exhausted sugar colony.’
+
+‘Then what you do want to conserve is slavery?’ said Lord Vere.
+
+‘No,’ said Lord Fitz-booby, ‘I am never for retracing our steps.’
+
+‘But will you advance, will you move? And where will you advance, and
+how will you move?’ said Lady Everingham.
+
+‘I think we have had quite enough of advancing,’ said his Lordship. ‘I
+had no idea your Ladyship was a member of the Movement party,’ he added,
+with a sarcastic grin.
+
+‘But if it were bad, Lord Fitz-booby, to move where we are, as you
+and your friends have always maintained, how can you reconcile it to
+principle to remain there?’ said Lord Vere.
+
+‘I would make the best of a bad bargain,’ said Lord Fitz-booby. ‘With
+a Conservative government, a reformed Constitution would be less
+dangerous.’
+
+‘Why?’ said Lady Everingham. ‘What are your distinctive principles that
+render the peril less?’
+
+‘I appeal to Lord Eskdale,’ said Lord Fitz-booby; ‘there is Lady
+Everingham turned quite a Radical, I declare. Is not your Lordship of
+opinion that the country must be safer with a Conservative government
+than with a Liberal?’
+
+‘I think the country is always tolerably secure,’ said Lord Eskdale.
+
+Lady Theresa, leaning on the arm of Mr. Lyle, came up at this moment,
+and unconsciously made a diversion in favour of Lord Fitz-booby.
+
+‘Pray, Theresa,’ said Lady Everingham, ‘where is Mr. Coningsby?’
+
+Let us endeavour to ascertain. It so happened that on this day Coningsby
+and Henry Sydney dined at Grillion’s, at an university club, where,
+among many friends whom Coningsby had not met for a long time, and among
+delightful reminiscences, the unconscious hours stole on. It was late
+when they quitted Grillion’s, and Coningsby’s brougham was detained for
+a considerable time before its driver could insinuate himself into the
+line, which indeed he would never have succeeded in doing had not he
+fortunately come across the coachman of the Duke of Agincourt, who being
+of the same politics as himself, belonging to the same club, and always
+black-balling the same men, let him in from a legitimate party feeling;
+so they arrived in Arlington Street at a very late hour.
+
+Coningsby was springing up the staircase, now not so crowded as it had
+been, and met a retiring party; he was about to say a passing word to a
+gentleman as he went by, when, suddenly, Coningsby turned deadly pale.
+The gentleman could hardly be the cause, for it was the gracious and
+handsome presence of Lord Beaumanoir: the lady resting on his arm was
+Edith. They moved on while he was motionless; yet Edith and himself
+had exchanged glances. His was one of astonishment; but what was the
+expression of hers? She must have recognised him before he had observed
+her. She was collected, and she expressed the purpose of her mind in
+a distant and haughty recognition. Coningsby remained for a moment
+stupefied; then suddenly turning back, he bounded downstairs and hurried
+into the cloak-room. He met Lady Wallinger; he spoke rapidly, he held
+her hand, did not listen to her answers, his eyes wandered about. There
+were many persons present, at length he recognised Edith enveloped in
+her mantle. He went forward, he looked at her, as if he would have read
+her soul; he said something. She changed colour as he addressed her,
+but seemed instantly by an effort to rally and regain her equanimity;
+replied to his inquiries with extreme brevity, and Lady Wallinger’s
+carriage being announced, moved away with the same slight haughty salute
+as before, on the arm of Lord Beaumanoir.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+Sadness fell over the once happy family of Millbank after the departure
+of Coningsby from Hellingsley. When the first pang was over, Edith
+had found some solace in the sympathy of her aunt, who had always
+appreciated and admired Coningsby; but it was a sympathy which aspired
+only to soften sorrow, and not to create hope. But Lady Wallinger,
+though she lengthened her visit for the sake of her niece, in time
+quitted them; and then the name of Coningsby was never heard by Edith.
+Her brother, shortly after the sorrowful and abrupt departure of his
+friend, had gone to the factories, where he remained, and of which, in
+future, it was intended that he should assume the principal direction.
+Mr. Millbank himself, sustained at first by the society of his friend
+Sir Joseph, to whom he was attached, and occupied with daily reports
+from his establishment and the transaction of the affairs with his
+numerous and busy constituents, was for a while scarcely conscious of
+the alteration which had taken place in the demeanour of his daughter.
+But when they were once more alone together, it was impossible any
+longer to be blind to the great change. That happy and equable gaiety of
+spirit, which seemed to spring from an innocent enjoyment of existence,
+and which had ever distinguished Edith, was wanting. Her sunny glance
+was gone. She was not indeed always moody and dispirited, but she was
+fitful, unequal in her tone. That temper whose sweetness had been a
+domestic proverb had become a little uncertain. Not that her affection
+for her father was diminished, but there were snatches of unusual
+irritability which momentarily escaped her, followed by bursts of
+tenderness that were the creatures of compunction. And often, after some
+hasty word, she would throw her arms round her father’s neck with the
+fondness of remorse. She pursued her usual avocations, for she had
+really too well-regulated a mind, she was in truth a person of
+too strong an intellect, to neglect any source of occupation and
+distraction. Her flowers, her pencil, and her books supplied her with
+these; and music soothed, and at times beguiled, her agitated thoughts.
+But there was no joy in the house, and in time Mr. Millbank felt it.
+
+Mr. Millbank was vexed, irritated, grieved. Edith, his Edith, the pride
+and delight of his existence, who had been to him only a source of
+exultation and felicity, was no longer happy, was perhaps pining away;
+and there was the appearance, the unjust appearance that he, her fond
+father, was the cause and occasion of all this wretchedness. It would
+appear that the name of Coningsby, to which he now owed a great debt of
+gratitude, was still doomed to bear him mortification and misery. Truly
+had the young man said that there was a curse upon their two families.
+And yet, on reflection, it still seemed to Mr. Millbank that he had
+acted with as much wisdom and real kindness as decision. How otherwise
+was he to have acted? The union was impossible; the speedier their
+separation, therefore, clearly the better. Unfortunate, indeed, had been
+his absence from Hellingsley; unquestionably his presence might have
+prevented the catastrophe. Oswald should have hindered all this. And
+yet Mr. Millbank could not shut his eyes to the devotion of his son to
+Coningsby. He felt he could count on no assistance in this respect from
+that quarter. Yet how hard upon him that he should seem to figure as
+a despot or a tyrant to his own children, whom he loved, when he had
+absolutely acted in an inevitable manner! Edith seemed sad, Oswald
+sullen; all was changed. All the objects for which this clear-headed,
+strong-minded, kind-hearted man had been working all his life, seemed
+to be frustrated. And why? Because a young man had made love to his
+daughter, who was really in no manner entitled to do so.
+
+As the autumn drew on, Mr. Millbank found Hellingsley, under existing
+circumstances, extremely wearisome; and he proposed to his daughter that
+they should pay a visit to their earlier home. Edith assented without
+difficulty, but without interest. And yet, as Mr. Millbank immediately
+perceived, the change was a judicious one; for certainly the spirits
+of Edith seemed to improve after her return to their valley. There were
+more objects of interest: change, too, is always beneficial. If
+Mr. Millbank had been aware that Oswald had received a letter from
+Coningsby, written before he quitted Spain, perhaps he might have
+recognised a more satisfactory reason for the transient liveliness of
+his daughter which had so greatly gratified him.
+
+About a month after Christmas, the meeting of Parliament summoned Mr.
+Millbank up to London; and he had wished Edith to accompany him. But
+London in February to Edith, without friends or connections, her father
+always occupied and absent from her day and night, seemed to them
+all, on reflection, to be a life not very conducive to health or
+cheerfulness, and therefore she remained with her brother. Oswald had
+heard from Coningsby again from Rome; but at the period he wrote he did
+not anticipate his return to England. His tone was affectionate, but
+dispirited.
+
+Lady Wallinger went up to London after Easter for the season, and Mr.
+Millbank, now that there was a constant companion for his daughter, took
+a house and carried Edith back with him to London. Lady Wallinger,
+who had great wealth and great tact, had obtained by degrees a
+not inconsiderable position in society. She had a fine house in a
+fashionable situation, and gave profuse entertainments. The Whigs
+were under obligations to her husband, and the great Whig ladies were
+gratified to find in his wife a polished and pleasing person, to whom
+they could be courteous without any annoyance. So that Edith, under the
+auspices of her aunt, found herself at once in circles which otherwise
+she might not easily have entered, but which her beauty, grace, and
+experience of the most refined society of the Continent, qualified
+her to shine in. One evening they met the Marquis of Beaumanoir, their
+friend of Rome and Paris, and admirer of Edith, who from that time was
+seldom from their side. His mother, the Duchess, immediately called both
+on the Millbanks and the Wallingers; glad, not only to please her son,
+but to express that consideration for Mr. Millbank which the Duke always
+wished to show. It was, however, of no use; nothing would induce Mr.
+Millbank ever to enter what he called aristocratic society. He liked the
+House of Commons; never paired off; never missed a moment of it; worked
+at committees all the morning, listened attentively to debates all the
+night; always dined at Bellamy’s when there was a house; and when there
+was not, liked dining at the Fishmongers’ Company, the Russia Company,
+great Emigration banquets, and other joint-stock festivities. That was
+his idea of rational society; business and pleasure combined; a good
+dinner, and good speeches afterwards.
+
+Edith was aware that Coningsby had returned to England, for her brother
+had heard from him on his arrival; but Oswald had not heard since.
+A season in London only represented in the mind of Edith the chance,
+perhaps the certainty, of meeting Coningsby again; of communing together
+over the catastrophe of last summer; of soothing and solacing each
+other’s unhappiness, and perhaps, with the sanguine imagination of
+youth, foreseeing a more felicitous future. She had been nearly a
+fortnight in town, and though moving frequently in the same circles as
+Coningsby, they had not yet met. It was one of those results which
+could rarely occur; but even chance enters too frequently in the
+league against lovers. The invitation to the assembly at ---- House was
+therefore peculiarly gratifying to Edith, since she could scarcely
+doubt that if Coningsby were in town, which her casual inquiries of Lord
+Beaumanoir induced her to believe was the case, he would be present.
+Never, therefore, had she repaired to an assembly with such a flattering
+spirit; and yet there was a fascinating anxiety about it that bewilders
+the young heart.
+
+In vain Edith surveyed the rooms to catch the form of that being, whom
+for a moment she had never ceased to cherish and muse over. He was not
+there; and at the very moment when, disappointed and mortified, she most
+required solace, she learned from Mr. Melton that Lady Theresa Sydney,
+whom she chanced to admire, was going to be married, and to Mr.
+Coningsby!
+
+What a revelation! His silence, perhaps his shunning of her were no
+longer inexplicable. What a return for all her romantic devotion in her
+sad solitude at Hellingsley. Was this the end of their twilight rambles,
+and the sweet pathos of their mutual loves? There seemed to be no truth
+in man, no joy in life! All the feelings that she had so generously
+lavished, all returned upon herself. She could have burst into a passion
+of tears and buried herself in a cloister.
+
+Instead of that, civilisation made her listen with a serene though
+tortured countenance; but as soon as it was in her power, pleading a
+headache to Lady Wallinger, she effected, or thought she had effected,
+her escape from a scene which harrowed her heart.
+
+As for Coningsby, he passed a sleepless night, agitated by the
+unexpected presence of Edith and distracted by the manner in which
+she had received him. To say that her appearance had revived all his
+passionate affection for her would convey an unjust impression of the
+nature of his feelings. His affection had never for a moment swerved; it
+was profound and firm. But unquestionably this sudden vision had brought
+before him, in startling and more vivid colours, the relations that
+subsisted between them. There was the being whom he loved and who loved
+him; and whatever were the barriers which the circumstances of life
+placed against their union, they were partakers of the solemn sacrament
+of an unpolluted heart.
+
+Coningsby, as we have mentioned, had signified to Oswald his return to
+England: he had hitherto omitted to write again; not because his spirit
+faltered, but he was wearied of whispering hope without foundation, and
+mourning over his chagrined fortunes. Once more in England, once more
+placed in communication with his grandfather, he felt with increased
+conviction the difficulties which surrounded him. The society of Lady
+Everingham and her sister, who had been at the same time her visitor,
+had been a relaxation, and a beneficial one, to a mind suffering
+too much from the tension of one idea. But Coningsby had treated the
+matrimonial project of his gay-minded hostess with the courteous levity
+in which he believed it had first half originated. He admired and liked
+Lady Theresa; but there was a reason why he should not marry her, even
+had his own heart not been absorbed by one of those passions from which
+men of deep and earnest character never emancipate themselves.
+
+After musing and meditating again and again over everything that had
+occurred, Coningsby fell asleep when the morning had far advanced,
+resolved to rise when a little refreshed and find out Lady Wallinger,
+who, he felt sure, would receive him with kindness.
+
+Yet it was fated that this step should not be taken, for while he was
+at breakfast, his servant brought him a letter from Monmouth House,
+apprising him that his grandfather wished to see him as soon as possible
+on urgent business.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+Lord Monmouth was sitting in the same dressing-room in which he was
+first introduced to the reader; on the table were several packets of
+papers that were open and in course of reference; and he dictated his
+observations to Monsieur Villebecque, who was writing at his left hand.
+
+Thus were they occupied when Coningsby was ushered into the room.
+
+‘You see, Harry,’ said Lord Monmouth, ‘that I am much occupied to-day,
+yet the business on which I wish to communicate with you is so pressing
+that it could not be postponed.’ He made a sign to Villebecque, and his
+secretary instantly retired.
+
+‘I was right in pressing your return to England,’ continued Lord
+Monmouth to his grandson, who was a little anxious as to the impending
+communication, which he could not in any way anticipate. ‘These are not
+times when young men should be out of sight. Your public career will
+commence immediately. The Government have resolved on a dissolution. My
+information is from the highest quarter. You may be astonished, but
+it is a fact. They are going to dissolve their own House of Commons.
+Notwithstanding this and the Queen’s name, we can beat them; but the
+race requires the finest jockeying. We can’t give a point. Tadpole has
+been here to me about Darlford; he came specially with a message, I may
+say an appeal, from one to whom I can refuse nothing; the Government
+count on the seat, though with the new Registration ‘tis nearly a tie.
+If we had a good candidate we could win. But Rigby won’t do. He is too
+much of the old clique; used up; a hack; besides, a beaten horse. We are
+assured the name of Coningsby would be a host; there is a considerable
+section who support the present fellow who will not vote against a
+Coningsby. They have thought of you as a fit person, and I have approved
+of the suggestion. You will, therefore, be the candidate for Darlford
+with my entire sanction and support, and I have no doubt you will be
+successful. You may be sure I shall spare nothing: and it will be very
+gratifying to me, after being robbed of all our boroughs, that the only
+Coningsby who cares to enter Parliament, should nevertheless be able to
+do so as early as I could fairly desire.’
+
+Coningsby the rival of Mr. Millbank on the hustings of Darlford!
+Vanquished or victorious, equally a catastrophe! The fierce passions,
+the gross insults, the hot blood and the cool lies, the ruffianism and
+the ribaldry, perhaps the domestic discomfiture and mortification, which
+he was about to be the means of bringing on the roof he loved best
+in the world, occurred to him with anguish. The countenance of
+Edith, haughty and mournful last night, rose to him again. He saw her
+canvassing for her father, and against him. Madness! And for what was
+he to make this terrible and costly sacrifice For his ambition? Not even
+for that Divinity or Daemon for which we all immolate so much! Mighty
+ambition, forsooth, to succeed to the Rigbys! To enter the House of
+Commons a slave and a tool; to move according to instructions, and
+to labour for the low designs of petty spirits, without even the
+consolation of being a dupe. What sympathy could there exist between
+Coningsby and the ‘great Conservative party,’ that for ten years in
+an age of revolution had never promulgated a principle; whose only
+intelligible and consistent policy seemed to be an attempt, very
+grateful of course to the feelings of an English Royalist, to revive
+Irish Puritanism; who when in power in 1835 had used that power only to
+evince their utter ignorance of Church principles; and who were at this
+moment, when Coningsby was formally solicited to join their ranks, in
+open insurrection against the prerogatives of the English Monarchy?
+
+‘Do you anticipate then an immediate dissolution, sir?’ inquired
+Coningsby after a moment’s pause.
+
+‘We must anticipate it; though I think it doubtful. It may be next
+month; it may be in the autumn; they may tide over another year, as Lord
+Eskdale thinks, and his opinion always weighs with me. He is very safe.
+Tadpole believes they will dissolve at once. But whether they dissolve
+now, or in a month’s time, or in the autumn, or next year, our course
+is clear. We must declare our intentions immediately. We must hoist our
+flag. Monday next, there is a great Conservative dinner at Darlford. You
+must attend it; that will be the finest opportunity in the world for you
+to announce yourself.’
+
+‘Don’t you think, sir,’ said Coningsby, ‘that such an announcement would
+be rather premature? It is, in fact, embarking in a contest which may
+last a year; perhaps more.’
+
+‘What you say is very true,’ said Lord Monmouth; ‘no doubt it is very
+troublesome; very disgusting; any canvassing is. But we must take things
+as we find them. You cannot get into Parliament now in the good old
+gentlemanlike way; and we ought to be thankful that this interest has
+been fostered for our purpose.’
+
+Coningsby looked on the carpet, cleared his throat as if about to speak,
+and then gave something like a sigh.
+
+‘I think you had better be off the day after to-morrow,’ said Lord
+Monmouth. ‘I have sent instructions to the steward to do all he can in
+so short a time, for I wish you to entertain the principal people.’
+
+‘You are most kind, you are always most kind to me, dear sir,’ said
+Coningsby, in a hesitating tone, and with an air of great embarrassment,
+‘but, in truth, I have no wish to enter Parliament.’
+
+‘What?’ said Lord Monmouth.
+
+‘I feel that I am not sufficiently prepared for so great a
+responsibility as a seat in the House of Commons,’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘Responsibility!’ said Lord Monmouth, smiling. ‘What responsibility is
+there? How can any one have a more agreeable seat? The only person to
+whom you are responsible is your own relation, who brings you in. And I
+don’t suppose there can be any difference on any point between us. You
+are certainly still young; but I was younger by nearly two years when
+I first went in; and I found no difficulty. There can be no difficulty.
+All you have got to do is to vote with your party. As for speaking, if
+you have a talent that way, take my advice; don’t be in a hurry. Learn
+to know the House; learn the House to know you. If a man be discreet, he
+cannot enter Parliament too soon.’
+
+‘It is not exactly that, sir,’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘Then what is it, my dear Harry? You see to-day I have much to do; yet
+as your business is pressing, I would not postpone seeing you an hour. I
+thought you would have been very much gratified.’
+
+‘You mentioned that I had nothing to do but to vote with my party, sir,’
+replied Coningsby. ‘You mean, of course, by that term what is understood
+by the Conservative party.’
+
+‘Of course; our friends.’
+
+‘I am sorry,’ said Coningsby, rather pale, but speaking with firmness,
+‘I am sorry that I could not support the Conservative party.’
+
+‘By ----!’ exclaimed Lord Monmouth, starting in his seat, ‘some woman
+has got hold of him, and made him a Whig!’
+
+‘No, my dear grandfather,’ said Coningsby, scarcely able to repress a
+smile, serious as the interview was becoming, ‘nothing of the kind, I
+assure you. No person can be more anti-Whig.’
+
+‘I don’t know what you are driving at, sir,’ said Lord Monmouth, in a
+hard, dry tone.
+
+‘I wish to be frank, sir,’ said Coningsby, ‘and am very sensible of your
+goodness in permitting me to speak to you on the subject. What I mean to
+say is, that I have for a long time looked upon the Conservative party
+as a body who have betrayed their trust; more from ignorance, I admit,
+than from design; yet clearly a body of individuals totally unequal
+to the exigencies of the epoch, and indeed unconscious of its real
+character.’
+
+‘You mean giving up those Irish corporations?’ said Lord Monmouth.
+‘Well, between ourselves, I am quite of the same opinion. But we must
+mount higher; we must go to ‘28 for the real mischief. But what is the
+use of lamenting the past? Peel is the only man; suited to the times and
+all that; at least we must say so, and try to believe so; we can’t go
+back. And it is our own fault that we have let the chief power out of
+the hands of our own order. It was never thought of in the time of your
+great-grandfather, sir. And if a commoner were for a season permitted
+to be the nominal Premier to do the detail, there was always a secret
+committee of great 1688 nobles to give him his instructions.’
+
+‘I should be very sorry to see secret committees of great 1688 nobles
+again,’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘Then what the devil do you want to see?’ said Lord Monmouth.
+
+‘Political faith,’ said Coningsby, ‘instead of political infidelity.’
+
+‘Hem!’ said Lord Monmouth.
+
+‘Before I support Conservative principles,’ continued Coningsby, ‘I
+merely wish to be informed what those principles aim to conserve. It
+would not appear to be the prerogative of the Crown, since the principal
+portion of a Conservative oration now is an invective against a late
+royal act which they describe as a Bed-chamber plot. Is it the Church
+which they wish to conserve? What is a threatened Appropriation Clause
+against an actual Church Commission in the hands of Parliamentary
+Laymen? Could the Long Parliament have done worse? Well, then, if it
+is neither the Crown nor the Church, whose rights and privileges this
+Conservative party propose to vindicate, is it your House, the House
+of Lords, whose powers they are prepared to uphold? Is it not notorious
+that the very man whom you have elected as your leader in that House,
+declares among his Conservative adherents, that henceforth the assembly
+that used to furnish those very Committees of great revolution nobles
+that you mention, is to initiate nothing; and, without a struggle, is
+to subside into that undisturbed repose which resembles the Imperial
+tranquillity that secured the frontiers by paying tribute?’
+
+‘All this is vastly fine,’ said Lord Monmouth; ‘but I see no means by
+which I can attain my object but by supporting Peel. After all, what is
+the end of all parties and all politics? To gain your object. I want to
+turn our coronet into a ducal one, and to get your grandmother’s barony
+called out of abeyance in your favour. It is impossible that Peel can
+refuse me. I have already purchased an ample estate with the view
+of entailing it on you and your issue. You will make a considerable
+alliance; you may marry, if you please, Lady Theresa Sydney. I hear the
+report with pleasure. Count on my at once entering into any arrangement
+conducive to your happiness.’
+
+‘My dear grandfather, you have ever been to me only too kind and
+generous.’
+
+‘To whom should I be kind but to you, my own blood, that has never
+crossed me, and of whom I have reason to be proud? Yes, Harry, it
+gratifies me to hear you admired and to learn your success. All I want
+now is to see you in Parliament. A man should be in Parliament early.
+There is a sort of stiffness about every man, no matter what may be his
+talents, who enters Parliament late in life; and now, fortunately, the
+occasion offers. You will go down on Friday; feed the notabilities
+well; speak out; praise Peel; abuse O’Connell and the ladies of the
+Bed-chamber; anathematise all waverers; say a good deal about Ireland;
+stick to the Irish Registration Bill, that’s a good card; and, above
+all, my dear Harry, don’t spare that fellow Millbank. Remember, in
+turning him out you not only gain a vote for the Conservative cause
+and our coronet, but you crush my foe. Spare nothing for that object; I
+count on you, boy.’
+
+‘I should grieve to be backward in anything that concerned your
+interest or your honour, sir,’ said Coningsby, with an air of great
+embarrassment.
+
+‘I am sure you would, I am sure you would,’ said Lord Monmouth, in a
+tone of some kindness.
+
+‘And I feel at this moment,’ continued Coningsby, ‘that there is no
+personal sacrifice which I am not prepared to make for them, except one.
+My interests, my affections, they should not be placed in the balance,
+if yours, sir, were at stake, though there are circumstances which might
+involve me in a position of as much mental distress as a man could well
+endure; but I claim for my convictions, my dear grandfather, a generous
+tolerance.’
+
+‘I can’t follow you, sir,’ said Lord Monmouth, again in his hard tone.
+‘Our interests are inseparable, and therefore there can never be
+any sacrifice of conduct on your part. What you mean by sacrifice of
+affections, I don’t comprehend; but as for your opinions, you have no
+business to have any other than those I uphold. You are too young to
+form opinions.’
+
+‘I am sure I wish to express them with no unbecoming confidence,’
+replied Coningsby; ‘I have never intruded them on your ear before;
+but this being an occasion when you yourself said, sir, I was about
+to commence my public career, I confess I thought it was my duty to be
+frank; I would not entail on myself long years of mortification by one
+of those ill-considered entrances into political life which so many
+public men have cause to deplore.’
+
+‘You go with your family, sir, like a gentleman; you are not to consider
+your opinions, like a philosopher or a political adventurer.’
+
+‘Yes, sir,’ said Coningsby, with animation, ‘but men going with their
+families like gentlemen, and losing sight of every principle on which
+the society of this country ought to be established, produced the Reform
+Bill.’
+
+‘D---- the Reform Bill!’ said Lord Monmouth; ‘if the Duke had not
+quarrelled with Lord Grey on a Coal Committee, we should never have had
+the Reform Bill. And Grey would have gone to Ireland.’
+
+‘You are in as great peril now as you were in 1830,’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘No, no, no,’ said Lord Monmouth; ‘the Tory party is organised now; they
+will not catch us napping again: these Conservative Associations have
+done the business.’
+
+‘But what are they organised for?’ said Coningsby. ‘At the best to turn
+out the Whigs. And when you have turned out the Whigs, what then? You
+may get your ducal coronet, sir. But a duke now is not so great a man
+as a baron was but a century back. We cannot struggle against the
+irresistible stream of circumstances. Power has left our order; this is
+not an age for factitious aristocracy. As for my grandmother’s barony, I
+should look upon the termination of its abeyance in my favour as the
+act of my political extinction. What we want, sir, is not to fashion
+new dukes and furbish up old baronies, but to establish great principles
+which may maintain the realm and secure the happiness of the people. Let
+me see authority once more honoured; a solemn reverence again the habit
+of our lives; let me see property acknowledging, as in the old days
+of faith, that labour is his twin brother, and that the essence of all
+tenure is the performance of duty; let results such as these be brought
+about, and let me participate, however feebly, in the great fulfilment,
+and public life then indeed becomes a noble career, and a seat in
+Parliament an enviable distinction.’
+
+‘I tell you what it is, Harry,’ said Lord Monmouth, very drily, ‘members
+of this family may think as they like, but they must act as I please.
+You must go down on Friday to Darlford and declare yourself a candidate
+for the town, or I shall reconsider our mutual positions. I would say,
+you must go to-morrow; but it is only courteous to Rigby to give him a
+previous intimation of your movement. And that cannot be done to-day. I
+sent for Rigby this morning on other business which now occupies me, and
+find he is out of town. He will return to-morrow; and will be here at
+three o’clock, when you can meet him. You will meet him, I doubt not,
+like a man of sense,’ added Lord Monmouth, looking at Coningsby with a
+glance such as he had never before encountered, ‘who is not prepared to
+sacrifice all the objects of life for the pursuit of some fantastical
+puerilities.’
+
+His Lordship rang a bell on his table for Villebecque; and to prevent
+any further conversation, resumed his papers.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+It would have been difficult for any person, unconscious of crime,
+to have felt more dejected than Coningsby when he rode out of the
+court-yard of Monmouth House. The love of Edith would have consoled
+him for the destruction of his prosperity; the proud fulfilment of his
+ambition might in time have proved some compensation for his crushed
+affections; but his present position seemed to offer no single source
+of solace. There came over him that irresistible conviction that is at
+times the dark doom of all of us, that the bright period of our life is
+past; that a future awaits us only of anxiety, failure, mortification,
+despair; that none of our resplendent visions can ever be realised:
+and that we add but one more victim to the long and dreary catalogue of
+baffled aspirations.
+
+Nor could he indeed by any combination see the means to extricate
+himself from the perils that were encompassing him. There was something
+about his grandfather that defied persuasion. Prone as eloquent
+youth generally is to believe in the resistless power of its appeals,
+Coningsby despaired at once of ever moving Lord Monmouth. There had been
+a callous dryness in his manner, an unswerving purpose in his spirit,
+that at once baffled all attempts at influence. Nor could Coningsby
+forget the look he received when he quitted the room. There was no
+possibility of mistaking it; it said at once, without periphrasis,
+‘Cross my purpose, and I will crush you!’
+
+This was the moment when the sympathy, if not the counsels, of
+friendship might have been grateful. A clever woman might have afforded
+even more than sympathy; some happy device that might have even released
+him from the mesh in which he was involved. And once Coningsby had
+turned his horse’s head to Park Lane to call on Lady Everingham. But
+surely if there were a sacred secret in the world, it was the one which
+subsisted between himself and Edith. No, that must never be violated.
+Then there was Lady Wallinger; he could at least speak with freedom to
+her. He resolved to tell her all. He looked in for a moment at a club
+to take up the ‘Court Guide’ and find her direction. A few men were
+standing in a bow window. He heard Mr. Cassilis say,
+
+‘So Beau, they say, is booked at last; the new beauty, have you heard?’
+
+‘I saw him very sweet on her last night,’ rejoined his companion. ‘Has
+she any tin?’
+
+‘Deuced deal, they say,’ replied Mr. Cassilis.’ The father is a cotton
+lord, and they all have loads of tin, you know. Nothing like them now.’
+
+‘He is in Parliament, is not he?’
+
+‘’Gad, I believe he is,’ said Mr. Cassilis; ‘I never know who is in
+Parliament in these days. I remember when there were only ten men in the
+House of Commons who were not either members of Brookes’ or this place.
+Everything is so deuced changed.’
+
+‘I hear ‘tis an old affair of Beau,’ said another gentleman. ‘It was all
+done a year ago at Rome or Paris.’
+
+‘They say she refused him then,’ said Mr. Cassilis.
+
+‘Well, that is tolerably cool for a manufacturer’s daughter,’ said his
+friend. ‘What next?’
+
+‘I wonder how the Duke likes it?’ said Mr. Cassilis.
+
+‘Or the Duchess?’ added one of his friends.
+
+‘Or the Everinghams?’ added the other.
+
+‘The Duke will be deuced glad to see Beau settled, I take it,’ said Mr.
+Cassilis.
+
+‘A good deal depends on the tin,’ said his friend.
+
+Coningsby threw down the ‘Court Guide’ with a sinking heart. In spite
+of every insuperable difficulty, hitherto the end and object of all his
+aspirations and all his exploits, sometimes even almost unconsciously
+to himself, was Edith. It was over. The strange manner of last night was
+fatally explained. The heart that once had been his was now another’s.
+To the man who still loves there is in that conviction the most profound
+and desolate sorrow of which our nature is capable. All the recollection
+of the past, all the once-cherished prospects of the future, blend into
+one bewildering anguish. Coningsby quitted the club, and mounting his
+horse, rode rapidly out of town, almost unconscious of his direction.
+He found himself at length in a green lane near Willesden, silent and
+undisturbed; he pulled up his horse, and summoned all his mind to the
+contemplation of his prospects.
+
+Edith was lost. Now, should he return to his grandfather, accept his
+mission, and go down to Darlford on Friday? Favour and fortune, power,
+prosperity, rank, distinction would be the consequence of this step;
+might not he add even vengeance? Was there to be no term to his
+endurance? Might not he teach this proud, prejudiced manufacturer, with
+all his virulence and despotic caprices, a memorable lesson? And his
+daughter, too, this betrothed, after all, of a young noble, with her
+flush futurity of splendour and enjoyment, was she to hear of him only,
+if indeed she heard of him at all, as of one toiling or trifling in the
+humbler positions of existence; and wonder, with a blush, that he ever
+could have been the hero of her romantic girlhood? What degradation in
+the idea? His cheek burnt at the possibility of such ignominy!
+
+It was a conjuncture in his life that required decision. He thought of
+his companions who looked up to him with such ardent anticipations of
+his fame, of delight in his career, and confidence in his leading; were
+all these high and fond fancies to be balked? On the very threshold of
+life was he to blunder? ‘Tis the first step that leads to all, and
+his was to be a wilful error. He remembered his first visit to his
+grandfather, and the delight of his friends at Eton at his report on his
+return. After eight years of initiation was he to lose that favour then
+so highly prized, when the results which they had so long counted on
+were on the very eve of accomplishment? Parliament and riches, and rank
+and power; these were facts, realities, substances, that none could
+mistake. Was he to sacrifice them for speculations, theories, shadows,
+perhaps the vapours of a green and conceited brain? No, by heaven, no!
+He was like Caesar by the starry river’s side, watching the image of the
+planets on its fatal waters. The die was cast.
+
+The sun set; the twilight spell fell upon his soul; the exaltation
+of his spirit died away. Beautiful thoughts, full of sweetness and
+tranquillity and consolation, came clustering round his heart like
+seraphs. He thought of Edith in her hours of fondness; he thought of
+the pure and solemn moments when to mingle his name with the heroes of
+humanity was his aspiration, and to achieve immortal fame the inspiring
+purpose of his life. What were the tawdry accidents of vulgar ambition
+to him? No domestic despot could deprive him of his intellect, his
+knowledge, the sustaining power of an unpolluted conscience. If he
+possessed the intelligence in which he had confidence, the world
+would recognise his voice even if not placed upon a pedestal. If the
+principles of his philosophy were true, the great heart of the nation
+would respond to their expression. Coningsby felt at this moment a
+profound conviction which never again deserted him, that the conduct
+which would violate the affections of the heart, or the dictates of the
+conscience, however it may lead to immediate success, is a fatal error.
+Conscious that he was perhaps verging on some painful vicissitude of his
+life, he devoted himself to a love that seemed hopeless, and to a fame
+that was perhaps a dream.
+
+It was under the influence of these solemn resolutions that he wrote,
+on his return home, a letter to Lord Monmouth, in which he expressed
+all that affection which he really felt for his grandfather, and all
+the pangs which it cost him to adhere to the conclusions he had already
+announced. In terms of tenderness, and even humility, he declined to
+become a candidate for Darlford, or even to enter Parliament, except as
+the master of his own conduct.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+
+Lady Monmouth was reclining on a sofa in that beautiful boudoir which
+had been fitted up under the superintendence of Mr. Rigby, but as he
+then believed for the Princess Colonna. The walls were hung with amber
+satin, painted by Delaroche with such subjects as might be expected from
+his brilliant and picturesque pencil. Fair forms, heroes and heroines
+in dazzling costume, the offspring of chivalry merging into what is
+commonly styled civilisation, moved in graceful or fantastic groups amid
+palaces and gardens. The ceiling, carved in the deep honeycomb fashion
+of the Saracens, was richly gilt and picked out in violet. Upon a violet
+carpet of velvet was represented the marriage of Cupid and Psyche.
+
+It was about two hours after Coningsby had quitted Monmouth House, and
+Flora came in, sent for by Lady Monmouth as was her custom, to read to
+her as she was employed with some light work.
+
+‘’Tis a new book of Sue,’ said Lucretia. ‘They say it is good.’
+
+Flora, seated by her side, began to read. Reading was an accomplishment
+which distinguished Flora; but to-day her voice faltered, her expression
+was uncertain; she seemed but imperfectly to comprehend her page. More
+than once Lady Monmouth looked round at her with an inquisitive glance.
+Suddenly Flora stopped and burst into tears.
+
+‘O! madam,’ she at last exclaimed, ‘if you would but speak to Mr.
+Coningsby, all might be right!’
+
+‘What is this?’ said Lady Monmouth, turning quickly on the sofa; then,
+collecting herself in an instant, she continued with less abruptness,
+and more suavity than usual, ‘Tell me, Flora, what is it; what is the
+matter?’
+
+‘My Lord,’ sobbed Flora, ‘has quarrelled with Mr. Coningsby.’
+
+An expression of eager interest came over the countenance of Lucretia.
+
+‘Why have they quarrelled?’
+
+‘I do not know they have quarrelled; it is not, perhaps, a right term;
+but my Lord is very angry with Mr. Coningsby.’
+
+‘Not very angry, I should think, Flora; and about what?’
+
+‘Oh! very angry, madam,’ said Flora, shaking her head mournfully. ‘My
+Lord told M. Villebecque that perhaps Mr. Coningsby would never enter
+the house again.’
+
+‘Was it to-day?’ asked Lucretia.
+
+‘This morning. Mr. Coningsby has only left this hour or two. He will not
+do what my Lord wishes, about some seat in the Chamber. I do not know
+exactly what it is; but my Lord is in one of his moods of terror: my
+father is frightened even to go into his room when he is so.’
+
+‘Has Mr. Rigby been here to-day?’ asked Lucretia.
+
+‘Mr. Rigby is not in town. My father went for Mr. Rigby this morning
+before Mr. Coningsby came, and he found that Mr. Rigby was not in town.
+That is why I know it.’
+
+Lady Monmouth rose from her sofa, and walked once or twice up and down
+the room. Then turning to Flora, she said, ‘Go away now: the book is
+stupid; it does not amuse me. Stop: find out all you can for me about
+the quarrel before I speak to Mr. Coningsby.’
+
+Flora quitted the room. Lucretia remained for some time in meditation;
+then she wrote a few lines, which she despatched at once to Mr. Rigby.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+What a great man was the Right Honourable Nicholas Rigby! Here was one
+of the first peers of England, and one of the finest ladies in London,
+both waiting with equal anxiety his return to town; and unable to
+transact two affairs of vast importance, yet wholly unconnected, without
+his interposition! What was the secret of the influence of this man,
+confided in by everybody, trusted by none? His counsels were not deep,
+his expedients were not felicitous; he had no feeling, and he could
+create no sympathy. It is that, in most of the transactions of life,
+there is some portion which no one cares to accomplish, and which
+everybody wishes to be achieved. This was always the portion of Mr.
+Rigby. In the eye of the world he had constantly the appearance of being
+mixed up with high dealings, and negotiations and arrangements of fine
+management, whereas in truth, notwithstanding his splendid livery and
+the airs he gave himself in the servants’ hall, his real business in
+life had ever been, to do the dirty work.
+
+Mr. Rigby had been shut up much at his villa of late. He was concocting,
+you could not term it composing, an article, a ‘very slashing article,’
+which was to prove that the penny postage must be the destruction of the
+aristocracy. It was a grand subject, treated in his highest style. His
+parallel portraits of Rowland Hill the conqueror of Almarez and Rowland
+Hill the deviser of the cheap postage were enormously fine. It was full
+of passages in italics, little words in great capitals, and almost drew
+tears. The statistical details also were highly interesting and novel.
+Several of the old postmen, both twopenny and general, who had been in
+office with himself, and who were inspired with an equal zeal against
+that spirit of reform of which they had alike been victims, supplied him
+with information which nothing but a breach of ministerial duty could
+have furnished. The prophetic peroration as to the irresistible progress
+of democracy was almost as powerful as one of Rigby’s speeches on
+Aldborough or Amersham. There never was a fellow for giving a good
+hearty kick to the people like Rigby. Himself sprung from the dregs of
+the populace, this was disinterested. What could be more patriotic and
+magnanimous than his Jeremiads over the fall of the Montmorencis and the
+Crillons, or the possible catastrophe of the Percys and the Manners! The
+truth of all this hullabaloo was that Rigby had a sly pension which,
+by an inevitable association of ideas, he always connected with the
+maintenance of an aristocracy. All his rigmarole dissertations on the
+French revolution were impelled by this secret influence; and when he
+wailed over ‘la guerre aux châteaux,’ and moaned like a mandrake over
+Nottingham Castle in flames, the rogue had an eye all the while to
+quarter-day!
+
+Arriving in town the day after Coningsby’s interview with his
+grandfather, Mr. Rigby found a summons to Monmouth House waiting him,
+and an urgent note from Lucretia begging that he would permit nothing
+to prevent him seeing her for a few minutes before he called on the
+Marquess.
+
+Lucretia, acting on the unconscious intimation of Flora, had in the
+course of four-and-twenty hours obtained pretty ample and accurate
+details of the cause of contention between Coningsby and her husband.
+She could inform Mr. Rigby not only that Lord Monmouth was
+highly incensed against his grandson, but that the cause of their
+misunderstanding arose about a seat in the House of Commons, and that
+seat too the one which Mr. Rigby had long appropriated to himself,
+and over whose registration he had watched with such affectionate
+solicitude.
+
+Lady Monmouth arranged this information like a firstrate artist, and
+gave it a grouping and a colour which produced the liveliest effect
+upon her confederate. The countenance of Rigby was almost ghastly as
+he received the intelligence; a grin, half of malice, half of terror,
+played over his features.
+
+‘I told you to beware of him long ago,’ said Lady Monmouth. ‘He is, he
+has ever been, in the way of both of us.’
+
+‘He is in my power,’ said Rigby. ‘We can crush him!’
+
+‘How?’
+
+‘He is in love with the daughter of Millbank, the man who bought
+Hellingsley.’
+
+‘Hah!’ exclaimed Lady Monmouth, in a prolonged tone.
+
+‘He was at Coningsby all last summer, hanging about her. I found the
+younger Millbank quite domiciliated at the Castle; a fact which, of
+itself, if known to Lord Monmouth, would ensure the lad’s annihilation.’
+
+‘And you kept this fine news for a winter campaign, my good Mr. Rigby,’
+said Lady Monmouth, with a subtle smile. ‘It was a weapon of service. I
+give you my compliments.’
+
+‘The time is not always ripe,’ said Mr. Rigby.
+
+‘But it is now most mature. Let us not conceal it from ourselves that,
+since his first visit to Coningsby, we have neither of us really been in
+the same position which we then occupied, or believed we should occupy.
+My Lord, though you would scarcely believe it, has a weakness for this
+boy; and though I by my marriage, and you by your zealous ability,
+have apparently secured a permanent hold upon his habits, I have never
+doubted that when the crisis comes we shall find that the golden fruit
+is plucked by one who has not watched the garden. You take me? There is
+no reason why we two should clash together: we can both of us find what
+we want, and more securely if we work in company.’
+
+‘I trust my devotion to you has never been doubted, dear madam.’
+
+‘Nor to yourself, dear Mr. Rigby. Go now: the game is before you. Rid
+me of this Coningsby, and I will secure you all that you want. Doubt not
+me. There is no reason. I want a firm ally. There must be two.’
+
+‘It shall be done,’ said Rigby; ‘it must be done. If once the notion
+gets wind that one of the Castle family may perchance stand for
+Darlford, all the present combinations will be disorganised. It must be
+done at once. I know that the Government will dissolve.’
+
+‘So I hear for certain,’ said Lucretia. ‘Be sure there is no time to
+lose. What does he want with you to-day?’
+
+‘I know not: there are so many things.’
+
+‘To be sure; and yet I cannot doubt he will speak of this quarrel.
+Let not the occasion be lost. Whatever his mood, the subject may be
+introduced. If good, you will guide him more easily; if dark, the love
+for the Hellingsley girl, the fact of the brother being in his castle,
+drinking his wine, riding his horses, ordering about his servants; you
+will omit no details: a Millbank quite at home at Coningsby will lash
+him to madness! ‘Tis quite ripe. Not a word that you have seen me. Go,
+go, or he may hear that you have arrived. I shall be at home all the
+morning. It will be but gallant that you should pay me a little visit
+when you have transacted your business. You understand. _Au revoir!_’
+
+Lady Monmouth took up again her French novel; but her eyes soon glanced
+over the page, unattached by its contents. Her own existence was too
+interesting to find any excitement in fiction. It was nearly three years
+since her marriage; that great step which she ever had a conviction was
+to lead to results still greater. Of late she had often been filled with
+a presentiment that they were near at hand; never more so than on
+this day. Irresistible was the current of associations that led her to
+meditate on freedom, wealth, power; on a career which should at the same
+time dazzle the imagination and gratify her heart. Notwithstanding the
+gossip of Paris, founded on no authentic knowledge of her husband’s
+character or information, based on the haphazard observations of the
+floating multitude, Lucretia herself had no reason to fear that her
+influence over Lord Monmouth, if exerted, was materially diminished. But
+satisfied that he had formed no other tie, with her ever the test of
+her position, she had not thought it expedient, and certainly would have
+found it irksome, to maintain that influence by any ostentatious means.
+She knew that Lord Monmouth was capricious, easily wearied, soon palled;
+and that on men who have no affections, affection has no hold. Their
+passions or their fancies, on the contrary, as it seemed to her, are
+rather stimulated by neglect or indifference, provided that they are not
+systematic; and the circumstance of a wife being admired by one who is
+not her husband sometimes wonderfully revives the passion or renovates
+the respect of him who should be devoted to her.
+
+The health of Lord Monmouth was the subject which never was long absent
+from the vigilance or meditation of Lucretia. She was well assured that
+his life was no longer secure. She knew that after their marriage he had
+made a will, which secured to her a large portion of his great wealth in
+case of their having no issue, and after the accident at Paris all
+hope in that respect was over. Recently the extreme anxiety which Lord
+Monmouth had evinced about terminating the abeyance of the barony to
+which his first wife was a co-heiress in favour of his grandson, had
+alarmed Lucretia. To establish in the land another branch of the house
+of Coningsby was evidently the last excitement of Lord Monmouth, and
+perhaps a permanent one. If the idea were once accepted, notwithstanding
+the limit to its endowment which Lord Monmouth might at the first start
+contemplate, Lucretia had sufficiently studied his temperament to be
+convinced that all his energies and all his resources would ultimately
+be devoted to its practical fulfilment. Her original prejudice against
+Coningsby and jealousy of his influence had therefore of late been
+considerably aggravated; and the intelligence that for the first time
+there was a misunderstanding between Coningsby and her husband filled
+her with excitement and hope. She knew her Lord well enough to feel
+assured that the cause for displeasure in the present instance could not
+be a light one; she resolved instantly to labour that it should not
+be transient; and it so happened that she had applied for aid in this
+endeavour to the very individual in whose power it rested to accomplish
+all her desire, while in doing so he felt at the same time he was
+defending his own position and advancing his own interests.
+
+Lady Monmouth was now waiting with some excitement the return of Mr.
+Rigby. His interview with his patron was of unusual length. An hour, and
+more than an hour, had elapsed. Lady Monmouth again threw aside the book
+which more than once she had discarded. She paced the room, restless
+rather than disquieted. She had complete confidence in Rigby’s ability
+for the occasion; and with her knowledge of Lord Monmouth’s character,
+she could not contemplate the possibility of failure, if the
+circumstances were adroitly introduced to his consideration. Still time
+stole on: the harassing and exhausting process of suspense was acting
+on her nervous system. She began to think that Rigby had not found
+the occasion favourable for the catastrophe; that Lord Monmouth, from
+apprehension of disturbing Rigby and entailing explanations on himself,
+had avoided the necessary communication; that her skilful combination
+for the moment had missed. Two hours had now elapsed, and Lucretia, in a
+state of considerable irritation, was about to inquire whether Mr. Rigby
+were with his Lordship when the door of her boudoir opened, and that
+gentleman appeared.
+
+‘How long you have been!’ exclaimed Lady Monmouth. ‘Now sit down and
+tell me what has passed.’
+
+Lady Monmouth pointed to the seat which Flora had occupied.
+
+‘I thank your Ladyship,’ said Mr. Rigby, with a somewhat grave and yet
+perplexed expression of countenance, and seating himself at some little
+distance from his companion, ‘but I am very well here.’
+
+There was a pause. Instead of responding to the invitation of Lady
+Monmouth to communicate with his usual readiness and volubility, Mr.
+Rigby was silent, and, if it were possible to use such an expression
+with regard to such a gentleman, apparently embarrassed.
+
+‘Well,’ said Lady Monmouth, ‘does he know about the Millbanks?’
+
+‘Everything,’ said Mr. Rigby.
+
+‘And what did he say?’
+
+‘His Lordship was greatly shocked,’ replied Mr. Rigby, with a pious
+expression of features. ‘Such monstrous ingratitude! As his Lordship
+very justly observed, “It is impossible to say what is going on under my
+own roof, or to what I can trust.”’
+
+‘But he made an exception in your favour, I dare say, my dear Mr.
+Rigby,’ said Lady Monmouth.
+
+‘Lord Monmouth was pleased to say that I possessed his entire
+confidence,’ said Mr. Rigby, ‘and that he looked to me in his
+difficulties.’
+
+‘Very sensible of him. And what is to become of Mr. Coningsby?’
+
+‘The steps which his Lordship is about to take with reference to the
+establishment generally,’ said Mr. Rigby, ‘will allow the connection
+that at present subsists between that gentleman and his noble relative,
+now that Lord Monmouth’s eyes are open to his real character, to
+terminate naturally, without the necessity of any formal explanation.’
+
+‘But what do you mean by the steps he is going to take in his
+establishment generally?’
+
+‘Lord Monmouth thinks he requires change of scene.’
+
+‘Oh! is he going to drag me abroad again?’ exclaimed Lady Monmouth, with
+great impatience.
+
+‘Why, not exactly,’ said Mr. Rigby, rather demurely.
+
+‘I hope he is not going again to that dreadful castle in Lancashire.’
+
+‘Lord Monmouth was thinking that, as you were tired of Paris, you might
+find some of the German Baths agreeable.’
+
+ ‘Why, there is nothing that Lord Monmouth dislikes so much as a German
+bathing-place!’
+
+‘Exactly,’ said Mr. Rigby.
+
+‘Then how capricious in him wanting to go to them?’
+
+‘He does not want to go to them!’
+
+‘What do you mean, Mr. Rigby?’ said Lady Monmouth, in a lower voice, and
+looking him full in the face with a glance seldom bestowed.
+
+There was a churlish and unusual look about Rigby. It was as if
+malignant, and yet at the same time a little frightened, he had screwed
+himself into doggedness.
+
+‘I mean what Lord Monmouth means. He suggests that if your Ladyship were
+to pass the summer at Kissengen, for example, and a paragraph in the
+_Morning Post_ were to announce that his Lordship was about to join you
+there, all awkwardness would be removed; and no one could for a moment
+take the liberty of supposing, even if his Lordship did not ultimately
+reach you, that anything like a separation had occurred.’
+
+‘A separation!’ said Lady Monmouth.
+
+‘Quite amicable,’ said Mr. Rigby. ‘I would never have consented to
+interfere in the affair, but to secure that most desirable point.’
+
+‘I will see Lord Monmouth at once,’ said Lucretia, rising, her natural
+pallor aggravated into a ghoul-like tint.
+
+‘His Lordship has gone out,’ said Mr. Rigby, rather stubbornly.
+
+‘Our conversation, sir, then finishes; I wait his return.’ She bowed
+haughtily.
+
+‘His Lordship will never return to Monmouth House again.’
+
+Lucretia sprang from the sofa.
+
+‘Miserable craven!’ she exclaimed. ‘Has the cowardly tyrant fled? And
+he really thinks that I am to be crushed by such an instrument as this!
+Pah! He may leave Monmouth House, but I shall not. Begone, sir!’
+
+‘Still anxious to secure an amicable separation,’ said Mr. Rigby, ‘your
+Ladyship must allow me to place the circumstances of the case fairly
+before your excellent judgment. Lord Monmouth has decided upon a course:
+you know as well as I that he never swerves from his resolutions. He has
+left peremptory instructions, and he will listen to no appeal. He has
+empowered me to represent to your Ladyship that he wishes in every way
+to consider your convenience. He suggests that everything, in short,
+should be arranged as if his Lordship were himself unhappily no more;
+that your Ladyship should at once enter into your jointure, which
+shall be made payable quarterly to your order, provided you can find
+it convenient to live upon the Continent,’ added Mr. Rigby, with some
+hesitation.
+
+‘And suppose I cannot?’
+
+‘Why, then, we will leave your Ladyship to the assertion of your
+rights.’
+
+‘We!’
+
+‘I beg your Ladyship’s pardon. I speak as the friend of the family, the
+trustee of your marriage settlement, well known also as Lord Monmouth’s
+executor,’ said Mr. Rigby, his countenance gradually regaining its
+usual callous confidence, and some degree of self-complacency, as he
+remembered the good things which he enumerated.
+
+‘I have decided,’ said Lady Monmouth. ‘I will assert my rights. Your
+master has mistaken my character and his own position. He shall rue the
+day that he assailed me.’
+
+‘I should be sorry if there were any violence,’ said Mr. Rigby,
+‘especially as everything is left to my management and control. An
+office, indeed, which I only accepted for your mutual advantage.
+I think, upon reflection, I might put before your Ladyship some
+considerations which might induce you, on the whole, to be of opinion
+that it will be better for us to draw together in this business, as we
+have hitherto, indeed, throughout an acquaintance now of some years.’
+Rigby was assuming all his usual tone of brazen familiarity.
+
+‘Your self-confidence exceeds even Lord Monmouth’s estimate of it,’ said
+Lucretia.
+
+‘Now, now, you are unkind. Your Ladyship mistakes my position. I am
+interfering in this business for your sake. I might have refused the
+office. It would have fallen to another, who would have fulfilled
+it without any delicacy and consideration for your feelings. View my
+interposition in that light, my dear Lady Monmouth, and circumstances
+will assume altogether a new colour.’
+
+‘I beg that you will quit the house, sir.’
+
+Mr. Rigby shook his head. ‘I would with pleasure, to oblige you, were
+it in my power; but Lord Monmouth has particularly desired that I should
+take up my residence here permanently. The servants are now my servants.
+It is useless to ring the bell. For your Ladyship’s sake, I wish
+everything to be accomplished with tranquillity, and, if possible,
+friendliness and good feeling. You can have even a week for the
+preparations for your departure, if necessary. I will take that upon
+myself. Any carriages, too, that you desire; your jewels, at least all
+those that are not at the bankers’. The arrangement about your jointure,
+your letters of credit, even your passport, I will attend to myself;
+only too happy if, by this painful interference, I have in any way
+contributed to soften the annoyance which, at the first blush, you may
+naturally experience, but which, like everything else, take my word,
+will wear off.’
+
+‘I shall send for Lord Eskdale,’ said Lady Monmouth. ‘He is a
+gentleman.’
+
+‘I am quite sure,’ said Mr. Rigby, ‘that Lord Eskdale will give you the
+same advice as myself, if he only reads your Ladyship’s letters,’ he
+added slowly, ‘to Prince Trautsmansdorff.’
+
+‘My letters?’ said Lady Monmouth.
+
+‘Pardon me,’ said Rigby, putting his hand in his pocket, as if to guard
+some treasure, ‘I have no wish to revive painful associations; but I
+have them, and I must act upon them, if you persist in treating me as
+a foe, who am in reality your best friend; which indeed I ought to be,
+having the honour of acting as trustee under your marriage settlement,
+and having known you so many years.’
+
+‘Leave me for the present alone,’ said Lady Monmouth. ‘Send me my
+servant, if I have one. I shall not remain here the week which you
+mention, but quit at once this house, which I wish I had never entered.
+Adieu! Mr. Rigby, you are now lord of Monmouth House, and yet I cannot
+help feeling you too will be discharged before he dies.’
+
+Mr. Rigby made Lady Monmouth a bow such as became the master of the
+house, and then withdrew.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+A paragraph in the _Morning Post_, a few days after his interview with
+his grandfather, announcing that Lord and Lady Monmouth had quitted town
+for the baths of Kissengen, startled Coningsby, who called the same day
+at Monmouth House in consequence. There he learnt more authentic details
+of their unexpected movements. It appeared that Lady Monmouth had
+certainly departed; and the porter, with a rather sceptical visage,
+informed Coningsby that Lord Monmouth was to follow; but when, he could
+not tell. At present his Lordship was at Brighton, and in a few days was
+about to take possession of a villa at Richmond, which had for some time
+been fitting up for him under the superintendence of Mr. Rigby, who, as
+Coningsby also learnt, now permanently resided at Monmouth House. All
+this intelligence made Coningsby ponder. He was sufficiently acquainted
+with the parties concerned to feel assured that he had not learnt the
+whole truth. What had really taken place, and what was the real cause of
+the occurrences, were equally mystical to him: all he was convinced of
+was, that some great domestic revolution had been suddenly effected.
+
+Coningsby entertained for his grandfather a sincere affection. With the
+exception of their last unfortunate interview, he had experienced from
+Lord Monmouth nothing but kindness both in phrase and deed. There was
+also something in Lord Monmouth, when he pleased it, rather fascinating
+to young men; and as Coningsby had never occasioned him any feelings but
+pleasurable ones, he was always disposed to make himself delightful to
+his grandson. The experience of a consummate man of the world, advanced
+in life, detailed without rigidity to youth, with frankness and
+facility, is bewitching. Lord Monmouth was never garrulous: he was
+always pithy, and could be picturesque. He revealed a character in a
+sentence, and detected the ruling passion with the hand of a master.
+Besides, he had seen everybody and had done everything; and though, on
+the whole, too indolent for conversation, and loving to be talked to,
+these were circumstances which made his too rare communications the more
+precious.
+
+With these feelings, Coningsby resolved, the moment that he learned that
+his grandfather was established at Richmond, to pay him a visit. He
+was informed that Lord Monmouth was at home, and he was shown into a
+drawing-room, where he found two French ladies in their bonnets, whom he
+soon discovered to be actresses. They also had come down to pay a visit
+to his grandfather, and were by no means displeased to pass the interval
+that must elapse before they had that pleasure in chatting with his
+grandson. Coningsby found them extremely amusing; with the finest
+spirits in the world, imperturbable good temper, and an unconscious
+practical philosophy that defied the devil Care and all his works. And
+well it was that he found such agreeable companions, for time flowed on,
+and no summons arrived to call him to his grandfather’s presence, and
+no herald to announce his grandfather’s advent. The ladies and Coningsby
+had exhausted badinage; they had examined and criticised all the
+furniture, had rifled the vases of their prettiest flowers; and
+Clotilde, who had already sung several times, was proposing a duet to
+Ermengarde, when a servant entered, and told the ladies that a carriage
+was in attendance to give them an airing, and after that Lord Monmouth
+hoped they would return and dine with him; then turning to Coningsby, he
+informed him, with his lord’s compliments, that Lord Monmouth was sorry
+he was too much engaged to see him.
+
+Nothing was to be done but to put a tolerably good face upon it.
+‘Embrace Lord Monmouth for me,’ said Coningsby to his fair friends, ‘and
+tell him I think it very unkind that he did not ask me to dinner with
+you.’
+
+Coningsby said this with a gay air, but really with a depressed spirit.
+He felt convinced that his grandfather was deeply displeased with him;
+and as he rode away from the villa, he could not resist the strong
+impression that he was destined never to re-enter it. Yet it was decreed
+otherwise. It so happened that the idle message which Coningsby had left
+for his grandfather, and which he never seriously supposed for a moment
+that his late companions would have given their host, operated entirely
+in his favour. Whatever were the feelings with respect to Coningsby at
+the bottom of Lord Monmouth’s heart, he was actuated in his refusal to
+see him not more from displeasure than from an anticipatory horror of
+something like a scene. Even a surrender from Coningsby without terms,
+and an offer to declare himself a candidate for Darlford, or to do
+anything else that his grandfather wished, would have been disagreeable
+to Lord Monmouth in his present mood. As in politics a revolution is
+often followed by a season of torpor, so in the case of Lord Monmouth
+the separation from his wife, which had for a long period occupied his
+meditation, was succeeded by a vein of mental dissipation. He did not
+wish to be reminded by anything or any person that he had still in
+some degree the misfortune of being a responsible member of society.
+He wanted to be surrounded by individuals who were above or below the
+conventional interests of what is called ‘the World.’ He wanted to hear
+nothing of those painful and embarrassing influences which from our
+contracted experience and want of enlightenment we magnify into such
+undue importance. For this purpose he wished to have about him persons
+whose knowledge of the cares of life concerned only the means of
+existence, and whose sense of its objects referred only to the sources
+of enjoyment; persons who had not been educated in the idolatry of
+Respectability; that is to say, of realising such an amount of what is
+termed character by a hypocritical deference to the prejudices of the
+community as may enable them, at suitable times, and under convenient
+circumstances and disguises, to plunder the public. This was the
+Monmouth Philosophy.
+
+With these feelings, Lord Monmouth recoiled at this moment from
+grandsons and relations and ties of all kinds. He did not wish to be
+reminded of his identity, but to swim unmolested and undisturbed in
+his Epicurean dream. When, therefore, his fair visitors; Clotilde, who
+opened her mouth only to breathe roses and diamonds, and Ermengarde, who
+was so good-natured that she sacrificed even her lovers to her friends;
+saw him merely to exclaim at the same moment, and with the same voices
+of thrilling joyousness,--
+
+‘Why did not you ask him to dinner?’
+
+And then, without waiting for his reply, entered with that rapidity of
+elocution which Frenchwomen can alone command into the catalogue of his
+charms and accomplishments, Lord Monmouth began to regret that he really
+had not seen Coningsby, who, it appeared, might have greatly contributed
+to the pleasure of the day. The message, which was duly given,
+however, settled the business. Lord Monmouth felt that any chance of
+explanations, or even allusions to the past, was out of the question;
+and to defend himself from the accusations of his animated guests, he
+said,
+
+‘Well, he shall come to dine with you next time.’
+
+There is no end to the influence of woman on our life. It is at the
+bottom of everything that happens to us. And so it was, that, in spite
+of all the combinations of Lucretia and Mr. Rigby, and the mortification
+and resentment of Lord Monmouth, the favourable impression he casually
+made on a couple of French actresses occasioned Coningsby, before a
+month had elapsed since his memorable interview at Monmouth House, to
+receive an invitation again to dine with his grandfather.
+
+The party was agreeable. Clotilde and Ermengarde had wits as sparkling
+as their eyes. There was a manager of the Opera, a great friend of
+Villebecque, and his wife, a splendid lady, who had been a prima donna
+of celebrity, and still had a commanding voice for a chamber; a Carlist
+nobleman who lived upon his traditions, and who, though without a sou,
+could tell of a festival given by his family, before the revolution,
+which had cost a million of francs; and a Neapolitan physician, in whom
+Lord Monmouth had great confidence, and who himself believed in the
+elixir vitae, made up the party, with Lucian Gay, Coningsby, and Mr.
+Rigby. Our hero remarked that Villebecque on this occasion sat at the
+bottom of the table, but Flora did not appear.
+
+In the meantime, the month which brought about this satisfactory and
+at one time unexpected result was fruitful also in other circumstances
+still more interesting. Coningsby and Edith met frequently, if to
+breathe the same atmosphere in the same crowded saloons can be described
+as meeting; ever watching each other’s movements, and yet studious never
+to encounter each other’s glance. The charms of Miss Millbank had
+become an universal topic, they were celebrated in ball-rooms, they were
+discussed at clubs: Edith was the beauty of the season. All admired her,
+many sighed even to express their admiration; but the devotion of Lord
+Beaumanoir, who always hovered about her, deterred them from a rivalry
+which might have made the boldest despair. As for Coningsby, he passed
+his life principally with the various members of the Sydney family, and
+was almost daily riding with Lady Everingham and her sister, generally
+accompanied by Lord Henry and his friend Eustace Lyle, between whom,
+indeed, and Coningsby there were relations of intimacy scarcely less
+inseparable. Coningsby had spoken to Lady Everingham of the rumoured
+marriage of her elder brother, and found, although the family had not
+yet been formally apprised of it, she entertained little doubt of
+its ultimate occurrence. She admired Miss Millbank, with whom her
+acquaintance continued slight; and she wished, of course, that her
+brother should marry and be happy. ‘But Percy is often in love,’ she
+would add, ‘and never likes us to be very intimate with his inamoratas.
+He thinks it destroys the romance; and that domestic familiarity may
+compromise his heroic character. However,’ she added, ‘I really believe
+that will be a match.’
+
+On the whole, though he bore a serene aspect to the world, Coningsby
+passed this month in a state of restless misery. His soul was brooding
+on one subject, and he had no confidant: he could not resist the spell
+that impelled him to the society where Edith might at least be seen, and
+the circle in which he lived was one in which her name was frequently
+mentioned. Alone, in his solitary rooms in the Albany, he felt all his
+desolation; and often a few minutes before he figured in the world,
+apparently followed and courted by all, he had been plunged in the
+darkest fits of irremediable wretchedness.
+
+He had, of course, frequently met Lady Wallinger, but their salutations,
+though never omitted, and on each side cordial, were brief. There seemed
+to be a tacit understanding between them not to refer to a subject
+fruitful in painful reminiscences.
+
+The season waned. In the fulfilment of a project originally formed
+in the playing-fields of Eton, often recurred to at Cambridge, and
+cherished with the fondness with which men cling to a scheme of early
+youth, Coningsby, Henry Sydney, Vere, and Buckhurst had engaged some
+moors together this year; and in a few days they were about to quit town
+for Scotland. They had pressed Eustace Lyle to accompany them, but he,
+who in general seemed to have no pleasure greater than their society,
+had surprised them by declining their invitation, with some vague
+mention that he rather thought he should go abroad.
+
+It was the last day of July, and all the world were at a breakfast
+given, at a fanciful cottage situate in beautiful gardens on the banks
+of the Thames, by Lady Everingham. The weather was as bright as the
+romances of Boccaccio; there were pyramids of strawberries, in bowls
+colossal enough to hold orange-trees; and the choicest band filled the
+air with enchanting strains, while a brilliant multitude sauntered on
+turf like velvet, or roamed in desultory existence amid the quivering
+shades of winding walks.
+
+‘My fête was prophetic,’ said Lady Everingham, when she saw Coningsby.
+‘I am glad it is connected with an incident. It gives it a point.’
+
+‘You are mystical as well as prophetic. Tell me what we are to
+celebrate.’
+
+‘Theresa is going to be married.’
+
+‘Then I, too, will prophesy, and name the hero of the romance, Eustace
+Lyle.’
+
+‘You have been more prescient than I,’ said Lady Everingham, ‘perhaps
+because I was thinking too much of some one else.’
+
+‘It seems to me an union which all must acknowledge perfect. I hardly
+know which I love best. I have had my suspicions a long time; and when
+Eustace refused to go to the moors with us, though I said nothing, I was
+convinced.’
+
+‘At any rate,’ said Lady Everingham, sighing, with a rather smiling
+face, ‘we are kinsfolk, Mr. Coningsby; though I would gladly have wished
+to have been more.’
+
+‘Were those your thoughts, dear lady? Ever kind to me! Happiness,’ he
+added, in a mournful tone, ‘I fear can never be mine.’
+
+‘And why?’
+
+‘Ah! ‘tis a tale too strange and sorrowful for a day when, like Seged,
+we must all determine to be happy.’
+
+‘You have already made me miserable.’
+
+‘Here comes a group that will make you gay,’ said Coningsby as he
+moved on. Edith and the Wallingers, accompanied by Lord Beaumanoir, Mr.
+Melton, and Sir Charles Buckhurst, formed the party. They seemed profuse
+in their congratulations to Lady Everingham, having already learnt the
+intelligence from her brother.
+
+Coningsby stopped to speak to Lady St. Julians, who had still a daughter
+to marry. Both Augustina, who was at Coningsby Castle, and Clara
+Isabella, who ought to have been there, had each secured the right man.
+But Adelaide Victoria had now appeared, and Lady St. Julians had a great
+regard for the favourite grandson of Lord Monmouth, and also for the
+influential friend of Lord Vere and Sir Charles Buckhurst. In case
+Coningsby did not determine to become her son-in-law himself, he might
+counsel either of his friends to a judicious decision on an inevitable
+act.
+
+‘Strawberries and cream?’ said Lord Eskdale to Mr. Ormsby, who seemed
+occupied with some delicacies.
+
+‘Egad! no, no, no; those days are passed. I think there is a little
+easterly wind with all this fine appearance.’
+
+‘I am for in-door nature myself,’ said Lord Eskdale. ‘Do you know, I do
+not half like the way Monmouth is going on? He never gets out of that
+villa of his. He should change his air more. Tell him.’
+
+‘It is no use telling him anything. Have you heard anything of Miladi?’
+
+‘I had a letter from her to-day: she writes in good spirits. I am sorry
+it broke up, and yet I never thought it would last so long.’
+
+‘I gave them two years,’ said Mr. Ormsby. ‘Lord Monmouth lived with his
+first wife two years. And afterwards with the Mirandola at Milan, at
+least nearly two years; it was a year and ten months. I must know,
+for he called me in to settle affairs. I took the lady to the baths at
+Lucca, on the pretence that Monmouth would meet us there. He went to
+Paris. All his great affairs have been two years. I remember I wanted
+to bet Cassilis, at White’s, on it when he married; but I thought, being
+his intimate friend; the oldest friend he has, indeed, and one of his
+trustees; it was perhaps as well not to do it.’
+
+‘You should have made the bet with himself,’ said Lord Eskdale, ‘and
+then there never would have been a separation.’
+
+‘Hah, hah, hah! Do you know, I feel the wind?’
+
+About an hour after this, Coningsby, who had just quitted the Duchess,
+met, on a terrace by the river, Lady Wallinger, walking with Mrs. Guy
+Flouncey and a Russian Prince, whom that lady was enchanting. Coningsby
+was about to pass with some slight courtesy, but Lady Wallinger stopped
+and would speak to him, on slight subjects, the weather and the fête,
+but yet adroitly enough managed to make him turn and join her. Mrs.
+Guy Flouncey walked on a little before with her Russian admirer. Lady
+Wallinger followed with Coningsby.
+
+‘The match that has been proclaimed to-day has greatly surprised me,’
+said Lady Wallinger.
+
+‘Indeed!’ said Coningsby: ‘I confess I was long prepared for it. And it
+seems to me the most natural alliance conceivable, and one that every
+one must approve.’
+
+‘Lady Everingham seems much surprised at it.’
+
+‘Ah! Lady Everingham is a brilliant personage, and cannot deign to
+observe obvious circumstances.’
+
+‘Do you know, Mr. Coningsby, that I always thought you were engaged to
+Lady Theresa?’
+
+‘I!’
+
+‘Indeed, we were informed more than a month ago that you were positively
+going to be married to her.’
+
+‘I am not one of those who can shift their affections with such
+rapidity, Lady Wallinger.’
+
+Lady Wallinger looked distressed. ‘You remember our meeting you on the
+stairs at ---- House, Mr. Coningsby?’
+
+‘Painfully. It is deeply graven on my brain.’
+
+‘Edith had just been informed that you were going to be married to Lady
+Theresa.’
+
+‘Not surely by him to whom she is herself going to be married?’ said
+Coningsby, reddening.
+
+‘I am not aware that she is going to be married to any one. Lord
+Beaumanoir admires her, has always admired her. But Edith has given
+him no encouragement, at least gave him no encouragement as long as she
+believed; but why dwell on such an unhappy subject, Mr. Coningsby? I
+am to blame; I have been to blame perhaps before, but indeed I think it
+cruel, very cruel, that Edith and you are kept asunder.’
+
+‘You have always been my best, my dearest friend, and are the most
+amiable and admirable of women. But tell me, is it indeed true that
+Edith is not going to be married?’
+
+At this moment Mrs. Guy Flouncey turned round, and assuring Lady
+Wallinger that the Prince and herself had agreed to refer some point
+to her about the most transcendental ethics of flirtation, this deeply
+interesting conversation was arrested, and Lady Wallinger, with
+becoming suavity, was obliged to listen to the lady’s lively appeal of
+exaggerated nonsense and the Prince’s affected protests, while Coningsby
+walked by her side, pale and agitated, and then offered his arm to Lady
+Wallinger, which she accepted with an affectionate pressure. At the end
+of the terrace they met some other guests, and soon were immersed in the
+multitude that thronged the lawn.
+
+‘There is Sir Joseph,’ said Lady Wallinger, and Coningsby looked up,
+and saw Edith on his arm. They were unconsciously approaching them. Lord
+Beaumanoir was there, but he seemed to shrink into nothing to-day before
+Buckhurst, who was captivated for the moment by Edith, and hearing
+that no knight was resolute enough to try a fall with the Marquess, was
+impelled by his talent for action to enter the lists. He had talked down
+everybody, unhorsed every cavalier. Nobody had a chance against him:
+he answered all your questions before you asked them; contradicted
+everybody with the intrepidity of a Rigby; annihilated your anecdotes by
+historiettes infinitely more piquant; and if anybody chanced to make a
+joke which he could not excel, declared immediately that it was a Joe
+Miller. He was absurd, extravagant, grotesque, noisy; but he was young,
+rattling, and interesting, from his health and spirits. Edith was
+extremely amused by him, and was encouraging by her smile his spiritual
+excesses, when they all suddenly met Lady Wallinger and Coningsby.
+
+The eyes of Edith and Coningsby met for the first time since they so
+cruelly encountered on the staircase of ---- House. A deep, quick blush
+suffused her face, her eyes gleamed with a sudden coruscation; suddenly
+and quickly she put forth her hand.
+
+Yes! he presses once more that hand which permanently to retain is the
+passion of his life, yet which may never be his! It seemed that for the
+ravishing delight of that moment he could have borne with cheerfulness
+all the dark and harrowing misery of the year that had passed away since
+he embraced her in the woods of Hellingsley, and pledged his faith by
+the waters of the rushing Darl.
+
+He seized the occasion which offered itself, a moment to walk by her
+side, and to snatch some brief instants of unreserved communion.
+
+‘Forgive me!’ she said.
+
+‘Ah! how could you ever doubt me?’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘I was unhappy.’
+
+‘And now we are to each other as before?’
+
+‘And will be, come what come may.’
+
+END OF BOOK VIII.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK IX.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+It was merry Christmas at St. Geneviève. There was a yule log blazing
+on every hearth in that wide domain, from the hall of the squire to the
+peasant’s roof. The Buttery Hatch was open for the whole week from noon
+to sunset; all comers might take their fill, and each carry away as much
+bold beef, white bread, and jolly ale as a strong man could bear in
+a basket with one hand. For every woman a red cloak, and a coat of
+broadcloth for every man. All day long, carts laden with fuel and warm
+raiment were traversing the various districts, distributing comfort and
+dispensing cheer. For a Christian gentleman of high degree was Eustace
+Lyle.
+
+Within his hall, too, he holds his revel, and his beauteous bride
+welcomes their guests, from her noble parents to the faithful tenants of
+the house. All classes are mingled in the joyous equality that becomes
+the season, at once sacred and merry. There are carols for the eventful
+eve, and mummers for the festive day.
+
+The Duke and Duchess, and every member of the family, had consented this
+year to keep their Christmas with the newly-married couple. Coningsby,
+too, was there, and all his friends. The party was numerous, gay,
+hearty, and happy; for they were all united by sympathy.
+
+They were planning that Henry Sydney should be appointed Lord of
+Misrule, or ordained Abbot of Unreason at the least, so successful had
+been his revival of the Mummers, the Hobby-horse not forgotten.
+Their host had entrusted to Lord Henry the restoration of many old
+observances; and the joyous feeling which this celebration of Christmas
+had diffused throughout an extensive district was a fresh argument in
+favour of Lord Henry’s principle, that a mere mechanical mitigation of
+the material necessities of the humbler classes, a mitigation which must
+inevitably be limited, can never alone avail sufficiently to ameliorate
+their condition; that their condition is not merely ‘a knife and fork
+question,’ to use the coarse and shallow phrase of the Utilitarian
+school; that a simple satisfaction of the grosser necessities of our
+nature will not make a happy people; that you must cultivate the heart
+as well as seek to content the belly; and that the surest means to
+elevate the character of the people is to appeal to their affections.
+
+There is nothing more interesting than to trace predisposition. An
+indefinite, yet strong sympathy with the peasantry of the realm had been
+one of the characteristic sensibilities of Lord Henry at Eton. Yet a
+schoolboy, he had busied himself with their pastimes and the details of
+their cottage economy. As he advanced in life the horizon of his views
+expanded with his intelligence and his experience; and the son of one of
+the noblest of our houses, to whom the delights of life are offered with
+fatal facility, on the very threshold of his career he devoted his
+time and thought, labour and life, to one vast and noble purpose, the
+elevation of the condition of the great body of the people.
+
+‘I vote for Buckhurst being Lord of Misrule,’ said Lord Henry: ‘I will
+be content with being his gentleman usher.’
+
+‘It shall be put to the vote,’ said Lord Vere.
+
+‘No one has a chance against Buckhurst,’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘Now, Sir Charles,’ said Lady Everingham, ‘your absolute sway is about
+to commence. And what is your will?’
+
+‘The first thing must be my formal installation,’ said Buckhurst. ‘I
+vote the Boar’s head be carried in procession thrice round the hall, and
+Beau shall be the champion to challenge all who may question my right.
+Duke, you shall be my chief butler, the Duchess my herb-woman. She is to
+walk before me, and scatter rosemary. Coningsby shall carry the Boar’s
+head; Lady Theresa and Lady Everingham shall sing the canticle; Lord
+Everingham shall be marshal of the lists, and put all in the stocks who
+are found sober and decorous; Lyle shall be the palmer from the Holy
+Land, and Vere shall ride the Hobby-horse. Some must carry cups of
+Hippocras, some lighted tapers; all must join in chorus.’
+
+He ceased his instructions, and all hurried away to carry them into
+effect. Some hastily arrayed themselves in fanciful dresses, the ladies
+in robes of white, with garlands of flowers; some drew pieces of armour
+from the wall, and decked themselves with helm and hauberk; others waved
+ancient banners. They brought in the Boar’s head on a large silver dish,
+and Coningsby raised it aloft. They formed into procession, the Duchess
+distributing rosemary; Buckhurst swaggering with all the majesty of
+Tamerlane, his mock court irresistibly humorous with their servility;
+and the sweet voice of Lady Everingham chanting the first verse of the
+canticle, followed in the second by the rich tones of Lady Theresa:
+
+  I.
+        Caput Apri defero
+        Reddens laudes Domino.
+  The Boar’s heade in hande bring I,
+  With garlandes gay and rosemary:
+  I pray you all singe merrily,
+        Qui estis in convivio.
+
+  II.
+        Caput Apri defero
+        Reddens laudes Domino.
+  The Boar’s heade I understande
+  Is the chief servyce in this lande
+  Loke whereever it be fande,
+        Servite cum cantico.
+
+The procession thrice paraded the hall. Then they stopped; and the Lord
+of Misrule ascended his throne, and his courtiers formed round him
+in circle. Behind him they held the ancient banners and waved their
+glittering arms, and placed on a lofty and illuminated pedestal the
+Boar’s head covered with garlands. It was a good picture, and the Lord
+of Misrule sustained his part with untiring energy. He was addressing
+his court in a pompous rhapsody of merry nonsense, when a servant
+approached Coningsby, and told him that he was wanted without.
+
+Our hero retired unperceived. A despatch had arrived for him from
+London. Without any prescience of its purpose, he nevertheless broke
+the seal with a trembling hand. His presence was immediately desired in
+town: Lord Monmouth was dead.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+This was a crisis in the life of Coningsby; yet, like many critical
+epochs, the person most interested in it was not sufficiently aware
+of its character. The first feeling which he experienced at the
+intelligence was sincere affliction. He was fond of his grandfather; had
+received great kindness from him, and at a period of life when it was
+most welcome. The neglect and hardships of his early years, instead of
+leaving a prejudice against one who, by some, might be esteemed their
+author, had by their contrast only rendered Coningsby more keenly
+sensible of the solicitude and enjoyment which had been lavished on his
+happy youth.
+
+The next impression on his mind was undoubtedly a natural and reasonable
+speculation on the effect of this bereavement on his fortunes. Lord
+Monmouth had more than once assured Coningsby that he had provided for
+him as became a near relative to whom he was attached, and in a manner
+which ought to satisfy the wants and wishes of an English gentleman. The
+allowance which Lord Monmouth had made him, as considerable as usually
+accorded to the eldest sons of wealthy peers, might justify him in
+estimating his future patrimony as extremely ample. He was aware,
+indeed, that at a subsequent period his grandfather had projected for
+him fortunes of a still more elevated character. He looked to Coningsby
+as the future representative of an ancient barony, and had been
+purchasing territory with the view of supporting the title. But
+Coningsby did not by any means firmly reckon on these views being
+realised. He had a suspicion that in thwarting the wishes of his
+grandfather in not becoming a candidate for Darlford, he had at the
+moment arrested arrangements which, from the tone of Lord Monmouth’s
+communication, he believed were then in progress for that purpose;
+and he thought it improbable, with his knowledge of his grandfather’s
+habits, that Lord Monmouth had found either time or inclination to
+resume before his decease the completion of these plans. Indeed there
+was a period when, in adopting the course which he pursued with respect
+to Darlford, Coningsby was well aware that he perilled more than the
+large fortune which was to accompany the barony. Had not a separation
+between Lord Monmouth and his wife taken place simultaneously with
+Coningsby’s difference with his grandfather, he was conscious that the
+consequences might have been even altogether fatal to his prospects; but
+the absence of her evil influence at such a conjuncture, its permanent
+removal, indeed, from the scene, coupled with his fortunate though not
+formal reconciliation with Lord Monmouth, had long ago banished from his
+memory all those apprehensions to which he had felt it impossible at the
+time to shut his eyes. Before he left town for Scotland he had made a
+farewell visit to his grandfather, who, though not as cordial as in
+old days, had been gracious; and Coningsby, during his excursion to the
+moors, and his various visits to the country, had continued at intervals
+to write to his grandfather, as had been for some years his custom. On
+the whole, with an indefinite feeling which, in spite of many a rational
+effort, did nevertheless haunt his mind, that this great and sudden
+event might exercise a vast and beneficial influence on his worldly
+position, Coningsby could not but feel some consolation in the
+affliction which he sincerely experienced, in the hope that he might at
+all events now offer to Edith a home worthy of her charms, her virtues,
+and her love.
+
+Although he had not seen her since their hurried yet sweet
+reconciliation in the gardens of Lady Everingham, Coningsby was never
+long without indirect intelligence of the incidents of her life; and the
+correspondence between Lady Everingham and Henry Sydney, while they
+were at the moors, had apprised him that Lord Beaumanoir’s suit had
+terminated unsuccessfully almost immediately after his brother had
+quitted London.
+
+It was late in the evening when Coningsby arrived in town: he called at
+once on Lord Eskdale, who was one of Lord Monmouth’s executors; and he
+persuaded Coningsby, whom he saw depressed, to dine with him alone.
+
+‘You should not be seen at a club,’ said the good-natured peer; ‘and I
+remember myself in old days what was the wealth of an Albanian larder.’
+
+Lord Eskdale, at dinner, talked frankly of the disposition of Lord
+Monmouth’s property. He spoke as a matter of course that Coningsby was
+his grandfather’s principal heir.
+
+‘I don’t know whether you will be happier with a large fortune?’ said
+Lord Eskdale. ‘It is a troublesome thing: nobody is satisfied with
+what you do with it; very often not yourself. To maintain an equable
+expenditure; not to spend too much on one thing, too little on another,
+is an art. There must be a harmony, a keeping, in disbursement, which
+very few men have. Great wealth wearies. The thing to have is about ten
+thousand a year, and the world to think you have only five. There is
+some enjoyment then; one is let alone. But the instant you have a large
+fortune, duties commence. And then impudent fellows borrow your money;
+and if you ask them for it again, they go about town saying you are a
+screw.’
+
+Lord Monmouth had died suddenly at his Richmond villa, which latterly
+he never quitted, at a little supper, with no persons near him but those
+who were amusing. He suddenly found he could not lift his glass to his
+lips, and being extremely polite, waited a few minutes before he asked
+Clotilde, who was singing a sparkling drinking-song, to do him that
+service. When, in accordance with his request, she reached him, it was
+too late. The ladies shrieked, being frightened: at first they were
+in despair, but, after reflection, they evinced some intention of
+plundering the house. Villebecque, who was absent at the moment, arrived
+in time; and everybody became orderly and broken-hearted.
+
+The body had been removed to Monmouth House, where it had been embalmed
+and laid in state. The funeral was not numerously attended. There was
+nobody in town; some distinguished connections, however, came up from
+the country, though it was a period inconvenient for such movements.
+After the funeral, the will was to be read in the principal saloon of
+Monmouth House, one of those gorgeous apartments that had excited the
+boyish wonder of Coningsby on his first visit to that paternal roof, and
+now hung in black, adorned with the escutcheon of the deceased peer.
+
+The testamentary dispositions of the late lord were still unknown,
+though the names of his executors had been announced by his family
+solicitor, in whose custody the will and codicils had always remained.
+The executors under the will were Lord Eskdale, Mr. Ormsby, and Mr.
+Rigby. By a subsequent appointment Sidonia had been added. All these
+individuals were now present. Coningsby, who had been chief mourner,
+stood on the right hand of the solicitor, who sat at the end of a long
+table, round which, in groups, were ranged all who had attended the
+funeral, including several of the superior members of the household,
+among them M. Villebecque.
+
+The solicitor rose and explained that though Lord Monmouth had been in
+the habit of very frequently adding codicils to his will, the original
+will, however changed or modified, had never been revoked; it was
+therefore necessary to commence by reading that instrument. So saying,
+he sat down, and breaking the seals of a large packet, he produced the
+will of Philip Augustus, Marquess of Monmouth, which had been retained
+in his custody since its execution.
+
+By this will, of the date of 1829, the sum of 10,000_l._ was left to
+Coningsby, then unknown to his grandfather; the same sum to Mr. Rigby.
+There was a great number of legacies, none of superior amount, most of
+them of less: these were chiefly left to old male companions, and women
+in various countries. There was an almost inconceivable number of small
+annuities to faithful servants, decayed actors, and obscure foreigners.
+The residue of his personal estate was left to four gentlemen, three of
+whom had quitted this world before the legator; the bequests, therefore,
+had lapsed. The fourth residuary legatee, in whom, according to the
+terms of the will, all would have consequently centred, was Mr. Rigby.
+
+There followed several codicils which did not materially affect the
+previous disposition; one of them leaving a legacy of 20,000_l._ to
+the Princess Colonna; until they arrived at the latter part of the year
+1832, when a codicil increased the 10,000_l._ left under the will to
+Coningsby to 50,000_l._.
+
+After Coningsby’s visit to the Castle in 1836 a very important change
+occurred in the disposition of Lord Monmouth’s estate. The legacy of
+50,000_l._ in his favour was revoked, and the same sum left to the
+Princess Lucretia. A similar amount was bequeathed to Mr. Rigby; and
+Coningsby was left sole residuary legatee.
+
+The marriage led to a considerable modification. An estate of about
+nine thousand a year, which Lord Monmouth had himself purchased, and was
+therefore in his own disposition, was left to Coningsby. The legacy to
+Mr. Rigby was reduced to 20,000_l._, and the whole of his residue left
+to his issue by Lady Monmouth. In case he died without issue, the estate
+bequeathed to Coningsby to be taken into account, and the residue then
+to be divided equally between Lady Monmouth and his grandson. It was
+under this instrument that Sidonia had been appointed an executor and
+to whom Lord Monmouth left, among others, the celebrated picture of
+the Holy Family by Murillo, as his friend had often admired it. To Lord
+Eskdale he left all his female miniatures, and to Mr. Ormsby his rare
+and splendid collection of French novels, and all his wines, except his
+Tokay, which he left, with his library, to Sir Robert Peel; though this
+legacy was afterwards revoked, in consequence of Sir Robert’s conduct
+about the Irish corporations.
+
+The solicitor paused and begged permission to send for a glass of water.
+While this was arranging there was a murmur at the lower part of the
+room, but little disposition to conversation among those in the vicinity
+of the lawyer. Coningsby was silent, his brow a little knit. Mr. Rigby
+was pale and restless, but said nothing. Mr. Ormsby took a pinch of
+snuff, and offered his box to Lord Eskdale, who was next to him. They
+exchanged glances, and made some observation about the weather. Sidonia
+stood apart, with his arms folded. He had not, of course attended the
+funeral, nor had he as yet exchanged any recognition with Coningsby.
+
+‘Now, gentlemen,’ said the solicitor, ‘if you please, I will proceed.’
+
+They came to the year 1839, the year Coningsby was at Hellingsley. This
+appeared to be a critical period in the fortunes of Lady Monmouth; while
+Coningsby’s reached to the culminating point. Mr. Rigby was reduced to
+his original legacy under the will of 10,000_l._; a sum of equal amount
+was bequeathed to Armand Villebecque, in acknowledgment of faithful
+services; all the dispositions in favour of Lady Monmouth were revoked,
+and she was limited to her moderate jointure of 3,000_l._ per annum,
+under the marriage settlement; while everything, without reserve, was
+left absolutely to Coningsby.
+
+A subsequent codicil determined that the 10,000_l._ left to Mr. Rigby
+should be equally divided between him and Lucian Gay; but as some
+compensation Lord Monmouth left to the Right Honourable Nicholas Rigby
+the bust of that gentleman, which he had himself presented to his
+Lordship, and which, at his desire, had been placed in the vestibule
+at Coningsby Castle, from the amiable motive that after Lord Monmouth’s
+decease Mr. Rigby might wish, perhaps, to present it to some other
+friend.
+
+Lord Eskdale and Mr. Ormsby took care not to catch the eye of Mr. Rigby.
+As for Coningsby, he saw nobody. He maintained, during the extraordinary
+situation in which he was placed, a firm demeanour; but serene and
+regulated as he appeared to the spectators, his nerves were really
+strung to a high pitch.
+
+There was yet another codicil. It bore the date of June 1840, and was
+made at Brighton, immediately after the separation with Lady Monmouth.
+It was the sight of this instrument that sustained Rigby at this great
+emergency. He had a wild conviction that, after all, it must set all
+right. He felt assured that, as Lady Monmouth had already been disposed
+of, it must principally refer to the disinheritance of Coningsby,
+secured by Rigby’s well-timed and malignant misrepresentations of what
+had occurred in Lancashire during the preceding summer. And then to whom
+could Lord Monmouth leave his money? However he might cut and carve up
+his fortunes, Rigby, and especially at a moment when he had so served
+him, must come in for a considerable slice.
+
+His prescient mind was right. All the dispositions in favour of ‘my
+grandson Harry Coningsby’ were revoked; and he inherited from his
+grandfather only the interest of the sum of 10,000_l._ which had been
+originally bequeathed to him in his orphan boyhood. The executors had
+the power of investing the principal in any way they thought proper
+for his advancement in life, provided always it was not placed in ‘the
+capital stock of any manufactory.’
+
+Coningsby turned pale; he lost his abstracted look; he caught the eye
+of Rigby; he read the latent malice of that nevertheless anxious
+countenance. What passed through the mind and being of Coningsby was
+thought and sensation enough for a year; but it was as the flash that
+reveals a whole country, yet ceases to be ere one can say it lightens.
+There was a revelation to him of an inward power that should baffle
+these conventional calamities, a natural and sacred confidence in his
+youth and health, and knowledge and convictions. Even the recollection
+of Edith was not unaccompanied with some sustaining associations. At
+least the mightiest foe to their union was departed.
+
+All this was the impression of an instant, simultaneous with the reading
+of the words of form with which the last testamentary disposition of the
+Marquess of Monmouth left the sum of 30,000_l._ to Armand Villebecque;
+and all the rest, residue, and remainder of his unentailed property,
+wheresoever and whatsoever it might be, amounting in value to nearly a
+million sterling, was given, devised, and bequeathed to Flora, commonly
+called Flora Villebecque, the step-child of the said Armand Villebecque,
+‘but who is my natural daughter by Marie Estelle Matteau, an actress at
+the Théâtre Français in the years 1811-15, by the name of Stella.’
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+‘This is a crash!’ said Coningsby, with a grave rather than agitated
+countenance, to Sidonia, as his friend came up to greet him, without,
+however, any expression of condolence.
+
+‘This time next year you will not think so,’ said Sidonia.
+
+Coningsby shrugged his shoulders.
+
+‘The principal annoyance of this sort of miscarriage,’ said Sidonia,
+‘is the condolence of the gentle world. I think we may now depart. I am
+going home to dine. Come, and discuss your position. For the present we
+will not speak of it.’ So saying, Sidonia good-naturedly got Coningsby
+out of the room.
+
+They walked together to Sidonia’s house in Carlton Gardens, neither of
+them making the slightest allusion to the catastrophe; Sidonia inquiring
+where he had been, what he had been doing, since they last met, and
+himself conversing in his usual vein, though with a little more feeling
+in his manner than was his custom. When they had arrived there, Sidonia
+ordered their dinner instantly, and during the interval between the
+command and its appearance, he called Coningsby’s attention to an old
+German painting he had just received, its brilliant colouring and quaint
+costumes.
+
+‘Eat, and an appetite will come,’ said Sidonia, when he observed
+Coningsby somewhat reluctant. ‘Take some of that Chablis: it will put
+you right; you will find it delicious.’
+
+In this way some twenty minutes passed; their meal was over, and they
+were alone together.
+
+‘I have been thinking all this time of your position,’ said Sidonia.
+
+‘A sorry one, I fear,’ said Coningsby.
+
+‘I really cannot see that,’ said his friend. ‘You have experienced this
+morning a disappointment, but not a calamity. If you had lost your eye
+it would have been a calamity: no combination of circumstances could
+have given you another. There are really no miseries except natural
+miseries; conventional misfortunes are mere illusions. What seems
+conventionally, in a limited view, a great misfortune, if subsequently
+viewed in its results, is often the happiest incident in one’s life.’
+
+‘I hope the day may come when I may feel this.’
+
+‘Now is the moment when philosophy is of use; that is to say, now is
+the moment when you should clearly comprehend the circumstances which
+surround you. Holiday philosophy is mere idleness. You think, for
+example, that you have just experienced a great calamity, because you
+have lost the fortune on which you counted?’
+
+‘I must say I do.’
+
+‘I ask you again, which would you have rather lost, your grandfather’s
+inheritance or your right leg?’
+
+‘Most certainly my inheritance,’
+
+‘Or your left arm?’
+
+‘Still the inheritance.’
+
+‘Would you have received the inheritance on condition that your front
+teeth should be knocked out?’
+
+‘No.’
+
+‘Would you have given up a year of your life for that fortune trebled?’
+
+‘Even at twenty-three I would have refused the terms.’
+
+‘Come, come, Coningsby, the calamity cannot be very great.’
+
+‘Why, you have put it in an ingenious point of view; and yet it is
+not so easy to convince a man, that he should be content who has lost
+everything.’
+
+‘You have a great many things at this moment that you separately prefer
+to the fortune that you have forfeited. How then can you be said to have
+lost everything?’
+
+‘What have I?’ said Coningsby, despondingly.
+
+‘You have health, youth, good looks, great abilities, considerable
+knowledge, a fine courage, a lofty spirit, and no contemptible
+experience. With each of these qualities one might make a fortune; the
+combination ought to command the highest.’
+
+‘You console me,’ said Coningsby, with a faint blush and a fainter
+smile.
+
+‘I teach you the truth. That is always solacing. I think you are a most
+fortunate young man; I should not have thought you more fortunate if
+you had been your grandfather’s heir; perhaps less so. But I wish you
+to comprehend your position: if you understand it you will cease to
+lament.’
+
+‘But what should I do?’
+
+‘Bring your intelligence to bear on the right object. I make you no
+offers of fortune, because I know you would not accept them, and indeed
+I have no wish to see you a lounger in life. If you had inherited a
+great patrimony, it is possible your natural character and previous
+culture might have saved you from its paralysing influence; but it is a
+question, even with you. Now you are free; that is to say, you are free,
+if you are not in debt. A man who has not seen the world, whose fancy is
+harassed with glittering images of pleasures he has never experienced,
+cannot live on 300_l._ per annum; but you can. You have nothing to haunt
+your thoughts, or disturb the abstraction of your studies. You have seen
+the most beautiful women; you have banqueted in palaces; you know what
+heroes, and wits, and statesmen are made of: and you can draw on
+your memory instead of your imagination for all those dazzling and
+interesting objects that make the inexperienced restless, and are the
+cause of what are called scrapes. But you can do nothing if you be in
+debt. You must be free. Before, therefore, we proceed, I must beg you
+to be frank on this head. If you have any absolute or contingent
+incumbrances, tell me of them without reserve, and permit me to clear
+them at once to any amount. You will sensibly oblige me in so doing:
+because I am interested in watching your career, and if the racer start
+with a clog my psychological observations will be imperfect.’
+
+‘You are, indeed, a friend; and had I debts I would ask you to pay
+them. I have nothing of the kind. My grandfather was so lavish in his
+allowance to me that I never got into difficulties. Besides, there
+are horses and things without end which I must sell, and money at
+Drummonds’.’
+
+‘That will produce your outfit, whatever the course you adopt. I
+conceive there are two careers which deserve your consideration. In the
+first place there is Diplomacy. If you decide upon that, I can assist
+you. There exist between me and the Minister such relations that I can
+at once secure you that first step which is so difficult to obtain.
+After that, much, if not all, depends on yourself. But I could advance
+you, provided you were capable. You should, at least, not languish for
+want of preferment. In an important post, I could throw in your way
+advantages which would soon permit you to control cabinets. Information
+commands the world. I doubt not your success, and for such a career,
+speedy. Let us assume it as a fact. Is it a result satisfactory? Suppose
+yourself in a dozen years a Plenipotentiary at a chief court, or at
+a critical post, with a red ribbon and the Privy Council in immediate
+perspective; and, after a lengthened career, a pension and a peerage.
+Would that satisfy you? You don’t look excited. I am hardly surprised.
+In your position it would not satisfy me. A Diplomatist is, after all,
+a phantom. There is a want of nationality about his being. I always look
+upon Diplomatists as the Hebrews of politics; without country, political
+creeds, popular convictions, that strong reality of existence which
+pervades the career of an eminent citizen in a free and great country.’
+
+‘You read my thoughts,’ said Coningsby. ‘I should be sorry to sever
+myself from England.’
+
+‘There remains then the other, the greater, the nobler career,’ said
+Sidonia, ‘which in England may give you all, the Bar. I am absolutely
+persuaded that with the requisite qualifications, and with perseverance,
+success at the Bar is certain. It may be retarded or precipitated by
+circumstances, but cannot be ultimately affected. You have a right to
+count with your friends on no lack of opportunities when you are ripe
+for them. You appear to me to have all the qualities necessary for the
+Bar; and you may count on that perseverance which is indispensable, for
+the reason I have before mentioned, because it will be sustained by your
+experience.’
+
+‘I have resolved,’ said Coningsby; ‘I will try for the Great Seal.’
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+Alone in his chambers, no longer under the sustaining influence of
+Sidonia’s converse and counsel, the shades of night descending
+and bearing gloom to the gloomy, all the excitement of his spirit
+evaporated, the heart of Coningsby sank. All now depended on himself,
+and in that self he had no trust. Why should he succeed? Success was the
+most rare of results. Thousands fail; units triumph. And even success
+could only be conducted to him by the course of many years. His career,
+even if prosperous, was now to commence by the greatest sacrifice which
+the heart of man could be called upon to sustain. Upon the stern altar
+of his fortunes he must immolate his first and enduring love. Before,
+he had a perilous position to offer Edith; now he had none. The future
+might then have aided them; there was no combination which could improve
+his present. Under any circumstances he must, after all his thoughts and
+studies, commence a new novitiate, and before he could enter the arena
+must pass years of silent and obscure preparation. ‘Twas very bitter.
+He looked up, his eye caught that drawing of the towers of Hellingsley
+which she had given him in the days of their happy hearts. That was all
+that was to remain of their loves. He was to bear it to the future
+scene of his labours, to remind him through revolving years of toil and
+routine, that he too had had his romance, had roamed in fair gardens,
+and whispered in willing ears the secrets of his passion. That drawing
+was to become the altar-piece of his life.
+
+Coningsby passed an agitated night of broken sleep, waking often with a
+consciousness of having experienced some great misfortune, yet with an
+indefinite conception of its nature. He woke exhausted and dispirited.
+It was a gloomy day, a raw north-easter blowing up the cloisters of
+the Albany, in which the fog was lingering, the newspaper on his
+breakfast-table, full of rumoured particulars of his grandfather’s
+will, which had of course been duly digested by all who knew him. What
+a contrast to St. Geneviève! To the bright, bracing morn of that merry
+Christmas! That radiant and cheerful scene, and those gracious and
+beaming personages, seemed another world and order of beings to the
+one he now inhabited, and the people with whom he must now commune. The
+Great Seal indeed! It was the wild excitement of despair, the frenzied
+hope that blends inevitably with absolute ruin, that could alone have
+inspired such a hallucination! His unstrung heart deserted him. His
+energies could rally no more. He gave orders that he was at home to no
+one; and in his morning gown and slippers, with his feet resting on the
+fireplace, the once high-souled and noble-hearted Coningsby delivered
+himself up to despair.
+
+The day passed in a dark trance rather than a reverie. Nothing rose
+to his consciousness. He was like a particle of chaos; at the best,
+a glimmering entity of some shadowy Hades. Towards evening the wind
+changed, the fog dispersed, there came a clear starry night, brisk and
+bright. Coningsby roused himself, dressed, and wrapping his cloak around
+him, sallied forth. Once more in the mighty streets, surrounded by
+millions, his petty griefs and personal fortunes assumed their proper
+position. Well had Sidonia taught him, view everything in its relation
+to the rest. ‘Tis the secret of all wisdom. Here was the mightiest of
+modern cities; the rival even of the most celebrated of the ancient.
+Whether he inherited or forfeited fortunes, what was it to the passing
+throng? They would not share his splendour, or his luxury, or his
+comfort. But a word from his lip, a thought from his brain, expressed
+at the right time, at the right place, might turn their hearts, might
+influence their passions, might change their opinions, might affect
+their destiny. Nothing is great but the personal. As civilisation
+advances, the accidents of life become each day less important.
+The power of man, his greatness and his glory, depend on essential
+qualities. Brains every day become more precious than blood. You must
+give men new ideas, you must teach them new words, you must modify
+their manners, you must change their laws, you must root out prejudices,
+subvert convictions, if you wish to be great. Greatness no longer
+depends on rentals, the world is too rich; nor on pedigrees, the world
+is too knowing.
+
+‘The greatness of this city destroys my misery,’ said Coningsby, ‘and my
+genius shall conquer its greatness.’
+
+This conviction of power in the midst of despair was a revelation of
+intrinsic strength. It is indeed the test of a creative spirit. From
+that moment all petty fears for an ordinary future quitted him. He felt
+that he must be prepared for great sacrifices, for infinite suffering;
+that there must devolve on him a bitter inheritance of obscurity,
+struggle, envy, and hatred, vulgar prejudice, base criticism, petty
+hostilities, but the dawn would break, and the hour arrive, when the
+welcome morning hymn of his success and his fame would sound and be
+re-echoed.
+
+He returned to his rooms; calm, resolute. He slept the deep sleep of
+a man void of anxiety, that has neither hope nor fear to haunt his
+visions, but is prepared to rise on the morrow collected for the great
+human struggle.
+
+And the morning came. Fresh, vigorous, not rash or precipitate, yet
+determined to lose no time in idle meditation, Coningsby already
+resolved at once to quit his present residence, was projecting a visit
+to some legal quarter, where he intended in future to reside, when his
+servant brought him a note. The handwriting was feminine. The note was
+from Flora. The contents were brief. She begged Mr. Coningsby, with
+great earnestness, to do her the honour and the kindness of calling on
+her at his earliest convenience, at the hotel in Brook Street where she
+now resided.
+
+It was an interview which Coningsby would rather have avoided; yet it
+seemed to him, after a moment’s reflection, neither just, nor kind, nor
+manly, to refuse her request. Flora had not injured him. She was, after
+all, his kin. Was it for a moment to be supposed that he was envious of
+her lot? He replied, therefore, that in an hour he would wait upon her.
+
+In an hour, then, two individuals are to be brought together whose first
+meeting was held under circumstances most strangely different. Then
+Coningsby was the patron, a generous and spontaneous one, of a being
+obscure, almost friendless, and sinking under bitter mortification.
+His favour could not be the less appreciated because he was the
+chosen relative of a powerful noble. That noble was no more; his vast
+inheritance had devolved on the disregarded, even despised actress,
+whose suffering emotions Coningsby had then soothed, and whose fortune
+had risen on the destruction of all his prospects, and the balk of all
+his aspirations.
+
+Flora was alone when Coningsby was ushered into the room. The extreme
+delicacy of her appearance was increased by her deep mourning; and
+seated in a cushioned chair, from which she seemed to rise with an
+effort, she certainly presented little of the character of a fortunate
+and prosperous heiress.
+
+‘You are very good to come to me,’ she said, faintly smiling.
+
+Coningsby extended his hand to her affectionately, in which she placed
+her own, looking down much embarrassed.
+
+‘You have an agreeable situation here,’ said Coningsby, trying to break
+the first awkwardness of their meeting.
+
+‘Yes; but I hope not to stop here long?’
+
+‘You are going abroad?’
+
+‘No; I hope never to leave England!’
+
+There was a slight pause; and then Flora sighed and said,
+
+‘I wish to speak to you on a subject that gives me pain; yet of which I
+must speak. You think I have injured you?’
+
+‘I am sure,’ said Coningsby, in a tone of great kindness, ‘that you
+could injure no one.’
+
+‘I have robbed you of your inheritance.’
+
+‘It was not mine by any right, legal or moral. There were others who
+might have urged an equal claim to it; and there are many who will now
+think that you might have preferred a superior one.’
+
+‘You had enemies; I was not one. They sought to benefit themselves by
+injuring you. They have not benefited themselves; let them not say that
+they have at least injured you.’
+
+‘We will not care what they say,’ said Coningsby; ‘I can sustain my
+lot.’
+
+‘Would that I could mine!’ said Flora. She sighed again with a downcast
+glance. Then looking up embarrassed and blushing deeply, she added, ‘I
+wish to restore to you that fortune of which I have unconsciously and
+unwillingly deprived you.’
+
+‘The fortune is yours, dear Flora, by every right,’ said Coningsby,
+much moved; ‘and there is no one who wishes more fervently that it may
+contribute to your happiness than I do.’
+
+‘It is killing me,’ said Flora, mournfully; then speaking with unusual
+animation, with a degree of excitement, she continued, ‘I must tell what
+I feel. This fortune is yours. I am happy in the inheritance, if you
+generously receive it from me, because Providence has made me the means
+of baffling your enemies. I never thought to be so happy as I shall be
+if you will generously accept this fortune, always intended for you. I
+have lived then for a purpose; I have not lived in vain; I have returned
+to you some service, however humble, for all your goodness to me in my
+unhappiness.’
+
+‘You are, as I have ever thought you, the kindest and most
+tender-hearted of beings. But you misconceive our mutual positions,
+my gentle Flora. The custom of the world does not permit such acts to
+either of us as you contemplate. The fortune is yours. It is left you by
+one on whose affections you had the highest claim. I will not say
+that so large an inheritance does not bring with it an alarming
+responsibility; but you are not unequal to it. Have confidence in
+yourself. You have a good heart; you have good sense; you have a
+well-principled being. Your spirit will mount with your fortunes, and
+blend with them. You will be happy.’
+
+‘And you?’
+
+‘I shall soon learn to find content, if not happiness, from other
+sources,’ said Coningsby; ‘and mere riches, however vast, could at no
+time have secured my felicity.’
+
+‘But they may secure that which brings felicity,’ said Flora, speaking
+in a choking voice, and not meeting the glance of Coningsby. ‘You had
+some views in life which displeased him who has done all this; they may
+be, they must be, affected by this fatal caprice. Speak to me, for I
+cannot speak, dear Mr. Coningsby; do not let me believe that I, who
+would sacrifice my life for your happiness, am the cause of such
+calamities!’
+
+‘Whatever be my lot, I repeat I can sustain it,’ said Coningsby, with a
+cheek of scarlet.
+
+‘Ah! he is angry with me,’ exclaimed Flora; ‘he is angry with me!’ and
+the tears stole down her pale cheek.
+
+‘No, no, no! dear Flora; I have no other feelings to you than those of
+affection and respect,’ and Coningsby, much agitated, drew his chair
+nearer to her, and took her hand. ‘I am gratified by these kind wishes,
+though they are utterly impracticable; but they are the witnesses of
+your sweet disposition and your noble spirit. There never shall exist
+between us, under any circumstances, other feelings than those of kin
+and kindness.’
+
+He rose as if to depart. When she saw that, she started, and seemed to
+summon all her energies.
+
+‘You are going,’ she exclaimed, ‘and I have said nothing, I have said
+nothing; and I shall never see you again. Let me tell you what I mean.
+This fortune is yours; it must be yours. It is an arrow in my heart. Do
+not think I am speaking from a momentary impulse. I know myself. I have
+lived so much alone, I have had so little to deceive or to delude me,
+that I know myself. If you will not let me do justice you declare my
+doom. I cannot live if my existence is the cause of all your prospects
+being blasted, and the sweetest dreams of your life being defeated. When
+I die, these riches will be yours; that you cannot prevent. Refuse my
+present offer, and you seal the fate of that unhappy Flora whose fragile
+life has hung for years on the memory of your kindness.’
+
+‘You must not say these words, dear Flora; you must not indulge in these
+gloomy feelings. You must live, and you must live happily. You have
+every charm and virtue which should secure happiness. The duties and
+the affections of existence will fall to your lot. It is one that will
+always interest me, for I shall ever be your friend. You have conferred
+on me one of the most delightful of feelings, gratitude, and for that I
+bless you. I will soon see you again.’ Mournfully he bade her farewell.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+
+About a week after this interview with Flora, as Coningsby one morning
+was about to sally forth from the Albany to visit some chambers in the
+Temple, to which his notice had been attracted, there was a loud ring, a
+bustle in the hall, and Henry Sydney and Buckhurst were ushered in.
+
+There never was such a cordial meeting; and yet the faces of his
+friends were serious. The truth is, the paragraphs in the newspapers had
+circulated in the country, they had written to Coningsby, and after a
+brief delay he had confirmed their worst apprehensions. Immediately they
+came up to town. Henry Sydney, a younger son, could offer little but
+sympathy, but he declared it was his intention also to study for the
+bar, so that they should not be divided. Buckhurst, after many embraces
+and some ordinary talk, took Coningsby aside, and said, ‘My dear fellow,
+I have no objection to Henry Sydney hearing everything I say, but still
+these are subjects which men like to be discussed in private. Of course
+I expect you to share my fortune. There is enough for both. We will have
+an exact division.’
+
+There was something in Buckhurst’s fervent resolution very lovable and a
+little humorous, just enough to put one in good temper with human nature
+and life. If there were any fellow’s fortune in the world that Coningsby
+would share, Buckhurst’s would have had the preference; but while he
+pressed his hand, and with a glance in which a tear and a smile seemed
+to contend for mastery, he gently indicated why such arrangements were,
+with our present manners, impossible.
+
+‘I see,’ said Buckhurst, after a moment’s thought, ‘I quite agree with
+you. The thing cannot be done; and, to tell you the truth, a fortune
+is a bore. What I vote that we three do at once is, to take plenty of
+ready-money, and enter the Austrian service. By Jove! it is the only
+thing to do.’
+
+‘There is something in that,’ said Coningsby. ‘In the meantime, suppose
+you two fellows walk with me to the Temple, for I have an appointment to
+look at some chambers.’
+
+It was a fine day, and it was by no means a gloomy walk. Though the
+two friends had arrived full of indignation against Lord Monmouth, and
+miserable about their companion, once more in his society, and finding
+little difference in his carriage, they assumed unconsciously their
+habitual tone. As for Buckhurst, he was delighted with the Temple, which
+he visited for the first time. The name enchanted him. The tombs in the
+church convinced him that the Crusades were the only career. He would
+have himself become a law student if he might have prosecuted his
+studies in chain armour. The calmer Henry Sydney was consoled for the
+misfortunes of Coningsby by a fanciful project himself to pass a portion
+of his life amid these halls and courts, gardens and terraces, that
+maintain in the heart of a great city in the nineteenth century, so much
+of the grave romance and picturesque decorum of our past manners.
+Henry Sydney was sanguine; he was reconciled to the disinheritance of
+Coningsby by the conviction that it was a providential dispensation to
+make him a Lord Chancellor.
+
+These faithful friends remained in town with Coningsby until he was
+established in Paper Buildings, and had become a pupil of a celebrated
+special pleader. They would have remained longer had not he himself
+suggested that it was better that they should part. It seemed a terrible
+catastrophe after all the visions of their boyish days, their college
+dreams, and their dazzling adventures in the world.
+
+‘And this is the end of Coningsby, the brilliant Coningsby, that we all
+loved, that was to be our leader!’ said Buckhurst to Lord Henry as
+they quitted him. ‘Well, come what may, life has lost something of its
+bloom.’
+
+‘The great thing now,’ said Lord Henry, ‘is to keep up the chain of
+our friendship. We must write to him very often, and contrive to be
+frequently together. It is dreadful to think that in the ways of life
+our hearts may become estranged. I never felt more wretched than I do at
+this moment, and yet I have faith that we shall not lose him.’
+
+‘Amen!’ said Buckhurst; ‘but I feel my plan about the Austrian service
+was, after all, the only thing. The Continent offers a career. He might
+have been prime minister; several strangers have been; and as for war,
+look at Brown and Laudohn, and half a hundred others. I had a much
+better chance of being a field-marshal than he has of being a Lord
+Chancellor.’
+
+‘I feel quite convinced that Coningsby will be Lord Chancellor,’ said
+Henry Sydney, gravely.
+
+This change of life for Coningsby was a great social revolution. It was
+sudden and complete. Within a month after the death of his grandfather
+his name had been erased from all his fashionable clubs, and his horses
+and carriages sold, and he had become a student of the Temple. He
+entirely devoted himself to his new pursuit. His being was completely
+absorbed in it. There was nothing to haunt his mind; no unexperienced
+scene or sensation of life to distract his intelligence. One sacred
+thought alone indeed there remained, shrined in the innermost sanctuary
+of his heart and consciousness. But it was a tradition, no longer a
+hope. The moment that he had fairly recovered from the first shock of
+his grandfather’s will; had clearly ascertained the consequences to
+himself, and had resolved on the course to pursue; he had communicated
+unreservedly with Oswald Millbank, and had renounced those pretensions
+to the hand of his sister which it ill became the destitute to prefer.
+
+His letter was answered in person. Millbank met Henry Sydney and
+Buckhurst at the chambers of Coningsby. Once more they were all
+four together; but under what different circumstances, and with what
+different prospects from those which attended their separation at Eton!
+Alone with Coningsby, Millbank spoke to him things which letters could
+not convey. He bore to him all the sympathy and devotion of Edith; but
+they would not conceal from themselves that, at this moment, and in the
+present state of affairs, all was hopeless. In no way did Coningsby ever
+permit himself to intimate to Oswald the cause of his disinheritance. He
+was, of course, silent on it to his other friends; as any communication
+of the kind must have touched on a subject that was consecrated in his
+inmost soul.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+The state of political parties in England in the spring of 1841 offered
+a most remarkable contrast to their condition at the period commemorated
+in the first chapter of this work. The banners of the Conservative camp
+at this moment lowered on the Whig forces, as the gathering host of the
+Norman invader frowned on the coast of Sussex. The Whigs were not
+yet conquered, but they were doomed; and they themselves knew it. The
+mistake which was made by the Conservative leaders in not retaining
+office in 1839; and, whether we consider their conduct in a national
+and constitutional light, or as a mere question of political tactics and
+party prudence, it was unquestionably a great mistake; had infused into
+the corps of Whig authority a kind of galvanic action, which only the
+superficial could mistake for vitality. Even to form a basis for their
+future operations, after the conjuncture of ‘39, the Whigs were obliged
+to make a fresh inroad on the revenue, the daily increasing debility
+of which was now arresting attention and exciting public alarm. It was
+clear that the catastrophe of the government would be financial.
+
+Under all the circumstances of the case, the conduct of the Whig
+Cabinet, in their final propositions, cannot be described as deficient
+either in boldness or prudence. The policy which they recommended was
+in itself a sagacious and spirited policy; but they erred in supposing
+that, at the period it was brought forward, any measure promoted by the
+Whigs could have obtained general favour in the country. The Whigs were
+known to be feeble; they were looked upon as tricksters. The country
+knew they were opposed by a powerful party; and though there certainly
+never was any authority for the belief, the country did believe that
+that powerful party were influenced by great principles; had in their
+view a definite and national policy; and would secure to England,
+instead of a feeble administration and fluctuating opinions, energy and
+a creed.
+
+The future effect of the Whig propositions of ‘41 will not be
+detrimental to that party, even if in the interval they be appropriated
+piecemeal, as will probably be the case, by their Conservative
+successors. But for the moment, and in the plight in which the Whig
+party found themselves, it was impossible to have devised measures more
+conducive to their precipitate fall. Great interests were menaced by a
+weak government. The consequence was inevitable. Tadpole and Taper
+saw it in a moment. They snuffed the factious air, and felt the coming
+storm. Notwithstanding the extreme congeniality of these worthies,
+there was a little latent jealousy between them. Tadpole worshipped
+Registration: Taper, adored a Cry. Tadpole always maintained that it
+was the winnowing of the electoral lists that could alone gain the day;
+Taper, on the contrary, faithful to ancient traditions, was ever of
+opinion that the game must ultimately be won by popular clamour. It
+always seemed so impossible that the Conservative party could ever be
+popular; the extreme graciousness and personal popularity of the leaders
+not being sufficiently apparent to be esteemed an adequate set-off
+against the inveterate odium that attached to their opinions; that the
+Tadpole philosophy was the favoured tenet in high places; and Taper had
+had his knuckles well rapped more than once for manoeuvring too actively
+against the New Poor-law, and for hiring several link-boys to bawl
+a much-wronged lady’s name in the Park when the Court prorogued
+Parliament.
+
+And now, after all, in 1841, it seemed that Taper was right. There was
+a great clamour in every quarter, and the clamour was against the Whigs
+and in favour of Conservative principles. What Canadian timber-merchants
+meant by Conservative principles, it is not difficult to conjecture;
+or West Indian planters. It was tolerably clear on the hustings
+what squires and farmers, and their followers, meant by Conservative
+principles. What they mean by Conservative principles now is another
+question: and whether Conservative principles mean something higher than
+a perpetuation of fiscal arrangements, some of them impolitic, none of
+them important. But no matter what different bodies of men understood by
+the cry in which they all joined, the Cry existed. Taper beat Tadpole;
+and the great Conservative party beat the shattered and exhausted Whigs.
+
+Notwithstanding the abstraction of his legal studies, Coningsby could
+not be altogether insensible to the political crisis. In the political
+world of course he never mixed, but the friends of his boyhood were
+deeply interested in affairs, and they lost no opportunity which
+he would permit them, of cultivating his society. Their occasional
+fellowship, a visit now and then to Sidonia, and a call sometimes
+on Flora, who lived at Richmond, comprised his social relations. His
+general acquaintance did not desert him, but he was out of sight, and
+did not wish to be remembered. Mr. Ormsby asked him to dinner, and
+occasionally mourned over his fate in the bow window of White’s; while
+Lord Eskdale even went to see him in the Temple, was interested in his
+progress, and said, with an encouraging look, that, when he was called
+to the bar, all his friends must join and get up the steam. Coningsby
+had once met Mr. Rigby, who was walking with the Duke of Agincourt,
+which was probably the reason he could not notice a lawyer. Mr. Rigby
+cut Coningsby.
+
+Lord Eskdale had obtained from Villebecque accurate details as to the
+cause of Coningsby being disinherited. Our hero, if one in such fallen
+fortunes may still be described as a hero, had mentioned to Lord Eskdale
+his sorrow that his grandfather had died in anger with him; but Lord
+Eskdale, without dwelling on the subject, had assured him that he had
+reason to believe that if Lord Monmouth had lived, affairs would have
+been different. He had altered the disposition of his property at a
+moment of great and general irritation and excitement; and had been too
+indolent, perhaps really too indisposed, which he was unwilling ever to
+acknowledge, to recur to a calmer and more equitable settlement. Lord
+Eskdale had been more frank with Sidonia, and had told him all about
+the refusal to become a candidate for Darlford against Mr. Millbank; the
+communication of Rigby to Lord Monmouth, as to the presence of Oswald
+Millbank at the castle, and the love of Coningsby for his sister; all
+these details, furnished by Villebecque to Lord Eskdale, had been truly
+transferred by that nobleman to his co-executor; and Sidonia, when he
+had sufficiently digested them, had made Lady Wallinger acquainted with
+the whole history.
+
+The dissolution of the Whig Parliament by the Whigs, the project of
+which had reached Lord Monmouth a year before, and yet in which nobody
+believed to the last moment, at length took place. All the world was
+dispersed in the heart of the season, and our solitary student of the
+Temple, in his lonely chambers, notwithstanding all his efforts, found
+his eye rather wander over the pages of Tidd and Chitty as he remembered
+that the great event to which he had so looked forward was now
+occurring, and he, after all, was no actor in the mighty drama. It was
+to have been the epoch of his life; when he was to have found himself
+in that proud position for which all the studies, and meditations, and
+higher impulses of his nature had been preparing him. It was a keen
+trial of a man. Every one of his friends and old companions were
+candidates, and with sanguine prospects. Lord Henry was certain for a
+division of his county; Buckhurst harangued a large agricultural
+borough in his vicinity; Eustace Lyle and Vere stood in coalition for
+a Yorkshire town; and Oswald Millbank solicited the suffrages of an
+important manufacturing constituency. They sent their addresses to
+Coningsby. He was deeply interested as he traced in them the influence
+of his own mind; often recognised the very expressions to which he
+had habituated them. Amid the confusion of a general election, no
+unimpassioned critic had time to canvass the language of an address to
+an isolated constituency; yet an intelligent speculator on the movements
+of political parties might have detected in these public declarations
+some intimation of new views, and of a tone of political feeling that
+has unfortunately been too long absent from the public life of this
+country.
+
+It was the end of a sultry July day, the last ray of the sun shooting
+down Pall Mall sweltering with dust; there was a crowd round the doors
+of the Carlton and the Reform Clubs, and every now and then an express
+arrived with the agitating bulletin of a fresh defeat or a new triumph.
+Coningsby was walking up Pall Mall. He was going to dine at the Oxford
+and Cambridge Club, the only club on whose list he had retained his
+name, that he might occasionally have the pleasure of meeting an Eton or
+Cambridge friend without the annoyance of encountering any of his former
+fashionable acquaintances. He lighted in his walk on Mr. Tadpole and
+Mr. Taper, both of whom he knew. The latter did not notice him, but Mr.
+Tadpole, more good-natured, bestowed on him a rough nod, not unmarked by
+a slight expression of coarse pity.
+
+Coningsby ordered his dinner, and then took up the evening papers, where
+he learnt the return of Vere and Lyle; and read a speech of Buckhurst
+denouncing the Venetian Constitution, to the amazement of several
+thousand persons, apparently not a little terrified by this unknown
+danger, now first introduced to their notice. Being true Englishmen,
+they were all against Buckhurst’s opponent, who was of the Venetian
+party, and who ended by calling out Buckhurst for his personalities.
+
+Coningsby had dined, and was reading in the library, when a waiter
+brought up a third edition of the _Sun_, with electioneering bulletins
+from the manufacturing districts to the very latest hour. Some large
+letters which expressed the name of Darlford caught his eye. There
+seemed great excitement in that borough; strange proceedings had
+happened. The column was headed, ‘Extraordinary Affair! Withdrawal of
+the Liberal Candidate! Two Tory Candidates in the field!!!’
+
+His eye glanced over an animated speech of Mr. Millbank, his
+countenance changed, his heart palpitated. Mr. Millbank had resigned
+the representation of the town, but not from weakness; his avocations
+demanded his presence; he had been requested to let his son supply his
+place, but his son was otherwise provided for; he should always take a
+deep interest in the town and trade of Darlford; he hoped that the
+link between the borough and Hellingsley would be ever cherished; loud
+cheering; he wished in parting from them to take a step which should
+conciliate all parties, put an end to local heats and factious
+contentions, and secure the town an able and worthy representative. For
+these reasons he begged to propose to them a gentleman who bore a
+name which many of them greatly honoured; for himself, he knew the
+individual, and it was his firm opinion that whether they considered his
+talents, his character, or the ancient connection of his family with
+the district, he could not propose a candidate more worthy of their
+confidence than HARRY CONINGSBY, ESQ.
+
+This proposition was received with that wild enthusiasm which
+occasionally bursts out in the most civilised communities. The contest
+between Millbank and Rigby was equally balanced, neither party was
+over-confident. The Conservatives were not particularly zealous in
+behalf of their champion; there was no Marquess of Monmouth and no
+Coningsby Castle now to back him; he was fighting on his own resources,
+and he was a beaten horse. The Liberals did not like the prospect of a
+defeat, and dreaded the mortification of Rigby’s triumph. The Moderate
+men, who thought more of local than political circumstances, liked the
+name of Coningsby. Mr. Millbank had dexterously prepared his leading
+supporters for the substitution. Some traits of the character and
+conduct of Coningsby had been cleverly circulated. Thus there was a
+combination of many favourable causes in his favour. In half an hour’s
+time his image was stamped on the brain of every inhabitant of the
+borough as an interesting and accomplished youth, who had been wronged,
+and who deserved to be rewarded. It was whispered that Rigby was his
+enemy. Magog Wrath and his mob offered Mr. Millbank’s committee to throw
+Mr. Rigby into the river, or to burn down his hotel, in case he was
+prudent enough not to show. Mr. Rigby determined to fight to the last.
+All his hopes were now staked on the successful result of this contest.
+It were impossible if he were returned that his friends could refuse him
+high office. The whole of Lord Monmouth’s reduced legacy was devoted
+to this end. The third edition of the _Sun_ left Mr. Rigby in vain
+attempting to address an infuriated populace.
+
+Here was a revolution in the fortunes of our forlorn Coningsby! When his
+grandfather first sent for him to Monmouth House, his destiny was
+not verging on greater vicissitudes. He rose from his seat, and was
+surprised that all the silent gentlemen who were about him did not mark
+his agitation. Not an individual there that he knew. It was now an hour
+to midnight, and to-morrow the almost unconscious candidate was to go to
+the poll. In a tumult of suppressed emotion, Coningsby returned to his
+chambers. He found a letter in his box from Oswald Millbank, who had
+been twice at the Temple. Oswald had been returned without a contest,
+and had reached Darlford in time to hear Coningsby nominated. He set off
+instantly to London, and left at his friend’s chambers a rapid narrative
+of what had happened, with information that he should call on him
+again on the morrow at nine o’clock, when they were to repair together
+immediately to Darlford in time for Coningsby to be chaired, for no one
+entertained a doubt of his triumph.
+
+Coningsby did not sleep a wink that night, and yet when he rose early
+felt fresh enough for any exploit, however difficult or hazardous. He
+felt as an Egyptian does when the Nile rises after its elevation had
+been despaired of. At the very lowest ebb of his fortunes, an event
+had occurred which seemed to restore all. He dared not contemplate the
+ultimate result of all these wonderful changes. Enough for him, that
+when all seemed dark, he was about to be returned to Parliament by
+the father of Edith, and his vanquished rival who was to bite the dust
+before him was the author of all his misfortunes. Love, Vengeance,
+Justice, the glorious pride of having acted rightly, the triumphant
+sense of complete and absolute success, here were chaotic materials from
+which order was at length evolved; and all subsided in an overwhelming
+feeling of gratitude to that Providence that had so signally protected
+him.
+
+There was a knock at the door. It was Oswald. They embraced. It seemed
+that Oswald was as excited as Coningsby. His eye sparkled, his manner
+was energetic.
+
+‘We must talk it all over during our journey. We have not a minute to
+spare.’
+
+During that journey Coningsby learned something of the course of affairs
+which gradually had brought about so singular a revolution in his
+favour. We mentioned that Sidonia had acquired a thorough knowledge of
+the circumstances which had occasioned and attended the disinheritance
+of Coningsby. These he had told to Lady Wallinger, first by letter,
+afterwards in more detail on her arrival in London. Lady Wallinger had
+conferred with her husband. She was not surprised at the goodness of
+Coningsby, and she sympathised with all his calamities. He had ever been
+the favourite of her judgment, and her romance had always consisted in
+blending his destinies with those of her beloved Edith. Sir Joseph was a
+judicious man, who never cared to commit himself; a little selfish, but
+good, just, and honourable, with some impulses, only a little afraid
+of them; but then his wife stepped in like an angel, and gave them the
+right direction. They were both absolutely impressed with Coningsby’s
+admirable conduct, and Lady Wallinger was determined that her husband
+should express to others the convictions which he acknowledged in unison
+with herself. Sir Joseph spoke to Mr. Millbank, who stared; but Sir
+Joseph spoke feebly. Lady Wallinger conveyed all this intelligence, and
+all her impressions, to Oswald and Edith. The younger Millbank talked
+with his father, who, making no admissions, listened with interest,
+inveighed against Lord Monmouth, and condemned his will.
+
+After some time, Mr. Millbank made inquiries about Coningsby, took an
+interest in his career, and, like Lord Eskdale, declared that when he
+was called to the bar, his friends would have an opportunity to evince
+their sincerity. Affairs remained in this state, until Oswald thought
+that circumstances were sufficiently ripe to urge his father on
+the subject. The position which Oswald had assumed at Millbank had
+necessarily made him acquainted with the affairs and fortune of his
+father. When he computed the vast wealth which he knew was at his
+parent’s command, and recalled Coningsby in his humble chambers, toiling
+after all his noble efforts without any results, and his sister pining
+in a provincial solitude, Oswald began to curse wealth, and to
+ask himself what was the use of all their marvellous industry and
+supernatural skill? He addressed his father with that irresistible
+frankness which a strong faith can alone inspire. What are the objects
+of wealth, if not to bless those who possess our hearts? The only
+daughter, the friend to whom the only son was indebted for his life,
+here are two beings surely whom one would care to bless, and both are
+unhappy. Mr. Millbank listened without prejudice, for he was already
+convinced. But he felt some interest in the present conduct of
+Coningsby. A Coningsby working for his bread was a novel incident for
+him. He wished to be assured of its authenticity. He was resolved to
+convince himself of the fact. And perhaps he would have gone on yet
+for a little time, and watched the progress of the experiment,
+already interested and delighted by what had reached him, had not the
+dissolution brought affairs to a crisis. The misery of Oswald at the
+position of Coningsby, the silent sadness of Edith, his own conviction,
+which assured him that he could do nothing wiser or better than take
+this young man to his heart, so ordained it that Mr. Millbank, who
+was after all the creature of impulse, decided suddenly, and decided
+rightly. Never making a single admission to all the representations of
+his son, Mr. Millbank in a moment did all that his son could have dared
+to desire.
+
+This is a very imperfect and crude intimation of what had occurred
+at Millbank and Hellingsley; yet it conveys a faint sketch of the
+enchanting intelligence that Oswald conveyed to Coningsby during their
+rapid travel. When they arrived at Birmingham, they found a messenger
+and a despatch, informing Coningsby, that at mid-day, at Darlford, he
+was at the head of the poll by an overwhelming majority, and that Mr.
+Rigby had resigned. He was, however, requested to remain at Birmingham,
+as they did not wish him to enter Darlford, except to be chaired, so
+he was to arrive there in the morning. At Birmingham, therefore, they
+remained.
+
+There was Oswald’s election to talk of as well as Coningsby’s. They had
+hardly had time for this. Now they were both Members of Parliament.
+Men must have been at school together, to enjoy the real fun of meeting
+thus, and realising boyish dreams. Often, years ago, they had talked
+of these things, and assumed these results; but those were words and
+dreams, these were positive facts; after some doubts and struggles, in
+the freshness of their youth, Oswald Millbank and Harry Coningsby
+were members of the British Parliament; public characters, responsible
+agents, with a career.
+
+This afternoon, at Birmingham, was as happy an afternoon as usually
+falls to the lot of man. Both of these companions were labouring under
+that degree of excitement which is necessary to felicity. They had
+enough to talk about. Edith was no longer a forbidden or a sorrowful
+subject. There was rapture in their again meeting under such
+circumstances. Then there were their friends; that dear Buckhurst, who
+had just been called out for styling his opponent a Venetian, and all
+their companions of early days. What a sudden and marvellous change in
+all their destinies! Life was a pantomime; the wand was waved, and it
+seemed that the schoolfellows had of a sudden become elements of power,
+springs of the great machine.
+
+A train arrived; restless they sallied forth, to seek diversion in the
+dispersion of the passengers. Coningsby and Millbank, with that glance,
+a little inquisitive, even impertinent, if we must confess it, with
+which one greets a stranger when he emerges from a public conveyance,
+were lounging on the platform. The train arrived; stopped; the doors
+were thrown open, and from one of them emerged Mr. Rigby! Coningsby, who
+had dined, was greatly tempted to take off his hat and make him a bow,
+but he refrained. Their eyes met. Rigby was dead beat. He was evidently
+used up; a man without a resource; the sight of Coningsby his last blow;
+he had met his fate.
+
+‘My dear fellow,’ said Coningsby, ‘I remember I wanted you to dine with
+my grandfather at Montem, and that fellow would not ask you. Such is
+life!’
+
+About eleven o’clock the next morning they arrived at the Darlford
+station. Here they were met by an anxious deputation, who received
+Coningsby as if he were a prophet, and ushered him into a car covered
+with satin and blue ribbons, and drawn by six beautiful grey horses,
+caparisoned in his colours, and riden by postilions, whose very whips
+were blue and white. Triumphant music sounded; banners waved; the
+multitude were marshalled; the Freemasons, at the first opportunity,
+fell into the procession; the Odd Fellows joined it at the nearest
+corner. Preceded and followed by thousands, with colours flying,
+trumpets sounding, and endless huzzas, flags and handkerchiefs waving
+from every window, and every balcony filled with dames and maidens
+bedecked with his colours, Coningsby was borne through enthusiastic
+Darlford like Paulus Emilius returning from Macedon. Uncovered, still
+in deep mourning, his fine figure, and graceful bearing, and his
+intelligent brow, at once won every female heart.
+
+The singularity was, that all were of the same opinion: everybody
+cheered him, every house was adorned with his colours. His triumphal
+return was no party question. Magog Wrath and Bully Bluck walked
+together like lambs at the head of his procession.
+
+The car stopped before the principal hotel in the High Street. It was
+Mr. Millbank’s committee. The broad street was so crowded, that, as
+every one declared, you might have walked on the heads of the people.
+Every window was full; the very roofs were peopled. The car stopped,
+and the populace gave three cheers for Mr. Millbank. Their late member,
+surrounded by his friends, stood in the balcony, which was fitted up
+with Coningsby’s colours, and bore his name on the hangings in gigantic
+letters formed of dahlias. The flashing and inquiring eye of Coningsby
+caught the form of Edith, who was leaning on her father’s arm.
+
+The hustings were opposite the hotel, and here, after a while, Coningsby
+was carried, and, stepping from his car, took up his post to address,
+for the first time, a public assembly. Anxious as the people were
+to hear him, it was long before their enthusiasm could subside into
+silence. At length that silence was deep and absolute. He spoke; his
+powerful and rich tones reached every ear. In five minutes’ time every
+one looked at his neighbour, and without speaking they agreed that there
+never was anything like this heard in Darlford before.
+
+He addressed them for a considerable time, for he had a great deal to
+say; not only to express his gratitude for the unprecedented manner in
+which he had become their representative, and for the spirit in which
+they had greeted him, but he had to offer them no niggard exposition
+of the views and opinions of the member whom they had so confidingly
+chosen, without even a formal declaration of his sentiments.
+
+He did this with so much clearness, and in a manner so pointed and
+popular, that the deep attention of the multitude never wavered. His
+lively illustrations kept them often in continued merriment. But when,
+towards his close, he drew some picture of what he hoped might be the
+character of his future and lasting connection with the town, the vast
+throng was singularly affected. There were a great many present at that
+moment who, though they had never seen Coningsby before, would willingly
+have then died for him. Coningsby had touched their hearts, for he had
+spoken from his own. His spirit had entirely magnetised them. Darlford
+believed in Coningsby: and a very good creed.
+
+And now Coningsby was conducted to the opposite hotel. He walked through
+the crowd. The progress was slow, as every one wished to shake hands
+with him. His friends, however, at last safely landed him. He sprang
+up the stairs; he was met by Mr. Millbank, who welcomed him with the
+greatest warmth, and offered his hearty congratulations.
+
+‘It is to you, dear sir, that I am indebted for all this,’ said
+Coningsby.
+
+‘No,’ said Mr. Millbank, ‘it is to your own high principles, great
+talents, and good heart.’
+
+After he had been presented by the late member to the principal
+personages in the borough, Mr. Millbank said,
+
+‘I think we must now give Mr. Coningsby a little rest. Come with me,’ he
+added, ‘here is some one who will be very glad to see you.’
+
+Speaking thus, he led our hero a little away, and placing his arm in
+Coningsby’s with great affection opened the door of an apartment. There
+was Edith, radiant with loveliness and beaming with love. Their agitated
+hearts told at a glance the tumult of their joy. The father joined their
+hands, and blessed them with words of tenderness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+The marriage of Coningsby and Edith took place early in the autumn.
+It was solemnised at Millbank, and they passed their first moon at
+Hellingsley, which place was in future to be the residence of the member
+for Darlford. The estate was to devolve to Coningsby after the death of
+Mr. Millbank, who in the meantime made arrangements which permitted
+the newly-married couple to reside at the Hall in a manner becoming its
+occupants. All these settlements, as Mr. Millbank assured Coningsby,
+were effected not only with the sanction, but at the express instance,
+of his son.
+
+An event, however, occurred not very long after the marriage of
+Coningsby, which rendered this generous conduct of his father-in-law no
+longer necessary to his fortunes, though he never forgot its exercise.
+The gentle and unhappy daughter of Lord Monmouth quitted a scene with
+which her spirit had never greatly sympathised. Perhaps she might have
+lingered in life for yet a little while, had it not been for that fatal
+inheritance which disturbed her peace and embittered her days, haunting
+her heart with the recollection that she had been the unconscious
+instrument of injuring the only being whom she loved, and embarrassing
+and encumbering her with duties foreign to her experience and her
+nature. The marriage of Coningsby had greatly affected her, and from
+that day she seemed gradually to decline. She died towards the end
+of the autumn, and, subject to an ample annuity to Villebecque, she
+bequeathed the whole of her fortune to the husband of Edith. Gratifying
+as it was to him to present such an inheritance to his wife, it was not
+without a pang that he received the intelligence of the death of Flora.
+Edith sympathised in his affectionate feelings, and they raised a
+monument to her memory in the gardens of Hellingsley.
+
+Coningsby passed his next Christmas in his own hall with his beautiful
+and gifted wife by his side, and surrounded by the friends of his heart
+and his youth.
+
+They stand now on the threshold of public life. They are in the leash,
+but in a moment they will be slipped. What will be their fate? Will they
+maintain in august assemblies and high places the great truths which, in
+study and in solitude, they have embraced? Or will their courage exhaust
+itself in the struggle, their enthusiasm evaporate before hollow-hearted
+ridicule, their generous impulses yield with a vulgar catastrophe to the
+tawdry temptations of a low ambition? Will their skilled intelligence
+subside into being the adroit tool of a corrupt party? Will Vanity
+confound their fortunes, or Jealousy wither their sympathies? Or will
+they remain brave, single, and true; refuse to bow before shadows and
+worship phrases; sensible of the greatness of their position, recognise
+the greatness of their duties; denounce to a perplexed and disheartened
+world the frigid theories of a generalising age that have destroyed
+the individuality of man, and restore the happiness of their country by
+believing in their own energies, and daring to be great?
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Coningsby, by Benjamin Disraeli
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+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+
+<!DOCTYPE html
+   PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN"
+   "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" >
+
+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en">
+  <head>
+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" />
+    <title>
+      Coningsby, by Benjamin Disraeli
+    </title>
+    <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve">
+
+    body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify}
+    P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; }
+    H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; }
+    hr  { width: 50%; text-align: center;}
+    .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; }
+    blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;}
+    .mynote    {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;}
+    .toc       { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;}
+    .toc2      { margin-left: 20%;}
+    div.fig    { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; }
+    div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; }
+    .figleft   {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;}
+    .figright  {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;}
+    .pagenum   {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal;
+               margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%;
+               text-align: right;}
+    .side      { float: right; font-size: 75%; width: 25%; padding-left: 0.8em;
+               border-left: dashed thin; margin-left: 0.8em; text-align: left;
+               text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;
+               font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;}
+    pre        { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;}
+
+</style>
+  </head>
+  <body>
+
+
+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Coningsby, by Benjamin Disraeli
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Coningsby
+
+Author: Benjamin Disraeli
+
+
+Release Date: February, 2005  [EBook #7412]
+This file was first posted on April 25, 2003
+Last Updated: September 30, 2017
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CONINGSBY ***
+
+
+
+
+Text file produced by Anne Soulard, Tiffany Vergon, and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+HTML file produced by David Widger
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+    <div style="height: 8em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h1>
+      CONINGSBY
+    </h1>
+    <h3>
+      OR THE NEW GENERATION
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      By Benjamin Disraeli
+    </h2>
+    <h4>
+      Earl Of Beaconsfield
+    </h4>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CONTENTS</b>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> PUBLISHERS&rsquo; NOTE </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> TO HENRY HOPE </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE </a>
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> <b>CONINGSBY</b> </a>
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> <b>BOOK I.</b> </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> <b>BOOK II.</b> </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER I. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER II. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER III. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER IV. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER V. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER VI. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER VII. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0025"> <b>BOOK III.</b> </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER I. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER II. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER III. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER IV. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER V. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0031"> BOOK IV </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER I. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER II. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER III. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER IV. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER V. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER VI. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER VII. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER VIII. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER IX. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER X. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XI. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XII. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER XIII. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER XIV. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER XV. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER XVI. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0048"> <b>BOOK V.</b> </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER I. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0041"> CHAPTER II. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0042"> CHAPTER III. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0043"> CHAPTER IV. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0044"> CHAPTER V. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0045"> CHAPTER VI. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0046"> CHAPTER VII. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0047"> CHAPTER VIII. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0057"> <b>BOOK VI.</b> </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0048"> CHAPTER I. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0049"> CHAPTER II. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0050"> CHAPTER III. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0051"> CHAPTER IV. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0052"> CHAPTER V. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0053"> CHAPTER VI. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0054"> CHAPTER VII. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0055"> CHAPTER VIII. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0066"> <b>BOOK VII.</b> </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0056"> CHAPTER I. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0057"> CHAPTER II. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0058"> CHAPTER III. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0059"> CHAPTER IV. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0060"> CHAPTER V. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0061"> CHAPTER VI. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0062"> CHAPTER VII. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0063"> CHAPTER VIII </a>
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0075"> <b>BOOK VIII.</b> </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0064"> CHAPTER I. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0065"> CHAPTER II. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0066"> CHAPTER III. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0067"> CHAPTER IV. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0068"> CHAPTER V. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0069"> CHAPTER VI. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0070"> CHAPTER VII. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0083"> <b>BOOK IX.</b> </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0071"> CHAPTER I. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0072"> CHAPTER II. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0073"> CHAPTER III. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0074"> CHAPTER IV. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0075"> CHAPTER V. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0076"> CHAPTER VI. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0077"> CHAPTER VII. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      PUBLISHERS&rsquo; NOTE
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      As a novelist, Benjamin Disraeli belongs to the early part of the
+      nineteenth century. &ldquo;Vivian Grey&rdquo; (1826-27) and &ldquo;Sybil&rdquo; (1845) mark the
+      beginning and the end of his truly creative period; for the two
+      productions of his latest years, &ldquo;Lothair&rdquo; (1870) and &ldquo;Endymion&rdquo; (1880),
+      add nothing to the characteristics of his earlier volumes except the
+      changes of feeling and power which accompany old age. His period, thus, is
+      that of Bulwer, Dickens, and Thackeray, and of the later years of Sir
+      Walter Scott&mdash;a fact which his prominence as a statesman during the
+      last decade of his life, as well as the vogue of &ldquo;Lothair&rdquo; and &ldquo;Endymion,&rdquo;
+       has tended to obscure. His style, his material, and his views of English
+      character and life all date from that earlier time. He was born in 1804
+      and died in 1881.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Coningsby; or, The New Generation,&rdquo; published in 1844, is the best of his
+      novels, not as a story, but as a study of men, manners, and principles.
+      The plot is slight&mdash;little better than a device for stringing
+      together sketches of character and statements of political and economic
+      opinions; but these are always interesting and often brilliant. The motive
+      which underlies the book is political. It is, in brief, an attempt to show
+      that the political salvation of England was to be sought in its
+      aristocracy, but that this aristocracy was morally weak and socially
+      ineffective, and that it must mend its ways before its duty to the state
+      could be fulfilled. Interest in this aspect of the book has, of course, to
+      a large extent passed away with the political conditions which it
+      reflected. As a picture of aristocratic life in England in the first part
+      of the nineteenth century it has, however, enduring significance and
+      charm. Disraeli does not rank with the great writers of English realistic
+      fiction, but in this special field none of them has surpassed him. From
+      this point of view, accordingly, &ldquo;Coningsby&rdquo; is appropriately included in
+      this series.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      TO HENRY HOPE
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      It is not because this work was conceived and partly executed amid the
+      glades and galleries of the DEEPDENE that I have inscribed it with your
+      name. Nor merely because I was desirous to avail myself of the most
+      graceful privilege of an author, and dedicate my work to the friend whose
+      talents I have always appreciated, and whose virtues I have ever admired.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But because in these pages I have endeavoured to picture something of that
+      development of the new and, as I believe, better mind of England, that has
+      often been the subject of our converse and speculation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In this volume you will find many a thought illustrated and many a
+      principle attempted to be established that we have often together
+      partially discussed and canvassed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Doubtless you may encounter some opinions with which you may not agree,
+      and some conclusions the accuracy of which you may find cause to question.
+      But if I have generally succeeded in my object, to scatter some
+      suggestions that may tend to elevate the tone of public life, ascertain
+      the true character of political parties, and induce us for the future more
+      carefully to distinguish between facts and phrases, realities and
+      phantoms, I believe that I shall gain your sympathy, for I shall find a
+      reflex to their efforts in your own generous spirit and enlightened mind.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      GROSVENOR GATE: May Day 1844.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      PREFACE
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;CONINGSBY&rsquo; was published in the year 1844. The main purpose of its writer
+      was to vindicate the just claims of the Tory party to be the popular
+      political confederation of the country; a purpose which he had, more or
+      less, pursued from a very early period of life. The occasion was
+      favourable to the attempt. The youthful mind of England had just recovered
+      from the inebriation of the great Conservative triumph of 1841, and was
+      beginning to inquire what, after all, they had conquered to preserve. It
+      was opportune, therefore, to show that Toryism was not a phrase, but a
+      fact; and that our political institutions were the embodiment of our
+      popular necessities. This the writer endeavoured to do without prejudice,
+      and to treat of events and characters of which he had some personal
+      experience, not altogether without the impartiality of the future.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was not originally the intention of the writer to adopt the form of
+      fiction as the instrument to scatter his suggestions, but, after
+      reflection, he resolved to avail himself of a method which, in the temper
+      of the times, offered the best chance of influencing opinion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In considering the Tory scheme, the author recognised in the CHURCH the
+      most powerful agent in the previous development of England, and the most
+      efficient means of that renovation of the national spirit at which he
+      aimed. The Church is a sacred corporation for the promulgation and
+      maintenance in Europe of certain Asian principles, which, although local
+      in their birth, are of divine origin, and of universal and eternal
+      application.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In asserting the paramount character of the ecclesiastical polity and the
+      majesty of the theocratic principle, it became necessary to ascend to the
+      origin of the Christian Church, and to meet in a spirit worthy of a
+      critical and comparatively enlightened age, the position of the
+      descendants of that race who were the founders of Christianity. The modern
+      Jews had long laboured under the odium and stigma of mediaeval
+      malevolence. In the dark ages, when history was unknown, the passions of
+      societies, undisturbed by traditionary experience, were strong, and their
+      convictions, unmitigated by criticism, were necessarily fanatical. The
+      Jews were looked upon in the middle ages as an accursed race, the enemies
+      of God and man, the especial foes of Christianity. No one in those days
+      paused to reflect that Christianity was founded by the Jews; that its
+      Divine Author, in his human capacity, was a descendant of King David; that
+      his doctrines avowedly were the completion, not the change, of Judaism;
+      that the Apostles and the Evangelists, whose names men daily invoked, and
+      whose volumes they embraced with reverence, were all Jews; that the
+      infallible throne of Rome itself was established by a Jew; and that a Jew
+      was the founder of the Christian Churches of Asia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The European nations, relatively speaking, were then only recently
+      converted to a belief in Moses and in Christ; and, as it were, still
+      ashamed of the wild deities whom they had deserted, they thought they
+      atoned for their past idolatry by wreaking their vengeance on a race to
+      whom, and to whom alone, they were indebted for the Gospel they adored.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In vindicating the sovereign right of the Church of Christ to be the
+      perpetual regenerator of man, the writer thought the time had arrived when
+      some attempt should be made to do justice to the race which had founded
+      Christianity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The writer has developed in another work (&lsquo;Tancred&rsquo;) the views respecting
+      the great house of Israel which he first intimated in &lsquo;Coningsby.&rsquo; No one
+      has attempted to refute them, nor is refutation possible; since all he has
+      done is to examine certain facts in the truth of which all agree, and to
+      draw from them irresistible conclusions which prejudice for a moment may
+      shrink from, but which reason cannot refuse to admit.
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      D.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      GROSVENOR GATE: May 1894.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CONINGSBY
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      BOOK I.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER I.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      It was a bright May morning some twelve years ago, when a youth of still
+      tender age, for he had certainly not entered his teens by more than two
+      years, was ushered into the waiting-room of a house in the vicinity of St.
+      James&rsquo;s Square, which, though with the general appearance of a private
+      residence, and that too of no very ambitious character, exhibited at this
+      period symptoms of being occupied for some public purpose.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The house-door was constantly open, and frequent guests even at this early
+      hour crossed the threshold. The hall-table was covered with sealed
+      letters; and the hall-porter inscribed in a book the name of every
+      individual who entered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The young gentleman we have mentioned found himself in a room which
+      offered few resources for his amusement. A large table amply covered with
+      writing materials, and a few chairs, were its sole furniture, except the
+      grey drugget that covered the floor, and a muddy mezzotinto of the Duke of
+      Wellington that adorned its cold walls. There was not even a newspaper;
+      and the only books were the Court Guide and the London Directory. For some
+      time he remained with patient endurance planted against the wall, with his
+      feet resting on the rail of his chair; but at length in his shifting
+      posture he gave evidence of his restlessness, rose from his seat, looked
+      out of the window into a small side court of the house surrounded with
+      dead walls, paced the room, took up the Court Guide, changed it for the
+      London Directory, then wrote his name over several sheets of foolscap
+      paper, drew various landscapes and faces of his friends; and then,
+      splitting up a pen or two, delivered himself of a yawn which seemed the
+      climax of his weariness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And yet the youth&rsquo;s appearance did not betoken a character that, if the
+      opportunity had offered, could not have found amusement and even
+      instruction. His countenance, radiant with health and the lustre of
+      innocence, was at the same time thoughtful and resolute. The expression of
+      his deep blue eyes was serious. Without extreme regularity of features,
+      the face was one that would never have passed unobserved. His short upper
+      lip indicated a good breed; and his chestnut curls clustered over his open
+      brow, while his shirt-collar thrown over his shoulders was unrestrained by
+      handkerchief or ribbon. Add to this, a limber and graceful figure, which
+      the jacket of his boyish dress exhibited to great advantage.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Just as the youth, mounted on a chair, was adjusting the portrait of the
+      Duke, which he had observed to be awry, the gentleman for whom he had been
+      all this time waiting entered the room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Floreat Etona!&rsquo; hastily exclaimed the gentleman, in a sharp voice; &lsquo;you
+      are setting the Duke to rights. I have left you a long time a prisoner;
+      but I found them so busy here, that I made my escape with some
+      difficulty.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He who uttered these words was a man of middle size and age, originally in
+      all probability of a spare habit, but now a little inclined to corpulency.
+      Baldness, perhaps, contributed to the spiritual expression of a brow,
+      which was, however, essentially intellectual, and gave some character of
+      openness to a countenance which, though not ill-favoured, was unhappily
+      stamped by a sinister cast that was not to be mistaken. His manner was
+      easy, but rather audacious than well-bred. Indeed, while a visage which
+      might otherwise be described as handsome was spoilt by a dishonest glance,
+      so a demeanour that was by no means deficient in self-possession and
+      facility, was tainted by an innate vulgarity, which in the long run,
+      though seldom, yet surely developed itself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The youth had jumped off his chair on the entrance of the gentleman, and
+      then taking up his hat, said:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Shall we go to grandpapa now, sir?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By all means, my dear boy,&rsquo; said the gentleman, putting his arm within
+      that of the youth; and they were just on the point of leaving the
+      waiting-room, when the door was suddenly thrown open, and two individuals,
+      in a state of great excitement, rushed into the apartment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Rigby! Rigby!&rsquo; they both exclaimed at the same moment. &lsquo;By G&mdash;&mdash;
+      they&rsquo;re out!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Who told you?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The best authority; one of themselves.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Who? who?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Paul Evelyn; I met him as I passed Brookes&rsquo;, and he told me that Lord
+      Grey had resigned, and the King had accepted his resignation.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But Mr. Rigby, who, though very fond of news, and much interested in the
+      present, was extremely jealous of any one giving him information, was
+      sceptical. He declared that Paul Evelyn was always wrong; that it was
+      morally impossible that Paul Evelyn ever could be right; that he knew,
+      from the highest authority, that Lord Grey had been twice yesterday with
+      the King; that on the last visit nothing was settled; that if he had been
+      at the palace again to-day, he could not have been there before twelve
+      o&rsquo;clock; that it was only now a quarter to one; that Lord Grey would have
+      called his colleagues together on his return; that at least an hour must
+      have elapsed before anything could possibly have transpired. Then he
+      compared and criticised the dates of every rumoured incident of the last
+      twenty-four hours, and nobody was stronger in dates than Mr. Rigby;
+      counted even the number of stairs which the minister had to ascend and
+      descend in his visit to the palace, and the time their mountings and
+      dismountings must have consumed, detail was Mr. Rigby&rsquo;s forte; and
+      finally, what with his dates, his private information, his knowledge of
+      palace localities, his contempt for Paul Evelyn, and his confidence in
+      himself, he succeeded in persuading his downcast and disheartened friends
+      that their comfortable intelligence had not the slightest foundation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They all left the room together; they were in the hall; the gentlemen who
+      brought the news looked somewhat depressed, but Mr. Rigby gay, even amid
+      the prostration of his party, from the consciousness that he had most
+      critically demolished a piece of political gossip and conveyed a certain
+      degree of mortification to a couple of his companions; when a travelling
+      carriage and four with a ducal coronet drove up to the house. The door was
+      thrown open, the steps dashed down, and a youthful noble sprang from his
+      chariot into the hall.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Good morning, Rigby,&rsquo; said the Duke.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I see your Grace well, I am sure,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, with a softened
+      manner.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have heard the news, gentlemen?&rsquo; the Duke continued.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What news? Yes; no; that is to say, Mr. Rigby thinks&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You know, of course, that Lord Lyndhurst is with the King?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is impossible,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I don&rsquo;t think I can be mistaken,&rsquo; said the Duke, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I will show your Grace that it is impossible,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, &lsquo;Lord
+      Lyndhurst slept at Wimbledon. Lord Grey could not have seen the King until
+      twelve o&rsquo;clock; it is now five minutes to one. It is impossible,
+      therefore, that any message from the King could have reached Lord
+      Lyndhurst in time for his Lordship to be at the palace at this moment.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But my authority is a high one,&rsquo; said the Duke.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Authority is a phrase,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby; &lsquo;we must look to time and place,
+      dates and localities, to discover the truth.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Your Grace was saying that your authority&mdash;&rsquo; ventured to observe Mr.
+      Tadpole, emboldened by the presence of a duke, his patron, to struggle
+      against the despotism of a Rigby, his tyrant.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Was the highest,&rsquo; rejoined the Duke, smiling, &lsquo;for it was Lord Lyndhurst
+      himself. I came up from Nuneham this morning, passed his Lordship&rsquo;s house
+      in Hyde Park Place as he was getting into his carriage in full dress,
+      stopped my own, and learned in a breath that the Whigs were out, and that
+      the King had sent for the Chief Baron. So I came on here at once.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I always thought the country was sound at bottom,&rsquo; exclaimed Mr. Taper,
+      who, under the old system, had sneaked into the Treasury Board.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tadpole and Taper were great friends. Neither of them ever despaired of
+      the Commonwealth. Even if the Reform Bill were passed, Taper was convinced
+      that the Whigs would never prove men of business; and when his friends
+      confessed among themselves that a Tory Government was for the future
+      impossible, Taper would remark, in a confidential whisper, that for his
+      part he believed before the year was over the Whigs would be turned out by
+      the clerks.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There is no doubt that there is considerable reaction,&rsquo; said Mr. Tadpole.
+      The infamous conduct of the Whigs in the Amersham case has opened the
+      public mind more than anything.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Aldborough was worse,&rsquo; said Mr. Taper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Terrible,&rsquo; said Tadpole. &lsquo;They said there was no use discussing the
+      Reform Bill in our House. I believe Rigby&rsquo;s great speech on Aldborough has
+      done more towards the reaction than all the violence of the Political
+      Unions put together.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Let us hope for the best,&rsquo; said the Duke, mildly. &lsquo;&rsquo;Tis a bold step on
+      the part of the Sovereign, and I am free to say I could have wished it
+      postponed; but we must support the King like men. What say you, Rigby? You
+      are silent.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am thinking how very unfortunate it was that I did not breakfast with
+      Lyndhurst this morning, as I was nearly doing, instead of going down to
+      Eton.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;To Eton! and why to Eton?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;For the sake of my young friend here, Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s grandson. By the
+      bye, you are kinsmen. Let me present to your Grace, MR. CONINGSBY.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER II.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The political agitation which for a year and a half had shaken England to
+      its centre, received, if possible, an increase to its intensity and
+      virulence, when it was known, in the early part of the month of May, 1832,
+      that the Prime Minister had tendered his resignation to the King, which
+      resignation had been graciously accepted.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The amendment carried by the Opposition in the House of Lords on the
+      evening of the 7th of May, that the enfranchising clauses of the Reform
+      Bill should be considered before entering into the question of
+      disfranchisement, was the immediate cause of this startling event. The
+      Lords had previously consented to the second reading of the Bill with the
+      view of preventing that large increase of their numbers with which they
+      had been long menaced; rather, indeed, by mysterious rumours than by any
+      official declaration; but, nevertheless, in a manner which had carried
+      conviction to no inconsiderable portion of the Opposition that the threat
+      was not without foundation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      During the progress of the Bill through the Lower House, the journals
+      which were looked upon as the organs of the ministry had announced with
+      unhesitating confidence, that Lord Grey was armed with what was then
+      called a &lsquo;carte blanche&rsquo; to create any number of peers necessary to insure
+      its success. But public journalists who were under the control of the
+      ministry, and whose statements were never contradicted, were not the sole
+      authorities for this prevailing belief. Members of the House of Commons,
+      who were strong supporters of the cabinet, though not connected with it by
+      any official tie, had unequivocally stated in their places that the
+      Sovereign had not resisted the advice of his counsellors to create peers,
+      if such creation were required to carry into effect what was then styled
+      &lsquo;the great national measure.&rsquo; In more than one instance, ministers had
+      been warned, that if they did not exercise that power with prompt energy,
+      they might deserve impeachment. And these intimations and announcements
+      had been made in the presence of leading members of the Government, and
+      had received from them, at least, the sanction of their silence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It did not subsequently appear that the Reform ministers had been invested
+      with any such power; but a conviction of the reverse, fostered by these
+      circumstances, had successfully acted upon the nervous temperament, or the
+      statesman-like prudence, of a certain section of the peers, who
+      consequently hesitated in their course; were known as being no longer
+      inclined to pursue their policy of the preceding session; had thus
+      obtained a title at that moment in everybody&rsquo;s mouth, the title of &lsquo;THE
+      WAVERERS.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Notwithstanding, therefore, the opposition of the Duke of Wellington and
+      of Lord Lyndhurst, the Waverers carried the second reading of the Reform
+      Bill; and then, scared at the consequences of their own headstrong
+      timidity, they went in a fright to the Duke and his able adviser to
+      extricate them from the inevitable result of their own conduct. The
+      ultimate device of these distracted counsels, where daring and
+      poltroonery, principle and expediency, public spirit and private intrigue,
+      each threw an ingredient into the turbulent spell, was the celebrated and
+      successful amendment to which we have referred.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But the Whig ministers, who, whatever may have been their faults, were at
+      least men of intellect and courage, were not to be beaten by &lsquo;the
+      Waverers.&rsquo; They might have made terms with an audacious foe; they trampled
+      on a hesitating opponent. Lord Grey hastened to the palace.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Before the result of this appeal to the Sovereign was known, for its
+      effects were not immediate, on the second morning after the vote in the
+      House of Lords, Mr. Rigby had made that visit to Eton which had summoned
+      very unexpectedly the youthful Coningsby to London. He was the orphan
+      child of the youngest of the two sons of the Marquess of Monmouth. It was
+      a family famous for its hatreds. The eldest son hated his father; and, it
+      was said, in spite had married a lady to whom that father was attached,
+      and with whom Lord Monmouth then meditated a second alliance. This eldest
+      son lived at Naples, and had several children, but maintained no
+      connection either with his parent or his native country. On the other
+      hand, Lord Monmouth hated his younger son, who had married, against his
+      consent, a woman to whom that son was devoted. A system of domestic
+      persecution, sustained by the hand of a master, had eventually broken up
+      the health of its victim, who died of a fever in a foreign country, where
+      he had sought some refuge from his creditors.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His widow returned to England with her child; and, not having a relation,
+      and scarcely an acquaintance in the world, made an appeal to her husband&rsquo;s
+      father, the wealthiest noble in England and a man who was often prodigal,
+      and occasionally generous. After some time, and more trouble, after urgent
+      and repeated, and what would have seemed heart-rending, solicitations, the
+      attorney of Lord Monmouth called upon the widow of his client&rsquo;s son, and
+      informed her of his Lordship&rsquo;s decision. Provided she gave up her child,
+      and permanently resided in one of the remotest counties, he was authorised
+      to make her, in four quarterly payments, the yearly allowance of three
+      hundred pounds, that being the income that Lord Monmouth, who was the
+      shrewdest accountant in the country, had calculated a lone woman might
+      very decently exist upon in a small market town in the county of
+      Westmoreland.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Desperate necessity, the sense of her own forlornness, the utter
+      impossibility to struggle with an omnipotent foe, who, her husband had
+      taught her, was above all scruples, prejudices, and fears, and who, though
+      he respected law, despised opinion, made the victim yield. But her
+      sufferings were not long; the separation from her child, the bleak clime,
+      the strange faces around her, sharp memory, and the dull routine of an
+      unimpassioned life, all combined to wear out a constitution originally
+      frail, and since shattered by many sorrows. Mrs. Coningsby died the same
+      day that her father-in-law was made a Marquess. He deserved his honours.
+      The four votes he had inherited in the House of Commons had been
+      increased, by his intense volition and unsparing means, to ten; and the
+      very day he was raised to his Marquisate, he commenced sapping fresh
+      corporations, and was working for the strawberry leaf. His honours were
+      proclaimed in the London Gazette, and her decease was not even noticed in
+      the County Chronicle; but the altars of Nemesis are beneath every outraged
+      roof, and the death of this unhappy lady, apparently without an earthly
+      friend or an earthly hope, desolate and deserted, and dying in obscure
+      poverty, was not forgotten.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby was not more than nine years of age when he lost his last
+      parent; and he had then been separated from her for nearly three years.
+      But he remembered the sweetness of his nursery days. His mother, too, had
+      written to him frequently since he quitted her, and her fond expressions
+      had cherished the tenderness of his heart. He wept bitterly when his
+      schoolmaster broke to him the news of his mother&rsquo;s death. True it was they
+      had been long parted, and their prospect of again meeting was vague and
+      dim; but his mother seemed to him his only link to human society. It was
+      something to have a mother, even if he never saw her. Other boys went to
+      see their mothers! he, at least, could talk of his. Now he was alone. His
+      grandfather was to him only a name. Lord Monmouth resided almost
+      constantly abroad, and during his rare visits to England had found no time
+      or inclination to see the orphan, with whom he felt no sympathy. Even the
+      death of the boy&rsquo;s mother, and the consequent arrangements, were notified
+      to his master by a stranger. The letter which brought the sad intelligence
+      was from Mr. Rigby. It was the first time that name had been known to
+      Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Rigby was member for one of Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s boroughs. He was the
+      manager of Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s parliamentary influence, and the auditor of his
+      vast estates. He was more; he was Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s companion when in
+      England, his correspondent when abroad; hardly his counsellor, for Lord
+      Monmouth never required advice; but Mr. Rigby could instruct him in
+      matters of detail, which Mr. Rigby made amusing. Rigby was not a
+      professional man; indeed, his origin, education, early pursuits, and
+      studies, were equally obscure; but he had contrived in good time to
+      squeeze himself into parliament, by means which no one could ever
+      comprehend, and then set up to be a perfect man of business. The world
+      took him at his word, for he was bold, acute, and voluble; with no
+      thought, but a good deal of desultory information; and though destitute of
+      all imagination and noble sentiment, was blessed with a vigorous,
+      mendacious fancy, fruitful in small expedients, and never happier than
+      when devising shifts for great men&rsquo;s scrapes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They say that all of us have one chance in this life, and so it was with
+      Rigby. After a struggle of many years, after a long series of the usual
+      alternatives of small successes and small failures, after a few cleverish
+      speeches and a good many cleverish pamphlets, with a considerable
+      reputation, indeed, for pasquinades, most of which he never wrote, and
+      articles in reviews to which it was whispered he had contributed, Rigby,
+      who had already intrigued himself into a subordinate office, met with Lord
+      Monmouth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He was just the animal that Lord Monmouth wanted, for Lord Monmouth always
+      looked upon human nature with the callous eye of a jockey. He surveyed
+      Rigby; and he determined to buy him. He bought him; with his clear head,
+      his indefatigable industry, his audacious tongue, and his ready and
+      unscrupulous pen; with all his dates, all his lampoons; all his private
+      memoirs, and all his political intrigues. It was a good purchase. Rigby
+      became a great personage, and Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Rigby, who liked to be doing a great many things at the same time, and
+      to astonish the Tadpoles and Tapers with his energetic versatility,
+      determined to superintend the education of Coningsby. It was a relation
+      which identified him with the noble house of his pupil, or, properly
+      speaking, his charge: for Mr. Rigby affected rather the graceful dignity
+      of the governor than the duties of a tutor. The boy was recalled from his
+      homely, rural school, where he had been well grounded by a hard-working
+      curate, and affectionately tended by the curate&rsquo;s unsophisticated wife. He
+      was sent to a fashionable school preparatory to Eton, where he found about
+      two hundred youths of noble families and connections, lodged in a
+      magnificent villa, that had once been the retreat of a minister,
+      superintended by a sycophantic Doctor of Divinity, already well beneficed,
+      and not despairing of a bishopric by favouring the children of the great
+      nobles. The doctor&rsquo;s lady, clothed in cashmeres, sometimes inquired after
+      their health, and occasionally received a report as to their linen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Rigby had a classical retreat, not distant from this establishment,
+      which he esteemed a Tusculum. There, surrounded by his busts and books, he
+      wrote his lampoons and articles; massacred a she liberal (it was thought
+      that no one could lash a woman like Rigby), cut up a rising genius whose
+      politics were different from his own, or scarified some unhappy wretch who
+      had brought his claims before parliament, proving, by garbled extracts
+      from official correspondence that no one could refer to, that the
+      malcontent instead of being a victim, was, on the contrary, a defaulter.
+      Tadpole and Taper would back Rigby for a &lsquo;slashing reply&rsquo; against the
+      field. Here, too, at the end of a busy week, he found it occasionally
+      convenient to entertain a clever friend or two of equivocal reputation,
+      with whom he had become acquainted in former days of equal brotherhood. No
+      one was more faithful to his early friends than Mr. Rigby, particularly if
+      they could write a squib.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was in this refined retirement that Mr. Rigby found time enough,
+      snatched from the toils of official life and parliamentary struggles, to
+      compose a letter on the study of History, addressed to Coningsby. The
+      style was as much like that of Lord Bolingbroke as if it had been written
+      by the authors of the &lsquo;Rejected Addresses,&rsquo; and it began, &lsquo;My dear young
+      friend.&rsquo; This polished composition, so full of good feeling and
+      comprehensive views, and all in the best taste, was not published. It was
+      only privately printed, and a few thousand copies were distributed among
+      select personages as an especial favour and mark of high consideration.
+      Each copy given away seemed to Rigby like a certificate of character; a
+      property which, like all men of dubious repute, he thoroughly appreciated.
+      Rigby intrigued very much that the headmaster of Eton should adopt his
+      discourse as a class-book. For this purpose he dined with the Doctor, told
+      him several anecdotes of the King, which intimated personal influence at
+      Windsor; but the headmaster was inflexible, and so Mr. Rigby was obliged
+      to be content with having his Letter on History canonized as a classic in
+      the Preparatory Seminary, where the individual to whom it was addressed
+      was a scholar.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This change in the life of Coningsby contributed to his happiness. The
+      various characters which a large school exhibited interested a young mind
+      whose active energies were beginning to stir. His previous acquirements
+      made his studies light; and he was fond of sports, in which he was
+      qualified to excel. He did not particularly like Mr. Rigby. There was
+      something jarring and grating in that gentleman&rsquo;s voice and modes, from
+      which the chords of the young heart shrank. He was not tender, though
+      perhaps he wished to be; scarcely kind: but he was good-natured, at least
+      to children. However, this connection was, on the whole, an agreeable one
+      for Coningsby. He seemed suddenly to have friends: he never passed his
+      holydays again at school. Mr. Rigby was so clever that he contrived always
+      to quarter Coningsby on the father of one of his school-fellows, for Mr.
+      Rigby knew all his school-fellows and all their fathers. Mr. Rigby also
+      called to see him, not unfrequently would give him a dinner at the Star
+      and Garter, or even have him up to town for a week to Whitehall. Compared
+      with his former forlorn existence, these were happy days, when he was
+      placed under the gallery as a member&rsquo;s son, or went to the play with the
+      butler!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Coningsby had attained his twelfth year, an order was received from
+      Lord Monmouth, who was at Rome, that he should go at once to Eton. This
+      was the first great epoch of his life. There never was a youth who entered
+      into that wonderful little world with more eager zest than Coningsby. Nor
+      was it marvellous.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      That delicious plain, studded with every creation of graceful culture;
+      hamlet and hall and grange; garden and grove and park; that castle-palace,
+      grey with glorious ages; those antique spires, hoar with faith and wisdom,
+      the chapel and the college; that river winding through the shady meads;
+      the sunny glade and the solemn avenue; the room in the Dame&rsquo;s house where
+      we first order our own breakfast and first feel we are free; the stirring
+      multitude, the energetic groups, the individual mind that leads, conquers,
+      controls; the emulation and the affection; the noble strife and the tender
+      sentiment; the daring exploit and the dashing scrape; the passion that
+      pervades our life, and breathes in everything, from the aspiring study to
+      the inspiring sport: oh! what hereafter can spur the brain and touch the
+      heart like this; can give us a world so deeply and variously interesting;
+      a life so full of quick and bright excitement, passed in a scene so fair?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER III.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth, who detested popular tumults as much as he despised public
+      opinion, had remained during the agitating year of 1831 in his luxurious
+      retirement in Italy, contenting himself with opposing the Reform Bill by
+      proxy. But when his correspondent, Mr. Rigby, had informed him, in the
+      early part of the spring of 1832, of the probability of a change in the
+      tactics of the Tory party, and that an opinion was becoming prevalent
+      among their friends, that the great scheme must be defeated in detail
+      rather than again withstood on principle, his Lordship, who was never
+      wanting in energy when his own interests were concerned, immediately
+      crossed the Alps, and travelled rapidly to England. He indulged a hope
+      that the weight of his presence and the influence of his strong character,
+      which was at once shrewd and courageous, might induce his friends to
+      relinquish their half measure, a course to which his nature was repugnant.
+      At all events, if they persisted in their intention, and the Bill went
+      into committee, his presence was indispensable, for in that stage of a
+      parliamentary proceeding proxies become ineffective.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The counsels of Lord Monmouth, though they coincided with those of the
+      Duke of Wellington, did not prevail with the Waverers. Several of these
+      high-minded personages had had their windows broken, and they were of
+      opinion that a man who lived at Naples was not a competent judge of the
+      state of public feeling in England. Besides, the days are gone by for
+      senates to have their beards plucked in the forum. We live in an age of
+      prudence. The leaders of the people, now, generally follow. The truth is,
+      the peers were in a fright. &lsquo;Twas a pity; there is scarcely a less
+      dignified entity than a patrician in a panic.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Among the most intimate companions of Coningsby at Eton, was Lord Henry
+      Sydney, his kinsman. Coningsby had frequently passed his holydays of late
+      at Beaumanoir, the seat of the Duke, Lord Henry&rsquo;s father. The Duke sat
+      next to Lord Monmouth during the debate on the enfranchising question, and
+      to while away the time, and from kindness of disposition, spoke, and spoke
+      with warmth and favour, of his grandson. The polished Lord Monmouth bowed
+      as if he were much gratified by this notice of one so dear to him. He had
+      too much tact to admit that he had never yet seen his grandchild; but he
+      asked some questions as to his progress and pursuits, his tastes and
+      habits, which intimated the interest of an affectionate relative.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Nothing, however, was ever lost upon Lord Monmouth. No one had a more
+      retentive memory, or a more observant mind. And the next day, when he
+      received Mr. Rigby at his morning levee, Lord Monmouth performed this
+      ceremony in the high style of the old court, and welcomed his visitors in
+      bed, he said with imperturbable calmness, and as if he had been talking of
+      trying a new horse, &lsquo;Rigby, I should like to see the boy at Eton.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There might be some objection to grant leave to Coningsby at this moment;
+      but it was a rule with Mr. Rigby never to make difficulties, or at least
+      to persuade his patron that he, and he only, could remove them. He
+      immediately undertook that the boy should be forthcoming, and
+      notwithstanding the excitement of the moment, he went off next morning to
+      fetch him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They arrived in town rather early; and Rigby, wishing to know how affairs
+      were going on, ordered the servant to drive immediately to the
+      head-quarters of the party; where a permanent committee watched every
+      phasis of the impending revolution; and where every member of the
+      Opposition, of note and trust, was instantly admitted to receive or to
+      impart intelligence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was certainly not without emotion that Coningsby contemplated his first
+      interview with his grandfather. All his experience of the ties of
+      relationship, however limited, was full of tenderness and rapture. His
+      memory often dwelt on his mother&rsquo;s sweet embrace; and ever and anon a
+      fitful phantom of some past passage of domestic love haunted his gushing
+      heart. The image of his father was less fresh in his mind; but still it
+      was associated with a vague sentiment of kindness and joy; and the
+      allusions to her husband in his mother&rsquo;s letters had cherished these
+      impressions. To notice lesser sources of influence in his estimate of the
+      domestic tie, he had witnessed under the roof of Beaumanoir the existence
+      of a family bound together by the most beautiful affections. He could not
+      forget how Henry Sydney was embraced by his sisters when he returned home;
+      what frank and fraternal love existed between his kinsman and his elder
+      brother; how affectionately the kind Duke had welcomed his son once more
+      to the house where they had both been born; and the dim eyes, and saddened
+      brows, and tones of tenderness, which rather looked than said farewell,
+      when they went back to Eton.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And these rapturous meetings and these mournful adieus were occasioned
+      only by a separation at the most of a few months, softened by constant
+      correspondence and the communication of mutual sympathy. But Coningsby was
+      to meet a relation, his near, almost his only, relation, for the first
+      time; the relation, too, to whom he owed maintenance, education; it might
+      be said, existence. It was a great incident for a great drama; something
+      tragical in the depth and stir of its emotions. Even the imagination of
+      the boy could not be insensible to its materials; and Coningsby was
+      picturing to himself a beneficent and venerable gentleman pressing to his
+      breast an agitated youth, when his reverie was broken by the carriage
+      stopping before the gates of Monmouth House.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The gates were opened by a gigantic Swiss, and the carriage rolled into a
+      huge court-yard. At its end Coningsby beheld a Palladian palace, with
+      wings and colonnades encircling the court.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A double flight of steps led into a circular and marble hall, adorned with
+      colossal busts of the Caesars; the staircase in fresco by Sir James
+      Thornhill, breathed with the loves and wars of gods and heroes. It led
+      into a vestibule, painted in arabesques, hung with Venetian girandoles,
+      and looking into gardens. Opening a door in this chamber, and proceeding
+      some little way down a corridor, Mr. Rigby and his companion arrived at
+      the base of a private staircase. Ascending a few steps, they reached a
+      landing-place hung with tapestry. Drawing this aside, Mr. Rigby opened a
+      door, and ushered Coningsby through an ante-chamber into a small saloon,
+      of beautiful proportions, and furnished in a brilliant and delicate taste.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You will find more to amuse you here than where you were before,&rsquo; said
+      Mr. Rigby, &lsquo;and I shall not be nearly so long absent.&rsquo; So saying, he
+      entered into an inner apartment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The walls of the saloon, which were covered with light blue satin, held,
+      in silver panels, portraits of beautiful women, painted by Boucher.
+      Couches and easy chairs of every shape invited in every quarter to
+      luxurious repose; while amusement was afforded by tables covered with
+      caricatures, French novels, and endless miniatures of foreign dancers,
+      princesses, and sovereigns.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But Coningsby was so impressed with the impending interview with his
+      grandfather, that he neither sought nor required diversion. Now that the
+      crisis was at hand, he felt agitated and nervous, and wished that he was
+      again at Eton. The suspense was sickening, yet he dreaded still more the
+      summons. He was not long alone; the door opened; he started, grew pale; he
+      thought it was his grandfather; it was not even Mr. Rigby. It was Lord
+      Monmouth&rsquo;s valet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Monsieur Konigby?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My name is Coningsby,&rsquo; said the boy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Milor is ready to receive you,&rsquo; said the valet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby sprang forward with that desperation which the scaffold
+      requires. His face was pale; his hand was moist; his heart beat with
+      tumult. He had occasionally been summoned by Dr. Keate; that, too, was
+      awful work, but compared with the present, a morning visit. Music,
+      artillery, the roar of cannon, and the blare of trumpets, may urge a man
+      on to a forlorn hope; ambition, one&rsquo;s constituents, the hell of previous
+      failure, may prevail on us to do a more desperate thing; speak in the
+      House of Commons; but there are some situations in life, such, for
+      instance, as entering the room of a dentist, in which the prostration of
+      the nervous system is absolute.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The moment had at length arrived when the desolate was to find a
+      benefactor, the forlorn a friend, the orphan a parent; when the youth,
+      after a childhood of adversity, was to be formally received into the bosom
+      of the noble house from which he had been so long estranged, and at length
+      to assume that social position to which his lineage entitled him.
+      Manliness might support, affection might soothe, the happy anguish of such
+      a meeting; but it was undoubtedly one of those situations which stir up
+      the deep fountains of our nature, and before which the conventional
+      proprieties of our ordinary manners instantaneously vanish.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby with an uncertain step followed his guide through a bed-chamber,
+      the sumptuousness of which he could not notice, into the dressing-room of
+      Lord Monmouth. Mr. Rigby, facing Coningsby as he entered, was leaning over
+      the back of a large chair, from which as Coningsby was announced by the
+      valet, the Lord of the house slowly rose, for he was suffering slightly
+      from the gout, his left hand resting on an ivory stick. Lord Monmouth was
+      in height above the middle size, but somewhat portly and corpulent. His
+      countenance was strongly marked; sagacity on the brow, sensuality in the
+      mouth and jaw. His head was bald, but there were remains of the rich brown
+      locks on which he once prided himself. His large deep blue eye, madid and
+      yet piercing, showed that the secretions of his brain were apportioned,
+      half to voluptuousness, half to common sense. But his general mien was
+      truly grand; full of a natural nobility, of which no one was more sensible
+      than himself. Lord Monmouth was not in dishabille; on the contrary, his
+      costume was exact, and even careful. Rising as we have mentioned when his
+      grandson entered, and leaning with his left hand on his ivory cane, he
+      made Coningsby such a bow as Louis Quatorze might have bestowed on the
+      ambassador of the United Provinces. Then extending his right hand, which
+      the boy tremblingly touched, Lord Monmouth said:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;How do you like Eton?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This contrast to the reception which he had imagined, hoped, feared,
+      paralysed the reviving energies of young Coningsby. He felt stupefied; he
+      looked almost aghast. In the chaotic tumult of his mind, his memory
+      suddenly seemed to receive some miraculous inspiration. Mysterious phrases
+      heard in his earliest boyhood, unnoticed then, long since forgotten, rose
+      to his ear. Who was this grandfather, seen not before, seen now for the
+      first time? Where was the intervening link of blood between him and this
+      superb and icy being? The boy sank into the chair which had been placed
+      for him, and leaning on the table burst into tears.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Here was a business! If there were one thing which would have made Lord
+      Monmouth travel from London to Naples at four-and-twenty hours&rsquo; notice, it
+      was to avoid a scene. He hated scenes. He hated feelings. He saw instantly
+      the mistake he had made in sending for his grandchild. He was afraid that
+      Coningsby was tender-hearted like his father. Another tender-hearted
+      Coningsby! Unfortunate family! Degenerate race! He decided in his mind
+      that Coningsby must be provided for in the Church, and looked at Mr.
+      Rigby, whose principal business it always was to disembarrass his patron
+      from the disagreeable.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Rigby instantly came forward and adroitly led the boy into the
+      adjoining apartment, Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s bedchamber, closing the door of the
+      dressing-room behind him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My dear young friend,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, &lsquo;what is all this?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A sob the only answer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What can be the matter?&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I was thinking,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;of poor mamma!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Hush!&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby; &lsquo;Lord Monmouth never likes to hear of people who
+      are dead; so you must take care never to mention your mother or your
+      father.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the meantime Lord Monmouth had decided on the fate of Coningsby. The
+      Marquis thought he could read characters by a glance, and in general he
+      was successful, for his natural sagacity had been nurtured by great
+      experience. His grandson was not to his taste; amiable no doubt, but
+      spooney.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      We are too apt to believe that the character of a boy is easily read. &lsquo;Tis
+      a mystery the most profound. Mark what blunders parents constantly make as
+      to the nature of their own offspring, bred, too, under their eyes, and
+      displaying every hour their characteristics. How often in the nursery does
+      the genius count as a dunce because he is pensive; while a rattling urchin
+      is invested with almost supernatural qualities because his animal spirits
+      make him impudent and flippant! The school-boy, above all others, is not
+      the simple being the world imagines. In that young bosom are often
+      stirring passions as strong as our own, desires not less violent, a
+      volition not less supreme. In that young bosom what burning love, what
+      intense ambition, what avarice, what lust of power; envy that fiends might
+      emulate, hate that man might fear!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER IV.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Come,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, when Coningsby was somewhat composed, &lsquo;come with
+      me and we will see the house.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So they descended once more the private staircase, and again entered the
+      vestibule.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If you had seen these gardens when they were illuminated for a fête to
+      George IV.,&rsquo; said Rigby, as crossing the chamber he ushered his charge
+      into the state apartments. The splendour and variety of the surrounding
+      objects soon distracted the attention of the boy, for the first time in
+      the palace of his fathers. He traversed saloon after saloon hung with rare
+      tapestry and the gorgeous products of foreign looms; filled with choice
+      pictures and creations of curious art; cabinets that sovereigns might
+      envy, and colossal vases of malachite presented by emperors. Coningsby
+      alternately gazed up to ceilings glowing with color and with gold, and
+      down upon carpets bright with the fancies and vivid with the tints of
+      Aubusson and of Axminster.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;This grandfather of mine is a great prince,&rsquo; thought Coningsby, as musing
+      he stood before a portrait in which he recognised the features of the
+      being from whom he had so recently and so strangely parted. There he
+      stood, Philip Augustus, Marquess of Monmouth, in his robes of state, with
+      his new coronet on a table near him, a despatch lying at hand that
+      indicated the special mission of high ceremony of which he had been the
+      illustrious envoy, and the garter beneath his knee.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You will have plenty of opportunities to look at the pictures,&rsquo; said
+      Rigby, observing that the boy had now quite recovered himself. &lsquo;Some
+      luncheon will do you no harm after our drive;&rsquo; and he opened the door of
+      another apartment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was a pretty room adorned with a fine picture of the chase; at a round
+      table in the centre sat two ladies interested in the meal to which Rigby
+      had alluded.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah, Mr. Rigby!&rsquo; said the eldest, yet young and beautiful, and speaking,
+      though with fluency, in a foreign accent, &lsquo;come and tell me some news.
+      Have you seen Milor?&rsquo; and then she threw a scrutinizing glance from a dark
+      flashing eye at his companion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Let me present to your Highness,&rsquo; said Rigby, with an air of some
+      ceremony, &lsquo;Mr. Coningsby.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My dear young friend,&rsquo; said the lady, extending her white hand with an
+      air of joyous welcome, &lsquo;this is Lucretia, my daughter. We love you
+      already. Lord Monmouth will be so charmed to see you. What beautiful eyes
+      he has, Mr. Rigby. Quite like Milor.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The young lady, who was really more youthful than Coningsby, but of a form
+      and stature so developed that she appeared almost a woman, bowed to the
+      guest with some ceremony, and a faint sullen smile, and then proceeded
+      with her Perigord pie.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You must be so hungry after your drive,&rsquo; said the elder lady, placing
+      Coningsby at her side, and herself filling his plate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This was true enough; and while Mr. Rigby and the lady talked an infinite
+      deal about things which he did not understand, and persons of whom he had
+      never heard, our little hero made his first meal in his paternal house
+      with no ordinary zest; and renovated by the pasty and a glass of sherry,
+      felt altogether a different being from what he was, when he had undergone
+      the terrible interview in which he began to reflect he had considerably
+      exposed himself. His courage revived, his senses rallied, he replied to
+      the interrogations of the lady with calmness, but with promptness and
+      propriety. It was evident that he had made a favourable impression on her
+      Highness, for ever and anon she put a truffle or some delicacy in his
+      plate, and insisted upon his taking some particular confectionery, because
+      it was a favourite of her own. When she rose, she said,&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;In ten minutes the carriage will be at the door; and if you like, my dear
+      young friend, you shall be our beau.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There is nothing I should like so much,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah!&rsquo; said the lady, with the sweetest smile, &lsquo;he is frank.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The ladies bowed and retired; Mr. Rigby returned to the Marquess, and the
+      groom of the chambers led Coningsby to his room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This lady, so courteous to Coningsby, was the Princess Colonna, a Roman
+      dame, the second wife of Prince Paul Colonna. The prince had first married
+      when a boy, and into a family not inferior to his own. Of this union, in
+      every respect unhappy, the Princess Lucretia was the sole offspring. He
+      was a man dissolute and devoted to play; and cared for nothing much but
+      his pleasures and billiards, in which latter he was esteemed unrivalled.
+      According to some, in a freak of passion, according to others, to cancel a
+      gambling debt, he had united himself to his present wife, whose origin was
+      obscure; but with whom he contrived to live on terms of apparent
+      cordiality, for she was much admired, and made the society of her husband
+      sought by those who contributed to his enjoyment. Among these especially
+      figured the Marquess of Monmouth, between whom and Prince Colonna the
+      world recognised as existing the most intimate and entire friendship, so
+      that his Highness and his family were frequent guests under the roof of
+      the English nobleman, and now accompanied him on a visit to England.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER V.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      In the meantime, while ladies are luncheoning on Perigord pie, or coursing
+      in whirling britskas, performing all the singular ceremonies of a London
+      morning in the heart of the season; making visits where nobody is seen,
+      and making purchases which are not wanted; the world is in agitation and
+      uproar. At present the world and the confusion are limited to St. James&rsquo;s
+      Street and Pall Mall; but soon the boundaries and the tumult will be
+      extended to the intended metropolitan boroughs; to-morrow they will spread
+      over the manufacturing districts. It is perfectly evident, that before
+      eight-and-forty hours have passed, the country will be in a state of
+      fearful crisis. And how can it be otherwise? Is it not a truth that the
+      subtle Chief Baron has been closeted one whole hour with the King; that
+      shortly after, with thoughtful brow and compressed lip, he was marked in
+      his daring chariot entering the courtyard of Apsley House? Great was the
+      panic at Brookes&rsquo;, wild the hopes of Carlton Terrace; all the gentlemen
+      who expected to have been made peers perceived that the country was going
+      to be given over to a rapacious oligarchy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the meantime Tadpole and Taper, who had never quitted for an instant
+      the mysterious head-quarters of the late Opposition, were full of hopes
+      and fears, and asked many questions, which they chiefly answered
+      themselves.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wonder what Lord Lyndhurst will say to the king,&rsquo; said Taper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He has plenty of pluck,&rsquo; said Tadpole.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I almost wish now that Rigby had breakfasted with him this morning,&rsquo; said
+      Taper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If the King be firm, and the country sound,&rsquo; said Tadpole, &lsquo;and Lord
+      Monmouth keep his boroughs, I should not wonder to see Rigby made a privy
+      councillor.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There is no precedent for an under-secretary being a privy councillor,&rsquo;
+      said Taper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But we live in revolutionary times,&rsquo; said Tadpole.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Gentlemen,&rsquo; said the groom of the chambers, in a loud voice, entering the
+      room, &lsquo;I am desired to state that the Duke of Wellington is with the
+      King.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There <i>is</i> a Providence!&rsquo; exclaimed an agitated gentleman, the
+      patent of whose intended peerage had not been signed the day that the Duke
+      had quited office in 1830.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I always thought the King would be firm,&rsquo; said Mr. Tadpole.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wonder who will have the India Board,&rsquo; said Taper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this moment three or four gentlemen entered the room in a state of
+      great bustle and excitement; they were immediately surrounded.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Is it true?&rsquo; &lsquo;Quite true; not the slightest doubt. Saw him myself. Not at
+      all hissed; certainly not hooted. Perhaps a little hissed. One fellow
+      really cheered him. Saw him myself. Say what they like, there is
+      reaction.&rsquo; &lsquo;But Constitution Hill, they say?&rsquo; &lsquo;Well, there was a sort of
+      inclination to a row on Constitution Hill; but the Duke quite firm;
+      pistols, and carriage doors bolted.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Such may give a faint idea of the anxious inquiries and the satisfactory
+      replies that were occasioned by the entrance of this group.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Up, guards, and at them!&rsquo; exclaimed Tadpole, rubbing his hands in a fit
+      of patriotic enthusiasm.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Later in the afternoon, about five o&rsquo;clock, the high change of political
+      gossip, when the room was crowded, and every one had his rumour, Mr. Rigby
+      looked in again to throw his eye over the evening papers, and catch in
+      various chit-chat the tone of public or party feeling on the &lsquo;crisis.&rsquo;
+      Then it was known that the Duke had returned from the King, having
+      accepted the charge of forming an administration. An administration to do
+      what? Portentous question! Were concessions to be made? And if so, what?
+      Was it altogether impossible, and too late, &lsquo;stare super vias antiquas?&rsquo;
+      Questions altogether above your Tadpoles and your Tapers, whose idea of
+      the necessities of the age was that they themselves should be in office.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Eskdale came up to Mr. Rigby. This peer was a noble Croesus,
+      acquainted with all the gradations of life; a voluptuary who could be a
+      Spartan; clear-sighted, unprejudiced, sagacious; the best judge in the
+      world of a horse or a man; he was the universal referee; a quarrel about a
+      bet or a mistress was solved by him in a moment, and in a manner which
+      satisfied both parties. He patronised and appreciated the fine arts,
+      though a jockey; respected literary men, though he only read French
+      novels; and without any affectation of tastes which he did not possess,
+      was looked upon by every singer and dancer in Europe as their natural
+      champion. The secret of his strong character and great influence was his
+      self-composure, which an earthquake or a Reform Bill could not disturb,
+      and which in him was the result of temperament and experience. He was an
+      intimate acquaintance of Lord Monmouth, for they had many tastes in
+      common; were both men of considerable, and in some degree similar
+      abilities; and were the two greatest proprietors of close boroughs in the
+      country.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Do you dine at Monmouth House to-day?&rsquo; inquired Lord Eskdale of Mr.
+      Rigby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Where I hope to meet your lordship. The Whig papers are very subdued,&rsquo;
+      continued Mr. Rigby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! they have not the cue yet,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And what do you think of affairs?&rsquo; inquired his companion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think the hounds are too hot to hark off now,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There is one combination,&rsquo; said Rigby, who seemed meditating an attack on
+      Lord Eskdale&rsquo;s button.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Give it us at dinner,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale, who knew his man, and made an
+      adroit movement forwards, as if he were very anxious to see the <i>Globe</i>
+      newspaper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the course of two or three hours these gentlemen met again in the green
+      drawing-room of Monmouth House. Mr. Rigby was sitting on a sofa by Lord
+      Monmouth, detailing in whispers all his gossip of the morn: Lord Eskdale
+      murmuring quaint inquiries into the ear of the Princess Lucretia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Madame Colonna made remarks alternately to two gentlemen, who paid her
+      assiduous court. One of these was Mr. Ormsby; the school, the college, and
+      the club crony of Lord Monmouth, who had been his shadow through life;
+      travelled with him in early days, won money with him at play, had been his
+      colleague in the House of Commons; and was still one of his nominees. Mr.
+      Ormsby was a millionaire, which Lord Monmouth liked. He liked his
+      companions to be very rich or very poor; be his equals, able to play with
+      him at high stakes, or join him in a great speculation; or to be his
+      tools, and to amuse and serve him. There was nothing which he despised and
+      disliked so much as a moderate fortune.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The other gentleman was of a different class and character. Nature had
+      intended Lucian Gay for a scholar and a wit; necessity had made him a
+      scribbler and a buffoon. He had distinguished himself at the University;
+      but he had no patrimony, nor those powers of perseverance which success in
+      any learned profession requires. He was good-looking, had great animal
+      spirits, and a keen sense of enjoyment, and could not drudge. Moreover he
+      had a fine voice, and sang his own songs with considerable taste;
+      accomplishments which made his fortune in society and completed his ruin.
+      In due time he extricated himself from the bench and merged into
+      journalism, by means of which he chanced to become acquainted with Mr.
+      Rigby. That worthy individual was not slow in detecting the treasure he
+      had lighted on; a wit, a ready and happy writer, a joyous and tractable
+      being, with the education, and still the feelings and manners, of a
+      gentleman. Frequent were the Sunday dinners which found Gay a guest at Mr.
+      Rigby&rsquo;s villa; numerous the airy pasquinades which he left behind, and
+      which made the fortune of his patron. Flattered by the familiar
+      acquaintance of a man of station, and sanguine that he had found the link
+      which would sooner or later restore him to the polished world that he had
+      forfeited, Gay laboured in his vocation with enthusiasm and success.
+      Willingly would Rigby have kept his treasure to himself; and truly he
+      hoarded it for a long time, but it oozed out. Rigby loved the reputation
+      of possessing the complete art of society. His dinners were celebrated at
+      least for their guests. Great intellectual illustrations were found there
+      blended with rank and high station. Rigby loved to patronise; to play the
+      minister unbending and seeking relief from the cares of council in the
+      society of authors, artists, and men of science. He liked dukes to dine
+      with him and hear him scatter his audacious criticisms to Sir Thomas or
+      Sir Humphry. They went away astounded by the powers of their host, who,
+      had he not fortunately devoted those powers to their party, must
+      apparently have rivalled Vandyke, or discovered the safety-lamp.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now in these dinners, Lucian Gay, who had brilliant conversational powers,
+      and who possessed all the resources of boon companionship, would be an
+      invaluable ally. He was therefore admitted, and inspired both by the
+      present enjoyment, and the future to which it might lead, his exertions
+      were untiring, various, most successful. Rigby&rsquo;s dinners became still,
+      more celebrated. It, however, necessarily followed that the guests who
+      were charmed by Gay, wished Gay also to be their guest. Rigby was very
+      jealous of this, but it was inevitable; still by constant manoeuvre, by
+      intimations of some exercise, some day or other, of substantial patronage
+      in his behalf, by a thousand little arts by which he carved out work for
+      Gay which often prevented him accepting invitations to great houses in the
+      country, by judicious loans of small sums on Lucian&rsquo;s notes of hand and
+      other analogous devices, Rigby contrived to keep the wit in a fair state
+      of bondage and dependence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One thing Rigby was resolved on: Gay should never get into Monmouth House.
+      That was an empyrean too high for his wing to soar in. Rigby kept that
+      social monopoly distinctively to mark the relation that subsisted between
+      them as patron and client. It was something to swagger about when they
+      were together after their second bottle of claret. Rigby kept his
+      resolution for some years, which the frequent and prolonged absence of the
+      Marquess rendered not very difficult. But we are the creatures of
+      circumstances; at least the Rigby race particularly. Lord Monmouth
+      returned to England one year, and wanted to be amused. He wanted a jester:
+      a man about him who would make him, not laugh, for that was impossible,
+      but smile more frequently, tell good stories, say good things, and sing
+      now and then, especially French songs. Early in life Rigby would have
+      attempted all this, though he had neither fun, voice, nor ear. But his
+      hold on Lord Monmouth no longer depended on the mere exercise of agreeable
+      qualities, he had become indispensable to his lordship, by more serious if
+      not higher considerations. And what with auditing his accounts, guarding
+      his boroughs, writing him, when absent, gossip by every post and when in
+      England deciding on every question and arranging every matter which might
+      otherwise have ruffled the sublime repose of his patron&rsquo;s existence, Rigby
+      might be excused if he shrank a little from the minor part of table wit,
+      particularly when we remember all his subterranean journalism, his acid
+      squibs, and his malicious paragraphs, and, what Tadpole called, his
+      &lsquo;slashing articles.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These &lsquo;slashing articles&rsquo; were, indeed, things which, had they appeared as
+      anonymous pamphlets, would have obtained the contemptuous reception which
+      in an intellectual view no compositions more surely deserved; but
+      whispered as the productions of one behind the scenes, and appearing in
+      the pages of a party review, they were passed off as genuine coin, and
+      took in great numbers of the lieges, especially in the country. They were
+      written in a style apparently modelled on the briefs of those sharp
+      attorneys who weary advocates with their clever commonplace; teasing with
+      obvious comment, and torturing with inevitable inference. The affectation
+      of order in the statement of facts had all the lucid method of an adroit
+      pettifogger. They dealt much in extracts from newspapers, quotations from
+      the <i>Annual Register</i>, parallel passages in forgotten speeches,
+      arranged with a formidable array of dates rarely accurate. When the writer
+      was of opinion he had made a point, you may be sure the hit was in
+      italics, that last resource of the Forcible Feebles. He handled a
+      particular in chronology as if he were proving an alibi at the Criminal
+      Court. The censure was coarse without being strong, and vindictive when it
+      would have been sarcastic. Now and then there was a passage which aimed at
+      a higher flight, and nothing can be conceived more unlike genuine feeling,
+      or more offensive to pure taste. And yet, perhaps, the most ludicrous
+      characteristic of these facetious gallimaufreys was an occasional
+      assumption of the high moral and admonitory tone, which when we recurred
+      to the general spirit of the discourse, and were apt to recall the
+      character of its writer, irresistibly reminded one of Mrs. Cole and her
+      prayer-book.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To return to Lucian Gay. It was a rule with Rigby that no one, if
+      possible, should do anything for Lord Monmouth but himself; and as a
+      jester must be found, he was determined that his Lordship should have the
+      best in the market, and that he should have the credit of furnishing the
+      article. As a reward, therefore, for many past services, and a fresh claim
+      to his future exertions, Rigby one day broke to Gay that the hour had at
+      length arrived when the highest object of reasonable ambition on his part,
+      and the fulfilment of one of Rigby&rsquo;s long-cherished and dearest hopes,
+      were alike to be realised. Gay was to be presented to Lord Monmouth and
+      dine at Monmouth House.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The acquaintance was a successful one; very agreeable to both parties. Gay
+      became an habitual guest of Lord Monmouth when his patron was in England;
+      and in his absence received frequent and substantial marks of his kind
+      recollection, for Lord Monmouth was generous to those who amused him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the meantime the hour of dinner is at hand. Coningsby, who had lost the
+      key of his carpet-bag, which he finally cut open with a penknife that he
+      found on his writing-table, and the blade of which he broke in the
+      operation, only reached the drawing-room as the figure of his grandfather,
+      leaning on his ivory cane, and following his guests, was just visible in
+      the distance. He was soon overtaken. Perceiving Coningsby, Lord Monmouth
+      made him a bow, not so formal a one as in the morning, but still a bow,
+      and said, &lsquo;I hope you liked your drive.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VI.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      A little dinner, not more than the Muses, with all the guests clever, and
+      some pretty, offers human life and human nature under very favourable
+      circumstances. In the present instance, too, every one was anxious to
+      please, for the host was entirely well-bred, never selfish in little
+      things, and always contributed his quota to the general fund of polished
+      sociability.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Although there was really only one thought in every male mind present,
+      still, regard for the ladies, and some little apprehension of the
+      servants, banished politics from discourse during the greater part of the
+      dinner, with the occasional exception of some rapid and flying allusion
+      which the initiated understood, but which remained a mystery to the rest.
+      Nevertheless an old story now and then well told by Mr. Ormsby, a new joke
+      now and then well introduced by Mr. Gay, some dashing assertion by Mr.
+      Rigby, which, though wrong, was startling; this agreeable blending of
+      anecdote, jest, and paradox, kept everything fluent, and produced that
+      degree of mild excitation which is desirable. Lord Monmouth sometimes
+      summed up with an epigrammatic sentence, and turned the conversation by a
+      question, in case it dwelt too much on the same topic. Lord Eskdale
+      addressed himself principally to the ladies; inquired after their morning
+      drive and doings, spoke of new fashions, and quoted a letter from Paris.
+      Madame Colonna was not witty, but she had that sweet Roman frankness which
+      is so charming. The presence of a beautiful woman, natural and
+      good-tempered, even if she be not a L&rsquo;Espinasse or a De Stael, is
+      animating.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Nevertheless, owing probably to the absorbing powers of the forbidden
+      subject, there were moments when it seemed that a pause was impending, and
+      Mr. Ormsby, an old hand, seized one of these critical instants to address
+      a good-natured question to Coningsby, whose acquaintance he had already
+      cultivated by taking wine with him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And how do you like Eton?&rsquo; asked Mr. Ormsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was the identical question which had been presented to Coningsby in the
+      memorable interview of the morning, and which had received no reply; or
+      rather had produced on his part a sentimental ebullition that had
+      absolutely destined or doomed him to the Church.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I should like to see the fellow who did not like Eton,&rsquo; said Coningsby,
+      briskly, determined this time to be very brave.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Gad I must go down and see the old place,&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby, touched by a
+      pensive reminiscence. &lsquo;One can get a good bed and bottle of port at the
+      Christopher, still?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You had better come and try, sir,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;If you will come some
+      day and dine with me at the Christopher, I will give you such a bottle of
+      champagne as you never tasted yet.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Marquess looked at him, but said nothing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! I liked a dinner at the Christopher,&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby; &lsquo;after mutton,
+      mutton, mutton, every day, it was not a bad thing.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We had venison for dinner every week last season,&rsquo; said Coningsby;
+      &lsquo;Buckhurst had it sent up from his park. But I don&rsquo;t care for dinner.
+      Breakfast is my lounge.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! those little rolls and pats of butter!&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby. &lsquo;Short
+      commons, though. What do you think we did in my time? We used to send over
+      the way to get a mutton-chop.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wish you could see Buckhurst and me at breakfast,&rsquo; said Coningsby,
+      &lsquo;with a pound of Castle&rsquo;s sausages!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What Buckhurst is that, Harry?&rsquo; inquired Lord Monmouth, in a tone of some
+      interest, and for the first time calling him by his Christian name.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Sir Charles Buckhurst, sir, a Berkshire man: Shirley Park is his place.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why, that must be Charley&rsquo;s son, Eskdale,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth; &lsquo;I had no
+      idea he could be so young.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He married late, you know, and had nothing but daughters for a long
+      time.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, I hope there will be no Reform Bill for Eton,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth,
+      musingly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The servants had now retired.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think, Lord Monmouth,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, &lsquo;we must ask permission to drink
+      one toast to-day.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Nay, I will myself give it,&rsquo; he replied. &lsquo;Madame Colonna, you will, I am
+      sure, join us when we drink, THE DUKE!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! what a man!&rsquo; exclaimed the Princess. &lsquo;What a pity it is you have a
+      House of Commons here! England would be the greatest country in the world
+      if it were not for that House of Commons. It makes so much confusion!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Don&rsquo;t abuse our property,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale; &lsquo;Lord Monmouth and I have
+      still twenty votes of that same body between us.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And there is a combination,&rsquo; said Rigby, &lsquo;by which you may still keep
+      them.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! now for Rigby&rsquo;s combination,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The only thing that can save this country,&rsquo; said Rigby, &lsquo;is a coalition
+      on a sliding scale.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You had better buy up the Birmingham Union and the other bodies,&rsquo; said
+      Lord Monmouth; &lsquo;I believe it might all be done for two or three hundred
+      thousand pounds; and the newspapers too. Pitt would have settled this
+      business long ago.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, at any rate, we are in,&rsquo; said Rigby, &lsquo;and we must do something.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I should like to see Grey&rsquo;s list of new peers,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale. &lsquo;They
+      say there are several members of our club in it.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And the claims to the honour are so opposite,&rsquo; said Lucian Gay; &lsquo;one, on
+      account of his large estate; another, because he has none; one, because he
+      has a well-grown family to perpetuate the title; another, because he has
+      no heir, and no power of ever obtaining one.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wonder how he will form his cabinet,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth; &lsquo;the old
+      story won&rsquo;t do.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I hear that Baring is to be one of the new cards; they say it will please
+      the city,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale. &lsquo;I suppose they will pick out of hedge and
+      ditch everything that has ever had the semblance of liberalism.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Affairs in my time were never so complicated,&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Nay, it appears to me to lie in a nutshell,&rsquo; said Lucian Gay; &lsquo;one party
+      wishes to keep their old boroughs, and the other to get their new peers.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The future historian of the country will be perplexed to ascertain what
+      was the distinct object which the Duke of Wellington proposed to himself
+      in the political manoeuvres of May, 1832. It was known that the passing of
+      the Reform Bill was a condition absolute with the King; it was
+      unquestionable, that the first general election under the new law must
+      ignominiously expel the Anti-Reform Ministry from power; who would then
+      resume their seats on the Opposition benches in both Houses with the loss
+      not only of their boroughs, but of that reputation for political
+      consistency, which might have been some compensation for the parliamentary
+      influence of which they had been deprived. It is difficult to recognise in
+      this premature effort of the Anti-Reform leader to thrust himself again
+      into the conduct of public affairs, any indications of the prescient
+      judgment which might have been expected from such a quarter. It savoured
+      rather of restlessness than of energy; and, while it proved in its
+      progress not only an ignorance on his part of the public mind, but of the
+      feelings of his own party, it terminated under circumstances which were
+      humiliating to the Crown, and painfully significant of the future position
+      of the House of Lords in the new constitutional scheme.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Duke of Wellington has ever been the votary of circumstances. He cares
+      little for causes. He watches events rather than seeks to produce them. It
+      is a characteristic of the military mind. Rapid combinations, the result
+      of quick, vigilant, and comprehensive glance, are generally triumphant in
+      the field: but in civil affairs, where results are not immediate; in
+      diplomacy and in the management of deliberative assemblies, where there is
+      much intervening time and many counteracting causes, this velocity of
+      decision, this fitful and precipitate action, are often productive of
+      considerable embarrassment, and sometimes of terrible discomfiture. It is
+      remarkable that men celebrated for military prudence are often found to be
+      headstrong statesmen. In civil life a great general is frequently and
+      strangely the creature of impulse; influenced in his political movements
+      by the last snatch of information; and often the creature of the last
+      aide-de-camp who has his ear.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      We shall endeavour to trace in another chapter the reasons which on this
+      as on previous and subsequent occasions, induced Sir Robert Peel to stand
+      aloof, if possible, from official life, and made him reluctant to re-enter
+      the service of his Sovereign. In the present instance, even temporary
+      success could only have been secured by the utmost decision, promptness,
+      and energy. These were all wanting: some were afraid to follow the bold
+      example of their leader; many were disinclined. In eight-and-forty hours
+      it was known there was a &lsquo;hitch.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Reform party, who had been rather stupefied than appalled by the
+      accepted mission of the Duke of Wellington, collected their scattered
+      senses, and rallied their forces. The agitators harangued, the mobs
+      hooted. The City of London, as if the King had again tried to seize the
+      five members, appointed a permanent committee of the Common Council to
+      watch the fortunes of the &lsquo;great national measure,&rsquo; and to report daily.
+      Brookes&rsquo;, which was the only place that at first was really frightened and
+      talked of compromise, grew valiant again; while young Whig heroes jumped
+      upon club-room tables, and delivered fiery invectives. Emboldened by these
+      demonstrations, the House of Commons met in great force, and passed a vote
+      which struck, without disguise, at all rival powers in the State;
+      virtually announced its supremacy; revealed the forlorn position of the
+      House of Lords under the new arrangement; and seemed to lay for ever the
+      fluttering phantom of regal prerogative.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was on the 9th of May that Lord Lyndhurst was with the King, and on the
+      15th all was over. Nothing in parliamentary history so humiliating as the
+      funeral oration delivered that day by the Duke of Wellington over the old
+      constitution, that, modelled on the Venetian, had governed England since
+      the accession of the House of Hanover. He described his Sovereign, when
+      his Grace first repaired to his Majesty, as in a state of the greatest
+      &lsquo;difficulty and distress,&rsquo; appealing to his never-failing loyalty to
+      extricate him from his trouble and vexation. The Duke of Wellington,
+      representing the House of Lords, sympathises with the King, and pledges
+      his utmost efforts for his Majesty&rsquo;s relief. But after five days&rsquo;
+      exertion, this man of indomitable will and invincible fortunes, resigns
+      the task in discomfiture and despair, and alleges as the only and
+      sufficient reason for his utter and hopeless defeat, that the House of
+      Commons had come to a vote which ran counter to the contemplated exercise
+      of the prerogative.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      From that moment power passed from the House of Lords to another assembly.
+      But if the peers have ceased to be magnificoes, may it not also happen
+      that the Sovereign may cease to be a Doge? It is not impossible that the
+      political movements of our time, which seem on the surface to have a
+      tendency to democracy, may have in reality a monarchical bias.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In less than a fortnight&rsquo;s time the House of Lords, like James II., having
+      abdicated their functions by absence, the Reform Bill passed; the ardent
+      monarch, who a few months before had expressed his readiness to go down to
+      Parliament, in a hackney coach if necessary, to assist its progress, now
+      declining personally to give his assent to its provisions.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the protracted discussions to which this celebrated measure gave rise,
+      nothing is more remarkable than the perplexities into which the speakers
+      of both sides are thrown, when they touch upon the nature of the
+      representative principle. On one hand it was maintained, that, under the
+      old system, the people were virtually represented; while on the other, it
+      was triumphantly urged, that if the principle be conceded, the people
+      should not be virtually, but actually, represented. But who are the
+      people? And where are you to draw a line? And why should there be any? It
+      was urged that a contribution to the taxes was the constitutional
+      qualification for the suffrage. But we have established a system of
+      taxation in this country of so remarkable a nature, that the beggar who
+      chews his quid as he sweeps a crossing, is contributing to the imposts! Is
+      he to have a vote? He is one of the people, and he yields his quota to the
+      public burthens.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Amid these conflicting statements, and these confounding conclusions, it
+      is singular that no member of either House should have recurred to the
+      original character of these popular assemblies, which have always
+      prevailed among the northern nations. We still retain in the antique
+      phraseology of our statutes the term which might have beneficially guided
+      a modern Reformer in his reconstructive labours.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the crowned Northman consulted on the welfare of his kingdom, he
+      assembled the ESTATES of his realm. Now an estate is a class of the nation
+      invested with political rights. There appeared the estate of the clergy,
+      of the barons, of other classes. In the Scandinavian kingdoms to this day,
+      the estate of the peasants sends its representatives to the Diet. In
+      England, under the Normans, the Church and the Baronage were convoked,
+      together with the estate of the Community, a term which then probably
+      described the inferior holders of land, whose tenure was not immediate of
+      the Crown. This Third Estate was so numerous, that convenience suggested
+      its appearance by representation; while the others, more limited,
+      appeared, and still appear, personally. The Third Estate was reconstructed
+      as circumstances developed themselves. It was a Reform of Parliament when
+      the towns were summoned.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In treating the House of the Third Estate as the House of the People, and
+      not as the House of a privileged class, the Ministry and Parliament of
+      1831 virtually conceded the principle of Universal Suffrage. In this point
+      of view the ten-pound franchise was an arbitrary, irrational, and
+      impolitic qualification. It had, indeed, the merit of simplicity, and so
+      had the constitutions of Abbé Siéyès. But its immediate and inevitable
+      result was Chartism.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But if the Ministry and Parliament of 1831 had announced that the time had
+      arrived when the Third Estate should be enlarged and reconstructed, they
+      would have occupied an intelligible position; and if, instead of
+      simplicity of elements in its reconstruction, they had sought, on the
+      contrary, various and varying materials which would have neutralised the
+      painful predominance of any particular interest in the new scheme, and
+      prevented those banded jealousies which have been its consequences, the
+      nation would have found itself in a secure condition. Another class not
+      less numerous than the existing one, and invested with privileges not less
+      important, would have been added to the public estates of the realm; and
+      the bewildering phrase &lsquo;the People&rsquo; would have remained, what it really
+      is, a term of natural philosophy, and not of political science.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      During this eventful week of May, 1832, when an important revolution was
+      effected in the most considerable of modern kingdoms, in a manner so
+      tranquil, that the victims themselves were scarcely conscious at the time
+      of the catastrophe, Coningsby passed his hours in unaccustomed pleasures,
+      and in novel excitement. Although he heard daily from the lips of Mr.
+      Rigby and his friends that England was for ever lost, the assembled guests
+      still contrived to do justice to his grandfather&rsquo;s excellent dinners; nor
+      did the impending ruin that awaited them prevent the Princess Colonna from
+      going to the Opera, whither she very good-naturedly took Coningsby. Madame
+      Colonna, indeed, gave such gratifying accounts of her dear young friend,
+      that Coningsby became daily a greater favourite with Lord Monmouth, who
+      cherished the idea that his grandson had inherited not merely the colour
+      of his eyes, but something of his shrewd and fearless spirit.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With Lucretia, Coningsby did not much advance. She remained silent and
+      sullen. She was not beautiful; pallid, with a lowering brow, and an eye
+      that avoided meeting another&rsquo;s. Madame Colonna, though good-natured, felt
+      for her something of the affection for which step-mothers are celebrated.
+      Lucretia, indeed, did not encourage her kindness, which irritated her
+      step-mother, who seemed seldom to address her but to rate and chide;
+      Lucretia never replied, but looked dogged. Her father, the Prince, did not
+      compensate for this treatment. The memory of her mother, whom he had
+      greatly disliked, did not soften his heart. He was a man still young;
+      slender, not tall; very handsome, but worn; a haggard Antinous; his
+      beautiful hair daily thinning; his dress rich and effeminate; many jewels,
+      much lace. He seldom spoke, but was polished, though moody.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At the end of the week, Coningsby returned to Eton. On the eve of his
+      departure, Lord Monmouth desired his grandson to meet him in his
+      apartments on the morrow, before quitting his roof. This farewell visit
+      was as kind and gracious as the first one had been repulsive. Lord
+      Monmouth gave Coningsby his blessing and ten pounds; desired that he would
+      order a dress, anything he liked, for the approaching Montem, which Lord
+      Monmouth meant to attend; and informed his grandson that he should order
+      that in future a proper supply of game and venison should be forwarded to
+      Eton for the use of himself and his friends.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VIII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      After eight o&rsquo;clock school, the day following the return of Coningsby,
+      according to custom, he repaired to Buckhurst&rsquo;s room, where Henry Sydney,
+      Lord Vere, and our hero held with him their breakfast mess. They were all
+      in the fifth form, and habitual companions, on the river or on the Fives&rsquo;
+      Wall, at cricket or at foot-ball. The return of Coningsby, their leader
+      alike in sport and study, inspired them to-day with unusual spirits,
+      which, to say the truth, were never particularly depressed. Where he had
+      been, what he had seen, what he had done, what sort of fellow his
+      grandfather was, whether the visit had been a success; here were materials
+      for almost endless inquiry. And, indeed, to do them justice, the last
+      question was not the least exciting to them; for the deep and cordial
+      interest which all felt in Coningsby&rsquo;s welfare far outweighed the
+      curiosity which, under ordinary circumstances, they would have experienced
+      on the return of one of their companions from an unusual visit to London.
+      The report of their friend imparted to them unbounded satisfaction, when
+      they learned that his relative was a splendid fellow; that he had been
+      loaded with kindness and favours; that Monmouth House, the wonders of
+      which he rapidly sketched, was hereafter to be his home; that Lord
+      Monmouth was coming down to Montem; that Coningsby was to order any dress
+      he liked, build a new boat if he chose; and, finally, had been pouched in
+      a manner worthy of a Marquess and a grandfather.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By the bye,&rsquo; said Buckhurst, when the hubbub had a little subsided, &lsquo;I am
+      afraid you will not half like it, Coningsby; but, old fellow, I had no
+      idea you would be back this morning; I have asked Millbank to breakfast
+      here.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A cloud stole over the clear brow of Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It was my fault,&rsquo; said the amiable Henry Sydney; &lsquo;but I really wanted to
+      be civil to Millbank, and as you were not here, I put Buckhurst up to ask
+      him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well,&rsquo; said Coningsby, as if sullenly resigned, &lsquo;never mind; but why
+      should you ask an infernal manufacturer?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why, the Duke always wished me to pay him some attention,&rsquo; said Lord
+      Henry, mildly. &lsquo;His family were so civil to us when we were at
+      Manchester.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Manchester, indeed!&rsquo; said Coningsby; &lsquo;if you knew what I do about
+      Manchester! A pretty state we have been in in London this week past with
+      your Manchesters and Birminghams!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Come, come, Coningsby,&rsquo; said Lord Vere, the son of a Whig minister; &lsquo;I am
+      all for Manchester and Birmingham.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is all up with the country, I can tell you,&rsquo; said Coningsby, with the
+      air of one who was in the secret.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My father says it will all go right now,&rsquo; rejoined Lord Vere. &lsquo;I had a
+      letter from my sister yesterday.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;They say we shall all lose our estates, though,&rsquo; said Buckhurst; &lsquo;I know
+      I shall not give up mine without a fight. Shirley was besieged, you know,
+      in the civil wars; and the rebels got infernally licked.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think that all the people about Beaumanoir would stand by the Duke,&rsquo;
+      said Lord Henry, pensively.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, you may depend upon it you will have it very soon,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+      &lsquo;I know it from the best authority.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It depends on whether my father remains in,&rsquo; said Lord Vere. &lsquo;He is the
+      only man who can govern the country now. All say that.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this moment Millbank entered. He was a good looking boy, somewhat shy,
+      and yet with a sincere expression in his countenance. He was evidently not
+      extremely intimate with those who were now his companions. Buckhurst, and
+      Henry Sydney, and Vere, welcomed him cordially. He looked at Coningsby
+      with some constraint, and then said:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have been in London, Coningsby?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes, I have been there during all the row.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You must have had a rare lark.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes, if having your windows broken by a mob be a rare lark. They could
+      not break my grandfather&rsquo;s, though. Monmouth House is in a court-yard. All
+      noblemen&rsquo;s houses should be in court-yards.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I was glad to see it all ended very well,&rsquo; said Millbank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It has not begun yet,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What?&rsquo; said Millbank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why, the revolution.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The Reform Bill will prevent a revolution, my father says,&rsquo; said
+      Millbank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By Jove! here&rsquo;s the goose,&rsquo; said Buckhurst.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this moment there entered the room a little boy, the scion of a noble
+      house, bearing a roasted goose, which he had carried from the kitchen of
+      the opposite inn, the Christopher. The lower boy or fag, depositing his
+      burthen, asked his master whether he had further need of him; and
+      Buckhurst, after looking round the table, and ascertaining that he had
+      not, gave him permission to retire; but he had scarcely disappeared, when
+      his master singing out, &lsquo;Lower boy, St. John!&rsquo; he immediately re-entered,
+      and demanded his master&rsquo;s pleasure, which was, that he should pour some
+      water in the teapot. This being accomplished, St. John really made his
+      escape, and retired to a pupil-room, where the bullying of a tutor,
+      because he had no derivations, exceeded in all probability the bullying of
+      his master, had he contrived in his passage from the Christopher to have
+      upset the goose or dropped the sausages.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In their merry meal, the Reform Bill was forgotten. Their thoughts were
+      soon concentrated in their little world, though it must be owned that
+      visions of palaces and beautiful ladies did occasionally flit over the
+      brain of one of the company. But for him especially there was much of
+      interest and novelty. So much had happened in his absence! There was a
+      week&rsquo;s arrears for him of Eton annals. They were recounted in so fresh a
+      spirit, and in such vivid colours, that Coningsby lost nothing by his
+      London visit. All the bold feats that had been done, and all the bright
+      things that had been said; all the triumphs, and all the failures, and all
+      the scrapes; how popular one master had made himself, and how ridiculous
+      another; all was detailed with a liveliness, a candour, and a picturesque
+      ingenuousness, which would have made the fortune of a Herodotus or a
+      Froissart.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I&rsquo;ll tell you what,&rsquo; said Buckhurst, &lsquo;I move that after twelve we five go
+      up to Maidenhead.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Agreed; agreed!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER IX.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Millbank was the son of one of the wealthiest manufacturers in Lancashire.
+      His father, whose opinions were of a very democratic bent, sent his son to
+      Eton, though he disapproved of the system of education pursued there, to
+      show that he had as much right to do so as any duke in the land. He had,
+      however, brought up his only boy with a due prejudice against every
+      sentiment or institution of an aristocratic character, and had especially
+      impressed upon him in his school career, to avoid the slightest semblance
+      of courting the affections or society of any member of the falsely-held
+      superior class.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The character of the son as much as the influence of the father, tended to
+      the fulfilment of these injunctions. Oswald Millbank was of a proud and
+      independent nature; reserved, a little stern. The early and
+      constantly-reiterated dogma of his father, that he belonged to a class
+      debarred from its just position in the social system, had aggravated the
+      grave and somewhat discontented humour of his blood. His talents were
+      considerable, though invested with no dazzling quality. He had not that
+      quick and brilliant apprehension, which, combined with a memory of rare
+      retentiveness, had already advanced Coningsby far beyond his age, and made
+      him already looked to as the future hero of the school. But Millbank
+      possessed one of those strong, industrious volitions whose perseverance
+      amounts almost to genius, and nearly attains its results. Though Coningsby
+      was by a year his junior, they were rivals. This circumstance had no
+      tendency to remove the prejudice which Coningsby entertained against him,
+      but its bias on the part of Millbank had a contrary effect.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The influence of the individual is nowhere so sensible as at school. There
+      the personal qualities strike without any intervening and counteracting
+      causes. A gracious presence, noble sentiments, or a happy talent, make
+      their way there at once, without preliminary inquiries as to what set they
+      are in, or what family they are of, how much they have a-year, or where
+      they live. Now, on no spirit had the influence of Coningsby, already the
+      favourite, and soon probably to become the idol, of the school, fallen
+      more effectually than on that of Millbank, though it was an influence that
+      no one could suspect except its votary or its victim.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At school, friendship is a passion. It entrances the being; it tears the
+      soul. All loves of after-life can never bring its rapture, or its
+      wretchedness; no bliss so absorbing, no pangs of jealousy or despair so
+      crushing and so keen! What tenderness and what devotion; what illimitable
+      confidence; infinite revelations of inmost thoughts; what ecstatic present
+      and romantic future; what bitter estrangements and what melting
+      reconciliations; what scenes of wild recrimination, agitating
+      explanations, passionate correspondence; what insane sensitiveness, and
+      what frantic sensibility; what earthquakes of the heart and whirlwinds of
+      the soul are confined in that simple phrase, a schoolboy&rsquo;s friendship! Tis
+      some indefinite recollection of these mystic passages of their young
+      emotion that makes grey-haired men mourn over the memory of their
+      schoolboy days. It is a spell that can soften the acerbity of political
+      warfare, and with its witchery can call forth a sigh even amid the callous
+      bustle of fashionable saloons.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The secret of Millbank&rsquo;s life was a passionate admiration and affection
+      for Coningsby. Pride, his natural reserve, and his father&rsquo;s injunctions,
+      had, however, hitherto successfully combined to restrain the slightest
+      demonstration of these sentiments. Indeed, Coningsby and himself were
+      never companions, except in school, or in some public game. The demeanour
+      of Coningsby gave no encouragement to intimacy to one, who, under any
+      circumstances, would have required considerable invitation to open
+      himself. So Millbank fed in silence on a cherished idea. It was his
+      happiness to be in the same form, to join in the same sport, with
+      Coningsby; occasionally to be thrown in unusual contact with him, to
+      exchange slight and not unkind words. In their division they were rivals;
+      Millbank sometimes triumphed, but to be vanquished by Coningsby was for
+      him not without a degree of mild satisfaction. Not a gesture, not a phrase
+      from Coningsby, that he did not watch and ponder over and treasure up.
+      Coningsby was his model, alike in studies, in manners, or in pastimes; the
+      aptest scholar, the gayest wit, the most graceful associate, the most
+      accomplished playmate: his standard of excellent. Yet Millbank was the
+      very last boy in the school who would have had credit given him by his
+      companions for profound and ardent feeling. He was not indeed unpopular.
+      The favourite of the school like Coningsby, he could, under no
+      circumstances, ever have become; nor was he qualified to obtain that
+      general graciousness among the multitude, which the sweet disposition of
+      Henry Sydney, or the gay profusion of Buckhurst, acquired without any
+      effort. Millbank was not blessed with the charm of manner. He seemed close
+      and cold; but he was courageous, just, and inflexible; never bullied, and
+      to his utmost would prevent tyranny. The little boys looked up to him as a
+      stern protector; and his word, too, throughout the school was a proverb:
+      and truth ranks a great quality among boys. In a word, Millbank was
+      respected by those among whom he lived; and school-boys scan character
+      more nicely than men suppose.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A brother of Henry Sydney, quartered in Lancashire, had been wounded
+      recently in a riot, and had received great kindness from the Millbank
+      family, in whose immediate neighbourhood the disturbance had occurred. The
+      kind Duke had impressed on Henry Sydney to acknowledge with cordiality to
+      the younger Millbank at Eton, the sense which his family entertained of
+      these benefits; but though Henry lost neither time nor opportunity in
+      obeying an injunction, which was grateful to his own heart, he failed in
+      cherishing, or indeed creating, any intimacy with the object of his
+      solicitude. A companionship with one who was Coningsby&rsquo;s relative and most
+      familiar friend, would at the first glance have appeared, independently of
+      all other considerations, a most desirable result for Millbank to
+      accomplish. But, perhaps, this very circumstance afforded additional
+      reasons for the absence of all encouragement with which he received the
+      overtures of Lord Henry. Millbank suspected that Coningsby was not
+      affected in his favour, and his pride recoiled from gaining, by any
+      indirect means, an intimacy which to have obtained in a plain and express
+      manner would have deeply gratified him. However, the urgent invitation of
+      Buckhurst and Henry Sydney, and the fear that a persistence in refusal
+      might be misinterpreted into churlishness, had at length brought Millbank
+      to their breakfast-mess, though, when he accepted their invitation, he did
+      not apprehend that Coningsby would have been present.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was about an hour before sunset, the day of this very breakfast, and a
+      good number of boys, in lounging groups, were collected in the Long Walk.
+      The sports and matches of the day were over. Criticism had succeeded to
+      action in sculling and in cricket. They talked over the exploits of the
+      morning; canvassed the merits of the competitors, marked the fellow whose
+      play or whose stroke was improving; glanced at another, whose promise had
+      not been fulfilled; discussed the pretensions, and adjudged the palm. Thus
+      public opinion is formed. Some, too, might be seen with their books and
+      exercises, intent on the inevitable and impending tasks. Among these, some
+      unhappy wight in the remove, wandering about with his hat, after parochial
+      fashion, seeking relief in the shape of a verse. A hard lot this, to know
+      that you must be delivered of fourteen verses at least in the twenty-four
+      hours, and to be conscious that you are pregnant of none. The lesser boys,
+      urchins of tender years, clustered like flies round the baskets of certain
+      vendors of sugary delicacies that rested on the Long Walk wall. The pallid
+      countenance, the lacklustre eye, the hoarse voice clogged with accumulated
+      phlegm, indicated too surely the irreclaimable and hopeless votary of
+      lollypop, the opium-eater of schoolboys.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is settled, the match to-morrow shall be between Aquatics and
+      Drybobs,&rsquo; said a senior boy; who was arranging a future match at cricket.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But what is to be done about Fielding major?&rsquo; inquired another. &lsquo;He has
+      not paid his boating money, and I say he has no right to play among the
+      Aquatics before he has paid his money.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! but we must have Fielding major, he is such a devil of a swipe.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I declare he shall not play among the Aquatics if he does not pay his
+      boating money. It is an infernal shame.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Let us ask Buckhurst. Where is Buckhurst?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Have you got any toffy?&rsquo; inquired a dull looking little boy, in a hoarse
+      voice, of one of the vendors of scholastic confectionery.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Tom Trot, sir.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No; I want toffy.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Very nice Tom Trot, sir.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No, I want toffy; I have been eating Tom Trot all day.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Where is Buckhurst? We must settle about the Aquatics.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, I for one will not play if Fielding major plays amongst the
+      Aquatics. That is settled.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! nonsense; he will pay his money if you ask him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I shall not ask him again. The captain duns us every day. It is an
+      infernal shame.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I say, Burnham, where can one get some toffy? This fellow never has any.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I will tell you; at Barnes&rsquo; on the bridge. The best toffy in the world.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I will go at once. I must have some toffy.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Just help me with this verse, Collins,&rsquo; said one boy to another, in an
+      imploring tone, &lsquo;that&rsquo;s a good fellow.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, give it us: first syllable in <i>fabri</i> is short; three false
+      quantities in the two first lines! You&rsquo;re a pretty one. There, I have done
+      it for you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;That&rsquo;s a good fellow.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Any fellow seen Buckhurst?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Gone up the river with Coningsby and Henry Sydney.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But he must be back by this time. I want him to make the list for the
+      match to-morrow. Where the deuce can Buckhurst be?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And now, as rumours rise in society we know not how, so there was suddenly
+      a flying report in this multitude, the origin of which no one in his alarm
+      stopped to ascertain, that a boy was drowned.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Every heart was agitated.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      What boy? When, where, how? Who was absent? Who had been on the river
+      to-day? Buckhurst. The report ran that Buckhurst was drowned. Great were
+      the trouble and consternation. Buckhurst was ever much liked; and now no
+      one remembered anything but his good qualities.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Who heard it was Buckhurst?&rsquo; said Sedgwick, captain of the school, coming
+      forward.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I heard Bradford tell Palmer it was Buckhurst,&rsquo; said a little boy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Where is Bradford?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Here.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What do you know about Buckhurst?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Wentworth told me that he was afraid Buckhurst was drowned. He heard it
+      at the Brocas; a bargeman told him about a quarter of an hour ago.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Here is Wentworth! Here is Wentworth!&rsquo; a hundred voices exclaimed, and
+      they formed a circle round him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, what did you hear, Wentworth?&rsquo; asked Sedgwick.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I was at the Brocas, and a bargee told me that an Eton fellow had been
+      drowned above Surley, and the only Eton boat above Surley to-day, as I can
+      learn, is Buckhurst&rsquo;s four-oar. That is all.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a murmur of hope.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! come, come,&rsquo; said Sedgwick, &lsquo;there is come chance. Who is with
+      Buckhurst; who knows?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I saw him walk down to the Brocas with Vere,&rsquo; said a boy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I hope it is not Vere,&rsquo; said a little boy, with a tearful eye; &lsquo;he never
+      lets any fellow bully me.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Here is Maltravers,&rsquo; halloed out a boy; &lsquo;he knows something.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, what do you know, Maltravers?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I heard Boots at the Christopher say that an Eton fellow was drowned, and
+      that he had seen a person who was there.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Bring Boots here,&rsquo; said Sedgwick.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Instantly a band of boys rushed over the way, and in a moment the witness
+      was produced.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What have you heard, Sam, about this accident?&rsquo; said Sedgwick.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, sir, I heard a young gentleman was drowned above Monkey Island,&rsquo;
+      said Boots.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And no name mentioned?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, sir, I believe it was Mr. Coningsby.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A general groan of horror.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Coningsby, Coningsby! By Heavens I hope not,&rsquo; said Sedgwick.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I very much fear so,&rsquo; said Boots; &lsquo;as how the bargeman who told me saw
+      Mr. Coningsby in the Lock House laid out in flannels.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I had sooner any fellow had been drowned than Coningsby,&rsquo; whispered one
+      boy to another.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I liked him, the best fellow at Eton,&rsquo; responded his companion, in a
+      smothered tone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What a clever fellow he was!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And so deuced generous!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He would have got the medal if he had lived.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And how came he to be drowned? for he was such a fine swimmer!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I heerd Mr. Coningsby was saving another&rsquo;s life,&rsquo; continued Boots in his
+      evidence, &lsquo;which makes it in a manner more sorrowful.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Poor Coningsby!&rsquo; exclaimed a boy, bursting into tears: &lsquo;I move the whole
+      school goes into mourning.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wish we could get hold of this bargeman,&rsquo; said Sedgwick. &lsquo;Now stop,
+      stop, don&rsquo;t all run away in that mad manner; you frighten the people.
+      Charles Herbert and Palmer, you two go down to the Brocas and inquire.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But just at this moment, an increased stir and excitement were evident in
+      the Long Walk; the circle round Sedgwick opened, and there appeared Henry
+      Sydney and Buckhurst.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a dead silence. It was impossible that suspense could be
+      strained to a higher pitch. The air and countenance of Sydney and
+      Buckhurst were rather excited than mournful or alarmed. They needed no
+      inquiries, for before they had penetrated the circle they had become aware
+      of its cause.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Buckhurst, the most energetic of beings, was of course the first to speak.
+      Henry Sydney indeed looked pale and nervous; but his companion, flushed
+      and resolute, knew exactly how to hit a popular assembly, and at once came
+      to the point.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is all a false report, an infernal lie; Coningsby is quite safe, and
+      nobody is drowned.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a cheer that might have been heard at Windsor Castle. Then,
+      turning to Sedgwick, in an undertone Buckhurst added,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It <i>is</i> all right, but, by Jove! we have had a shaver. I will tell
+      you all in a moment, but we want to keep the thing quiet, and so let the
+      fellows disperse, and we will talk afterwards.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In a few moments the Long Walk had resumed its usual character; but
+      Sedgwick, Herbert, and one or two others turned into the playing fields,
+      where, undisturbed and unnoticed by the multitude, they listened to the
+      promised communication of Buckhurst and Henry Sydney.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You know we went up the river together,&rsquo; said Buckhurst. &lsquo;Myself, Henry
+      Sydney, Coningsby, Vere, and Millbank. We had breakfasted together, and
+      after twelve agreed to go up to Maidenhead. Well, we went up much higher
+      than we had intended. About a quarter of a mile before we had got to the
+      Lock we pulled up; Coningsby was then steering. Well, we fastened the boat
+      to, and were all of us stretched out on the meadow, when Millbank and Vere
+      said they should go and bathe in the Lock Pool. The rest of us were
+      opposed; but after Millbank and Vere had gone about ten minutes,
+      Coningsby, who was very fresh, said he had changed his mind and should go
+      and bathe too. So he left us. He had scarcely got to the pool when he
+      heard a cry. There was a fellow drowning. He threw off his clothes and was
+      in in a moment. The fact is this, Millbank had plunged in the pool and
+      found himself in some eddies, caused by the meeting of two currents. He
+      called out to Vere not to come, and tried to swim off. But he was beat,
+      and seeing he was in danger, Vere jumped in. But the stream was so strong,
+      from the great fall of water from the lasher above, that Vere was
+      exhausted before he could reach Millbank, and nearly sank himself. Well,
+      he just saved himself; but Millbank sank as Coningsby jumped in. What do
+      you think of that?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By Jove!&rsquo; exclaimed Sedgwick, Herbert, and all. The favourite oath of
+      schoolboys perpetuates the divinity of Olympus.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And now comes the worst. Coningsby caught Millbank when he rose, but he
+      found himself in the midst of the same strong current that had before
+      nearly swamped Vere. What a lucky thing that he had taken into his head
+      not to pull to-day! Fresher than Vere, he just managed to land Millbank
+      and himself. The shouts of Vere called us, and we arrived to find the
+      bodies of Millbank and Coningsby apparently lifeless, for Millbank was
+      quite gone, and Coningsby had swooned on landing.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If Coningsby had been lost,&rsquo; said Henry Sydney, &lsquo;I never would have shown
+      my face at Eton again.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Can you conceive a position more terrible?&rsquo; said Buckhurst. &lsquo;I declare I
+      shall never forget it as long as I live. However, there was the Lock House
+      at hand; and we got blankets and brandy. Coningsby was soon all right; but
+      Millbank, I can tell you, gave us some trouble. I thought it was all up.
+      Didn&rsquo;t you, Henry Sydney?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The most fishy thing I ever saw,&rsquo; said Henry Sydney.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, we were fairly frightened here,&rsquo; said Sedgwick. &lsquo;The first report
+      was, that you had gone, but that seemed without foundation; but Coningsby
+      was quite given up. Where are they now?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;They are both at their tutors&rsquo;. I thought they had better keep quiet.
+      Vere is with Millbank, and we are going back to Coningsby directly; but we
+      thought it best to show, finding on our arrival that there were all sorts
+      of rumours about. I think it will be best to report at once to my tutor,
+      for he will be sure to hear something.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I would if I were you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER X.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      What wonderful things are events! The least are of greater importance than
+      the most sublime and comprehensive speculations! In what fanciful schemes
+      to obtain the friendship of Coningsby had Millbank in his reveries often
+      indulged! What combinations that were to extend over years and influence
+      their lives! But the moment that he entered the world of action, his pride
+      recoiled from the plans and hopes which his sympathy had inspired. His
+      sensibility and his inordinate self-respect were always at variance. And
+      he seldom exchanged a word with the being whose idea engrossed his
+      affection.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And now, suddenly, an event had occurred, like all events, unforeseen,
+      which in a few, brief, agitating, tumultuous moments had singularly and
+      utterly changed the relations that previously subsisted between him and
+      the former object of his concealed tenderness. Millbank now stood with
+      respect to Coningsby in the position of one who owes to another the
+      greatest conceivable obligation; a favour which time could permit him
+      neither to forget nor to repay. Pride was a sentiment that could no longer
+      subsist before the preserver of his life. Devotion to that being, open,
+      almost ostentatious, was now a duty, a paramount and absorbing tie. The
+      sense of past peril, the rapture of escape, a renewed relish for the life
+      so nearly forfeited, a deep sentiment of devout gratitude to the
+      providence that had guarded over him, for Millbank was an eminently
+      religious boy, a thought of home, and the anguish that might have
+      overwhelmed his hearth; all these were powerful and exciting emotions for
+      a young and fervent mind, in addition to the peculiar source of
+      sensibility on which we have already touched. Lord Vere, who lodged in the
+      same house as Millbank, and was sitting by his bedside, observed, as night
+      fell, that his mind wandered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The illness of Millbank, the character of which soon transpired, and was
+      soon exaggerated, attracted the public attention with increased interest
+      to the circumstances out of which it had arisen, and from which the
+      parties principally concerned had wished to have diverted notice. The
+      sufferer, indeed, had transgressed the rules of the school by bathing at
+      an unlicensed spot, where there were no expert swimmers in attendance, as
+      is customary, to instruct the practice and to guard over the lives of the
+      young adventurers. But the circumstances with which this violation of
+      rules had been accompanied, and the assurance of several of the party that
+      they had not themselves infringed the regulations, combined with the high
+      character of Millbank, made the authorities not over anxious to visit with
+      penalties a breach of observance which, in the case of the only proved
+      offender, had been attended with such impressive consequences. The feat of
+      Coningsby was extolled by all as an act of high gallantry and skill. It
+      confirmed and increased the great reputation which he already enjoyed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Millbank is getting quite well,&rsquo; said Buckhurst to Coningsby a few days
+      after the accident. &lsquo;Henry Sydney and I are going to see him. Will you
+      come?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think we shall be too many. I will go another day,&rsquo; replied Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So they went without him. They found Millbank up and reading.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, old fellow,&rsquo; said Buckhurst, &lsquo;how are you? We should have come up
+      before, but they would not let us. And you are quite right now, eh?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Quite. Has there been any row about it?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;All blown over,&rsquo; said Henry Sydney; &lsquo;C*******y behaved like a trump.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have seen nobody yet,&rsquo; said Millbank; &lsquo;they would not let me till
+      to-day. Vere looked in this morning and left me this book, but I was
+      asleep. I hope they will let me out in a day or two. I want to thank
+      Coningsby; I never shall rest till I have thanked Coningsby.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh, he will come to see you,&rsquo; said Henry Sydney; &lsquo;I asked him just now to
+      come with us.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes!&rsquo; said Millbank, eagerly; &lsquo;and what did he say?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He thought we should be too many.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I hope I shall see him soon,&rsquo; said Millbank, &lsquo;somehow or other.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I will tell him to come,&rsquo; said Buckhurst.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! no, no, don&rsquo;t tell him to come,&rsquo; said Millbank. &lsquo;Don&rsquo;t bore him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I know he is going to play a match at fives this afternoon,&rsquo; said
+      Buckhurst, &lsquo;for I am one.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And who are the others?&rsquo; inquired Millbank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Herbert and Campbell.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Herbert is no match for Coningsby,&rsquo; said Millbank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And then they talked over all that had happened since his absence; and
+      Buckhurst gave him a graphic report of the excitement on the afternoon of
+      the accident; at last they were obliged to leave him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, good-bye, old fellow; we will come and see you every day. What can
+      we do for you? Any books, or anything?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If any fellow asks after me,&rsquo; said Millbank, &lsquo;tell him I shall be glad to
+      see him. It is very dull being alone. But do not tell any fellow to come
+      if he does not ask after me.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Notwithstanding the kind suggestions of Buckhurst and Henry Sydney,
+      Coningsby could not easily bring himself to call on Millbank. He felt a
+      constraint. It seemed as if he went to receive thanks. He would rather
+      have met Millbank again in school, or in the playing fields. Without being
+      able then to analyse his feelings, he shrank unconsciously from that
+      ebullition of sentiment, which in more artificial circles is described as
+      a scene. Not that any dislike of Millbank prompted him to this reserve. On
+      the contrary, since he had conferred a great obligation on Millbank, his
+      prejudice against him had sensibly decreased. How it would have been had
+      Millbank saved Coningsby&rsquo;s life, is quite another affair. Probably, as
+      Coningsby was by nature generous, his sense of justice might have
+      struggled successfully with his painful sense of the overwhelming
+      obligation. But in the present case there was no element to disturb his
+      fair self-satisfaction. He had greatly distinguished himself; he had
+      conferred on his rival an essential service; and the whole world rang with
+      his applause. He began rather to like Millbank; we will not say because
+      Millbank was the unintentional cause of his pleasurable sensations. Really
+      it was that the unusual circumstances had prompted him to a more impartial
+      judgment of his rival&rsquo;s character. In this mood, the day after the visit
+      of Buckhurst and Henry Sydney, Coningsby called on Millbank, but finding
+      his medical attendant with him, Coningsby availed himself of that excuse
+      for going away without seeing him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The next day he left Millbank a newspaper on his way to school, time not
+      permitting a visit. Two days after, going into his room, he found on his
+      table a letter addressed to &lsquo;Harry Coningsby, Esq.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      ETON, May&mdash;, 1832.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;DEAR CONINGSBY, I very much fear that you must think me a very ungrateful
+      fellow, because you have not heard from me before; but I was in hopes that
+      I might get out and say to you what I feel; but whether I speak or write,
+      it is quite impossible for me to make you understand the feelings of my
+      heart to you. Now, I will say at once, that I have always liked you better
+      than any fellow in the school, and always thought you the cleverest;
+      indeed, I always thought that there was no one like you; but I never would
+      say this or show this, because you never seemed to care for me, and
+      because I was afraid you would think I merely wanted to con with you, as
+      they used to say of some other fellows, whose names I will not mention,
+      because they always tried to do so with Henry Sydney and you. I do not
+      want this at all; but I want, though we may not speak to each other more
+      than before, that we may be friends; and that you will always know that
+      there is nothing I will not do for you, and that I like you better than
+      any fellow at Eton. And I do not mean that this shall be only at Eton, but
+      afterwards, wherever we may be, that you will always remember that there
+      is nothing I will not do for you. Not because you saved my life, though
+      that is a great thing, but because before that I would have done anything
+      for you; only, for the cause above mentioned, I would not show it. I do
+      not expect that we shall be more together than before; nor can I ever
+      suppose that you could like me as you like Henry Sydney and Buckhurst, or
+      even as you like Vere; but still I hope you will always think of me with
+      kindness now, and let me sign myself, if ever I do write to you, &lsquo;Your
+      most attached, affectionate, and devoted friend,
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      &lsquo;OSWALD MILLBANK.&rsquo;
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XI.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      About a fortnight after this nearly fatal adventure on the river, it was
+      Montem. One need hardly remind the reader that this celebrated ceremony,
+      of which the origin is lost in obscurity, and which now occurs
+      triennially, is the tenure by which Eton College holds some of its
+      domains. It consists in the waving of a flag by one of the scholars, on a
+      mount near the village of Salt Hill, which, without doubt, derives its
+      name from the circumstance that on this day every visitor to Eton, and
+      every traveller in its vicinity, from the monarch to the peasant, are
+      stopped on the road by youthful brigands in picturesque costume, and
+      summoned to contribute &lsquo;salt,&rsquo; in the shape of coin of the realm, to the
+      purse collecting for the Captain of Eton, the senior scholar on the
+      Foundation, who is about to repair to King&rsquo;s College, Cambridge.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On this day the Captain of Eton appears in a dress as martial as his
+      title: indeed, each sixth-form boy represents in his uniform, though not
+      perhaps according to the exact rules of the Horse Guards, an officer of
+      the army. One is a marshal, another an ensign. There is a lieutenant, too;
+      and the remainder are sergeants. Each of those who are intrusted with
+      these ephemeral commissions has one or more attendants, the number of
+      these varying according to his rank. These servitors are selected
+      according to the wishes of the several members of the sixth form, out of
+      the ranks of the lower boys, that is, those boys who are below the fifth
+      form; and all these attendants are arrayed in a variety of fancy dresses.
+      The Captain of the Oppidans and the senior Colleger next to the Captain of
+      the school, figure also in fancy costume, and are called &lsquo;Saltbearers.&rsquo; It
+      is their business, together with the twelve senior Collegers of the fifth
+      form, who are called &lsquo;Runners,&rsquo; and whose costume is also determined by
+      the taste of the wearers, to levy the contributions. And all the Oppidans
+      of the fifth form, among whom ranked Coningsby, class as &lsquo;Corporals;&rsquo; and
+      are severally followed by one or more lower boys, who are denominated
+      &lsquo;Polemen,&rsquo; but who appear in their ordinary dress.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was a fine, bright morning; the bells of Eton and Windsor rang merrily;
+      everybody was astir, and every moment some gay equipage drove into the
+      town. Gaily clustering in the thronged precincts of the College, might be
+      observed many a glistening form: airy Greek or sumptuous Ottoman, heroes
+      of the Holy Sepulchre, Spanish Hidalgos who had fought at Pavia, Highland
+      Chiefs who had charged at Culloden, gay in the tartan of Prince Charlie.
+      The Long Walk was full of busy groups in scarlet coats or fanciful
+      uniforms; some in earnest conversation, some criticising the arriving
+      guests; others encircling some magnificent hero, who astounded them with
+      his slashed doublet or flowing plume.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A knot of boys, sitting on the Long Walk wall, with their feet swinging in
+      the air, watched the arriving guests of the Provost.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I say, Townshend,&rsquo; said one, &lsquo;there&rsquo;s Grobbleton; he <i>was</i> a bully.
+      I wonder if that&rsquo;s his wife? Who&rsquo;s this? The Duke of Agincourt. He wasn&rsquo;t
+      an Eton fellow? Yes, he was. He was called Poictiers then. Oh! ah! his
+      name is in the upper school, very large, under Charles Fox. I say,
+      Townshend, did you see Saville&rsquo;s turban? What was it made of? He says his
+      mother brought it from Grand Cairo. Didn&rsquo;t he just look like the Saracen&rsquo;s
+      Head? Here are some Dons. That&rsquo;s Hallam! We&rsquo;ll give him a cheer. I say,
+      Townshend, look at this fellow. He doesn&rsquo;t think small beer of himself. I
+      wonder who he is? The Duke of Wellington&rsquo;s valet come to say his master is
+      engaged. Oh! by Jove, he heard you! I wonder if the Duke will come? Won&rsquo;t
+      we give him a cheer!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By Jove! who is this?&rsquo; exclaimed Townshend, and he jumped from the wall,
+      and, followed by his companions, rushed towards the road.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Two britskas, each drawn by four grey horses of mettle, and each
+      accompanied by outriders as well mounted, were advancing at a rapid pace
+      along the road that leads from Slough to the College. But they were
+      destined to an irresistible check. About fifty yards before they had
+      reached the gate that leads into Weston&rsquo;s Yard, a ruthless but splendid
+      Albanian, in crimson and gold embroidered jacket, and snowy camise,
+      started forward, and holding out his silver-sheathed yataghan commanded
+      the postilions to stop. A Peruvian Inca on the other side of the road gave
+      a simultaneous command, and would infallibly have transfixed the outriders
+      with an arrow from his unerring bow, had they for an instant hesitated.
+      The Albanian Chief then advanced to the door of the carriage, which he
+      opened, and in a tone of great courtesy, announced that he was under the
+      necessity of troubling its inmates for &lsquo;salt.&rsquo; There was no delay. The
+      Lord of the equipage, with the amiable condescension of a &lsquo;grand
+      monarque,&rsquo; expressed his hope that the collection would be an ample one,
+      and as an old Etonian, placed in the hands of the Albanian his
+      contribution, a magnificent purse, furnished for the occasion, and heavy
+      with gold.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Don&rsquo;t be alarmed, ladies,&rsquo; said a very handsome young officer, laughing,
+      and taking off his cocked hat.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah!&rsquo; exclaimed one of the ladies, turning at the voice, and starting a
+      little. &lsquo;Ah! it is Mr. Coningsby.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Eskdale paid the salt for the next carriage. &lsquo;Do they come down
+      pretty stiff?&rsquo; he inquired, and then, pulling forth a roll of bank-notes
+      from the pocket of his pea-jacket, he wished them good morning.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The courtly Provost, then the benignant Goodall, a man who, though his
+      experience of life was confined to the colleges in which he had passed his
+      days, was naturally gifted with the rarest of all endowments, the talent
+      of reception; and whose happy bearing and gracious manner, a smile ever in
+      his eye and a lively word ever on his lip, must be recalled by all with
+      pleasant recollections, welcomed Lord Monmouth and his friends to an
+      assemblage of the noble, the beautiful, and the celebrated gathered
+      together in rooms not unworthy of them, as you looked upon their
+      interesting walls, breathing with the portraits of the heroes whom Eton
+      boasts, from Wotton to Wellesley. Music sounded in the quadrangle of the
+      College, in which the boys were already quickly assembling. The Duke of
+      Wellington had arrived, and the boys were cheering a hero, who was an Eton
+      field-marshal. From an oriel window in one of the Provost&rsquo;s rooms, Lord
+      Monmouth, surrounded by every circumstance that could make life
+      delightful, watched with some intentness the scene in the quadrangle
+      beneath.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I would give his fame,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth, &lsquo;if I had it, and my wealth,
+      to be sixteen.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Five hundred of the youth of England, sparkling with health, high spirits,
+      and fancy dresses, were now assembled in the quadrangle. They formed into
+      rank, and headed by a band of the Guards, thrice they marched round the
+      court. Then quitting the College, they commenced their progress &lsquo;ad
+      Montem.&rsquo; It was a brilliant spectacle to see them defiling through the
+      playing fields, those bowery meads; the river sparkling in the sun, the
+      castled heights of Windsor, their glorious landscape; behind them, the
+      pinnacles of their College.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The road from Eton to Salt Hill was clogged with carriages; the broad
+      fields as far as eye could range were covered with human beings. Amid the
+      burst of martial music and the shouts of the multitude, the band of
+      heroes, as if they were marching from Athens, or Thebes, or Sparta, to
+      some heroic deed, encircled the mount; the ensign reaches its summit, and
+      then, amid a deafening cry of &lsquo;Floreat Etona!&rsquo; he unfurls, and thrice
+      waves the consecrated standard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Lord Monmouth,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby to Coningsby, &lsquo;wishes that you should beg
+      your friends to dine with him. Of course you will ask Lord Henry and your
+      friend Sir Charles Buckhurst; and is there any one else that you would
+      like to invite?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why, there is Vere,&rsquo; said Coningsby, hesitating, &lsquo;and&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Vere! What Lord Vere?&rsquo; said Rigby. &lsquo;Hum! He is one of your friends, is
+      he? His father has done a great deal of mischief, but still he is Lord
+      Vere. Well, of course, you can invite Vere.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There is another fellow I should like to ask very much,&rsquo; said Coningsby,
+      &lsquo;if Lord Monmouth would not think I was asking too many.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Never fear that; he sent me particularly to tell you to invite as many as
+      you liked.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, then, I should like to ask Millbank.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Millbank!&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, a little excited, and then he added, &lsquo;Is that
+      a son of Lady Albinia Millbank?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No; his mother is not a Lady Albinia, but he is a great friend of mine.
+      His father is a Lancashire manufacturer.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By no means,&rsquo; exclaimed Mr. Rigby, quite agitated. &lsquo;There is nothing in
+      the world that Lord Monmouth dislikes so much as Manchester manufacturers,
+      and particularly if they bear the name of Millbank. It must not be thought
+      of, my dear Harry. I hope you have not spoken to the young man on the
+      subject. I assure you it is out of the question. It would make Lord
+      Monmouth quite ill. It would spoil everything, quite upset him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was, of course, impossible for Coningsby to urge his wishes against
+      such representations. He was disappointed, rather amazed; but Madame
+      Colonna having sent for him to introduce her to some of the scenes and
+      details of Eton life, his vexation was soon absorbed in the pride of
+      acting in the face of his companions as the cavalier of a beautiful lady,
+      and becoming the cicerone of the most brilliant party that had attended
+      Montem. He presented his friends, too, to Lord Monmouth, who gave them a
+      cordial invitation to dine with him at his hotel at Windsor, which they
+      warmly accepted. Buckhurst delighted the Marquess by his reckless genius.
+      Even Lucretia deigned to appear amused; especially when, on visiting the
+      upper school, the name of CARDIFF, the title Lord Monmouth bore in his
+      youthful days, was pointed out to her by Coningsby, cut with his
+      grandfather&rsquo;s own knife on the classic panels of that memorable wall in
+      which scarcely a name that has flourished in our history, since the
+      commencement of the eighteenth century, may not be observed with curious
+      admiration.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was the humour of Lord Monmouth that the boys should be entertained
+      with the most various and delicious banquet that luxury could devise or
+      money could command. For some days beforehand orders had been given for
+      the preparation of this festival. Our friends did full justice to their
+      Lucullus; Buckhurst especially, who gave his opinion on the most refined
+      dishes with all the intrepidity of saucy ignorance, and occasionally shook
+      his head over a glass of Hermitage or Côte Rôtie with a dissatisfaction
+      which a satiated Sybarite could not have exceeded. Considering all things,
+      Coningsby and his friends exhibited a great deal of self-command; but they
+      were gay, even to the verge of frolic. But then the occasion justified it,
+      as much as their youth. All were in high spirits. Madame Colonna declared
+      that she had met nothing in England equal to Montem; that it was a
+      Protestant Carnival; and that its only fault was that it did not last
+      forty days. The Prince himself was all animation, and took wine with every
+      one of the Etonians several times. All went on flowingly until Mr. Rigby
+      contradicted Buckhurst on some point of Eton discipline, which Buckhurst
+      would not stand. He rallied Mr. Rigby roundly, and Coningsby, full of
+      champagne, and owing Rigby several years of contradiction, followed up the
+      assault. Lord Monmouth, who liked a butt, and had a weakness for
+      boisterous gaiety, slily encouraged the boys, till Rigby began to lose his
+      temper and get noisy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The lads had the best of it; they said a great many funny things, and
+      delivered themselves of several sharp retorts; whereas there was something
+      ridiculous in Rigby putting forth his &lsquo;slashing&rsquo; talents against such
+      younkers. However, he brought the infliction on himself by his strange
+      habit of deciding on subjects of which he knew nothing, and of always
+      contradicting persons on the very subjects of which they were necessarily
+      masters.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To see Rigby baited was more amusement to Lord Monmouth even than Montem.
+      Lucian Gay, however, when the affair was getting troublesome, came forward
+      as a diversion. He sang an extemporaneous song on the ceremony of the day,
+      and introduced the names of all the guests at the dinner, and of a great
+      many other persons besides. This was capital! The boys were in raptures,
+      but when the singer threw forth a verse about Dr. Keate, the applause
+      became uproarious.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Good-bye, my dear Harry,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth, when he bade his grandson
+      farewell. &lsquo;I am going abroad again; I cannot remain in this Radical-ridden
+      country. Remember, though I am away, Monmouth House is your home, at least
+      so long as it belongs to me. I understand my tailor has turned Liberal,
+      and is going to stand for one of the metropolitan districts, a friend of
+      Lord Durham; perhaps I shall find him in it when I return. I fear there
+      are evil days for the NEW GENERATION!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      END OF BOOK I.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      BOOK II.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER I.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      It was early in November, 1834, and a large shooting party was assembled
+      at Beaumanoir, the seat of that great nobleman, who was the father of
+      Henry Sydney. England is unrivalled for two things, sporting and politics.
+      They were combined at Beaumanoir; for the guests came not merely to
+      slaughter the Duke&rsquo;s pheasants, but to hold council on the prospects of
+      the party, which it was supposed by the initiated, began at this time to
+      indicate some symptoms of brightening.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The success of the Reform Ministry on their first appeal to the new
+      constituency which they had created, had been fatally complete. But the
+      triumph was as destructive to the victors as to the vanquished.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We are too strong,&rsquo; prophetically exclaimed one of the fortunate cabinet,
+      which found itself supported by an inconceivable majority of three
+      hundred. It is to be hoped that some future publisher of private memoirs
+      may have preserved some of the traits of that crude and short-lived
+      parliament, when old Cobbett insolently thrust Sir Robert from the
+      prescriptive seat of the chief of opposition, and treasury understrappers
+      sneered at the &lsquo;queer lot&rsquo; that had arrived from Ireland, little
+      foreseeing what a high bidding that &lsquo;queer lot&rsquo; would eventually command.
+      Gratitude to Lord Grey was the hustings-cry at the end of 1832, the
+      pretext that was to return to the new-modelled House of Commons none but
+      men devoted to the Whig cause. The successful simulation, like everything
+      that is false, carried within it the seeds of its own dissolution.
+      Ingratitude to Lord Grey was more the fashion at the commencement of 1834,
+      and before the close of that eventful year, the once popular Reform
+      Ministry was upset, and the eagerly-sought Reformed Parliament dissolved!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It can scarcely be alleged that the public was altogether unprepared for
+      this catastrophe. Many deemed it inevitable; few thought it imminent. The
+      career of the Ministry, and the existence of the Parliament, had indeed
+      from the first been turbulent and fitful. It was known, from authority,
+      that there were dissensions in the cabinet, while a House of Commons which
+      passed votes on subjects not less important than the repeal of a tax, or
+      the impeachment of a judge, on one night, and rescinded its resolutions on
+      the following, certainly established no increased claims to the confidence
+      of its constituents in its discretion. Nevertheless, there existed at this
+      period a prevalent conviction that the Whig party, by a great stroke of
+      state, similar in magnitude and effect to that which in the preceding
+      century had changed the dynasty, had secured to themselves the government
+      of this country for, at least, the lives of the present generation. And
+      even the well-informed in such matters were inclined to look upon the
+      perplexing circumstances to which we have alluded rather as symptoms of a
+      want of discipline in a new system of tactics, than as evidences of any
+      essential and deeply-rooted disorder.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The startling rapidity, however, of the strange incidents of 1834; the
+      indignant, soon to become vituperative, secession of a considerable
+      section of the cabinet, some of them esteemed too at that time among its
+      most efficient members; the piteous deprecation of &lsquo;pressure from
+      without,&rsquo; from lips hitherto deemed too stately for entreaty, followed by
+      the Trades&rsquo; Union, thirty thousand strong, parading in procession to
+      Downing-street; the Irish negotiations of Lord Hatherton, strange blending
+      of complex intrigue and almost infantile ingenuousness; the still
+      inexplicable resignation of Lord Althorp, hurriedly followed by his still
+      more mysterious resumption of power, the only result of his precipitate
+      movements being the fall of Lord Grey himself, attended by circumstances
+      which even a friendly historian could scarcely describe as honourable to
+      his party or dignified to himself; latterly, the extemporaneous address of
+      King William to the Bishops; the vagrant and grotesque apocalypse of the
+      Lord Chancellor; and the fierce recrimination and memorable defiance of
+      the Edinburgh banquet, all these impressive instances of public affairs
+      and public conduct had combined to create a predominant opinion that,
+      whatever might be the consequences, the prolonged continuance of the
+      present party in power was a clear impossibility.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It is evident that the suicidal career of what was then styled the Liberal
+      party had been occasioned and stimulated by its unnatural excess of
+      strength. The apoplectic plethora of 1834 was not less fatal than the
+      paralytic tenuity of 1841. It was not feasible to gratify so many
+      ambitions, or to satisfy so many expectations. Every man had his double;
+      the heels of every placeman were dogged by friendly rivals ready to trip
+      them up. There were even two cabinets; the one that met in council, and
+      the one that met in cabal. The consequence of destroying the legitimate
+      Opposition of the country was, that a moiety of the supporters of
+      Government had to discharge the duties of Opposition.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Herein, then, we detect the real cause of all that irregular and unsettled
+      carriage of public men which so perplexed the nation after the passing of
+      the Reform Act. No government can be long secure without a formidable
+      Opposition. It reduces their supporters to that tractable number which can
+      be managed by the joint influences of fruition and of hope. It offers
+      vengeance to the discontented, and distinction to the ambitious; and
+      employs the energies of aspiring spirits, who otherwise may prove traitors
+      in a division or assassins in a debate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The general election of 1832 abrogated the Parliamentary Opposition of
+      England, which had practically existed for more than a century and a half.
+      And what a series of equivocal transactions and mortifying adventures did
+      the withdrawal of this salutary restraint entail on the party which then
+      so loudly congratulated themselves and the country that they were at
+      length relieved from its odious repression! In the hurry of existence one
+      is apt too generally to pass over the political history of the times in
+      which we ourselves live. The two years that followed the Reform of the
+      House of Commons are full of instruction, on which a young man would do
+      well to ponder. It is hardly possible that he could rise from the study of
+      these annals without a confirmed disgust for political intrigue; a
+      dazzling practice, apt at first to fascinate youth, for it appeals at once
+      to our invention and our courage, but one which really should only be the
+      resource of the second-rate. Great minds must trust to great truths and
+      great talents for their rise, and nothing else.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      While, however, as the autumn of 1834 advanced, the people of this country
+      became gradually sensible of the necessity of some change in the councils
+      of their Sovereign, no man felt capable of predicting by what means it was
+      to be accomplished, or from what quarry the new materials were to be
+      extracted. The Tory party, according to those perverted views of Toryism
+      unhappily too long prevalent in this country, was held to be literally
+      defunct, except by a few old battered crones of office, crouched round the
+      embers of faction which they were fanning, and muttering &lsquo;reaction&rsquo; in
+      mystic whispers. It cannot be supposed indeed for a moment, that the
+      distinguished personage who had led that party in the House of Commons
+      previously to the passing of the act of 1832, ever despaired in
+      consequence of his own career. His then time of life, the perfection,
+      almost the prime, of manhood; his parliamentary practice, doubly estimable
+      in an inexperienced assembly; his political knowledge; his fair character
+      and reputable position; his talents and tone as a public speaker, which he
+      had always aimed to adapt to the habits and culture of that middle class
+      from which it was concluded the benches of the new Parliament were mainly
+      to be recruited, all these were qualities the possession of which must
+      have assured a mind not apt to be disturbed in its calculations by any
+      intemperate heats, that with time and patience the game was yet for him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Unquestionably, whatever may have been insinuated, this distinguished
+      person had no inkling that his services in 1834 might be claimed by his
+      Sovereign. At the close of the session of that year he had quitted England
+      with his family, and had arrived at Rome, where it was his intention to
+      pass the winter. The party charges that have imputed to him a previous and
+      sinister knowledge of the intentions of the Court, appear to have been
+      made not only in ignorance of the personal character, but of the real
+      position, of the future minister.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It had been the misfortune of this eminent gentleman when he first entered
+      public life, to become identified with a political connection which,
+      having arrogated to itself the name of an illustrious historical party,
+      pursued a policy which was either founded on no principle whatever, or on
+      principles exactly contrary to those which had always guided the conduct
+      of the great Tory leaders. The chief members of this official confederacy
+      were men distinguished by none of the conspicuous qualities of statesmen.
+      They had none of the divine gifts that govern senates and guide councils.
+      They were not orators; they were not men of deep thought or happy
+      resource, or of penetrative and sagacious minds. Their political ken was
+      essentially dull and contracted. They expended some energy in obtaining a
+      defective, blundering acquaintance with foreign affairs; they knew as
+      little of the real state of their own country as savages of an approaching
+      eclipse. This factious league had shuffled themselves into power by
+      clinging to the skirts of a great minister, the last of Tory statesmen,
+      but who, in the unparalleled and confounding emergencies of his latter
+      years, had been forced, unfortunately for England, to relinquish Toryism.
+      His successors inherited all his errors without the latent genius, which
+      in him might have still rallied and extricated him from the consequences
+      of his disasters. His successors did not merely inherit his errors; they
+      exaggerated, they caricatured them. They rode into power on a springtide
+      of all the rampant prejudices and rancorous passions of their time. From
+      the King to the boor their policy was a mere pandering to public
+      ignorance. Impudently usurping the name of that party of which
+      nationality, and therefore universality, is the essence, these
+      pseudo-Tories made Exclusion the principle of their political
+      constitution, and Restriction the genius of their commercial code.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The blind goddess that plays with human fortunes has mixed up the memory
+      of these men with traditions of national glory. They conducted to a
+      prosperous conclusion the most renowned war in which England has ever been
+      engaged. Yet every military conception that emanated from their cabinet
+      was branded by their characteristic want of grandeur. Chance, however,
+      sent them a great military genius, whom they treated for a long time with
+      indifference, and whom they never heartily supported until his career had
+      made him their master. His transcendent exploits, and European events even
+      greater than his achievements, placed in the manikin grasp of the English
+      ministry, the settlement of Europe.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The act of the Congress of Vienna remains the eternal monument of their
+      diplomatic knowledge and political sagacity. Their capital feats were the
+      creation of two kingdoms, both of which are already erased from the map of
+      Europe. They made no single preparation for the inevitable, almost
+      impending, conjunctures of the East. All that remains of the pragmatic
+      arrangements of the mighty Congress of Vienna is the mediatisation of the
+      petty German princes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But the settlement of Europe by the pseudo-Tories was the dictate of
+      inspiration compared with their settlement of England. The peace of Paris
+      found the government of this country in the hands of a body of men of whom
+      it is no exaggeration to say that they were ignorant of every principle of
+      every branch of political science. So long as our domestic administration
+      was confined merely to the raising of a revenue, they levied taxes with
+      gross facility from the industry of a country too busy to criticise or
+      complain. But when the excitement and distraction of war had ceased, and
+      they were forced to survey the social elements that surrounded them, they
+      seemed, for the first time, to have become conscious of their own
+      incapacity. These men, indeed, were the mere children of routine. They
+      prided themselves on being practical men. In the language of this defunct
+      school of statesmen, a practical man is a man who practises the blunders
+      of his predecessors.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now commenced that Condition-of-England Question of which our generation
+      hears so much. During five-and-twenty years every influence that can
+      develop the energies and resources of a nation had been acting with
+      concentrated stimulation on the British Isles. National peril and national
+      glory; the perpetual menace of invasion, the continual triumph of
+      conquest; the most extensive foreign commerce that was ever conducted by a
+      single nation; an illimitable currency; an internal trade supported by
+      swarming millions whom manufacturers and inclosure-bills summoned into
+      existence; above all, the supreme control obtained by man over mechanic
+      power, these are some of the causes of that rapid advance of material
+      civilisation in England, to which the annals of the world can afford no
+      parallel. But there was no proportionate advance in our moral
+      civilisation. In the hurry-skurry of money-making, men-making, and
+      machine-making, we had altogether outgrown, not the spirit, but the
+      organisation, of our institutions.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The peace came; the stimulating influences suddenly ceased; the people, in
+      a novel and painful position, found themselves without guides. They went
+      to the ministry; they asked to be guided; they asked to be governed.
+      Commerce requested a code; trade required a currency; the unfranchised
+      subject solicited his equal privilege; suffering labour clamoured for its
+      rights; a new race demanded education. What did the ministry do?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They fell into a panic. Having fulfilled during their lives the duties of
+      administration, they were frightened because they were called upon, for
+      the first time, to perform the functions of government. Like all weak men,
+      they had recourse to what they called strong measures. They determined to
+      put down the multitude. They thought they were imitating Mr. Pitt, because
+      they mistook disorganisation for sedition.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Their projects of relief were as ridiculous as their system of coercion
+      was ruthless; both were alike founded in intense ignorance. When we recall
+      Mr. Vansittart with his currency resolutions; Lord Castlereagh with his
+      plans for the employment of labour; and Lord Sidmouth with his plots for
+      ensnaring the laborious; we are tempted to imagine that the present epoch
+      has been one of peculiar advances in political ability, and marvel how
+      England could have attained her present pitch under a series of such
+      governors.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      We should, however, be labouring under a very erroneous impression. Run
+      over the statesmen that have figured in England since the accession of the
+      present family, and we may doubt whether there be one, with the exception
+      perhaps of the Duke of Newcastle, who would have been a worthy colleague
+      of the council of Mr. Perceval, or the early cabinet of Lord Liverpool.
+      Assuredly the genius of Bolingbroke and the sagacity of Walpole would have
+      alike recoiled from such men and such measures. And if we take the
+      individuals who were governing England immediately before the French
+      Revolution, one need only refer to the speeches of Mr. Pitt, and
+      especially to those of that profound statesman and most instructed man,
+      Lord Shelburne, to find that we can boast no remarkable superiority either
+      in political justice or in political economy. One must attribute this
+      degeneracy, therefore, to the long war and our insular position, acting
+      upon men naturally of inferior abilities, and unfortunately, in addition,
+      of illiterate habits.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the meantime, notwithstanding all the efforts of the political
+      Panglosses who, in evening Journals and Quarterly Reviews were continually
+      proving that this was the best of all possible governments, it was evident
+      to the ministry itself that the machine must stop. The class of Rigbys
+      indeed at this period, one eminently favourable to that fungous tribe,
+      greatly distinguished themselves. They demonstrated in a manner absolutely
+      convincing, that it was impossible for any person to possess any ability,
+      knowledge, or virtue, any capacity of reasoning, any ray of fancy or
+      faculty of imagination, who was not a supporter of the existing
+      administration. If any one impeached the management of a department, the
+      public was assured that the accuser had embezzled; if any one complained
+      of the conduct of a colonial governor, the complainant was announced as a
+      returned convict. An amelioration of the criminal code was discountenanced
+      because a search in the parish register of an obscure village proved that
+      the proposer had not been born in wedlock. A relaxation of the commercial
+      system was denounced because one of its principal advocates was a
+      Socinian. The inutility of Parliamentary Reform was ever obvious since Mr.
+      Rigby was a member of the House of Commons.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To us, with our <i>Times</i> newspaper every morning on our
+      breakfast-table, bringing, on every subject which can interest the public
+      mind, a degree of information and intelligence which must form a security
+      against any prolonged public misconception, it seems incredible that only
+      five-and-twenty years ago the English mind could have been so ridden and
+      hoodwinked, and that, too, by men of mean attainments and moderate
+      abilities. But the war had directed the energies of the English people
+      into channels by no means favourable to political education. Conquerors of
+      the world, with their ports filled with the shipping of every clime, and
+      their manufactories supplying the European continent, in the art of
+      self-government, that art in which their fathers excelled, they had become
+      literally children; and Rigby and his brother hirelings were the nurses
+      that frightened them with hideous fables and ugly words.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Notwithstanding, however, all this successful mystification, the
+      Arch-Mediocrity who presided, rather than ruled, over this Cabinet of
+      Mediocrities, became hourly more conscious that the inevitable transition
+      from fulfilling the duties of an administration to performing the
+      functions of a government could not be conducted without talents and
+      knowledge. The Arch-Mediocrity had himself some glimmering traditions of
+      political science. He was sprung from a laborious stock, had received some
+      training, and though not a statesman, might be classed among those whom
+      the Lord Keeper Williams used to call &lsquo;statemongers.&rsquo; In a subordinate
+      position his meagre diligence and his frigid method might not have been
+      without value; but the qualities that he possessed were misplaced; nor can
+      any character be conceived less invested with the happy properties of a
+      leader. In the conduct of public affairs his disposition was exactly the
+      reverse of that which is the characteristic of great men. He was
+      peremptory in little questions, and great ones he left open.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the natural course of events, in 1819 there ought to have been a change
+      of government, and another party in the state should have entered into
+      office; but the Whigs, though they counted in their ranks at that period
+      an unusual number of men of great ability, and formed, indeed, a compact
+      and spirited opposition, were unable to contend against the new adjustment
+      of borough influence which had occurred during the war, and under the
+      protracted administration by which that war had been conducted. New
+      families had arisen on the Tory side that almost rivalled old Newcastle
+      himself in their electioneering management; and it was evident that,
+      unless some reconstruction of the House of Commons could be effected, the
+      Whig party could never obtain a permanent hold of official power. Hence,
+      from that period, the Whigs became Parliamentary Reformers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was inevitable, therefore, that the country should be governed by the
+      same party; indispensable that the ministry should be renovated by new
+      brains and blood. Accordingly, a Mediocrity, not without repugnance, was
+      induced to withdraw, and the great name of Wellington supplied his place
+      in council. The talents of the Duke, as they were then understood, were
+      not exactly of the kind most required by the cabinet, and his colleagues
+      were careful that he should not occupy too prominent a post; but still it
+      was an impressive acquisition, and imparted to the ministry a semblance of
+      renown.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was an individual who had not long entered public life, but who had
+      already filled considerable, though still subordinate offices. Having
+      acquired a certain experience of the duties of administration, and
+      distinction for his mode of fulfilling them, he had withdrawn from his
+      public charge; perhaps because he found it a barrier to the attainment of
+      that parliamentary reputation for which he had already shown both a desire
+      and a capacity; perhaps because, being young and independent, he was not
+      over-anxious irremediably to identify his career with a school of politics
+      of the infallibility of which his experience might have already made him a
+      little sceptical. But he possessed the talents that were absolutely
+      wanted, and the terms were at his own dictation. Another, and a very
+      distinguished Mediocrity, who would not resign, was thrust out, and Mr.
+      Peel became Secretary of State.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      From this moment dates that intimate connection between the Duke of
+      Wellington and the present First Minister, which has exercised a
+      considerable influence over the career of individuals and the course of
+      affairs. It was the sympathetic result of superior minds placed among
+      inferior intelligences, and was, doubtless, assisted by a then mutual
+      conviction, that the difference of age, the circumstance of sitting in
+      different houses, and the general contrast of their previous pursuits and
+      accomplishments, rendered personal rivalry out of the question. From this
+      moment, too, the domestic government of the country assumed a new
+      character, and one universally admitted to have been distinguished by a
+      spirit of enlightened progress and comprehensive amelioration.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A short time after this, a third and most distinguished Mediocrity died;
+      and Canning, whom they had twice worried out of the cabinet, where they
+      had tolerated him some time in an obscure and ambiguous position, was
+      recalled just in time from his impending banishment, installed in the
+      first post in the Lower House, and intrusted with the seals of the Foreign
+      Office. The Duke of Wellington had coveted them, nor could Lord Liverpool
+      have been insensible to his Grace&rsquo;s peculiar fitness for such duties; but
+      strength was required in the House of Commons, where they had only one
+      Secretary of State, a young man already distinguished, yet untried as a
+      leader, and surrounded by colleagues notoriously incapable to assist him
+      in debate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The accession of Mr. Canning to the cabinet, in a position, too, of
+      surpassing influence, soon led to a further weeding of the Mediocrities,
+      and, among other introductions, to the memorable entrance of Mr.
+      Huskisson. In this wise did that cabinet, once notable only for the
+      absence of all those qualities which authorise the possession of power,
+      come to be generally esteemed as a body of men, who, for parliamentary
+      eloquence, official practice, political information, sagacity in council,
+      and a due understanding of their epoch, were inferior to none that had
+      directed the policy of the empire since the Revolution.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      If we survey the tenor of the policy of the Liverpool Cabinet during the
+      latter moiety of its continuance, we shall find its characteristic to be a
+      partial recurrence to those frank principles of government which Mr. Pitt
+      had revived during the latter part of the last century from precedents
+      that had been set us, either in practice or in dogma, during its earlier
+      period, by statesmen who then not only bore the title, but professed the
+      opinions, of Tories. Exclusive principles in the constitution, and
+      restrictive principles in commerce, have grown up together; and have
+      really nothing in common with the ancient character of our political
+      settlement, or the manners and customs of the English people. Confidence
+      in the loyalty of the nation, testified by munificent grants of rights and
+      franchises, and favour to an expansive system of traffic, were distinctive
+      qualities of the English sovereignty, until the House of Commons usurped
+      the better portion of its prerogatives. A widening of our electoral
+      scheme, great facilities to commerce, and the rescue of our Roman Catholic
+      fellow-subjects from the Puritanic yoke, from fetters which have been
+      fastened on them by English Parliaments in spite of the protests and
+      exertions of English Sovereigns; these were the three great elements and
+      fundamental truths of the real Pitt system, a system founded on the
+      traditions of our monarchy, and caught from the writings, the speeches,
+      the councils of those who, for the sake of these and analogous benefits,
+      had ever been anxious that the Sovereign of England should never be
+      degraded into the position of a Venetian Doge.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It is in the plunder of the Church that we must seek for the primary cause
+      of our political exclusion, and our commercial restraint. That unhallowed
+      booty created a factitious aristocracy, ever fearful that they might be
+      called upon to regorge their sacrilegious spoil. To prevent this they took
+      refuge in political religionism, and paltering with the disturbed
+      consciences, or the pious fantasies, of a portion of the people, they
+      organised them into religious sects. These became the unconscious
+      Praetorians of their ill-gotten domains. At the head of these
+      religionists, they have continued ever since to govern, or powerfully to
+      influence this country. They have in that time pulled down thrones and
+      churches, changed dynasties, abrogated and remodelled parliaments; they
+      have disfranchised Scotland and confiscated Ireland. One may admire the
+      vigour and consistency of the Whig party, and recognise in their career
+      that unity of purpose that can only spring from a great principle; but the
+      Whigs introduced sectarian religion, sectarian religion led to political
+      exclusion, and political exclusion was soon accompanied by commercial
+      restraint.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It would be fanciful to assume that the Liverpool Cabinet, in their
+      ameliorating career, was directed by any desire to recur to the primordial
+      tenets of the Tory party. That was not an epoch when statesmen cared to
+      prosecute the investigation of principles. It was a period of happy and
+      enlightened practice. A profounder policy is the offspring of a time like
+      the present, when the original postulates of institutions are called in
+      question. The Liverpool Cabinet unconsciously approximated to these
+      opinions, because from careful experiment they were convinced of their
+      beneficial tendency, and they thus bore an unintentional and impartial
+      testimony to their truth. Like many men, who think they are inventors,
+      they were only reproducing ancient wisdom.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But one must ever deplore that this ministry, with all their talents and
+      generous ardour, did not advance to principles. It is always perilous to
+      adopt expediency as a guide; but the choice may be sometimes imperative.
+      These statesmen, however, took expediency for their director, when
+      principle would have given them all that expediency ensured, and much
+      more.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This ministry, strong in the confidence of the sovereign, the parliament,
+      and the people, might, by the courageous promulgation of great historical
+      truths, have gradually formed a public opinion, that would have permitted
+      them to organise the Tory party on a broad, a permanent, and national
+      basis. They might have nobly effected a complete settlement of Ireland,
+      which a shattered section of this very cabinet was forced a few years
+      after to do partially, and in an equivocating and equivocal manner. They
+      might have concluded a satisfactory reconstruction of the third estate,
+      without producing that convulsion with which, from its violent
+      fabrication, our social system still vibrates. Lastly, they might have
+      adjusted the rights and properties of our national industries in a manner
+      which would have prevented that fierce and fatal rivalry that is now
+      disturbing every hearth of the United Kingdom.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      We may, therefore, visit on the <i>laches</i> of this ministry the
+      introduction of that new principle and power into our constitution which
+      ultimately may absorb all, AGITATION. This cabinet, then, with so much
+      brilliancy on its surface, is the real parent of the Roman Catholic
+      Association, the Political Unions, the Anti-Corn-Law League.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There is no influence at the same time so powerful and so singular as that
+      of individual character. It arises as often from the weakness of the
+      character as from its strength. The dispersion of this clever and showy
+      ministry is a fine illustration of this truth. One morning the
+      Arch-Mediocrity himself died. At the first blush, it would seem that
+      little difficulties could be experienced in finding his substitute. His
+      long occupation of the post proved, at any rate, that the qualification
+      was not excessive. But this cabinet, with its serene and blooming visage,
+      had been all this time charged with fierce and emulous ambitions. They
+      waited the signal, but they waited in grim repose. The death of the
+      nominal leader, whose formal superiority, wounding no vanity, and
+      offending no pride, secured in their councils equality among the able, was
+      the tocsin of their anarchy. There existed in this cabinet two men, who
+      were resolved immediately to be prime ministers; a third who was resolved
+      eventually to be prime minister, but would at any rate occupy no
+      ministerial post without the lead of a House of Parliament; and a fourth,
+      who felt himself capable of being prime minister, but despaired of the
+      revolution which could alone make him one; and who found an untimely end
+      when that revolution had arrived.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Had Mr. Secretary Canning remained leader of the House of Commons under
+      the Duke of Wellington, all that he would have gained by the death of Lord
+      Liverpool was a master. Had the Duke of Wellington become Secretary of
+      State under Mr. Canning he would have materially advanced his political
+      position, not only by holding the seals of a high department in which he
+      was calculated to excel, but by becoming leader of the House of Lords. But
+      his Grace was induced by certain court intriguers to believe that the King
+      would send for him, and he was also aware that Mr. Peel would no longer
+      serve under any ministry in the House of Commons. Under any circumstances
+      it would have been impossible to keep the Liverpool Cabinet together. The
+      struggle, therefore, between the Duke of Wellington and &lsquo;my dear Mr.
+      Canning&rsquo; was internecine, and ended somewhat unexpectedly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And here we must stop to do justice to our friend Mr. Rigby, whose conduct
+      on this occasion was distinguished by a bustling dexterity which was quite
+      charming. He had, as we have before intimated, on the credit of some
+      clever lampoons written during the Queen&rsquo;s trial, which were, in fact, the
+      effusions of Lucian Gay, wriggled himself into a sort of occasional
+      unworthy favour at the palace, where he was half butt and half buffoon.
+      Here, during the interregnum occasioned by the death, or rather inevitable
+      retirement, of Lord Liverpool, Mr. Rigby contrived to scrape up a
+      conviction that the Duke was the winning horse, and in consequence there
+      appeared a series of leading articles in a notorious evening newspaper, in
+      which it was, as Tadpole and Taper declared, most &lsquo;slashingly&rsquo; shown, that
+      the son of an actress could never be tolerated as a Prime Minister of
+      England. Not content with this, and never doubting for a moment the
+      authentic basis of his persuasion, Mr. Rigby poured forth his coarse
+      volubility on the subject at several of the new clubs which he was getting
+      up in order to revenge himself for having been black-balled at White&rsquo;s.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      What with arrangements about Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s boroughs, and the lucky
+      bottling of some claret which the Duke had imported on Mr. Rigby&rsquo;s
+      recommendation, this distinguished gentleman contrived to pay almost
+      hourly visits at Apsley House, and so bullied Tadpole and Taper that they
+      scarcely dared address him. About four-and-twenty hours before the result,
+      and when it was generally supposed that the Duke was in, Mr. Rigby, who
+      had gone down to Windsor to ask his Majesty the date of some obscure
+      historical incident, which Rigby, of course, very well knew, found that
+      audiences were impossible, that Majesty was agitated, and learned, from an
+      humble but secure authority, that in spite of all his slashing articles,
+      and Lucian Gay&rsquo;s parodies of the Irish melodies, Canning was to be Prime
+      Minister.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This would seem something of a predicament! To common minds; there are no
+      such things as scrapes for gentlemen with Mr. Rigby&rsquo;s talents for action.
+      He had indeed, in the world, the credit of being an adept in machinations,
+      and was supposed ever to be involved in profound and complicated
+      contrivances. This was quite a mistake. There was nothing profound about
+      Mr. Rigby; and his intellect was totally incapable of devising or
+      sustaining an intricate or continuous scheme. He was, in short, a man who
+      neither felt nor thought; but who possessed, in a very remarkable degree,
+      a restless instinct for adroit baseness. On the present occasion he got
+      into his carriage, and drove at the utmost speed from Windsor to the
+      Foreign Office. The Secretary of State was engaged when he arrived; but
+      Mr. Rigby would listen to no difficulties. He rushed upstairs, flung open
+      the door, and with agitated countenance, and eyes suffused with tears,
+      threw himself into the arms of the astonished Mr. Canning.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;All is right,&rsquo; exclaimed the devoted Rigby, in broken tones; &lsquo;I have
+      convinced the King that the First Minister must be in the House of
+      Commons. No one knows it but myself; but it is certain.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      We have seen that at an early period of his career, Mr. Peel withdrew from
+      official life. His course had been one of unbroken prosperity; the hero of
+      the University had become the favourite of the House of Commons. His
+      retreat, therefore, was not prompted by chagrin. Nor need it have been
+      suggested by a calculating ambition, for the ordinary course of events was
+      fast bearing to him all to which man could aspire. One might rather
+      suppose, that he had already gained sufficient experience, perhaps in his
+      Irish Secretaryship, to make him pause in that career of superficial
+      success which education and custom had hitherto chalked out for him,
+      rather than the creative energies of his own mind. A thoughtful intellect
+      may have already detected elements in our social system which required a
+      finer observation, and a more unbroken study, than the gyves and trammels
+      of office would permit. He may have discovered that the representation of
+      the University, looked upon in those days as the blue ribbon of the House
+      of Commons, was a sufficient fetter without unnecessarily adding to its
+      restraint. He may have wished to reserve himself for a happier occasion,
+      and a more progressive period. He may have felt the strong necessity of
+      arresting himself in his rapid career of felicitous routine, to survey his
+      position in calmness, and to comprehend the stirring age that was
+      approaching.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      For that, he could not but be conscious that the education which he had
+      consummated, however ornate and refined, was not sufficient. That age of
+      economical statesmanship which Lord Shelburne had predicted in 1787, when
+      he demolished, in the House of Lords, Bishop Watson and the Balance of
+      Trade, which Mr. Pitt had comprehended; and for which he was preparing the
+      nation when the French Revolution diverted the public mind into a stronger
+      and more turbulent current, was again impending, while the intervening
+      history of the country had been prolific in events which had aggravated
+      the necessity of investigating the sources of the wealth of nations. The
+      time had arrived when parliamentary preeminence could no longer be
+      achieved or maintained by gorgeous abstractions borrowed from Burke, or
+      shallow systems purloined from De Lolme, adorned with Horatian points, or
+      varied with Virgilian passages. It was to be an age of abstruse
+      disquisition, that required a compact and sinewy intellect, nurtured in a
+      class of learning not yet honoured in colleges, and which might arrive at
+      conclusions conflicting with predominant prejudices.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Adopting this view of the position of Mr. Peel, strengthened as it is by
+      his early withdrawal for a while from the direction of public affairs, it
+      may not only be a charitable but a true estimate of the motives which
+      influenced him in his conduct towards Mr. Canning, to conclude that he was
+      not guided in that transaction by the disingenuous rivalry usually imputed
+      to him. His statement in Parliament of the determining circumstances of
+      his conduct, coupled with his subsequent and almost immediate policy, may
+      perhaps always leave this a painful and ambiguous passage in his career;
+      but in passing judgment on public men, it behoves us ever to take large
+      and extended views of their conduct; and previous incidents will often
+      satisfactorily explain subsequent events, which, without their
+      illustrating aid, are involved in misapprehension or mystery.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It would seem, therefore, that Sir Robert Peel, from an early period,
+      meditated his emancipation from the political confederacy in which he was
+      implicated, and that he has been continually baffled in this project. He
+      broke loose from Lord Liverpool; he retired from Mr. Canning. Forced again
+      into becoming the subordinate leader of the weakest government in
+      parliamentary annals, he believed he had at length achieved his
+      emancipation, when he declared to his late colleagues, after the overthrow
+      of 1830, that he would never again accept a secondary position in office.
+      But the Duke of Wellington was too old a tactician to lose so valuable an
+      ally. So his Grace declared after the Reform Bill was passed, as its
+      inevitable result, that thenceforth the Prime Minister must be a member of
+      the House of Commons; and this aphorism, cited as usual by the Duke&rsquo;s
+      parasites as demonstration of his supreme sagacity, was a graceful mode of
+      resigning the preeminence which had been productive of such great party
+      disasters. It is remarkable that the party who devised and passed the
+      Reform Bill, and who, in consequence, governed the nation for ten years,
+      never once had their Prime Minister in the House of Commons: but that does
+      not signify; the Duke&rsquo;s maxim is still quoted as an oracle almost equal in
+      prescience to his famous query, &lsquo;How is the King&rsquo;s government to be
+      carried on?&rsquo; a question to which his Grace by this time has contrived to
+      give a tolerably practical answer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sir Robert Peel, who had escaped from Lord Liverpool, escaped from Mr.
+      Canning, escaped even from the Duke of Wellington in 1832, was at length
+      caught in 1834; the victim of ceaseless intriguers, who neither
+      comprehended his position, nor that of their country.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER II.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Beaumanoir was one of those Palladian palaces, vast and ornate, such as
+      the genius of Kent and Campbell delighted in at the beginning of the
+      eighteenth century. Placed on a noble elevation, yet screened from the
+      northern blast, its sumptuous front, connected with its far-spreading
+      wings by Corinthian colonnades, was the boast and pride of the midland
+      counties. The surrounding gardens, equalling in extent the size of
+      ordinary parks, were crowded with temples dedicated to abstract virtues
+      and to departed friends. Occasionally a triumphal arch celebrated a
+      general whom the family still esteemed a hero; and sometimes a votive
+      column commemorated the great statesman who had advanced the family a step
+      in the peerage. Beyond the limits of this pleasance the hart and hind
+      wandered in a wilderness abounding in ferny coverts and green and stately
+      trees.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The noble proprietor of this demesne had many of the virtues of his class;
+      a few of their failings. He had that public spirit which became his
+      station. He was not one of those who avoided the exertions and the
+      sacrifices which should be inseparable from high position, by the hollow
+      pretext of a taste for privacy, and a devotion to domestic joys. He was
+      munificent, tender, and bounteous to the poor, and loved a flowing
+      hospitality. A keen sportsman, he was not untinctured by letters, and had
+      indeed a cultivated taste for the fine arts. Though an ardent politician,
+      he was tolerant to adverse opinions, and full of amenity to his opponents.
+      A firm supporter of the corn-laws, he never refused a lease.
+      Notwithstanding there ran through his whole demeanour and the habit of his
+      mind, a vein of native simplicity that was full of charm, his manner was
+      finished. He never offended any one&rsquo;s self-love. His good breeding,
+      indeed, sprang from the only sure source of gentle manners, a kind heart.
+      To have pained others would have pained himself. Perhaps, too, this noble
+      sympathy may have been in some degree prompted by the ancient blood in his
+      veins, an accident of lineage rather rare with the English nobility. One
+      could hardly praise him for the strong affections that bound him to his
+      hearth, for fortune had given him the most pleasing family in the world;
+      but, above all, a peerless wife.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Duchess was one of those women who are the delight of existence. She
+      was sprung from a house not inferior to that with which she had blended,
+      and was gifted with that rare beauty which time ever spares, so that she
+      seemed now only the elder sister of her own beautiful daughters. She, too,
+      was distinguished by that perfect good breeding which is the result of
+      nature and not of education: for it may be found in a cottage, and may be
+      missed in a palace. &lsquo;Tis a genial regard for the feelings of others that
+      springs from an absence of selfishness. The Duchess, indeed, was in every
+      sense a fine lady; her manners were refined and full of dignity; but
+      nothing in the world could have induced her to appear bored when another
+      was addressing or attempting to amuse her. She was not one of those vulgar
+      fine ladies who meet you one day with a vacant stare, as if unconscious of
+      your existence, and address you on another in a tone of impertinent
+      familiarity. Her temper, perhaps, was somewhat quick, which made this
+      consideration for the feelings of others still more admirable, for it was
+      the result of a strict moral discipline acting on a good heart. Although
+      the best of wives and mothers, she had some charity for her neighbours.
+      Needing herself no indulgence, she could be indulgent; and would by no
+      means favour that strait-laced morality that would constrain the innocent
+      play of the social body. She was accomplished, well read, and had a lively
+      fancy. Add to this that sunbeam of a happy home, a gay and cheerful spirit
+      in its mistress, and one might form some faint idea of this gracious
+      personage.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The eldest son of this house was now on the continent; of his two younger
+      brothers, one was with his regiment and the other was Coningsby&rsquo;s friend
+      at Eton, our Henry Sydney. The two eldest daughters had just married, on
+      the same day, and at the same altar; and the remaining one, Theresa, was
+      still a child.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Duke had occupied a chief post in the Household under the late
+      administration, and his present guests chiefly consisted of his former
+      colleagues in office. There were several members of the late cabinet,
+      several members for his Grace&rsquo;s late boroughs, looking very much like
+      martyrs, full of suffering and of hope. Mr. Tadpole and Mr. Taper were
+      also there; they too had lost their seats since 1832; but being men of
+      business, and accustomed from early life to look about them, they had
+      already commenced the combinations which on a future occasion were to bear
+      them back to the assembly where they were so missed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Taper had his eye on a small constituency which had escaped the fatal
+      schedules, and where he had what they called a &lsquo;connection;&rsquo; that is to
+      say, a section of the suffrages who had a lively remembrance of Treasury
+      favours once bestowed by Mr. Taper, and who had not been so liberally
+      dealt with by the existing powers. This connection of Taper was in time to
+      leaven the whole mass of the constituent body, and make it rise in full
+      rebellion against its present liberal representative, who being one of a
+      majority of three hundred, could get nothing when he called at Whitehall
+      or Downing Street.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tadpole, on the contrary, who was of a larger grasp of mind than Taper,
+      with more of imagination and device but not so safe a man, was coquetting
+      with a manufacturing town and a large constituency, where he was to
+      succeed by the aid of the Wesleyans, of which pious body he had suddenly
+      become a fervent admirer. The great Mr. Rigby, too, was a guest out of
+      Parliament, nor caring to be in; but hearing that his friends had some
+      hopes, he thought he would just come down to dash them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The political grapes were sour for Mr. Rigby; a prophet of evil, he
+      preached only mortification and repentance and despair to his late
+      colleagues. It was the only satisfaction left Mr. Rigby, except assuring
+      the Duke that the finest pictures in his gallery were copies, and
+      recommending him to pull down Beaumanoir, and rebuild it on a design with
+      which Mr. Rigby would furnish him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The battue and the banquet were over; the ladies had withdrawn; and the
+      butler placed fresh claret on the table.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And you really think you could give us a majority, Tadpole?&rsquo; said the
+      Duke.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Tadpole, with some ceremony, took a memorandum-book out of his pocket,
+      amid the smiles and the faint well-bred merriment of his friends.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Tadpole is nothing without his book,&rsquo; whispered Lord Fitz-Booby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is here,&rsquo; said Mr. Tadpole, emphatically patting his volume, &lsquo;a clear
+      working majority of twenty-two.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Near sailing that!&rsquo; cried the Duke.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A far better majority than the present Government have,&rsquo; said Mr.
+      Tadpole.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There is nothing like a good small majority,&rsquo; said Mr. Taper, &lsquo;and a good
+      registration.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ay! register, register, register!&rsquo; said the Duke. &lsquo;Those were immortal
+      words.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I can tell your Grace three far better ones,&rsquo; said Mr. Tadpole, with a
+      self-complacent air. &lsquo;Object, object, object!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You may register, and you may object,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, &lsquo;but you will
+      never get rid of Schedule A and Schedule B.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But who could have supposed two years ago that affairs would be in their
+      present position?&rsquo; said Mr. Taper, deferentially.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I foretold it,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby. &lsquo;Every one knows that no government now
+      can last twelve months.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We may make fresh boroughs,&rsquo; said Taper. &lsquo;We have reduced Shabbyton at
+      the last registration under three hundred.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And the Wesleyans!&rsquo; said Tadpole. &lsquo;We never counted on the Wesleyans!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am told these Wesleyans are really a respectable body,&rsquo; said Lord
+      Fitz-Booby. &lsquo;I believe there is no material difference between their
+      tenets and those of the Establishment. I never heard of them much till
+      lately. We have too long confounded them with the mass of Dissenters, but
+      their conduct at several of the later elections proves that they are far
+      from being unreasonable and disloyal individuals. When we come in,
+      something should be done for the Wesleyans, eh, Rigby?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;All that your Lordship can do for the Wesleyans is what they will very
+      shortly do for themselves, appropriate a portion of the Church Revenues to
+      their own use.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Nay, nay,&rsquo; said Mr. Tadpole with a chuckle, &lsquo;I don&rsquo;t think we shall find
+      the Church attacked again in a hurry. I only wish they would try! A good
+      Church cry before a registration,&rsquo; he continued, rubbing his hands; &lsquo;eh,
+      my Lord, I think that would do.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But how are we to turn them out?&rsquo; said the Duke.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah!&rsquo; said Mr. Taper, &lsquo;that is a great question.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What do you think of a repeal of the Malt Tax?&rsquo; said Lord Fitz-Booby.
+      &lsquo;They have been trying it on in &mdash;&mdash;shire, and I am told it goes
+      down very well.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No repeal of any tax,&rsquo; said Taper, sincerely shocked, and shaking his
+      head; &lsquo;and the Malt Tax of all others. I am all against that.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is a very good cry though, if there be no other,&rsquo; said Tadpole.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am all for a religious cry,&rsquo; said Taper. &lsquo;It means nothing, and, if
+      successful, does not interfere with business when we are in.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You will have religious cries enough in a short time,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby,
+      rather wearied of any one speaking but himself, and thereat he commenced a
+      discourse, which was, in fact, one of his &lsquo;slashing&rsquo; articles in petto on
+      Church Reform, and which abounded in parallels between the present affairs
+      and those of the reign of Charles I. Tadpole, who did not pretend to know
+      anything but the state of the registration, and Taper, whose political
+      reading was confined to an intimate acquaintance with the Red Book and
+      Beatson&rsquo;s Political Index, which he could repeat backwards, were silenced.
+      The Duke, who was well instructed and liked to be talked to, sipped his
+      claret, and was rather amused by Rigby&rsquo;s lecture, particularly by one or
+      two statements characterised by Rigby&rsquo;s happy audacity, but which the Duke
+      was too indolent to question. Lord Fitz-Booby listened with his mouth
+      open, but rather bored. At length, when there was a momentary pause, he
+      said:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;In my time, the regular thing was to move an amendment on the address.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Quite out of the question,&rsquo; exclaimed Tadpole, with a scoff.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Entirely given up,&rsquo; said Taper, with a sneer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If you will drink no more claret, we will go and hear some music,&rsquo; said
+      the Duke.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER III.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      A breakfast at Beaumanoir was a meal of some ceremony. Every guest was
+      expected to attend, and at a somewhat early hour. Their host and hostess
+      set them the example of punctuality. &lsquo;Tis an old form rigidly adhered to
+      in some great houses, but, it must be confessed, does not contrast very
+      agreeably with the easier arrangements of establishments of less
+      pretension and of more modern order.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The morning after the dinner to which we have been recently introduced,
+      there was one individual absent from the breakfast-table whose
+      non-appearance could scarcely be passed over without notice; and several
+      inquired with some anxiety, whether their host were indisposed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The Duke has received some letters from London which detain him,&rsquo; replied
+      the Duchess. &lsquo;He will join us.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Your Grace will be glad to hear that your son Henry is very well,&rsquo; said
+      Mr. Rigby; &lsquo;I heard of him this morning. Harry Coningsby enclosed me a
+      letter for his grandfather, and tells me that he and Henry Sydney had just
+      had a capital run with the King&rsquo;s hounds.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is three years since we have seen Mr. Coningsby,&rsquo; said the Duchess.
+      &lsquo;Once he was often here. He was a great favourite of mine. I hardly ever
+      knew a more interesting boy.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes, I have done a great deal for him,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby. &lsquo;Lord Monmouth is
+      fond of him, and wishes that he should make a figure; but how any one is
+      to distinguish himself now, I am really at a loss to comprehend.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But are affairs so very bad?&rsquo; said the Duchess, smiling. &lsquo;I thought that
+      we were all regaining our good sense and good temper.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I believe all the good sense and all the good temper in England are
+      concentrated in your Grace,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, gallantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I should be sorry to be such a monopolist. But Lord Fitz-Booby was giving
+      me last night quite a glowing report of Mr. Tadpole&rsquo;s prospects for the
+      nation. We were all to have our own again; and Percy to carry the county.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My dear Madam, before twelve months are past, there will not be a county
+      in England. Why should there be? If boroughs are to be disfranchised, why
+      should not counties be destroyed?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this moment the Duke entered, apparently agitated. He bowed to his
+      guests, and apologised for his unusual absence. &lsquo;The truth is,&rsquo; he
+      continued, &lsquo;I have just received a very important despatch. An event has
+      occurred which may materially affect affairs. Lord Spencer is dead.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A thunderbolt in a summer sky, as Sir William Temple says, could not have
+      produced a greater sensation. The business of the repast ceased in a
+      moment. The knives and forks were suddenly silent. All was still.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is an immense event,&rsquo; said Tadpole.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I don&rsquo;t see my way,&rsquo; said Taper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;When did he die?&rsquo; said Lord Fitz-Booby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I don&rsquo;t believe it,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;They have got their man ready,&rsquo; said Tadpole.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is impossible to say what will happen,&rsquo; said Taper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Now is the time for an amendment on the address,&rsquo; said Fitz-Booby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There are two reasons which convince me that Lord Spencer is not dead,&rsquo;
+      said Mr. Rigby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I fear there is no doubt of it,&rsquo; said the Duke, shaking his head.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Lord Althorp was the only man who could keep them together,&rsquo; said Lord
+      Fitz-Booby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;On the contrary,&rsquo; said Tadpole. &lsquo;If I be right in my man, and I have no
+      doubt of it, you will have a radical programme, and they will be stronger
+      than ever.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Do you think they can get the steam up again?&rsquo; said Taper, musingly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;They will bid high,&rsquo; replied Tadpole. &lsquo;Nothing could be more unfortunate
+      than this death. Things were going on so well and so quietly! The
+      Wesleyans almost with us!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And Shabbyton too!&rsquo; mournfully exclaimed Taper. &lsquo;Another registration and
+      quiet times, and I could have reduced the constituency to two hundred and
+      fifty.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If Lord Spencer had died on the 10th,&rsquo; said Rigby, &lsquo;it must have been
+      known to Henry Rivers. And I have a letter from Henry Rivers by this post.
+      Now, Althorp is in Northamptonshire, mark that, and Northampton is a
+      county&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My dear Rigby,&rsquo; said the Duke, &lsquo;pardon me for interrupting you.
+      Unhappily, there is no doubt Lord Spencer is dead, for I am one of his
+      executors.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This announcement silenced even Mr. Rigby, and the conversation now
+      entirely merged in speculations on what would occur. Numerous were the
+      conjectures hazarded, but the prevailing impression was, that this
+      unforeseen event might embarrass those secret expectations of Court
+      succour in which a certain section of the party had for some time reason
+      to indulge.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      From the moment, however, of the announcement of Lord Spencer&rsquo;s death, a
+      change might be visibly observed in the tone of the party at Beaumanoir.
+      They became silent, moody, and restless. There seemed a general, though
+      not avowed, conviction that a crisis of some kind or other was at hand.
+      The post, too, brought letters every day from town teeming with fanciful
+      speculations, and occasionally mysterious hopes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I kept this cover for Peel,&rsquo; said the Duke pensively, as he loaded his
+      gun on the morning of the 14th. &lsquo;Do you know, I was always against his
+      going to Rome.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is very odd,&rsquo; said Tadpole, &lsquo;but I was thinking of the very same
+      thing.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It will be fifteen years before England will see a Tory Government,&rsquo; said
+      Mr. Rigby, drawing his ramrod, &lsquo;and then it will only last five months.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Melbourne, Althorp, and Durham, all in the Lords,&rsquo; said Taper. &lsquo;Three
+      leaders! They must quarrel.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If Durham come in, mark me, he will dissolve on Household Suffrage and
+      the Ballot,&rsquo; said Tadpole.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Not nearly so good a cry as Church,&rsquo; replied Taper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;With the Malt Tax,&rsquo; said Tadpole. &lsquo;Church, without the Malt Tax, will not
+      do against Household Suffrage and Ballot.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Malt Tax is madness,&rsquo; said Taper. &lsquo;A good farmer&rsquo;s friend cry without
+      Malt Tax would work just as well.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;They will never dissolve,&rsquo; said the Duke. &lsquo;They are so strong.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;They cannot go on with three hundred majority,&rsquo; said Taper. &lsquo;Forty is as
+      much as can be managed with open constituencies.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If he had only gone to Paris instead of Rome!&rsquo; said the Duke.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, &lsquo;I could have written to him then by every post,
+      and undeceived him as to his position.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;After all he is the only man,&rsquo; said the Duke; &lsquo;and I really believe the
+      country thinks so.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Pray, what is the country?&rsquo; inquired Mr. Rigby. &lsquo;The country is nothing;
+      it is the constituency you have to deal with.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And to manage them you must have a good cry,&rsquo; said Taper. &lsquo;All now
+      depends upon a good cry.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;So much for the science of politics,&rsquo; said the Duke, bringing down a
+      pheasant. &lsquo;How Peel would have enjoyed this cover!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He will have plenty of time for sport during his life,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On the evening of the 15th of November, a despatch arrived at Beaumanoir,
+      informing his Grace that the King had dismissed the Whig Ministry, and
+      sent for the Duke of Wellington. Thus the first agitating suspense was
+      over; to be succeeded, however, by expectation still more anxious. It was
+      remarkable that every individual suddenly found that he had particular
+      business in London which could not be neglected. The Duke very properly
+      pleaded his executorial duties; but begged his guests on no account to be
+      disturbed by his inevitable absence. Lord Fitz-Booby had just received a
+      letter from his daughter, who was indisposed at Brighton, and he was most
+      anxious to reach her. Tadpole had to receive deputations from Wesleyans,
+      and well-registered boroughs anxious to receive well-principled
+      candidates. Taper was off to get the first job at the contingent Treasury,
+      in favour of the Borough of Shabbyton. Mr. Rigby alone was silent; but he
+      quietly ordered a post-chaise at daybreak, and long before his fellow
+      guests were roused from their slumbers, he was halfway to London, ready to
+      give advice, either at the pavilion or at Apsley House.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER IV.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Although it is far from improbable that, had Sir Robert Peel been in
+      England in the autumn of 1834, the Whig government would not have been
+      dismissed; nevertheless, whatever may now be the opinion of the policy of
+      that measure; whether it be looked on as a premature movement which
+      necessarily led to the compact reorganisation of the Liberal party, or as
+      a great stroke of State, which, by securing at all events a dissolution of
+      the Parliament of 1832, restored the healthy balance of parties in the
+      Legislature, questions into which we do not now wish to enter, it must be
+      generally admitted, that the conduct of every individual eminently
+      concerned in that great historical transaction was characterised by the
+      rarest and most admirable quality of public life, moral courage. The
+      Sovereign who dismissed a Ministry apparently supported by an overwhelming
+      majority in the Parliament and the nation, and called to his councils the
+      absent chief of a parliamentary section, scarcely numbering at that moment
+      one hundred and forty individuals, and of a party in the country supposed
+      to be utterly discomfited by a recent revolution; the two ministers who in
+      this absence provisionally administered the affairs of the kingdom in the
+      teeth of an enraged and unscrupulous Opposition, and perhaps themselves
+      not sustained by a profound conviction, that the arrival of their expected
+      leader would convert their provisional into a permanent position; above
+      all the statesman who accepted the great charge at a time and under
+      circumstances which marred probably the deep projects of his own prescient
+      sagacity and maturing ambition; were all men gifted with a high spirit of
+      enterprise, and animated by that active fortitude which is the soul of
+      free governments.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was a lively season, that winter of 1834! What hopes, what fears, and
+      what bets! From the day on which Mr. Hudson was to arrive at Rome to the
+      election of the Speaker, not a contingency that was not the subject of a
+      wager! People sprang up like mushrooms; town suddenly became full.
+      Everybody who had been in office, and everybody who wished to be in
+      office; everybody who had ever had anything, and everybody who ever
+      expected to have anything, were alike visible. All of course by mere
+      accident; one might meet the same men regularly every day for a month, who
+      were only &lsquo;passing through town.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now was the time for men to come forward who had never despaired of their
+      country. True they had voted for the Reform Bill, but that was to prevent
+      a revolution. And now they were quite ready to vote against the Reform
+      Bill, but this was to prevent a dissolution. These are the true patriots,
+      whose confidence in the good sense of their countrymen and in their own
+      selfishness is about equal. In the meantime, the hundred and forty threw a
+      grim glance on the numerous waiters on Providence, and amiable trimmers,
+      who affectionately enquired every day when news might be expected of Sir
+      Robert. Though too weak to form a government, and having contributed in no
+      wise by their exertions to the fall of the late, the cohort of
+      Parliamentary Tories felt all the alarm of men who have accidentally
+      stumbled on some treasure-trove, at the suspicious sympathy of new allies.
+      But, after all, who were to form the government, and what was the
+      government to be? Was it to be a Tory government, or an
+      Enlightened-Spirit-of-the-Age Liberal-Moderate-Reform government; was it
+      to be a government of high philosophy or of low practice; of principle or
+      of expediency; of great measures or of little men? A government of
+      statesmen or of clerks? Of Humbug or of Humdrum? Great questions these,
+      but unfortunately there was nobody to answer them. They tried the Duke;
+      but nothing could be pumped out of him. All that he knew, which he told in
+      his curt, husky manner, was, that he had to carry on the King&rsquo;s
+      government. As for his solitary colleague, he listened and smiled, and
+      then in his musical voice asked them questions in return, which is the
+      best possible mode of avoiding awkward inquiries. It was very unfair this;
+      for no one knew what tone to take; whether they should go down to their
+      public dinners and denounce the Reform Act or praise it; whether the
+      Church was to be re-modelled or only admonished; whether Ireland was to be
+      conquered or conciliated.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;This can&rsquo;t go on much longer,&rsquo; said Taper to Tadpole, as they reviewed
+      together their electioneering correspondence on the 1st of December; &lsquo;we
+      have no cry.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He is half way by this time,&rsquo; said Tadpole; &lsquo;send an extract from a
+      private letter to the <i>Standard</i>, dated Augsburg, and say he will be
+      here in four days.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At last he came; the great man in a great position, summoned from Rome to
+      govern England. The very day that he arrived he had his audience with the
+      King.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was two days after this audience; the town, though November, in a state
+      of excitement; clubs crowded, not only morning rooms, but halls and
+      staircases swarming with members eager to give and to receive rumours
+      equally vain; streets lined with cabs and chariots, grooms and horses; it
+      was two days after this audience that Mr. Ormsby, celebrated for his
+      political dinners, gave one to a numerous party. Indeed his saloons
+      to-day, during the half-hour of gathering which precedes dinner, offered
+      in the various groups, the anxious countenances, the inquiring voices, and
+      the mysterious whispers, rather the character of an Exchange or Bourse
+      than the tone of a festive society.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Here might be marked a murmuring knot of greyheaded privy-councillors, who
+      had held fat offices under Perceval and Liverpool, and who looked back to
+      the Reform Act as to a hideous dream; there some middle-aged aspirants
+      might be observed who had lost their seats in the convulsion, but who
+      flattered themselves they had done something for the party in the
+      interval, by spending nothing except their breath in fighting hopeless
+      boroughs, and occasionally publishing a pamphlet, which really produced
+      less effect than chalking the walls. Light as air, and proud as a young
+      peacock, tripped on his toes a young Tory, who had contrived to keep his
+      seat in a Parliament where he had done nothing, but who thought an
+      Under-Secretaryship was now secure, particularly as he was the son of a
+      noble Lord who had also in a public capacity plundered and blundered in
+      the good old time. The true political adventurer, who with dull
+      desperation had stuck at nothing, had never neglected a treasury note, had
+      been present at every division, never spoke when he was asked to be
+      silent, and was always ready on any subject when they wanted him to open
+      his mouth; who had treated his leaders with servility even behind their
+      backs, and was happy for the day if a future Secretary of the Treasury
+      bowed to him; who had not only discountenanced discontent in the party,
+      but had regularly reported in strict confidence every instance of
+      insubordination which came to his knowledge; might there too be detected
+      under all the agonies of the crisis; just beginning to feel the dread
+      misgiving, whether being a slave and a sneak were sufficient
+      qualifications for office, without family or connection. Poor fellow! half
+      the industry he had wasted on his cheerless craft might have made his
+      fortune in some decent trade!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In dazzling contrast with these throes of low ambition, were some
+      brilliant personages who had just scampered up from Melton, thinking it
+      probable that Sir Robert might want some moral lords of the bed-chamber.
+      Whatever may have been their private fears or feelings, all however seemed
+      smiling and significant, as if they knew something if they chose to tell
+      it, and that something very much to their own satisfaction. The only grave
+      countenance that was occasionally ushered into the room belonged to some
+      individual whose destiny was not in doubt, and who was already practising
+      the official air that was in future to repress the familiarity of his
+      former fellow-stragglers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Do you hear anything?&rsquo; said a great noble who wanted something in the
+      general scramble, but what he knew not; only he had a vague feeling he
+      ought to have something, having made such great sacrifices.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There is a report that Clifford is to be Secretary to the Board of
+      Control,&rsquo; said Mr. Earwig, whose whole soul was in this subaltern
+      arrangement, of which the Minister of course had not even thought; &lsquo;but I
+      cannot trace it to any authority.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wonder who will be their Master of the Horse,&rsquo; said the great noble,
+      loving gossip though he despised the gossiper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Clifford has done nothing for the party,&rsquo; said Mr. Earwig.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I dare say Rambrooke will have the Buckhounds,&rsquo; said the great noble,
+      musingly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Your Lordship has not heard Clifford&rsquo;s name mentioned?&rsquo; continued Mr.
+      Earwig.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I should think they had not come to that sort of thing,&rsquo; said the great
+      noble, with ill-disguised contempt.&rsquo; The first thing after the Cabinet is
+      formed is the Household: the things you talk of are done last;&rsquo; and he
+      turned upon his heel, and met the imperturbable countenance and clear
+      sarcastic eye of Lord Eskdale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have not heard anything?&rsquo; asked the great noble of his brother
+      patrician.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes, a great deal since I have been in this room; but unfortunately it is
+      all untrue.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There is a report that Rambrooke is to have the Buck-hounds; but I cannot
+      trace it to any authority.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Pooh!&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I don&rsquo;t see that Rambrooke should have the Buckhounds any more than
+      anybody else. What sacrifices has he made?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Past sacrifices are nothing,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale. &lsquo;Present sacrifices are
+      the thing we want: men who will sacrifice their principles and join us.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have not heard Rambrooke&rsquo;s name mentioned?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;When a Minister has no Cabinet, and only one hundred and forty supporters
+      in the House of Commons, he has something else to think of than places at
+      Court,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale, as he slowly turned away to ask Lucian Gay
+      whether it were true that Jenny Colon was coming over.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Shortly after this, Henry Sydney&rsquo;s father, who dined with Mr. Ornisby,
+      drew Lord Eskdale into a window, and said in an undertone:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;So there is to be a kind of programme: something is to be written.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, we want a cue,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale. &lsquo;I heard of this last night:
+      Rigby has written something.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Duke shook his head.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No; Peel means to do it himself.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But at this moment Mr. Ornisby begged his Grace to lead them to dinner.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Something is to be written.&rsquo; It is curious to recall the vague terms in
+      which the first projection of documents, that are to exercise a vast
+      influence on the course of affairs or the minds of nations, is often
+      mentioned. This &lsquo;something to be written&rsquo; was written; and speedily; and
+      has ever since been talked of.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      We believe we may venture to assume that at no period during the movements
+      of 1834-5 did Sir Robert Peel ever believe in the success of his
+      administration. Its mere failure could occasion him little
+      dissatisfaction; he was compensated for it by the noble opportunity
+      afforded to him for the display of those great qualities, both moral and
+      intellectual, which the swaddling-clothes of a routine prosperity had long
+      repressed, but of which his opposition to the Reform Bill had given to the
+      nation a significant intimation. The brief administration elevated him in
+      public opinion, and even in the eye of Europe; and it is probable that a
+      much longer term of power would not have contributed more to his fame.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The probable effect of the premature effort of his party on his future
+      position as a Minister was, however, far from being so satisfactory. At
+      the lowest ebb of his political fortunes, it cannot be doubted that Sir
+      Robert Peel looked forward, perhaps through the vista of many years, to a
+      period when the national mind, arrived by reflection and experience at
+      certain conclusions, would seek in him a powerful expositor of its
+      convictions. His time of life permitted him to be tranquil in adversity,
+      and to profit by its salutary uses. He would then have acceded to power as
+      the representative of a Creed, instead of being the leader of a
+      Confederacy, and he would have been supported by earnest and enduring
+      enthusiasm, instead of by that churlish sufferance which is the result of
+      a supposed balance of advantages in his favour. This is the consequence of
+      the tactics of those short-sighted intriguers, who persisted in looking
+      upon a revolution as a mere party struggle, and would not permit the mind
+      of the nation to work through the inevitable phases that awaited it. In
+      1834, England, though frightened at the reality of Reform, still adhered
+      to its phrases; it was inclined, as practical England, to maintain
+      existing institutions; but, as theoretical England, it was suspicious that
+      they were indefensible.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      No one had arisen either in Parliament, the Universities, or the Press, to
+      lead the public mind to the investigation of principles; and not to
+      mistake, in their reformations, the corruption of practice for fundamental
+      ideas. It was this perplexed, ill-informed, jaded, shallow generation,
+      repeating cries which they did not comprehend, and wearied with the
+      endless ebullitions of their own barren conceit, that Sir Robert Peel was
+      summoned to govern. It was from such materials, ample in quantity, but in
+      all spiritual qualities most deficient; with great numbers, largely acred,
+      consoled up to their chins, but without knowledge, genius, thought, truth,
+      or faith, that Sir Robert Peel was to form a &lsquo;great Conservative party on
+      a comprehensive basis.&rsquo; That he did this like a dexterous politician, who
+      can deny? Whether he realised those prescient views of a great statesman
+      in which he had doubtless indulged, and in which, though still clogged by
+      the leadership of 1834, he may yet find fame for himself and salvation for
+      his country, is altogether another question. His difficult attempt was
+      expressed in an address to his constituents, which now ranks among state
+      papers. We shall attempt briefly to consider it with the impartiality of
+      the future.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER V.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The Tamworth Manifesto of 1834 was an attempt to construct a party without
+      principles; its basis therefore was necessarily Latitudinarianism; and its
+      inevitable consequence has been Political Infidelity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At an epoch of political perplexity and social alarm, the confederation
+      was convenient, and was calculated by aggregation to encourage the timid
+      and confused. But when the perturbation was a little subsided, and men
+      began to inquire why they were banded together, the difficulty of defining
+      their purpose proved that the league, however respectable, was not a
+      party. The leaders indeed might profit by their eminent position to obtain
+      power for their individual gratification, but it was impossible to secure
+      their followers that which, after all, must be the great recompense of a
+      political party, the putting in practice of their opinions; for they had
+      none.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was indeed a considerable shouting about what they called
+      Conservative principles; but the awkward question naturally arose, what
+      will you conserve? The prerogatives of the Crown, provided they are not
+      exercised; the independence of the House of Lords, provided it is not
+      asserted; the Ecclesiastical estate, provided it is regulated by a
+      commission of laymen. Everything, in short, that is established, as long
+      as it is a phrase and not a fact.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the meantime, while forms and phrases are religiously cherished in
+      order to make the semblance of a creed, the rule of practice is to bend to
+      the passion or combination of the hour. Conservatism assumes in theory
+      that everything established should be maintained; but adopts in practice
+      that everything that is established is indefensible. To reconcile this
+      theory and this practice, they produce what they call &lsquo;the best bargain;&rsquo;
+      some arrangement which has no principle and no purpose, except to obtain a
+      temporary lull of agitation, until the mind of the Conservatives, without
+      a guide and without an aim, distracted, tempted, and bewildered, is
+      prepared for another arrangement, equally statesmanlike with the preceding
+      one.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Conservatism was an attempt to carry on affairs by substituting the
+      fulfilment of the duties of office for the performance of the functions of
+      government; and to maintain this negative system by the mere influence of
+      property, reputable private conduct, and what are called good connections.
+      Conservatism discards Prescription, shrinks from Principle, disavows
+      Progress; having rejected all respect for Antiquity, it offers no redress
+      for the Present, and makes no preparation for the Future. It is obvious
+      that for a time, under favourable circumstances, such a confederation
+      might succeed; but it is equally clear, that on the arrival of one of
+      those critical conjunctures that will periodically occur in all states,
+      and which such an unimpassioned system is even calculated ultimately to
+      create, all power of resistance will be wanting: the barren curse of
+      political infidelity will paralyse all action; and the Conservative
+      Constitution will be discovered to be a Caput Mortuum.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VI.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      In the meantime, after dinner, Tadpole and Taper, who were among the
+      guests of Mr. Ormsby, withdrew to a distant sofa, out of earshot, and
+      indulged in confidential talk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Such a strength in debate was never before found on a Treasury bench,&rsquo;
+      said Mr. Tadpole; &lsquo;the other side will be dumbfounded.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And what do you put our numbers at now?&rsquo; inquired Mr. Taper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Would you take fifty-five for our majority?&rsquo; rejoined Mr. Tadpole.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is not so much the tail they have, as the excuse their junction will
+      be for the moderate, sensible men to come over,&rsquo; said Taper. &lsquo;Our friend
+      Sir Everard for example, it would settle him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He is a solemn impostor,&rsquo; rejoined Mr. Tadpole; &lsquo;but he is a baronet and
+      a county member, and very much looked up to by the Wesleyans. The other
+      men, I know, have refused him a peerage.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And we might hold out judicious hopes,&rsquo; said Taper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No one can do that better than you,&rsquo; said Tadpole. &lsquo;I am apt to say too
+      much about those things.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I make it a rule never to open my mouth on such subjects,&rsquo; said Taper. &lsquo;A
+      nod or a wink will speak volumes. An affectionate pressure of the hand
+      will sometimes do a great deal; and I have promised many a peerage without
+      committing myself, by an ingenious habit of deference which cannot be
+      mistaken by the future noble.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wonder what they will do with Rigby,&rsquo; said Tadpole.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He wants a good deal,&rsquo; said Taper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I tell you what, Mr. Taper, the time is gone by when a Marquess of
+      Monmouth was Letter A, No. 1.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Very true, Mr. Tadpole. A wise man would do well now to look to the great
+      middle class, as I said the other day to the electors of Shabbyton.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I had sooner be supported by the Wesleyans,&rsquo; said Mr. Tadpole, &lsquo;than by
+      all the marquesses in the peerage.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;At the same time,&rsquo; said Mr. Taper, &lsquo;Rigby is a considerable man. If we
+      want a slashing article&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Pooh!&rsquo; said Mr. Tadpole. &lsquo;He is quite gone by. He takes three months for
+      his slashing articles. Give me the man who can write a leader. Rigby can&rsquo;t
+      write a leader.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Very few can,&rsquo; said Mr. Taper. &lsquo;However, I don&rsquo;t think much of the press.
+      Its power is gone by. They overdid it.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There is Tom Chudleigh,&rsquo; said Tadpole. &lsquo;What is he to have?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Nothing, I hope,&rsquo; said Taper. &lsquo;I hate him. A coxcomb! Cracking his jokes
+      and laughing at us.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He has done a good deal for the party, though,&rsquo; said Tadpole. &lsquo;That, to
+      be sure, is only an additional reason for throwing him over, as he is too
+      far committed to venture to oppose us. But I am afraid from something that
+      dropped to-day, that Sir Robert thinks he has claims.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We must stop them,&rsquo; said Taper, growing pale. &lsquo;Fellows like Chudleigh,
+      when they once get in, are always in one&rsquo;s way. I have no objection to
+      young noblemen being put forward, for they are preferred so rapidly, and
+      then their fathers die, that in the long run they do not practically
+      interfere with us.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, his name was mentioned,&rsquo; said Tadpole. &lsquo;There is no concealing
+      that.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I will speak to Earwig,&rsquo; said Taper. &lsquo;He shall just drop into Sir
+      Robert&rsquo;s ear by chance, that Chudleigh used to quiz him in the
+      smoking-room. Those little bits of information do a great deal of good.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, I leave him to you,&rsquo; said Tadpole. &lsquo;I am heartily with you in
+      keeping out all fellows like Chudleigh. They are very well for opposition;
+      but in office we don&rsquo;t want wits.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And when shall we have the answer from Knowsley?&rsquo; inquired Taper. &lsquo;You
+      anticipate no possible difficulty?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I tell you it is &ldquo;carte blanche,&rdquo;&rsquo; replied Tadpole. &lsquo;Four places in the
+      cabinet. Two secretaryships at the least. Do you happen to know any
+      gentleman of your acquaintance, Mr. Taper, who refuses Secretaryships of
+      State so easily, that you can for an instant doubt of the present
+      arrangement?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I know none indeed,&rsquo; said Mr. Taper, with a grim smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The thing is done,&rsquo; said Mr. Tadpole.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And now for our cry,&rsquo; said Mr. Taper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is not a Cabinet for a good cry,&rsquo; said Tadpole; &lsquo;but then, on the
+      other hand, it is a Cabinet that will sow dissension in the opposite
+      ranks, and prevent them having a good cry.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ancient institutions and modern improvements, I suppose, Mr. Tadpole?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ameliorations is the better word, ameliorations. Nobody knows exactly
+      what it means.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We go strong on the Church?&rsquo; said Mr. Taper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And no repeal of the Malt Tax; you were right, Taper. It can&rsquo;t be
+      listened to for a moment.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Something might be done with prerogative,&rsquo; said Mr. Taper; &lsquo;the King&rsquo;s
+      constitutional choice.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Not too much,&rsquo; replied Mr. Tadpole. &lsquo;It is a raw time yet for
+      prerogative.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! Tadpole,&rsquo; said Mr. Taper, getting a little maudlin; &lsquo;I often think,
+      if the time should ever come, when you and I should be joint Secretaries
+      of the Treasury!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We shall see, we shall see. All we have to do is to get into Parliament,
+      work well together, and keep other men down.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We will do our best,&rsquo; said Taper. &lsquo;A dissolution you hold inevitable?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;How are you and I to get into Parliament if there be not one? We must
+      make it inevitable. I tell you what, Taper, the lists must prove a
+      dissolution inevitable. You understand me? If the present Parliament goes
+      on, where shall we be? We shall have new men cropping up every session.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;True, terribly true,&rsquo; said Mr. Taper. &lsquo;That we should ever live to see a
+      Tory government again! We have reason to be very thankful.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Hush!&rsquo; said Mr. Tadpole. &lsquo;The time has gone by for Tory governments; what
+      the country requires is a sound Conservative government.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A sound Conservative government,&rsquo; said Taper, musingly. &lsquo;I understand:
+      Tory men and Whig measures.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Amid the contentions of party, the fierce struggles of ambition, and the
+      intricacies of political intrigue, let us not forget our Eton friends.
+      During the period which elapsed from the failure of the Duke of Wellington
+      to form a government in 1832, to the failure of Sir Robert Peel to carry
+      on a government in 1835, the boys had entered, and advanced in youth. The
+      ties of friendship which then united several of them had only been
+      confirmed by continued companionship. Coningsby and Henry Sydney, and
+      Buckhurst and Vere, were still bound together by entire sympathy, and by
+      the affection of which sympathy is the only sure spring. But their
+      intimacies had been increased by another familiar friend. There had risen
+      up between Coningsby and Millbank mutual sentiments of deep, and even
+      ardent, regard. Acquaintance had developed the superior qualities of
+      Millbank. His thoughtful and inquiring mind, his inflexible integrity, his
+      stern independence, and yet the engaging union of extreme tenderness of
+      heart with all this strength of character, had won the goodwill, and often
+      excited the admiration, of Coningsby. Our hero, too, was gratified by the
+      affectionate deference that was often shown to him by one who condescended
+      to no other individual; he was proud of having saved the life of a member
+      of their community whom masters and boys alike considered; and he ended by
+      loving the being on whom he had conferred a great obligation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The friends of Coningsby, the sweet-tempered and intelligent Henry Sydney,
+      the fiery and generous Buckhurst, and the calm and sagacious Vere, had
+      ever been favourably inclined to Millbank, and had they not been, the
+      example of Coningsby would soon have influenced them. He had obtained over
+      his intimates the ascendant power, which is the destiny of genius. Nor was
+      this submission of such spirits to be held cheap. Although they were
+      willing to take the colour of their minds from him, they were in intellect
+      and attainments, in personal accomplishments and general character, the
+      leaders of the school; an authority not to be won from five hundred
+      high-spirited boys without the possession of great virtues and great
+      talents.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As for the dominion of Coningsby himself, it was not limited to the
+      immediate circle of his friends. He had become the hero of Eton; the being
+      of whose existence everybody was proud, and in whose career every boy took
+      an interest. They talked of him, they quoted him, they imitated him. Fame
+      and power are the objects of all men. Even their partial fruition is
+      gained by very few; and that too at the expense of social pleasure,
+      health, conscience, life. Yet what power of manhood in passionate
+      intenseness, appealing at the same time to the subject and the votary, can
+      rival that which is exercised by the idolised chieftain of a great public
+      school? What fame of after days equals the rapture of celebrity that
+      thrills the youthful poet, as in tones of rare emotion he recites his
+      triumphant verses amid the devoted plaudits of the flower of England?
+      That&rsquo;s fame, that&rsquo;s power; real, unquestioned, undoubted, catholic. Alas!
+      the schoolboy, when he becomes a man, finds that power, even fame, like
+      everything else, is an affair of party.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby liked very much to talk politics with Millbank. He heard things
+      from Millbank which were new to him. Himself, as he supposed, a high Tory,
+      which he was according to the revelation of the Rigbys, he was also
+      sufficiently familiar with the hereditary tenets of his Whig friend, Lord
+      Vere. Politics had as yet appeared to him a struggle whether the country
+      was to be governed by Whig nobles or Tory nobles; and he thought it very
+      unfortunate that he should probably have to enter life with his friends
+      out of power, and his family boroughs destroyed. But in conversing with
+      Millbank, he heard for the first time of influential classes in the
+      country who were not noble, and were yet determined to acquire power. And
+      although Millbank&rsquo;s views, which were of course merely caught up from his
+      father, without the intervention of his own intelligence, were doubtless
+      crude enough, and were often very acutely canvassed and satisfactorily
+      demolished by the clever prejudices of another school, which Coningsby had
+      at command, still they were, unconsciously to the recipient, materials for
+      thought, and insensibly provoked in his mind a spirit of inquiry into
+      political questions, for which he had a predisposition.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It may be said, indeed, that generally among the upper boys there might be
+      observed at this time, at Eton, a reigning inclination for political
+      discussion. The school truly had at all times been proud of its statesmen
+      and its parliamentary heroes, but this was merely a superficial feeling in
+      comparison with the sentiment which now first became prevalent. The great
+      public questions that were the consequence of the Reform of the House of
+      Commons, had also agitated their young hearts. And especially the
+      controversies that were now rife respecting the nature and character of
+      ecclesiastical establishments, wonderfully addressed themselves to their
+      excited intelligence. They read their newspapers with a keen relish,
+      canvassed debates, and criticised speeches; and although in their debating
+      society, which had been instituted more than a quarter of a century,
+      discussion on topics of the day was prohibited, still by fixing on periods
+      of our history when affairs were analogous to the present, many a youthful
+      orator contrived very effectively to reply to Lord John, or to refute the
+      fallacies of his rival.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As the political opinions predominant in the school were what in ordinary
+      parlance are styled Tory, and indeed were far better entitled to that
+      glorious epithet than the flimsy shifts which their fathers were
+      professing in Parliament and the country; the formation and the fall of
+      Sir Robert Peel&rsquo;s government had been watched by Etonians with great
+      interest, and even excitement. The memorable efforts which the Minister
+      himself made, supported only by the silent votes of his numerous
+      adherents, and contending alone against the multiplied assaults of his
+      able and determined foes, with a spirit equal to the great occasion, and
+      with resources of parliamentary contest which seemed to increase with
+      every exigency; these great and unsupported struggles alone were
+      calculated to gain the sympathy of youthful and generous spirits. The
+      assault on the revenues of the Church; the subsequent crusade against the
+      House of Lords; the display of intellect and courage exhibited by Lord
+      Lyndhurst in that assembly, when all seemed cowed and faint-hearted; all
+      these were incidents or personal traits apt to stir the passions, and
+      create in breasts not yet schooled to repress emotion, a sentiment even of
+      enthusiasm. It is the personal that interests mankind, that fires their
+      imagination, and wins their hearts. A cause is a great abstraction, and
+      fit only for students; embodied in a party, it stirs men to action; but
+      place at the head of that party a leader who can inspire enthusiasm, he
+      commands the world. Divine faculty! Rare and incomparable privilege! A
+      parliamentary leader who possesses it, doubles his majority; and he who
+      has it not, may shroud himself in artificial reserve, and study with
+      undignified arrogance an awkward haughtiness, but he will nevertheless be
+      as far from controlling the spirit as from captivating the hearts of his
+      sullen followers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      However, notwithstanding this general feeling at Eton, in 1835, in favour
+      of &lsquo;Conservative principles,&rsquo; which was, in fact, nothing more than a
+      confused and mingled sympathy with some great political truths, which were
+      at the bottom of every boy&rsquo;s heart, but nowhere else; and with the
+      personal achievements and distinction of the chieftains of the party; when
+      all this hubbub had subsided, and retrospection, in the course of a year,
+      had exercised its moralising influence over the more thoughtful part of
+      the nation, inquiries, at first faint and unpretending, and confined
+      indeed for a long period to limited, though inquisitive, circles, began
+      gently to circulate, what Conservative principles were.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These inquiries, urged indeed with a sort of hesitating scepticism, early
+      reached Eton. They came, no doubt, from the Universities. They were of a
+      character, however, far too subtile and refined to exercise any immediate
+      influence over the minds of youth. To pursue them required previous
+      knowledge and habitual thought. They were not yet publicly prosecuted by
+      any school of politicians, or any section of the public press. They had
+      not a local habitation or a name. They were whispered in conversation by a
+      few. A tutor would speak of them in an esoteric vein to a favourite pupil,
+      in whose abilities he had confidence, and whose future position in life
+      would afford him the opportunity of influencing opinion. Among others,
+      they fell upon the ear of Coningsby. They were addressed to a mind which
+      was prepared for such researches.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There is a Library at Eton formed by the boys and governed by the boys;
+      one of those free institutions which are the just pride of that noble
+      school, which shows the capacity of the boys for self-government, and
+      which has sprung from the large freedom that has been wisely conceded
+      them, the prudence of which confidence has been proved by their rarely
+      abusing it. This Library has been formed by subscriptions of the present
+      and still more by the gifts of old Etonians. Among the honoured names of
+      these donors may be remarked those of the Grenvilles and Lord Wellesley;
+      nor should we forget George IV., who enriched the collection with a
+      magnificent copy of the Delphin Classics. The Institution is governed by
+      six directors, the three first Collegers and the three first Oppidans for
+      the time being; and the subscribers are limited to the one hundred senior
+      members of the school.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It is only to be regretted that the collection is not so extensive at it
+      is interesting and choice. Perhaps its existence is not so generally known
+      as it deserves to be. One would think that every Eton man would be as
+      proud of his name being registered as a donor in the Catalogue of this
+      Library, as a Venetian of his name being inscribed in the Golden Book.
+      Indeed an old Etonian, who still remembers with tenderness the sacred
+      scene of youth, could scarcely do better than build a Gothic apartment for
+      the reception of the collection. It cannot be doubted that the Provost and
+      fellows would be gratified in granting a piece of ground for the purpose.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Great were the obligations of Coningsby to this Eton Library. It
+      introduced him to that historic lore, that accumulation of facts and
+      incidents illustrative of political conduct, for which he had imbibed an
+      early relish. His study was especially directed to the annals of his own
+      country, in which youth, and not youth alone, is frequently so deficient.
+      This collection could afford him Clarendon and Burnet, and the authentic
+      volumes of Coxe: these were rich materials for one anxious to be versed in
+      the great parliamentary story of his country. During the last year of his
+      stay at Eton, when he had completed his eighteenth year, Coningsby led a
+      more retired life than previously; he read much, and pondered with all the
+      pride of acquisition over his increasing knowledge.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And now the hour has come when this youth is to be launched into a world
+      more vast than that in which he has hitherto sojourned, yet for which this
+      microcosm has been no ill preparation. He will become more wise; will he
+      remain as generous? His ambition may be as great; will it be as noble?
+      What, indeed, is to be the future of this existence that is now to be sent
+      forth into the great aggregate of entities? Is it an ordinary organisation
+      that will jostle among the crowd, and be jostled? Is it a finer
+      temperament, susceptible of receiving the impressions and imbibing the
+      inspirations of superior yet sympathising spirits? Or is it a primordial
+      and creative mind; one that will say to his fellows, &lsquo;Behold, God has
+      given me thought; I have discovered truth, and you shall believe?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The night before Coningsby left Eton, alone in his room, before he retired
+      to rest, he opened the lattice and looked for the last time upon the
+      landscape before him; the stately keep of Windsor, the bowery meads of
+      Eton, soft in the summer moon and still in the summer night. He gazed upon
+      them; his countenance had none of the exultation, that under such
+      circumstances might have distinguished a more careless glance, eager for
+      fancied emancipation and passionate for a novel existence. Its expression
+      was serious, even sad; and he covered his brow with his hand.
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      END OF BOOK II.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0025" id="link2H_4_0025"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      BOOK III.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER I.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      There are few things more full of delight and splendour, than to travel
+      during the heat of a refulgent summer in the green district of some
+      ancient forest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In one of our midland counties there is a region of this character, to
+      which, during a season of peculiar lustre, we would introduce the reader.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was a fragment of one of those vast sylvan tracts wherein Norman kings
+      once hunted, and Saxon outlaws plundered; and although the plough had for
+      centuries successfully invaded brake and bower, the relics retained all
+      their original character of wildness and seclusion. Sometimes the green
+      earth was thickly studded with groves of huge and vigorous oaks,
+      intersected with those smooth and sunny glades, that seem as if they must
+      be cut for dames and knights to saunter on. Then again the undulating
+      ground spread on all sides, far as the eye could range, covered with copse
+      and fern of immense growth. Anon you found yourself in a turfy wilderness,
+      girt in apparently by dark woods. And when you had wound your way a little
+      through this gloomy belt, the landscape still strictly sylvan, would
+      beautifully expand with every combination and variety of woodland; while
+      in its centre, the wildfowl covered the waters of a lake, and the deer
+      basked on the knolls that abounded on its banks.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was in the month of August, some six or seven years ago, that a
+      traveller on foot, touched, as he emerged from the dark wood, by the
+      beauty of this scene, threw himself under the shade of a spreading tree,
+      and stretched his limbs on the turf for enjoyment rather than repose. The
+      sky was deep-coloured and without a cloud, save here and there a minute,
+      sultry, burnished vapour, almost as glossy as the heavens. Everything was
+      still as it was bright; all seemed brooding and basking; the bee upon its
+      wing was the only stirring sight, and its song the only sound.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The traveller fell into a reverie. He was young, and therefore his musings
+      were of the future. He had felt the pride of learning, so ennobling to
+      youth; he was not a stranger to the stirring impulses of a high ambition,
+      though the world to him was as yet only a world of books, and all that he
+      knew of the schemes of statesmen and the passions of the people, were to
+      be found in their annals. Often had his fitful fancy dwelt with
+      fascination on visions of personal distinction, of future celebrity,
+      perhaps even of enduring fame. But his dreams were of another colour now.
+      The surrounding scene, so fair, so still, and sweet; so abstracted from
+      all the tumult of the world, its strife, its passions, and its cares: had
+      fallen on his heart with its soft and subduing spirit; had fallen on a
+      heart still pure and innocent, the heart of one who, notwithstanding all
+      his high resolves and daring thoughts, was blessed with that tenderness of
+      soul which is sometimes linked with an ardent imagination and a strong
+      will. The traveller was an orphan, more than that, a solitary orphan. The
+      sweet sedulousness of a mother&rsquo;s love, a sister&rsquo;s mystical affection, had
+      not cultivated his early susceptibility. No soft pathos of expression had
+      appealed to his childish ear. He was alone, among strangers calmly and
+      coldly kind. It must indeed have been a truly gentle disposition that
+      could have withstood such hard neglect. All that he knew of the power of
+      the softer passions might be found in the fanciful and romantic annals of
+      schoolboy friendship.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And those friends too, so fond, so sympathising, so devoted, where were
+      they now? Already they were dispersed; the first great separation of life
+      had been experienced; the former schoolboy had planted his foot on the
+      threshold of manhood. True, many of them might meet again; many of them
+      the University must again unite, but never with the same feelings. The
+      space of time, passed in the world before they again met, would be an age
+      of sensation, passion, experience to all of them. They would meet again
+      with altered mien, with different manners, different voices. Their eyes
+      would not shine with the same light; they would not speak the same words.
+      The favourite phrases of their intimacy, the mystic sounds that spoke only
+      to their initiated ear, they would be ashamed to use them. Yes, they might
+      meet again, but the gushing and secret tenderness was gone for ever.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Nor could our pensive youth conceal it from himself that it was affection,
+      and mainly affection, that had bound him to these dear companions. They
+      could not be to him what he had been to them. His had been the inspiring
+      mind that had guided their opinions, formed their tastes, directed the
+      bent and tenor of their lives and thoughts. Often, indeed, had he needed,
+      sometimes he had even sighed for, the companionship of an equal or
+      superior mind; one who, by the comprehension of his thought, and the
+      richness of his knowledge, and the advantage of his experience, might
+      strengthen and illuminate and guide his obscure or hesitating or
+      unpractised intelligence. He had scarcely been fortunate in this respect,
+      and he deeply regretted it; for he was one of those who was not content
+      with excelling in his own circle, if he thought there was one superior to
+      it. Absolute, not relative distinction, was his noble aim.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Alone, in a lonely scene, he doubly felt the solitude of his life and
+      mind. His heart and his intellect seemed both to need a companion. Books,
+      and action, and deep thought, might in time supply the want of that
+      intellectual guide; but for the heart, where was he to find solace?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Ah! if she would but come forth from that shining lake like a beautiful
+      Ondine! Ah, if she would but step out from the green shade of that secret
+      grove like a Dryad of sylvan Greece! O mystery of mysteries, when youth
+      dreams his first dream over some imaginary heroine!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Suddenly the brooding wildfowl rose from the bosom of the lake, soared in
+      the air, and, uttering mournful shrieks, whirled in agitated tumult. The
+      deer started from their knolls, no longer sunny, stared around, and rushed
+      into the woods. Coningsby raised his eyes from the turf on which they had
+      been long fixed in abstraction, and he observed that the azure sky had
+      vanished, a thin white film had suddenly spread itself over the heavens,
+      and the wind moaned with a sad and fitful gust.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He had some reason to believe that on the other side of the opposite wood
+      the forest was intersected by a public road, and that there were some
+      habitations. Immediately rising, he descended at a rapid pace into the
+      valley, passed the lake, and then struck into the ascending wood on the
+      bank opposite to that on which he had mused away some precious time.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The wind howled, the branches of the forest stirred, and sent forth sounds
+      like an incantation. Soon might be distinguished the various voices of the
+      mighty trees, as they expressed their terror or their agony. The oak
+      roared, the beech shrieked, the elm sent forth its deep and long-drawn
+      groan; while ever and anon, amid a momentary pause, the passion of the ash
+      was heard in moans of thrilling anguish.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby hurried on, the forest became less close. All that he aspired to
+      was to gain more open country. Now he was in a rough flat land, covered
+      only here and there with dwarf underwood; the horizon bounded at no great
+      distance by a barren hill of moderate elevation. He gained its height with
+      ease. He looked over a vast open country like a wild common; in the
+      extreme distance hills covered with woods; the plain intersected by two
+      good roads: the sky entirely clouded, but in the distance black as ebony.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A place of refuge was at hand: screened from his first glance by some
+      elm-trees, the ascending smoke now betrayed a roof, which Coningsby
+      reached before the tempest broke. The forest-inn was also a farmhouse.
+      There was a comfortable-enough looking kitchen; but the ingle nook was
+      full of smokers, and Coningsby was glad to avail himself of the only
+      private room for the simple meal which they offered him, only eggs and
+      bacon; but very welcome to a pedestrian, and a hungry one.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As he stood at the window of his little apartment, watching the large
+      drops that were the heralds of a coming hurricane, and waiting for his
+      repast, a flash of lightning illumined the whole country, and a horseman
+      at full speed, followed by his groom, galloped up to the door.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The remarkable beauty of the animal so attracted Coningsby&rsquo;s attention
+      that it prevented him catching even a glimpse of the rider, who rapidly
+      dismounted and entered the inn. The host shortly after came in and asked
+      Coningsby whether he had any objection to a gentleman, who was driven
+      there by the storm, sharing his room until it subsided. The consequence of
+      the immediate assent of Coningsby was, that the landlord retired and soon
+      returned, ushering in an individual, who, though perhaps ten years older
+      than Coningsby, was still, according to Hippocrates, in the period of
+      lusty youth. He was above the middle height, and of a distinguished air
+      and figure; pale, with an impressive brow, and dark eyes of great
+      intelligence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am glad that we have both escaped the storm,&rsquo; said the stranger; &lsquo;and I
+      am greatly indebted to you for your courtesy.&rsquo; He slightly and graciously
+      bowed, as he spoke in a voice of remarkable clearness; and his manner,
+      though easy, was touched with a degree of dignity that was engaging.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The inn is a common home,&rsquo; replied Coningsby, returning his salute.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And free from cares,&rsquo; added the stranger. Then, looking through the
+      window, he said, &lsquo;A strange storm this. I was sauntering in the sunshine,
+      when suddenly I found I had to gallop for my life. &lsquo;Tis more like a white
+      squall in the Mediterranean than anything else.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I never was in the Mediterranean,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;There is nothing I
+      should like so much as to travel.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You are travelling,&rsquo; rejoined his companion. &lsquo;Every moment is travel, if
+      understood.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! but the Mediterranean!&rsquo; exclaimed Coningsby. &lsquo;What would I not give
+      to see Athens!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have seen it,&rsquo; said the stranger, slightly shrugging his shoulders,
+      &lsquo;and more wonderful things. Phantoms and spectres!&rsquo;
+</p>
+    <p>
+&lsquo;The Age of Ruins is
+      past. Have you seen Manchester?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have seen nothing,&rsquo; said Coningsby; &lsquo;this is my first wandering. I am
+      about to visit a friend who lives in this county, and I have sent on my
+      baggage as I could. For myself, I determined to trust to a less
+      common-place conveyance.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And seek adventures,&rsquo; said the stranger, smiling, &lsquo;Well, according to
+      Cervantes, they should begin in an inn.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I fear that the age of adventures is past, as well as that of ruins,&rsquo;
+      replied Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Adventures are to the adventurous,&rsquo; said the stranger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this moment a pretty serving-maid entered the room. She laid the dapper
+      cloth and arranged the table with a self-possession quite admirable. She
+      seemed unconscious that any being was in the chamber except herself, or
+      that there were any other duties to perform in life beyond filling a
+      saltcellar or folding a napkin.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;She does not even look at us,&rsquo; said Coningsby, when she had quitted the
+      room; &lsquo;and I dare say is only a prude.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;She is calm,&rsquo; said the stranger, &lsquo;because she is mistress of her subject;
+      &lsquo;tis the secret of self-possession. She is here as a duchess at court.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They brought in Coningsby&rsquo;s meal, and he invited the stranger to join him.
+      The invitation was accepted with cheerfulness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;&rsquo;Tis but simple fare,&rsquo; said Coningsby, as the maiden uncovered the still
+      hissing bacon and the eggs, that looked like tufts of primroses.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Nay, a national dish,&rsquo; said the stranger, glancing quickly at the table,
+      &lsquo;whose fame is a proverb. And what more should we expect under a simple
+      roof! How much better than an omelette or a greasy olla, that they would
+      give us in a posada! &lsquo;Tis a wonderful country this England! What a napkin!
+      How spotless! And so sweet; I declare &lsquo;tis a perfume. There is not a
+      princess throughout the South of Europe served with the cleanliness that
+      meets us in this cottage.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;An inheritance from our Saxon fathers?&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;I apprehend the
+      northern nations have a greater sense of cleanliness, of propriety, of
+      what we call comfort?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By no means,&rsquo; said the stranger; &lsquo;the East is the land of the Bath. Moses
+      and Mahomet made cleanliness religion.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You will let me help you?&rsquo; said Coningsby, offering him a plate which he
+      had filled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I thank you,&rsquo; said the stranger, &lsquo;but it is one of my bread days. With
+      your permission this shall be my dish;&rsquo; and he cut from the large loaf a
+      supply of crusts.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;&rsquo;Tis but unsavoury fare after a gallop,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! you are proud of your bacon and your eggs,&rsquo; said the stranger,
+      smiling, &lsquo;but I love corn and wine. They are our chief and our oldest
+      luxuries. Time has brought us substitutes, but how inferior! Man has
+      deified corn and wine! but not even the Chinese or the Irish have raised
+      temples to tea and potatoes.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But Ceres without Bacchus,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;how does that do? Think you,
+      under this roof, we could Invoke the god?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Let us swear by his body that we will try,&rsquo; said the stranger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Alas! the landlord was not a priest to Bacchus. But then these inquiries
+      led to the finest perry in the world. The young men agreed they had seldom
+      tasted anything more delicious; they sent for another bottle. Coningsby,
+      who was much interested by his new companion, enjoyed himself amazingly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A cheese, such as Derby alone can produce, could not induce the stranger
+      to be even partially inconstant to his crusts. But his talk was as
+      vivacious as if the talker had been stimulated by the juices of the finest
+      banquet. Coningsby had never met or read of any one like this chance
+      companion. His sentences were so short, his language so racy, his voice
+      rang so clear, his elocution was so complete. On all subjects his mind
+      seemed to be instructed, and his opinions formed. He flung out a result in
+      a few words; he solved with a phrase some deep problem that men muse over
+      for years. He said many things that were strange, yet they immediately
+      appeared to be true. Then, without the slightest air of pretension or
+      parade, he seemed to know everybody as well as everything. Monarchs,
+      statesmen, authors, adventurers, of all descriptions and of all climes, if
+      their names occurred in the conversation, he described them in an
+      epigrammatic sentence, or revealed their precise position, character,
+      calibre, by a curt dramatic trait. All this, too, without any excitement
+      of manner; on the contrary, with repose amounting almost to nonchalance.
+      If his address had any fault in it, it was rather a deficiency of
+      earnestness. A slight spirit of mockery played over his speech even when
+      you deemed him most serious; you were startled by his sudden transitions
+      from profound thought to poignant sarcasm. A very singular freedom from
+      passion and prejudice on every topic on which they treated, might be some
+      compensation for this want of earnestness, perhaps was its consequence.
+      Certainly it was difficult to ascertain his precise opinions on many
+      subjects, though his manner was frank even to abandonment. And yet
+      throughout his whole conversation, not a stroke of egotism, not a word,
+      not a circumstance escaped him, by which you could judge of his position
+      or purposes in life. As little did he seem to care to discover those of
+      his companion. He did not by any means monopolise the conversation. Far
+      from it; he continually asked questions, and while he received answers, or
+      had engaged his fellow-traveller in any exposition of his opinion or
+      feelings, he listened with a serious and fixed attention, looking
+      Coningsby in the face with a steadfast glance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I perceive,&rsquo; said Coningsby, pursuing a strain of thought which the other
+      had indicated, &lsquo;that you have great confidence in the influence of
+      individual character. I also have some confused persuasions of that kind.
+      But it is not the Spirit of the Age.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The age does not believe in great men, because it does not possess any,&rsquo;
+      replied the stranger. &lsquo;The Spirit of the Age is the very thing that a
+      great man changes.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But does he not rather avail himself of it?&rsquo; inquired Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Parvenus do,&rsquo; rejoined his companion; &lsquo;but not prophets, great
+      legislators, great conquerors. They destroy and they create.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But are these times for great legislators and great conquerors?&rsquo; urged
+      Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;When were they wanted more?&rsquo; asked the stranger. &lsquo;From the throne to the
+      hovel all call for a guide. You give monarchs constitutions to teach them
+      sovereignty, and nations Sunday-schools to inspire them with faith.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But what is an individual,&rsquo; exclaimed Coningsby, &lsquo;against a vast public
+      opinion?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Divine,&rsquo; said the stranger. &lsquo;God made man in His own image; but the
+      Public is made by Newspapers, Members of Parliament, Excise Officers, Poor
+      Law Guardians. Would Philip have succeeded if Epaminondas had not been
+      slain? And if Philip had not succeeded? Would Prussia have existed had
+      Frederick not been born? And if Frederick had not been born? What would
+      have been the fate of the Stuarts if Prince Henry had not died, and
+      Charles I., as was intended, had been Archbishop of Canterbury?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But when men are young they want experience,&rsquo; said Coningsby; &lsquo;and when
+      they have gained experience, they want energy.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Great men never want experience,&rsquo; said the stranger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But everybody says that experience&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Is the best thing in the world, a treasure for you, for me, for millions.
+      But for a creative mind, less than nothing. Almost everything that is
+      great has been done by youth.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is at least a creed flattering to our years,&rsquo; said Coningsby, with a
+      smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Nay,&rsquo; said the stranger; &lsquo;for life in general there is but one decree.
+      Youth is a blunder; Manhood a struggle; Old Age a regret. Do not suppose,&rsquo;
+      he added, smiling, &lsquo;that I hold that youth is genius; all that I say is,
+      that genius, when young, is divine. Why, the greatest captains of ancient
+      and modern times both conquered Italy at five-and-twenty! Youth, extreme
+      youth, overthrew the Persian Empire. Don John of Austria won Lepanto at
+      twenty-five, the greatest battle of modern time; had it not been for the
+      jealousy of Philip, the next year he would have been Emperor of
+      Mauritania. Gaston de Foix was only twenty-two when he stood a victor on
+      the plain of Ravenna. Every one remembers Condé and Rocroy at the same
+      age. Gustavus Adolphus died at thirty-eight. Look at his captains: that
+      wonderful Duke of Weimar, only thirty-six when he died. Banier himself,
+      after all his miracles, died at forty-five. Cortes was little more than
+      thirty when he gazed upon the golden cupolas of Mexico. When Maurice of
+      Saxony died at thirty-two, all Europe acknowledged the loss of the
+      greatest captain and the profoundest statesman of the age. Then there is
+      Nelson, Clive; but these are warriors, and perhaps you may think there are
+      greater things than war. I do not: I worship the Lord of Hosts. But take
+      the most illustrious achievements of civil prudence. Innocent III., the
+      greatest of the Popes, was the despot of Christendom at thirty-seven. John
+      de Medici was a Cardinal at fifteen, and according to Guicciardini,
+      baffled with his statecraft Ferdinand of Arragon himself. He was Pope as
+      Leo X. at thirty-seven. Luther robbed even him of his richest province at
+      thirty-five. Take Ignatius Loyola and John Wesley, they worked with young
+      brains. Ignatius was only thirty when he made his pilgrimage and wrote the
+      &ldquo;Spiritual Exercises.&rdquo; Pascal wrote a great work at sixteen, and died at
+      thirty-seven, the greatest of Frenchmen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! that fatal thirty-seven, which reminds me of Byron, greater even as a
+      man than a writer. Was it experience that guided the pencil of Raphael
+      when he painted the palaces of Rome? He, too, died at thirty-seven.
+      Richelieu was Secretary of State at thirty-one. Well then, there were
+      Bolingbroke and Pitt, both ministers before other men left off cricket.
+      Grotius was in great practice at seventeen, and Attorney-General at
+      twenty-four. And Acquaviva; Acquaviva was General of the Jesuits, ruled
+      every cabinet in Europe, and colonised America before he was thirty-seven.
+      What a career!&rsquo; exclaimed the stranger; rising from his chair and walking
+      up and down the room; &lsquo;the secret sway of Europe! That was indeed a
+      position! But it is needless to multiply instances! The history of Heroes
+      is the history of Youth.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah!&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;I should like to be a great man.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The stranger threw at him a scrutinising glance. His countenance was
+      serious. He said in a voice of almost solemn melody:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Nurture your mind with great thoughts. To believe in the heroic makes
+      heroes.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You seem to me a hero,&rsquo; said Coningsby, in a tone of real feeling, which,
+      half ashamed of his emotion, he tried to turn into playfulness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am and must ever be,&rsquo; said the stranger, &lsquo;but a dreamer of dreams.&rsquo;
+      Then going towards the window, and changing into a familiar tone as if to
+      divert the conversation, he added, &lsquo;What a delicious afternoon! I look
+      forward to my ride with delight. You rest here?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No; I go on to Nottingham, where I shall sleep.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And I in the opposite direction.&rsquo; And he rang the bell, and ordered his
+      horse.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I long to see your mare again,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;She seemed to me so
+      beautiful.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;She is not only of pure race,&rsquo; said the stranger, &lsquo;but of the highest and
+      rarest breed in Arabia. Her name is &ldquo;the Daughter of the Star.&rdquo; She is a
+      foal of that famous mare, which belonged to the Prince of the Wahabees;
+      and to possess which, I believe, was one of the principal causes of war
+      between that tribe and the Egyptians. The Pacha of Egypt gave her to me,
+      and I would not change her for her statue in pure gold, even carved by
+      Lysippus. Come round to the stable and see her.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They went out together. It was a soft sunny afternoon; the air fresh from
+      the rain, but mild and exhilarating.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The groom brought forth the mare. &lsquo;The Daughter of the Star&rsquo; stood before
+      Coningsby with her sinewy shape of matchless symmetry; her burnished skin,
+      black mane, legs like those of an antelope, her little ears, dark speaking
+      eye, and tail worthy of a Pacha. And who was her master, and whither was
+      she about to take him?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby was so naturally well-bred, that we may be sure it was not
+      curiosity; no, it was a finer feeling that made him hesitate and think a
+      little, and then say:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sorry to part.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I also,&rsquo; said the stranger. &lsquo;But life is constant separation.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I hope we may meet again,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If our acquaintance be worth preserving,&rsquo; said the stranger, &lsquo;you may be
+      sure it will not be lost.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But mine is not worth preserving,&rsquo; said Coningsby, earnestly. &lsquo;It is
+      yours that is the treasure. You teach me things of which I have long
+      mused.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The stranger took the bridle of &lsquo;the Daughter of the Star,&rsquo; and turning
+      round with a faint smile, extended his hand to his companion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Your mind at least is nurtured with great thoughts,&rsquo; said Coningsby;
+      &lsquo;your actions should be heroic.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Action is not for me,&rsquo; said the stranger; &lsquo;I am of that faith that the
+      Apostles professed before they followed their master.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He vaulted into his saddle, &lsquo;the Daughter of the Star&rsquo; bounded away as if
+      she scented the air of the Desert from which she and her rider had alike
+      sprung, and Coningsby remained in profound meditation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER II.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The day after his adventure at the Forest Inn, Coningsby arrived at
+      Beaumanoir. It was several years since he had visited the family of his
+      friend, who were indeed also his kin; and in his boyish days had often
+      proved that they were not unmindful of the affinity. This was a visit that
+      had been long counted on, long promised, and which a variety of
+      circumstances had hitherto prevented. It was to have been made by the
+      schoolboy; it was to be fulfilled by the man. For no less a character
+      could Coningsby under any circumstances now consent to claim, since he was
+      closely verging to the completion of his nineteenth year; and it appeared
+      manifest that if it were his destiny to do anything great, he had but few
+      years to wait before the full development of his power. Visions of Gastons
+      de Foix and Maurices of Saxony, statesmen giving up cricket to govern
+      nations, beardless Jesuits plunged in profound abstraction in omnipotent
+      cabinets, haunted his fancy from the moment he had separated from his
+      mysterious and deeply interesting companion. To nurture his mind with
+      great thoughts had ever been Coningsby&rsquo;s inspiring habit. Was it also
+      destined that he should achieve the heroic?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There are some books, when we close them; one or two in the course of our
+      life, difficult as it may be to analyse or ascertain the cause; our minds
+      seem to have made a great leap. A thousand obscure things receive light; a
+      multitude of indefinite feelings are determined. Our intellect grasps and
+      grapples with all subjects with a capacity, a flexibility, and a vigour,
+      before unknown to us. It masters questions hitherto perplexing, which are
+      not even touched or referred to in the volume just closed. What is this
+      magic? It is the spirit of the supreme author, by a magentic influence
+      blending with our sympathising intelligence, that directs and inspires it.
+      By that mysterious sensibility we extend to questions which he has not
+      treated, the same intellectual force which he has exercised over those
+      which he has expounded. His genius for a time remains in us. &lsquo;Tis the same
+      with human beings as with books. All of us encounter, at least once in our
+      life, some individual who utters words that make us think for ever.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There are men whose phrases are oracles; who condense in a sentence the
+      secrets of life; who blurt out an aphorism that forms a character or
+      illustrates an existence. A great thing is a great book; but greater than
+      all is the talk of a great man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And what is a great man? Is it a Minister of State? Is it a victorious
+      General? A gentleman in the Windsor uniform? A Field Marshal covered with
+      stars? Is it a Prelate, or a Prince? A King, even an Emperor? It may be
+      all these; yet these, as we must all daily feel, are not necessarily great
+      men. A great man is one who affects the mind of his generation: whether he
+      be a monk in his cloister agitating Christendom, or a monarch crossing the
+      Granicus, and giving a new character to the Pagan World.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Our young Coningsby reached Beaumanoir in a state of meditation. He also
+      desired to be great. Not from the restless vanity that sometimes impels
+      youth to momentary exertion, by which they sometimes obtain a distinction
+      as evanescent as their energy. The ambition of our hero was altogether of
+      a different character. It was, indeed, at present not a little vague,
+      indefinite, hesitating, inquiring, sometimes desponding. What were his
+      powers? what should be his aim? were often to him, as to all young
+      aspirants, questions infinitely perplexing and full of pain. But, on the
+      whole, there ran through his character, notwithstanding his many dazzling
+      qualities and accomplishments, and his juvenile celebrity, which has
+      spoiled so much promise, a vein of grave simplicity that was the
+      consequence of an earnest temper, and of an intellect that would be
+      content with nothing short of the profound.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His was a mind that loved to pursue every question to the centre. But it
+      was not a spirit of scepticism that impelled this habit; on the contrary,
+      it was the spirit of faith. Coningsby found that he was born in an age of
+      infidelity in all things, and his heart assured him that a want of faith
+      was a want of nature. But his vigorous intellect could not take refuge in
+      that maudlin substitute for belief which consists in a patronage of
+      fantastic theories. He needed that deep and enduring conviction that the
+      heart and the intellect, feeling and reason united, can alone supply. He
+      asked himself why governments were hated, and religions despised? Why
+      loyalty was dead, and reverence only a galvanised corpse?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These were indeed questions that had as yet presented themselves to his
+      thought in a crude and imperfect form; but their very occurrence showed
+      the strong predisposition of his mind. It was because he had not found
+      guides among his elders, that his thoughts had been turned to the
+      generation that he himself represented. The sentiment of veneration was so
+      developed in his nature, that he was exactly the youth that would have
+      hung with enthusiastic humility on the accents of some sage of old in the
+      groves of Academus, or the porch of Zeno. But as yet he had found age only
+      perplexed and desponding; manhood only callous and desperate. Some thought
+      that systems would last their time; others, that something would turn up.
+      His deep and pious spirit recoiled with disgust and horror from such lax,
+      chance-medley maxims, that would, in their consequences, reduce man to the
+      level of the brutes. Notwithstanding a prejudice which had haunted him
+      from his childhood, he had, when the occasion offered, applied to Mr.
+      Rigby for instruction, as one distinguished in the republic of letters, as
+      well as the realm of politics; who assumed the guidance of the public
+      mind, and, as the phrase runs, was looked up to. Mr. Rigby listened at
+      first to the inquiries of Coningsby, urged, as they ever were, with a
+      modesty and deference which do not always characterise juvenile
+      investigations, as if Coningsby were speaking to him of the unknown
+      tongues. But Mr. Rigby was not a man who ever confessed himself at fault.
+      He caught up something of the subject as our young friend proceeded, and
+      was perfectly prepared, long before he had finished, to take the whole
+      conversation into his own hands.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Rigby began by ascribing everything to the Reform Bill, and then
+      referred to several of his own speeches on Schedule A. Then he told
+      Coningsby that want of religious Faith was solely occasioned by want of
+      churches; and want of Loyalty, by George IV. having shut himself up too
+      much at the cottage in Windsor Park, entirely against the advice of Mr.
+      Rigby. He assured Coningsby that the Church Commission was operating
+      wonders, and that with private benevolence, he had himself subscribed
+      1,000<i>l.</i>, for Lord Monmouth, we should soon have churches enough.
+      The great question now was their architecture. Had George IV. lived all
+      would have been right. They would have been built on the model of the
+      Budhist pagoda. As for Loyalty, if the present King went regularly to
+      Ascot races, he had no doubt all would go right. Finally, Mr. Rigby
+      impressed on Coningsby to read the Quarterly Review with great attention;
+      and to make himself master of Mr. Wordy&rsquo;s History of the late War, in
+      twenty volumes, a capital work, which proves that Providence was on the
+      side of the Tories.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby did not reply to Mr. Rigby again; but worked on with his own
+      mind, coming often enough to sufficiently crude conclusions, and often
+      much perplexed and harassed. He tried occasionally his inferences on his
+      companions, who were intelligent and full of fervour. Millbank was more
+      than this. He was of a thoughtful mood; had also caught up from a new
+      school some principles, which were materials for discussion. One way or
+      other, however, before he quitted Eton there prevailed among this circle
+      of friends, the initial idea doubtless emanating from Coningsby, an
+      earnest, though a rather vague, conviction that the present state of
+      feeling in matters both civil and religious was not healthy; that there
+      must be substituted for this latitudinarianism something sound and deep,
+      fervent and well defined, and that the priests of this new faith must be
+      found among the New Generation; so that when the bright-minded rider of
+      &lsquo;the Daughter of the Star&rsquo; descanted on the influence of individual
+      character, of great thoughts and heroic actions, and the divine power of
+      youth and genius, he touched a string that was the very heart-chord of his
+      companion, who listened with fascinated enthusiasm as he introduced him to
+      his gallery of inspiring models.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby arrived at Beaumanoir at a season when men can neither hunt nor
+      shoot. Great internal resources should be found in a country family under
+      such circumstances. The Duke and Duchess had returned from London only a
+      few days with their daughter, who had been presented this year. They were
+      all glad to find themselves again in the country, which they loved and
+      which loved them. One of their sons-in-law and his wife, and Henry Sydney,
+      completed the party.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There are few conjunctures in life of a more startling interest, than to
+      meet the pretty little girl that we have gambolled with in our boyhood,
+      and to find her changed in the lapse of a very few years, which in some
+      instances may not have brought a corresponding alteration in our own
+      appearance, into a beautiful woman. Something of this flitted over
+      Coningsby&rsquo;s mind, as he bowed, a little agitated from his surprise, to
+      Lady Theresa Sydney. All that he remembered had prepared him for beauty;
+      but not for the degree or character of beauty that he met. It was a rich,
+      sweet face, with blue eyes and dark lashes, and a nose that we have no
+      epithet in English to describe, but which charmed in Roxalana. Her brown
+      hair fell over her white and well turned shoulders in long and luxuriant
+      tresses. One has met something as brilliant and dainty in a medallion of
+      old Sèvres, or amid the terraces and gardens of Watteau.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Perhaps Lady Theresa, too, might have welcomed him with more freedom had
+      his appearance also more accorded with the image which he had left behind.
+      Coningsby was a boy then, as we described him in our first chapter. Though
+      only nineteen now, he had attained his full stature, which was above the
+      middle height, and time had fulfilled that promise of symmetry in his
+      figure, and grace in his mien, then so largely intimated. Time, too, which
+      had not yet robbed his countenance of any of its physical beauty, had
+      strongly developed the intellectual charm by which it had ever been
+      distinguished. As he bowed lowly before the Duchess and her daughter, it
+      would have been difficult to imagine a youth of a mien more prepossessing
+      and a manner more finished.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A manner that was spontaneous; nature&rsquo;s pure gift, the reflex of his
+      feeling. No artifice prompted that profound and polished homage. Not one
+      of those influences, the aggregate of whose sway produces, as they tell
+      us, the finished gentleman, had ever exercised its beneficent power on our
+      orphan, and not rarely forlorn, Coningsby. No clever and refined woman,
+      with her quick perception, and nice criticism that never offends our
+      self-love, had ever given him that education that is more precious than
+      Universities. The mild suggestions of a sister, the gentle raillery of
+      some laughing cousin, are also advantages not always appreciated at the
+      time, but which boys, when they have become men, often think over with
+      gratitude, and a little remorse at the ungracious spirit in which they
+      were received. Not even the dancing-master had afforded his mechanical aid
+      to Coningsby, who, like all Eton boys of his generation, viewed that
+      professor of accomplishments with frank repugnance. But even in the
+      boisterous life of school, Coningsby, though his style was free and
+      flowing, was always well-bred. His spirit recoiled from that gross
+      familiarity that is the characteristic of modern manners, and which would
+      destroy all forms and ceremonies merely because they curb and control
+      their own coarse convenience and ill-disguised selfishness. To women,
+      however, Coningsby instinctively bowed, as to beings set apart for
+      reverence and delicate treatment. Little as his experience was of them,
+      his spirit had been fed with chivalrous fancies, and he entertained for
+      them all the ideal devotion of a Surrey or a Sydney. Instructed, if not
+      learned, as books and thought had already made him in men, he could not
+      conceive that there were any other women in the world than fair Geraldines
+      and Countesses of Pembroke.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was not a country-house in England that had so completely the air of
+      habitual residence as Beaumanoir. It is a charming trait, and very rare.
+      In many great mansions everything is as stiff, formal, and tedious, as if
+      your host were a Spanish grandee in the days of the Inquisition. No ease,
+      no resources; the passing life seems a solemn spectacle in which you play
+      a part. How delightful was the morning room at Beaumanoir; from which
+      gentlemen were not excluded with that assumed suspicion that they can
+      never enter it but for felonious purposes. Such a profusion of flowers!
+      Such a multitude of books! Such a various prodigality of writing
+      materials! So many easy chairs too, of so many shapes; each in itself a
+      comfortable home; yet nothing crowded. Woman alone can organise a
+      drawing-room; man succeeds sometimes in a library. And the ladies&rsquo; work!
+      How graceful they look bending over their embroidery frames, consulting
+      over the arrangement of a group, or the colour of a flower. The panniers
+      and fanciful baskets, overflowing with variegated worsted, are gay and
+      full of pleasure to the eye, and give an air of elegant business that is
+      vivifying. Even the sight of employment interests.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the morning costume of English women is itself a beautiful work of
+      art. At this period of the day they can find no rivals in other climes.
+      The brilliant complexions of the daughters of the north dazzle in
+      daylight; the illumined saloon levels all distinctions. One should see
+      them in their well-fashioned muslin dresses. What matrons, and what
+      maidens! Full of graceful dignity, fresher than the morn! And the married
+      beauty in her little lace cap. Ah, she is a coquette! A charming character
+      at all times; in a country-house an invaluable one.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A coquette is a being who wishes to please. Amiable being! If you do not
+      like her, you will have no difficulty in finding a female companion of a
+      different mood. Alas! coquettes are but too rare. &lsquo;Tis a career that
+      requires great abilities, infinite pains, a gay and airy spirit. &lsquo;Tis the
+      coquette that provides all amusement; suggests the riding party, plans the
+      picnic, gives and guesses charades, acts them. She is the stirring element
+      amid the heavy congeries of social atoms; the soul of the house, the salt
+      of the banquet. Let any one pass a very agreeable week, or it may be ten
+      days, under any roof, and analyse the cause of his satisfaction, and one
+      might safely make a gentle wager that his solution would present him with
+      the frolic phantom of a coquette.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is impossible that Mr. Coningsby can remember me!&rsquo; said a clear voice;
+      and he looked round, and was greeted by a pair of sparkling eyes and the
+      gayest smile in the world.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was Lady Everingham, the Duke&rsquo;s married daughter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER III.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And you walked here!&rsquo; said Lady Everingham to Coningsby, when the stir of
+      arranging themselves at dinner had subsided. &lsquo;Only think, papa, Mr.
+      Coningsby walked here! I also am a great walker.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I had heard much of the forest,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Which I am sure did not disappoint you,&rsquo; said the Duke.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But forests without adventures!&rsquo; said Lady Everingham, a little shrugging
+      her pretty shoulders.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But I had an adventure,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! tell it us by all means!&rsquo; said the Lady, with great animation.
+      &lsquo;Adventures are my weakness. I have had more adventures than any one. Have
+      I not had, Augustus?&rsquo; she added, addressing her husband.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But you make everything out to be an adventure, Isabel,&rsquo; said Lord
+      Everingham. I dare say that Mr. Coningsby&rsquo;s was more substantial.&rsquo; And
+      looking at our young friend, he invited him to inform them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I met a most extraordinary man,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It should have been a heroine,&rsquo; exclaimed Lady Everingham.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Do you know anybody in this neighbourhood who rides the finest Arab in
+      the world?&rsquo; asked Coningsby. &lsquo;She is called &ldquo;the Daughter of the Star,&rdquo;
+       and was given to her rider by the Pacha of Egypt.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;This is really an adventure,&rsquo; said Lady Everingham, interested.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The Daughter of the Star!&rsquo; said Lady Theresa. &lsquo;What a pretty name! Percy
+      has a horse called &ldquo;Sunbeam.&rdquo;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A fine Arab, the finest in the world!&rsquo; said the Duke, who was fond of
+      horse. &lsquo;Who can it be?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Can you throw any light on this, Mr. Lyle?&rsquo; asked the Duchess of a young
+      man who sat next her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He was a neighbour who had joined their dinner-party, Eustace Lyle, a
+      Roman Catholic, and the richest commoner in the county; for he had
+      succeeded to a great estate early in his minority, which had only this
+      year terminated.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I certainly do not know the horse,&rsquo; said Mr. Lyle; &lsquo;but if Mr. Coningsby
+      would describe the rider, perhaps&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He is a man something under thirty,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;pale, with dark
+      hair. We met in a sort of forest-inn during a storm. A most singular man!
+      Indeed, I never met any one who seemed to me so clever, or to say such
+      remarkable things.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He must have been the spirit of the storm,&rsquo; said Lady Everingham.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Charles Verney has a great deal of dark hair,&rsquo; said Lady Theresa. &lsquo;But
+      then he is anything but pale, and his eyes are blue.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And certainly he keeps his wonderful things for your ear, Theresa,&rsquo; said
+      her sister.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wish that Mr. Coningsby would tell us some of the wonderful things he
+      said,&rsquo; said the Duchess, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Take a glass of wine first with my mother, Coningsby,&rsquo; said Henry Sydney,
+      who had just finished helping them all to fish.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby had too much tact to be entrapped into a long story. He already
+      regretted that he had been betrayed into any allusion to the stranger. He
+      had a wild, fanciful notion, that their meeting ought to have been
+      preserved as a sacred secret. But he had been impelled to refer to it in
+      the first instance by the chance observation of Lady Everingham; and he
+      had pursued his remark from the hope that the conversation might have led
+      to the discovery of the unknown. When he found that his inquiry in this
+      respect was unsuccessful, he was willing to turn the conversation. In
+      reply to the Duchess, then, he generally described the talk of the
+      stranger as full of lively anecdote and epigrammatic views of life; and
+      gave them, for example, a saying of an illustrious foreign Prince, which
+      was quite new and pointed, and which Coningsby told well. This led to a
+      new train of discourse. The Duke also knew this illustrious foreign
+      Prince, and told another story of him; and Lord Everingham had played
+      whist with this illustrious foreign Prince often at the Travellers&rsquo;, and
+      this led to a third story; none of them too long. Then Lady Everingham
+      came in again, and sparkled agreeably. She, indeed, sustained throughout
+      dinner the principal weight of the conversation; but, as she asked
+      questions of everybody, all seemed to contribute. Even the voice of Mr.
+      Lyle, who was rather bashful, was occasionally heard in reply. Coningsby,
+      who had at first unintentionally taken a more leading part than he aspired
+      to, would have retired into the background for the rest of the dinner, but
+      Lady Everingham continually signalled him out for her questions, and as
+      she sat opposite to him, he seemed the person to whom they were
+      principally addressed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At length the ladies rose to retire. A very great personage in a foreign,
+      but not remote country, once mentioned to the writer of these pages, that
+      he ascribed the superiority of the English in political life, in their
+      conduct of public business and practical views of affairs, in a great
+      measure to &lsquo;that little half-hour&rsquo; that separates, after dinner, the dark
+      from the fair sex. The writer humbly submitted, that if the period of
+      disjunction were strictly limited to a &lsquo;little half-hour,&rsquo; its salutary
+      consequences for both sexes need not be disputed, but that in England the
+      &lsquo;little half-hour&rsquo; was too apt to swell into a term of far more awful
+      character and duration. Lady Everingham was a disciple of the &lsquo;very little
+      half-hour&rsquo; school; for, as she gaily followed her mother, she said to
+      Coningsby, whose gracious lot it was to usher them from the apartment:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Pray do not be too long at the Board of Guardians to-day.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These were prophetic words; for no sooner were they all again seated, than
+      the Duke, filling his glass and pushing the claret to Coningsby, observed,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I suppose Lord Monmouth does not trouble himself much about the New Poor
+      Law?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Hardly,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;My grandfather&rsquo;s frequent absence from England,
+      which his health, I believe, renders quite necessary, deprives him of the
+      advantage of personal observation on a subject, than which I can myself
+      conceive none more deeply interesting.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am glad to hear you say so,&rsquo; said the Duke, &lsquo;and it does you great
+      credit, and Henry too, whose attention, I observe, is directed very much
+      to these subjects. In my time, the young men did not think so much of such
+      things, and we suffer consequently. By the bye, Everingham, you, who are a
+      Chairman of a Board of Guardians, can give me some information. Supposing
+      a case of out-door relief&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I could not suppose anything so absurd,&rsquo; said the son-in-law.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well,&rsquo; rejoined the Duke, &lsquo;I know your views on that subject, and it
+      certainly is a question on which there is a good deal to be said. But
+      would you under any circumstances give relief out of the Union, even if
+      the parish were to save a considerable sum?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wish I knew the Union where such a system was followed,&rsquo; said Lord
+      Everingham; and his Grace seemed to tremble under his son-in-law&rsquo;s glance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Duke had a good heart, and not a bad head. If he had not made in his
+      youth so many Latin and English verses, he might have acquired
+      considerable information, for he had a natural love of letters, though his
+      pack were the pride of England, his barrel seldom missed, and his fortune
+      on the turf, where he never betted, was a proverb. He was good, and he
+      wished to do good; but his views were confused from want of knowledge, and
+      his conduct often inconsistent because a sense of duty made him
+      immediately active; and he often acquired in the consequent experience a
+      conviction exactly contrary to that which had prompted his activity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His Grace had been a great patron and a zealous administrator of the New
+      Poor Law. He had been persuaded that it would elevate the condition of the
+      labouring class. His son-in-law, Lord Everingham, who was a Whig, and a
+      clearheaded, cold-blooded man, looked upon the New Poor Law as another
+      Magna Charta. Lord Everingham was completely master of the subject. He was
+      himself the Chairman of one of the most considerable Unions of the
+      kingdom. The Duke, if he ever had a misgiving, had no chance in argument
+      with his son-in-law. Lord Everingham overwhelmed him with quotations from
+      Commissioners&rsquo; rules and Sub-commissioners&rsquo; reports, statistical tables,
+      and references to dietaries. Sometimes with a strong case, the Duke
+      struggled to make a fight; but Lord Everingham, when he was at fault for a
+      reply, which was very rare, upbraided his father-in-law with the abuses of
+      the old system, and frightened him with visions of rates exceeding
+      rentals.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Of late, however, a considerable change had taken place in the Duke&rsquo;s
+      feelings on this great question. His son Henry entertained strong opinions
+      upon it, and had combated his father with all the fervour of a young
+      votary. A victory over his Grace, indeed, was not very difficult. His
+      natural impulse would have enlisted him on the side, if not of opposition
+      to the new system, at least of critical suspicion of its spirit and
+      provisions. It was only the statistics and sharp acuteness of his
+      son-in-law that had, indeed, ever kept him to his colours. Lord Henry
+      would not listen to statistics, dietary tables, Commissioners&rsquo; rides,
+      Sub-commissioners&rsquo; reports. He went far higher than his father; far deeper
+      than his brother-in-law. He represented to the Duke that the order of the
+      peasantry was as ancient, legal, and recognised an order as the order of
+      the nobility; that it had distinct rights and privileges, though for
+      centuries they had been invaded and violated, and permitted to fall into
+      desuetude. He impressed upon the Duke that the parochial constitution of
+      this country was more important than its political constitution; that it
+      was more ancient, more universal in its influence; and that this parochial
+      constitution had already been shaken to its centre by the New Poor Law. He
+      assured his father that it would never be well for England until this
+      order of the peasantry was restored to its pristine condition; not merely
+      in physical comfort, for that must vary according to the economical
+      circumstances of the time, like that of every class; but to its condition
+      in all those moral attributes which make a recognised rank in a nation;
+      and which, in a great degree, are independent of economics, manners,
+      customs, ceremonies, rights, and privileges.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Henry thinks,&rsquo; said Lord Everingham, &lsquo;that the people are to be fed by
+      dancing round a May-pole.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But will the people be more fed because they do not dance round a
+      May-pole?&rsquo; urged Lord Henry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Obsolete customs!&rsquo; said Lord Everingham.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And why should dancing round a May-pole be more obsolete than holding a
+      Chapter of the Garter?&rsquo; asked Lord Henry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Duke, who was a blue ribbon, felt this a home thrust. &lsquo;I must say,&rsquo;
+      said his Grace, &lsquo;that I for one deeply regret that our popular customs
+      have been permitted to fall so into desuetude.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The Spirit of the Age is against such things,&rsquo; said Lord Everingham.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And what is the Spirit of the Age?&rsquo; asked Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The Spirit of Utility,&rsquo; said Lord Everingham.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And you think then that ceremony is not useful?&rsquo; urged Coningsby, mildly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It depends upon circumstances,&rsquo; said Lord Everingham. &lsquo;There are some
+      ceremonies, no doubt, that are very proper, and of course very useful. But
+      the best thing we can do for the labouring classes is to provide them with
+      work.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But what do you mean by the labouring classes, Everingham?&rsquo; asked Lord
+      Henry. &lsquo;Lawyers are a labouring class, for instance, and by the bye
+      sufficiently provided with work. But would you approve of Westminster Hall
+      being denuded of all its ceremonies?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And the long vacation being abolished?&rsquo; added Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Theresa brings me terrible accounts of the sufferings of the poor about
+      us,&rsquo; said the Duke, shaking his head.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Women think everything to be suffering!&rsquo; said Lord Everingham.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;How do you find them about you, Mr. Lyle?&rsquo; continued the Duke.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have revived the monastic customs at St. Genevieve,&rsquo; said the young
+      man, blushing. &lsquo;There is an almsgiving twice a-week.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sure I wish I could see the labouring classes happy,&rsquo; said the Duke.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! pray do not use, my dear father, that phrase, the labouring classes!&rsquo;
+      said Lord Henry. &lsquo;What do you think, Coningsby, the other day we had a
+      meeting in this neighbourhood to vote an agricultural petition that was to
+      comprise all classes. I went with my father, and I was made chairman of
+      the committee to draw up the petition. Of course, I described it as the
+      petition of the nobility, clergy, gentry, yeomanry, and peasantry of the
+      county of &mdash;&mdash;; and, could you believe it, they struck out <i>peasantry</i>
+      as a word no longer used, and inserted <i>labourers</i>.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What can it signify,&rsquo; said Lord Everingham, &lsquo;whether a man be called a
+      labourer or a peasant?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And what can it signify,&rsquo; said his brother-in-law, &lsquo;whether a man be
+      called Mr. Howard or Lord Everingham?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They were the most affectionate family under this roof of Beaumanoir, and
+      of all members of it, Lord Henry the sweetest tempered, and yet it was
+      astonishing what sharp skirmishes every day arose between him and his
+      brother-in-law, during that &lsquo;little half-hour&rsquo; that forms so happily the
+      political character of the nation. The Duke, who from experience felt that
+      a guerilla movement was impending, asked his guests whether they would
+      take any more claret; and on their signifying their dissent, moved an
+      adjournment to the ladies.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They joined the ladies in the music-room. Coningsby, not experienced in
+      feminine society, and who found a little difficulty from want of practice
+      in maintaining conversation, though he was desirous of succeeding, was
+      delighted with Lady Everingham, who, instead of requiring to be amused,
+      amused him; and suggested so many subjects, and glanced at so many topics,
+      that there never was that cold, awkward pause, so common with sullen
+      spirits and barren brains. Lady Everingham thoroughly understood the art
+      of conversation, which, indeed, consists of the exercise of two fine
+      qualities. You must originate, and you must sympathise; you must possess
+      at the same time the habit of communicating and the habit of listening.
+      The union is rather rare, but irresistible.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lady Everingham was not a celebrated beauty, but she was something
+      infinitely more delightful, a captivating woman. There were combined, in
+      her, qualities not commonly met together, great vivacity of mind with
+      great grace of manner. Her words sparkled and her movements charmed. There
+      was, indeed, in all she said and did, that congruity that indicates a
+      complete and harmonious organisation. It was the same just proportion
+      which characterised her form: a shape slight and undulating with grace;
+      the most beautifully shaped ear; a small, soft hand; a foot that would
+      have fitted the glass slipper; and which, by the bye, she lost no
+      opportunity of displaying; and she was right, for it was a model.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then there was music. Lady Theresa sang like a seraph: a rich voice, a
+      grand style. And her sister could support her with grace and sweetness.
+      And they did not sing too much. The Duke took up a review, and looked at
+      Rigby&rsquo;s last slashing article. The country seemed ruined, but it appeared
+      that the Whigs were still worse off than the Tories. The assassins had
+      committed suicide. This poetical justice is pleasing. Lord Everingham,
+      lounging in an easy chair, perused with great satisfaction his <i>Morning
+      Chronicle</i>, which contained a cutting reply to Mr. Rigby&rsquo;s article, not
+      quite so &lsquo;slashing&rsquo; as the Right Honourable scribe&rsquo;s manifesto, but with
+      some searching mockery, that became the subject and the subject-monger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Lyle seated himself by the Duchess, and encouraged by her amenity, and
+      speaking in whispers, became animated and agreeable, occasionally patting
+      the lap-dog. Coningsby stood by the singers, or talked with them when the
+      music had ceased: and Henry Sydney looked over a volume of Strutt&rsquo;s <i>Sports
+      and Pastimes</i>, occasionally, without taking his eyes off the volume,
+      calling the attention of his friends to his discoveries.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Lyle rose to depart, for he had some miles to return; he came forward
+      with some hesitation, to hope that Coningsby would visit his bloodhounds,
+      which Lord Henry had told him Coningsby had expressed a wish to do. Lady
+      Everingham remarked that she had not been at St. Genevieve since she was a
+      girl, and it appeared Lady Theresa had never visited it. Lady Everingham
+      proposed that they should all ride over on the morrow, and she appealed to
+      her husband for his approbation, instantly given, for though she loved
+      admiration, and he apparently was an iceberg, they were really devoted to
+      each other. Then there was a consultation as to their arrangements. The
+      Duchess would drive over in her pony chair with Theresa. The Duke, as
+      usual, had affairs that would occupy him. The rest were to ride. It was a
+      happy suggestion, all anticipated pleasure; and the evening terminated
+      with the prospect of what Lady Everingham called an adventure.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The ladies themselves soon withdrew; the gentlemen lingered for a while;
+      the Duke took up his candle, and bid his guests good night; Lord
+      Everingham drank a glass of Seltzer water, nodded, and vanished. Lord
+      Henry and his friend sat up talking over the past. They were too young to
+      call them old times; and yet what a life seemed to have elapsed since they
+      had quitted Eton, dear old Eton! Their boyish feelings, and still latent
+      boyish character, developed with their reminiscences.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Do you remember Bucknall? Which Bucknall? The eldest: I saw him the other
+      day at Nottingham; he is in the Rifles. Do you remember that day at Sirly
+      Hall, that Paulet had that row with Dickinson? Did you like Dickinson?
+      Hum! Paulet was a good fellow. I tell you who was a good fellow, Paulet&rsquo;s
+      little cousin. What! Augustus Le Grange? Oh! I liked Augustus Le Grange. I
+      wonder where Buckhurst is? I had a letter from him the other day. He has
+      gone with his uncle to Paris. We shall find him at Cambridge in October. I
+      suppose you know Millbank has gone to Oriel. Has he, though! I wonder who
+      will have our room at Cookesley&rsquo;s? Cookesley was a good fellow! Oh,
+      capital! How well he behaved when there was that row about our going out
+      with the hounds? Do you remember Vere&rsquo;s face? It makes me laugh now when I
+      think of it. I tell you who was a good fellow, Kangaroo Gray; I liked him.
+      I don&rsquo;t know any fellow who sang a better song!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By the bye,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;what sort of fellow is Eustace Lyle? I
+      rather liked his look.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! I will tell you all about him,&rsquo; said Lord Henry. &lsquo;He is a great ally
+      of mine, and I think you will like him very much. It is a Roman Catholic
+      family, about the oldest we have in the county, and the wealthiest. You
+      see, Lyle&rsquo;s father was the most violent ultra Whig, and so were all
+      Eustace&rsquo;s guardians; but the moment he came of age, he announced that he
+      should not mix himself up with either of the parties in the county, and
+      that his tenantry might act exactly as they thought fit. My father thinks,
+      of course, that Lyle is a Conservative, and that he only waits the
+      occasion to come forward; but he is quite wrong. I know Lyle well, and he
+      speaks to me without disguise. You see &lsquo;tis an old Cavalier family, and
+      Lyle has all the opinions and feelings of his race. He will not ally
+      himself with anti-monarchists, and democrats, and infidels, and
+      sectarians; at the same time, why should he support a party who pretend to
+      oppose these, but who never lose an opportunity of insulting his religion,
+      and would deprive him, if possible, of the advantages of the very
+      institutions which his family assisted in establishing?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why, indeed? I am glad to have made his acquaintance,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+      &lsquo;Is he clever?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think so,&rsquo; said Lord Henry. &lsquo;He is the most shy fellow, especially
+      among women, that I ever knew, but he is very popular in the county. He
+      does an amazing deal of good, and is one of the best riders we have. My
+      father says, the very best; bold, but so very certain.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He is older than we are?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My senior by a year: he is just of age.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh, ah! twenty-one. A year younger than Gaston de Foix when he won
+      Ravenna, and four years younger than John of Austria when he won Lepanto,&rsquo;
+      observed Coningsby, musingly. &lsquo;I vote we go to bed, old fellow!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER IV.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      In a valley, not far from the margin of a beautiful river, raised on a
+      lofty and artificial terrace at the base of a range of wooded heights, was
+      a pile of modern building in the finest style of Christian architecture.
+      It was of great extent and richly decorated. Built of a white and
+      glittering stone, it sparkled with its pinnacles in the sunshine as it
+      rose in strong relief against its verdant background. The winding valley,
+      which was studded, but not too closely studded, with clumps of old trees,
+      formed for a great extent on either side of the mansion a grassy demesne,
+      which was called the Lower Park; but it was a region bearing the name of
+      the Upper Park, that was the peculiar and most picturesque feature of this
+      splendid residence. The wooded heights that formed the valley were not, as
+      they appeared, a range of hills. Their crest was only the abrupt
+      termination of a vast and enclosed tableland, abounding in all the
+      qualities of the ancient chase: turf and trees, a wilderness of underwood,
+      and a vast spread of gorse and fern. The deer, that abounded, lived here
+      in a world as savage as themselves: trooping down in the evening to the
+      river. Some of them, indeed, were ever in sight of those who were in the
+      valley, and you might often observe various groups clustered on the green
+      heights above the mansion, the effect of which was most inspiriting and
+      graceful. Sometimes in the twilight, a solitary form, magnified by the
+      illusive hour, might be seen standing on the brink of the steep, large and
+      black against the clear sky.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      We have endeavoured slightly to sketch St. Geneviève as it appeared to our
+      friends from Beaumanoir, winding into the valley the day after Mr. Lyle
+      had dined with them. The valley opened for about half-a-mile opposite the
+      mansion, which gave to the dwellers in it a view over an extensive and
+      richly-cultivated country. It was through this district that the party
+      from Beaumanoir had pursued their way. The first glance at the building,
+      its striking situation, its beautiful form, its brilliant colour, its
+      great extent, a gathering as it seemed of galleries, halls, and chapels,
+      mullioned windows, portals of clustered columns, and groups of airy
+      pinnacles and fretwork spires, called forth a general cry of wonder and of
+      praise.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The ride from Beaumanoir had been delightful; the breath of summer in
+      every breeze, the light of summer on every tree. The gay laugh of Lady
+      Everingham rang frequently in the air; often were her sunny eyes directed
+      to Coningsby, as she called his attention to some fair object or some
+      pretty effect. She played the hostess of Nature, and introduced him to all
+      the beauties.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Lyle had recognised them. He cantered forward with greetings on a fat
+      little fawn-coloured pony, with a long white mane and white flowing tail,
+      and the wickedest eye in the world. He rode by the side of the Duchess,
+      and indicated their gently-descending route.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They arrived, and the peacocks, who were sunning themselves on the
+      turrets, expanded their plumage to welcome them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I can remember the old house,&rsquo; said the Duchess, as she took Mr. Lyle&rsquo;s
+      arm; &lsquo;and I am happy to see the new one. The Duke had prepared me for much
+      beauty, but the reality exceeds his report.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They entered by a short corridor into a large hall. They would have
+      stopped to admire its rich roof, its gallery and screen; but their host
+      suggested that they should refresh themselves after their ride, and they
+      followed him through several apartments into a spacious chamber, its oaken
+      panels covered with a series of interesting pictures, representing the
+      siege of St. Geneviève by the Parliament forces in 1643: the various
+      assaults and sallies, and the final discomfiture of the rebels. In all
+      these figured a brave and graceful Sir Eustace Lyle, in cuirass and buff
+      jerkin, with gleaming sword and flowing plume. The sight of these pictures
+      was ever a source of great excitement to Henry Sydney, who always lamented
+      his ill-luck in not living in such days; nay, would insist that all others
+      must equally deplore their evil destiny.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;See, Coningsby, this battery on the Upper Park,&rsquo; said Lord Henry. &lsquo;This
+      did the business: how it rakes up the valley; Sir Eustace works it
+      himself. Mother, what a pity Beaumanoir was not besieged!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It may be,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I always fancy a siege must be so interesting,&rsquo; said Lady Everingham. &lsquo;It
+      must be so exciting.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I hope the next siege may be at Beaumanoir, instead of St. Geneviève,&rsquo;
+      said Lyle, laughing; &lsquo;as Henry Sydney has such a military predisposition.
+      Duchess, you said the other day that you liked Malvoisie, and here is
+      some.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+  &lsquo;Now broach me a cask of Malvoisie,
+  Bring pasty from the doe;&rsquo;
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      said the Duchess. &lsquo;That has been my luncheon.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A poetic repast,&rsquo; said Lady Theresa.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Their breeds of sheep must have been very inferior in old days,&rsquo; said
+      Lord Everingham, &lsquo;as they made such a noise about their venison. For my
+      part I consider it a thing as much gone by as tilts and tournaments.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sorry that they have gone by,&rsquo; said Lady Theresa.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Everything has gone by that is beautiful,&rsquo; said Lord Henry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Life is much easier,&rsquo; said Lord Everingham.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Life easy!&rsquo; said Lord Henry. &lsquo;Life appears to me to be a fierce
+      struggle.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Manners are easy,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;and life is hard.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And I wish to see things exactly the reverse,&rsquo; said Lord Henry. &lsquo;The
+      means and modes of subsistence less difficult; the conduct of life more
+      ceremonious.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Civilisation has no time for ceremony,&rsquo; said Lord Everingham.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;How very sententious you all are!&rsquo; said his wife. &lsquo;I want to see the hall
+      and many other things.&rsquo; And they all rose.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There were indeed many other things to see: a long gallery, rich in
+      ancestral portraits, specimens of art and costume from Holbein to
+      Lawrence; courtiers of the Tudors, and cavaliers of the Stuarts,
+      terminating in red-coated squires fresh from the field, and gentlemen
+      buttoned up in black coats, and sitting in library chairs, with their
+      backs to a crimson curtain. Woman, however, is always charming; and the
+      present generation may view their mothers painted by Lawrence, as if they
+      were patronesses of Almack&rsquo;s; or their grandmothers by Reynolds, as
+      Robinettas caressing birds, with as much delight as they gaze on the
+      dewy-eyed matrons of Lely, and the proud bearing of the heroines of
+      Vandyke. But what interested them more than the gallery, or the rich
+      saloons, or even the baronial hall, was the chapel, in which art had
+      exhausted all its invention, and wealth offered all its resources. The
+      walls and vaulted roofs entirely painted in encaustic by the first artists
+      of Germany, and representing the principal events of the second Testament,
+      the splendour of the mosaic pavement, the richness of the painted windows,
+      the sumptuousness of the altar, crowned by a masterpiece of Carlo Dolce
+      and surrounded by a silver rail, the tone of rich and solemn light that
+      pervaded all, and blended all the various sources of beauty into one
+      absorbing and harmonious whole: all combined to produce an effect which
+      stilled them into a silence that lasted for some minutes, until the ladies
+      breathed their feelings in an almost inarticulate murmur of reverence and
+      admiration; while a tear stole to the eye of the enthusiastic Henry
+      Sydney.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Leaving the chapel, they sauntered through the gardens, until, arriving at
+      their limit, they were met by the prettiest sight in the world; a group of
+      little pony chairs, each drawn by a little fat fawn-coloured pony, like
+      the one that Mr. Lyle had been riding. Lord Henry drove his mother; Lord
+      Everingham, Lady Theresa; Lady Everingham was attended by Coningsby. Their
+      host cantered by the Duchess&rsquo;s side, and along winding roads of easy
+      ascent, leading through beautiful woods, and offering charming landscapes,
+      they reached in due time the Upper Park.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;One sees our host to great advantage in his own house,&rsquo; said Lady
+      Everingham. &lsquo;He is scarcely the same person. I have not observed him once
+      blush. He speaks and moves with ease. It is a pity that he is not more
+      graceful. Above all things I like a graceful man.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;That chapel,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;was a fine thing.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Very!&rsquo; said Lady Everingham. &lsquo;Did you observe the picture over the altar,
+      the Virgin with blue eyes? I never observed blue eyes before in such a
+      picture. What is your favourite colour for eyes?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby felt embarrassed: he said something rather pointless about
+      admiring everything that was beautiful.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But every one has a favourite style; I want to know yours. Regular
+      features, do you like regular features? Or is it expression that pleases
+      you?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Expression; I think I like expression. Expression must be always
+      delightful.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Do you dance?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No; I am no great dancer. I fear I have few accomplishments. I am fond of
+      fencing.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I don&rsquo;t fence,&rsquo; said Lady Everingham, with a smile. &lsquo;But I think you are
+      right not to dance. It is not in your way. You are ambitious, I believe?&rsquo;
+      she added.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I was not aware of it; everybody is ambitious.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You see I know something of your character. Henry has spoken of you to me
+      a great deal; long before we met,&mdash;met again, I should say, for we
+      are old friends, remember. Do you know your career much interests me? I
+      like ambitious men.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There is something fascinating in the first idea that your career
+      interests a charming woman. Coningsby felt that he was perhaps driving a
+      Madame de Longueville. A woman who likes ambitious men must be no ordinary
+      character; clearly a sort of heroine. At this moment they reached the
+      Upper Park, and the novel landscape changed the current of their remarks.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Far as the eye could reach there spread before them a savage sylvan scene.
+      It wanted, perhaps, undulation of surface, but that deficiency was greatly
+      compensated for by the multitude and prodigious size of the trees; they
+      were the largest, indeed, that could well be met with in England; and
+      there is no part of Europe where the timber is so huge. The broad
+      interminable glades, the vast avenues, the quantity of deer browsing or
+      bounding in all directions, the thickets of yellow gorse and green fern,
+      and the breeze that even in the stillness of summer was ever playing over
+      this table-land, all produced an animated and renovating scene. It was
+      like suddenly visiting another country, living among other manners, and
+      breathing another air. They stopped for a few minutes at a pavilion built
+      for the purposes of the chase, and then returned, all gratified by this
+      visit to what appeared to be the higher regions of the earth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As they approached the brow of the hill that hung over St. Geneviève, they
+      heard the great bell sound.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What is that?&rsquo; asked the Duchess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is almsgiving day,&rsquo; replied Mr. Lyle, looking a little embarrassed,
+      and for the first time blushing. &lsquo;The people of the parishes with which I
+      am connected come to St. Geneviève twice a-week at this hour.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And what is your system?&rsquo; inquired Lord Everingham, who had stopped,
+      interested by the scene. &lsquo;What check have you?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The rectors of the different parishes grant certificates to those who in
+      their belief merit bounty according to the rules which I have established.
+      These are again visited by my almoner, who countersigns the certificate,
+      and then they present it at the postern-gate. The certificate explains the
+      nature of their necessities, and my steward acts on his discretion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Mamma, I see them!&rsquo; exclaimed Lady Theresa.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Perhaps your Grace may think that they might be relieved without all this
+      ceremony,&rsquo; said Mr. Lyle, extremely confused. &lsquo;But I agree with Henry and
+      Mr. Coningsby, that Ceremony is not, as too commonly supposed, an idle
+      form. I wish the people constantly and visibly to comprehend that Property
+      is their protector and their friend.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My reason is with you, Mr. Lyle,&rsquo; said the Duchess, &lsquo;as well as my
+      heart.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They came along the valley, a procession of Nature, whose groups an artist
+      might have studied. The old man, who loved the pilgrimage too much to
+      avail himself of the privilege of a substitute accorded to his grey hairs,
+      came in person with his grandchild and his staff. There also came the
+      widow with her child at the breast, and others clinging to her form; some
+      sorrowful faces, and some pale; many a serious one, and now and then a
+      frolic glance; many a dame in her red cloak, and many a maiden with her
+      light basket; curly-headed urchins with demure looks, and sometimes a
+      stalwart form baffled for a time of the labour which he desired. But not a
+      heart there that did not bless the bell that sounded from the tower of St.
+      Geneviève!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER V.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My fathers perilled their blood and fortunes for the cause of the
+      Sovereignty and Church of England,&rsquo; said Lyle to Coningsby, as they were
+      lying stretched out on the sunny turf in the park of Beaumanoir,&rsquo; and I
+      inherit their passionate convictions. They were Catholics, as their
+      descendant. No doubt they would have been glad to see their ancient faith
+      predominant in their ancient land; but they bowed, as I bow, to an adverse
+      and apparently irrevocable decree. But if we could not have the Church of
+      our fathers, we honoured and respected the Church of their children. It
+      was at least a Church; a &lsquo;Catholic and Apostolic Church,&rsquo; as it daily
+      declares itself. Besides, it was our friend. When we were persecuted by
+      Puritanic Parliaments, it was the Sovereign and the Church of England that
+      interposed, with the certainty of creating against themselves odium and
+      mistrust, to shield us from the dark and relentless bigotry of Calvinism.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I believe,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;that if Charles I. had hanged all the
+      Catholic priests that Parliament petitioned him to execute, he would never
+      have lost his crown.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You were mentioning my father,&rsquo; continued Lyle. &lsquo;He certainly was a Whig.
+      Galled by political exclusion, he connected himself with that party in the
+      State which began to intimate emancipation. After all, they did not
+      emancipate us. It was the fall of the Papacy in England that founded the
+      Whig aristocracy; a fact that must always lie at the bottom of their
+      hearts, as, I assure you, it does of mine.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I gathered at an early age,&rsquo; continued Lyle, &lsquo;that I was expected to
+      inherit my father&rsquo;s political connections with the family estates. Under
+      ordinary circumstances this would probably have occurred. In times that
+      did not force one to ponder, it is not likely I should have recoiled from
+      uniting myself with a party formed of the best families in England, and
+      ever famous for accomplished men and charming women. But I enter life in
+      the midst of a convulsion in which the very principles of our political
+      and social systems are called in question. I cannot unite myself with the
+      party of destruction. It is an operative cause alien to my being. What,
+      then, offers itself? The Duke talks to me of Conservative principles; but
+      he does not inform me what they are. I observe indeed a party in the State
+      whose rule it is to consent to no change, until it is clamorously called
+      for, and then instantly to yield; but those are Concessionary, not
+      Conservative principles. This party treats institutions as we do our
+      pheasants, they preserve only to destroy them. But is there a statesman
+      among these Conservatives who offers us a dogma for a guide, or defines
+      any great political truth which we should aspire to establish? It seems to
+      me a barren thing, this Conservatism, an unhappy cross-breed; the mule of
+      politics that engenders nothing. What do you think of all this, Coningsby?
+      I assure you I feel confused, perplexed, harassed. I know I have public
+      duties to perform; I am, in fact, every day of my life solicited by all
+      parties to throw the weight of my influence in one scale or another; but I
+      am paralysed. I often wish I had no position in the country. The sense of
+      its responsibility depresses me; makes me miserable. I speak to you
+      without reserve; with a frankness which our short acquaintance scarcely
+      authorises; but Henry Sydney has so often talked to me of you, and I have
+      so long wished to know you, that I open my heart without restraint.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My dear fellow,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;you have but described my feelings when
+      you depicted your own. My mind on these subjects has long been a chaos. I
+      float in a sea of troubles, and should long ago have been wrecked had I
+      not been sustained by a profound, however vague, conviction, that there
+      are still great truths, if we could but work them out; that Government,
+      for instance, should be loved and not hated, and that Religion should be a
+      faith and not a form.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The moral influence of residence furnishes some of the most interesting
+      traits of our national manners. The presence of this power was very
+      apparent throughout the district that surrounded Beaumanoir. The ladies of
+      that house were deeply sensible of the responsibility of their position;
+      thoroughly comprehending their duties, they fulfilled them without
+      affectation, with earnestness, and with that effect which springs from a
+      knowledge of the subject. The consequences were visible in the tone of the
+      peasantry being superior to that which we too often witness. The ancient
+      feudal feeling that lingers in these sequestered haunts is an instrument
+      which, when skilfully wielded, may be productive of vast social benefit.
+      The Duke understood this well; and his family had imbibed all his views,
+      and seconded them. Lady Everingham, once more in the scene of her past
+      life, resumed the exercise of gentle offices, as if she had never ceased
+      to be a daughter of the house, and as if another domain had not its claims
+      upon her solicitude. Coningsby was often the companion of herself and her
+      sister in their pilgrimages of charity and kindness. He admired the
+      graceful energy, and thorough acquaintance with details, with which Lady
+      Everingham superintended schools, organised societies of relief, and the
+      discrimination which she brought to bear upon individual cases of
+      suffering or misfortune. He was deeply interested as he watched the magic
+      of her manner, as she melted the obdurate, inspired the slothful, consoled
+      the afflicted, and animated with her smiles and ready phrase the energetic
+      and the dutiful. Nor on these occasions was Lady Theresa seen under less
+      favourable auspices. Without the vivacity of her sister, there was in her
+      demeanour a sweet seriousness of purpose that was most winning; and
+      sometimes a burst of energy, a trait of decision, which strikingly
+      contrasted with the somewhat over-controlled character of her life in
+      drawing-rooms.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the society of these engaging companions, time for Coningsby glided
+      away in a course which he sometimes wished nothing might disturb. Apart
+      from them, he frequently felt himself pensive and vaguely disquieted. Even
+      the society of Henry Sydney or Eustace Lyle, much as under ordinary
+      circumstances they would have been adapted to his mood, did not compensate
+      for the absence of that indefinite, that novel, that strange, yet sweet
+      excitement, which he felt, he knew not exactly how or why, stealing over
+      his senses. Sometimes the countenance of Theresa Sydney flitted over his
+      musing vision; sometimes the merry voice of Lady Everingham haunted his
+      ear. But to be their companion in ride or ramble; to avoid any arrangement
+      which for many hours should deprive him of their presence; was every day
+      with Coningsby a principal object.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One day he had been out shooting rabbits with Lyle and Henry Sydney, and
+      returned with them late to Beaumanoir to dinner. He had not enjoyed his
+      sport, and he had not shot at all well. He had been dreamy, silent, had
+      deeply felt the want of Lady Everingham&rsquo;s conversation, that was ever so
+      poignant and so interestingly personal to himself; one of the secrets of
+      her sway, though Coningsby was not then quite conscious of it. Talk to a
+      man about himself, and he is generally captivated. That is the real way to
+      win him. The only difference between men and women in this respect is,
+      that most women are vain, and some men are not. There are some men who
+      have no self-love; but if they have, female vanity is but a trifling and
+      airy passion compared with the vast voracity of appetite which in the
+      sterner sex can swallow anything, and always crave for more.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Coningsby entered the drawing-room, there seemed a somewhat unusual
+      bustle in the room, but as the twilight had descended, it was at first
+      rather difficult to distinguish who was present. He soon perceived that
+      there were strangers. A gentleman of pleasing appearance was near a sofa
+      on which the Duchess and Lady Everingham were seated, and discoursing with
+      some volubility. His phrases seemed to command attention; his audience had
+      an animated glance, eyes sparkling with intelligence and interest; not a
+      word was disregarded. Coningsby did not advance as was his custom; he had
+      a sort of instinct, that the stranger was discoursing of matters of which
+      he knew nothing. He turned to a table, he took up a book, which he began
+      to read upside downwards. A hand was lightly placed on his shoulder. He
+      looked round, it was another stranger; who said, however, in a tone of
+      familiar friendliness,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;How do you do, Coningsby?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was a young man about four-and-twenty years of age, tall, good-looking.
+      Old recollections, his intimate greeting, a strong family likeness, helped
+      Coningsby to conjecture correctly who was the person who addressed him. It
+      was, indeed, the eldest son of the Duke, the Marquis of Beaumanoir, who
+      had arrived at his father&rsquo;s unexpectedly with his friend, Mr. Melton, on
+      their way to the north.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Melton was a gentleman of the highest fashion, and a great favourite
+      in society. He was about thirty, good-looking, with an air that commanded
+      attention, and manners, though facile, sufficiently finished. He was
+      communicative, though calm, and without being witty, had at his service a
+      turn of phrase, acquired by practice and success, which was, or which
+      always seemed to be, poignant. The ladies seemed especially to be
+      delighted at his arrival. He knew everything of everybody they cared
+      about; and Coningsby listened in silence to names which for the first time
+      reached his ears, but which seemed to excite great interest. Mr. Melton
+      frequently addressed his most lively observations and his most sparkling
+      anecdotes to Lady Everingham, who evidently relished all that he said, and
+      returned him in kind.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Throughout the dinner Lady Everingham and Mr. Melton maintained what
+      appeared a most entertaining conversation, principally about things and
+      persons which did not in any way interest our hero; who, however, had the
+      satisfaction of hearing Lady Everingham, in the drawing-room, say in a
+      careless tone to the Duchess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am so glad, mamma, that Mr. Melton has come; we wanted some amusement.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      What a confession! What a revelation to Coningsby of his infinite
+      insignificance! Coningsby entertained a great aversion for Mr. Melton, but
+      felt his spirit unequal to the social contest. The genius of the
+      untutored, inexperienced youth quailed before that of the long-practised,
+      skilful man of the world. What was the magic of this man? What was the
+      secret of this ease, that nothing could disturb, and yet was not deficient
+      in deference and good taste? And then his dress, it seemed fashioned by
+      some unearthly artist; yet it was impossible to detect the unobtrusive
+      causes of the general effect that was irresistible. Coningsby&rsquo;s coat was
+      made by Stultz; almost every fellow in the sixth form had his coats made
+      by Stultz; yet Coningsby fancied that his own garment looked as if it had
+      been furnished by some rustic slopseller. He began to wonder where Mr.
+      Melton got his boots from, and glanced at his own, which, though made in
+      St. James&rsquo;s Street, seemed to him to have a cloddish air.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lady Everingham was determined that Mr. Melton should see Beaumanoir to
+      the greatest advantage. Mr. Melton had never been there before, except at
+      Christmas, with the house full of visitors and factitious gaiety. Now he
+      was to see the country. Accordingly, there were long rides every day,
+      which Lady Everingham called expeditions, and which generally produced
+      some slight incident which she styled an adventure. She was kind to
+      Coningsby, but had no time to indulge in the lengthened conversations
+      which he had previously found so magical. Mr. Melton was always on the
+      scene, the monopolising hero, it would seem, of every thought, and phrase,
+      and plan. Coningsby began to think that Beaumanoir was not so delightful a
+      place as he had imagined. He began to think that he had stayed there
+      perhaps too long. He had received a letter from Mr. Rigby, to inform him
+      that he was expected at Coningsby Castle at the beginning of September, to
+      meet Lord Monmouth, who had returned to England, and for grave and special
+      reasons was about to reside at his chief seat, which he had not visited
+      for many years. Coningsby had intended to have remained at Beaumanoir
+      until that time; but suddenly it occurred to him, that the Age of Ruins
+      was past, and that he ought to seize the opportunity of visiting
+      Manchester, which was in the same county as the castle of his grandfather.
+      So difficult is it to speculate upon events! Muse as we may, we are the
+      creatures of circumstances; and the unexpected arrival of a London dandy
+      at the country-seat of an English nobleman sent this representative of the
+      New Generation, fresh from Eton, nursed in prejudices, yet with a mind
+      predisposed to inquiry and prone to meditation, to a scene apt to
+      stimulate both intellectual processes; which demanded investigation and
+      induced thought, the great METROPOLIS OF LABOUR.
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      END OF BOOK III.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0031" id="link2H_4_0031"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      BOOK IV
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER I.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      A great city, whose image dwells in the memory of man, is the type of some
+      great idea. Rome represents conquest; Faith hovers over the towers of
+      Jerusalem; and Athens embodies the pre-eminent quality of the antique
+      world, Art.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In modern ages, Commerce has created London; while Manners, in the most
+      comprehensive sense of the word, have long found a supreme capital in the
+      airy and bright-minded city of the Seine.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Art was to the ancient world, Science is to the modern: the distinctive
+      faculty. In the minds of men the useful has succeeded to the beautiful.
+      Instead of the city of the Violet Crown, a Lancashire village has expanded
+      into a mighty region of factories and warehouses. Yet, rightly understood,
+      Manchester is as great a human exploit as Athens.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The inhabitants, indeed, are not so impressed with their idiosyncrasy as
+      the countrymen of Pericles and Phidias. They do not fully comprehend the
+      position which they occupy. It is the philosopher alone who can conceive
+      the grandeur of Manchester, and the immensity of its future. There are yet
+      great truths to tell, if we had either the courage to announce or the
+      temper to receive them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER II.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      A feeling of melancholy, even of uneasiness, attends our first entrance
+      into a great town, especially at night. Is it that the sense of all this
+      vast existence with which we have no connexion, where we are utterly
+      unknown, oppresses us with our insignificance? Is it that it is terrible
+      to feel friendless where all have friends?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Yet reverse the picture. Behold a community where you are unknown, but
+      where you will be known, perhaps honoured. A place where you have no
+      friends, but where, also, you have no enemies. A spot that has hitherto
+      been a blank in your thoughts, as you have been a cipher in its
+      sensations, and yet a spot, perhaps, pregnant with your destiny!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There is, perhaps, no act of memory so profoundly interesting as to recall
+      the careless mood and moment in which we have entered a town, a house, a
+      chamber, on the eve of an acquaintance or an event that has given colour
+      and an impulse to our future life.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      What is this Fatality that men worship? Is it a Goddess?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Unquestionably it is a power that acts mainly by female agents. Women are
+      the Priestesses of Predestination.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Man conceives Fortune, but Woman conducts it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It is the Spirit of Man that says, &lsquo;I will be great;&rsquo; but it is the
+      Sympathy of Woman that usually makes him so.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was not the comely and courteous hostess of the Adelphi Hotel,
+      Manchester, that gave occasion to these remarks, though she may deserve
+      them, and though she was most kind to our Coningsby as he came in late at
+      night very tired, and not in very good humour.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He had travelled the whole day through the great district of labour, his
+      mind excited by strange sights, and at length wearied by their
+      multiplication. He had passed over the plains where iron and coal
+      supersede turf and corn, dingy as the entrance of Hades, and flaming with
+      furnaces; and now he was among illumined factories with more windows than
+      Italian palaces, and smoking chimneys taller than Egyptian obelisks. Alone
+      in the great metropolis of machinery itself, sitting down in a solitary
+      coffee-room glaring with gas, with no appetite, a whirling head, and not a
+      plan or purpose for the morrow, why was he there? Because a being, whose
+      name even was unknown to him, had met him in a hedge alehouse during a
+      thunderstorm, and told him that the Age of Ruins was past.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Remarkable instance of the influence of an individual; some evidence of
+      the extreme susceptibility of our hero.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Even his bedroom was lit by gas. Wonderful city! That, however, could be
+      got rid of. He opened the window. The summer air was sweet, even in this
+      land of smoke and toil. He feels a sensation such as in Lisbon or Lima
+      precedes an earthquake. The house appears to quiver. It is a sympathetic
+      affection occasioned by a steam-engine in a neighbouring factory.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Notwithstanding, however, all these novel incidents, Coningsby slept the
+      deep sleep of youth and health, of a brain which, however occasionally
+      perplexed by thought, had never been harassed by anxiety. He rose early,
+      freshened, and in fine spirits. And by the time the deviled chicken and
+      the buttered toast, that mysterious and incomparable luxury, which can
+      only be obtained at an inn, had disappeared, he felt all the delightful
+      excitement of travel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And now for action! Not a letter had Coningsby; not an individual in that
+      vast city was known to him. He went to consult his kind hostess, who
+      smiled confidence. He was to mention her name at one place, his own at
+      another. All would be right; she seemed to have reliance in the destiny of
+      such a nice young man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He saw all; they were kind and hospitable to the young stranger, whose
+      thought, and earnestness, and gentle manners attracted them. One
+      recommended him to another; all tried to aid and assist him. He entered
+      chambers vaster than are told of in Arabian fable, and peopled with
+      habitants more wondrous than Afrite or Peri. For there he beheld, in
+      long-continued ranks, those mysterious forms full of existence without
+      life, that perform with facility, and in an instant, what man can fulfil
+      only with difficulty and in days. A machine is a slave that neither brings
+      nor bears degradation; it is a being endowed with the greatest degree of
+      energy, and acting under the greatest degree of excitement, yet free at
+      the same time from all passion and emotion. It is, therefore, not only a
+      slave, but a supernatural slave. And why should one say that the machine
+      does not live? It breathes, for its breath forms the atmosphere of some
+      towns. It moves with more regularity than man. And has it not a voice?
+      Does not the spindle sing like a merry girl at her work, and the
+      steam-engine roar in jolly chorus, like a strong artisan handling his
+      lusty tools, and gaining a fair day&rsquo;s wages for a fair day&rsquo;s toil?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Nor should the weaving-room be forgotten, where a thousand or fifteen
+      hundred girls may be observed in their coral necklaces, working like
+      Penelope in the daytime; some pretty, some pert, some graceful and jocund,
+      some absorbed in their occupation; a little serious some, few sad. And the
+      cotton you have observed in its rude state, that you have seen the silent
+      spinner change into thread, and the bustling weaver convert into cloth,
+      you may now watch as in a moment it is tinted with beautiful colours, or
+      printed with fanciful patterns. And yet the mystery of mysteries is to
+      view machines making machines; a spectacle that fills the mind with
+      curious, and even awful, speculation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      From early morn to the late twilight, our Coningsby for several days
+      devoted himself to the comprehension of Manchester. It was to him a new
+      world, pregnant with new ideas, and suggestive of new trains of thought
+      and feeling. In this unprecedented partnership between capital and
+      science, working on a spot which Nature had indicated as the fitting
+      theatre of their exploits, he beheld a great source of the wealth of
+      nations which had been reserved for these times, and he perceived that
+      this wealth was rapidly developing classes whose power was imperfectly
+      recognised in the constitutional scheme, and whose duties in the social
+      system seemed altogether omitted. Young as he was, the bent of his mind,
+      and the inquisitive spirit of the times, had sufficiently prepared him,
+      not indeed to grapple with these questions, but to be sensible of their
+      existence, and to ponder.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One evening, in the coffee-room of the hotel, having just finished his
+      well-earned dinner, and relaxing his mind for the moment in a fresh
+      research into the Manchester Guide, an individual, who had also been
+      dining in the same apartment, rose from his table, and, after lolling over
+      the empty fireplace, reading the framed announcements, looking at the
+      directions of several letters waiting there for their owners, picking his
+      teeth, turned round to Coningsby, and, with an air of uneasy familiarity,
+      said,&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;First visit to Manchester, sir?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My first.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Gentleman traveller, I presume?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am a traveller.&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Hem! From south?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;From the south.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And pray, sir, how did you find business as you came along? Brisk, I dare
+      say. And yet there is a something, a sort of a something; didn&rsquo;t it strike
+      you, sir, there was a something? A deal of queer paper about, sir!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I fear you are speaking on a subject of which I know nothing,&rsquo; said
+      Coningsby, smiling; &lsquo;I do not understand business at all; though I am not
+      surprised that, being at Manchester, you should suppose so.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! not in business. Hem! Professional?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;I am nothing.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! an independent gent; hem! and a very pleasant thing, too. Pleased
+      with Manchester, I dare say?&rsquo; continued the stranger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And astonished,&rsquo; said Coningsby; &lsquo;I think, in the whole course of my
+      life, I never saw so much to admire.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Seen all the lions, have no doubt?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think I have seen everything,&rsquo; said Coningsby, rather eager and with
+      some pride.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Very well, very well,&rsquo; exclaimed the stranger, in a patronising tone.
+      &lsquo;Seen Mr. Birley&rsquo;s weaving-room, I dare say?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! isn&rsquo;t it wonderful?&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A great many people.&rsquo; said the stranger, with a rather supercilious
+      smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But after all,&rsquo; said Coningsby, with animation, &lsquo;it is the machinery
+      without any interposition of manual power that overwhelms me. It haunts me
+      in my dreams,&rsquo; continued Coningsby; &lsquo;I see cities peopled with machines.
+      Certainly Manchester is the most wonderful city of modern times!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The stranger stared a little at the enthusiasm of his companion, and then
+      picked his teeth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Of all the remarkable things here,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;what on the whole,
+      sir, do you look upon as the most so?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;In the way of machinery?&rsquo; asked the stranger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;In the way of machinery.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why, in the way of machinery, you know,&rsquo; said the stranger, very quietly,
+      &lsquo;Manchester is a dead letter.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A dead letter!&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Dead and buried,&rsquo; said the stranger, accompanying his words with that
+      peculiar application of his thumb to his nose that signifies so eloquently
+      that all is up.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You astonish me!&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It&rsquo;s a booked place though,&rsquo; said the stranger, &lsquo;and no mistake. We have
+      all of us a very great respect for Manchester, of course; look upon her as
+      a sort of mother, and all that sort of thing. But she is behind the times,
+      sir, and that won&rsquo;t do in this age. The long and short of it is,
+      Manchester is gone by.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I thought her only fault might be she was too much in advance of the rest
+      of the country,&rsquo; said Coningsby, innocently.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If you want to see life,&rsquo; said the stranger, &lsquo;go to Staleybridge or
+      Bolton. There&rsquo;s high pressure.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But the population of Manchester is increasing,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why, yes; not a doubt. You see we have all of us a great respect for the
+      town. It is a sort of metropolis of this district, and there is a good
+      deal of capital in the place. And it has some firstrate institutions.
+      There&rsquo;s the Manchester Bank. That&rsquo;s a noble institution, full of
+      commercial enterprise; understands the age, sir; high-pressure to the
+      backbone. I came up to town to see the manager to-day. I am building a new
+      mill now myself at Staleybridge, and mean to open it by January, and when
+      I do, I&rsquo;ll give you leave to pay another visit to Mr. Birley&rsquo;s
+      weaving-room, with my compliments.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am very sorry,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;that I have only another day left; but
+      pray tell me, what would you recommend me most to see within a reasonable
+      distance of Manchester?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My mill is not finished,&rsquo; said the stranger musingly, &lsquo;and though there
+      is still a great deal worth seeing at Staleybridge, still you had better
+      wait to see my new mill. And Bolton, let me see; Bolton, there is nothing
+      at Bolton that can hold up its head for a moment against my new mill; but
+      then it is not finished. Well, well, let us see. What a pity this is not
+      the 1st of January, and then my new mill would be at work! I should like
+      to see Mr. Birley&rsquo;s face, or even Mr. Ashworth&rsquo;s, that day. And the Oxford
+      Road Works, where they are always making a little change, bit by bit
+      reform, eh! not a very particular fine appetite, I suspect, for dinner, at
+      the Oxford Road Works, the day they hear of my new mill being at work. But
+      you want to see something tip-top. Well, there&rsquo;s Millbank; that&rsquo;s regular
+      slap-up, quite a sight, regular lion; if I were you I would see Millbank.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Millbank!&rsquo; said Coningsby; &lsquo;what Millbank?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Millbank of Millbank, made the place, made it himself. About three miles
+      from Bolton; train to-morrow morning at 7.25, get a fly at the station,
+      and you will be at Millbank by 8.40.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Unfortunately I am engaged to-morrow morning,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;and yet I
+      am most anxious, particularly anxious, to see Millbank.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, there&rsquo;s a late train,&rsquo; said the stranger, &lsquo;3.15; you will be there
+      by 4.30.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think I could manage that,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Do,&rsquo; said the stranger; &lsquo;and if you ever find yourself at Staleybridge, I
+      shall be very happy to be of service. I must be off now. My train goes at
+      9.15.&rsquo; And he presented Coningsby with his card as he wished him good
+      night.
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      MR. G. O. A. HEAD, STALEYBRIDGE.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER III.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      In a green valley of Lancaster, contiguous to that district of factories
+      on which we have already touched, a clear and powerful stream flows
+      through a broad meadow land. Upon its margin, adorned, rather than
+      shadowed, by some old elm-trees, for they are too distant to serve except
+      for ornament, rises a vast deep red brick pile, which though formal and
+      monotonous in its general character, is not without a certain beauty of
+      proportion and an artist-like finish in its occasional masonry. The front,
+      which is of great extent, and covered with many tiers of small windows, is
+      flanked by two projecting wings in the same style, which form a large
+      court, completed by a dwarf wall crowned with a light, and rather elegant
+      railing; in the centre, the principal entrance, a lofty portal of bold and
+      beautiful design, surmounted by a statue of Commerce.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This building, not without a degree of dignity, is what is technically,
+      and not very felicitously, called a mill; always translated by the French
+      in their accounts of our manufacturing riots, &lsquo;moulin;&rsquo; and which really
+      was the principal factory of Oswald Millbank, the father of that youth
+      whom, we trust, our readers have not quite forgotten.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At some little distance, and rather withdrawn from the principal stream,
+      were two other smaller structures of the same style. About a quarter of a
+      mile further on, appeared a village of not inconsiderable size, and
+      remarkable from the neatness and even picturesque character of its
+      architecture, and the gay gardens that surrounded it. On a sunny knoll in
+      the background rose a church, in the best style of Christian architecture,
+      and near it was a clerical residence and a school-house of similar design.
+      The village, too, could boast of another public building; an Institute
+      where there were a library and a lecture-room; and a reading-hall, which
+      any one might frequent at certain hours, and under reasonable regulations.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On the other side of the principal factory, but more remote, about
+      half-a-mile up the valley, surrounded by beautiful meadows, and built on
+      an agreeable and well-wooded elevation, was the mansion of the mill-owner;
+      apparently a commodious and not inconsiderable dwelling-house, built in
+      what is called a villa style, with a variety of gardens and
+      conservatories. The atmosphere of this somewhat striking settlement was
+      not disturbed and polluted by the dark vapour, which, to the shame of
+      Manchester, still infests that great town, for Mr. Millbank, who liked
+      nothing so much as an invention, unless it were an experiment, took care
+      to consume his own smoke.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The sun was declining when Coningsby arrived at Millbank, and the
+      gratification which he experienced on first beholding it, was not a little
+      diminished, when, on enquiring at the village, he was informed that the
+      hour was past for seeing the works. Determined not to relinquish his
+      purpose without a struggle, he repaired to the principal mill, and entered
+      the counting-house, which was situated in one of the wings of the
+      building.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Your pleasure, sir?&rsquo; said one of three individuals sitting on high stools
+      behind a high desk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wish, if possible, to see the works.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Quite impossible, sir;&rsquo; and the clerk, withdrawing his glance, continued
+      his writing. &lsquo;No admission without an order, and no admission with an
+      order after two o&rsquo;clock.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am very unfortunate,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Sorry for it, sir. Give me ledger K. X., will you, Mr. Benson?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think Mr. Millbank would grant me permission,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Very likely, sir; to-morrow. Mr. Millbank is there, sir, but very much
+      engaged.&rsquo; He pointed to an inner counting-house, and the glass doors
+      permitted Coningsby to observe several individuals in close converse.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Perhaps his son, Mr. Oswald Millbank, is here?&rsquo; inquired Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Mr. Oswald is in Belgium,&rsquo; said the clerk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Would you give a message to Mr. Millbank, and say a friend of his son&rsquo;s
+      at Eton is here, and here only for a day, and wishes very much to see his
+      works?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Can&rsquo;t possibly disturb Mr. Millbank now, sir; but, if you like to sit
+      down, you can wait and see him yourself.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby was content to sit down, though he grew very impatient at the
+      end of a quarter of an hour. The ticking of the clock, the scratching of
+      the pens of the three silent clerks, irritated him. At length, voices were
+      heard, doors opened, and the clerk said, &lsquo;Mr. Millbank is coming, sir,&rsquo;
+      but nobody came; voices became hushed, doors were shut; again nothing was
+      heard, save the ticking of the clock and the scratching of the pen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At length there was a general stir, and they all did come forth, Mr.
+      Millbank among them, a well-proportioned, comely man, with a fair face
+      inclining to ruddiness, a quick, glancing, hazel eye, the whitest teeth,
+      and short, curly, chestnut hair, here and there slightly tinged with grey.
+      It was a visage of energy and decision.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He was about to pass through the counting-house with his companions, with
+      whom his affairs were not concluded, when he observed Coningsby, who had
+      risen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;This gentleman wishes to see me?&rsquo; he inquired of his clerk, who bowed
+      assent.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I shall be at your service, sir, the moment I have finished with these
+      gentlemen.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The gentleman wishes to see the works, sir,&rsquo; said the clerk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He can see the works at proper times,&rsquo; said Mr. Millbank, somewhat
+      pettishly; &lsquo;tell him the regulations;&rsquo; and he was about to go.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I beg your pardon, sir,&rsquo; said Coningsby, coming forward, and with an air
+      of earnestness and grace that arrested the step of the manufacturer. &lsquo;I am
+      aware of the regulations, but would beg to be permitted to infringe them.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It cannot be, sir,&rsquo; said Mr. Millbank, moving.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I thought, sir, being here only for a day, and as a friend of your son&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Millbank stopped and said,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! a friend of Oswald&rsquo;s, eh? What, at Eton?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes, sir, at Eton; and I had hoped perhaps to have found him here.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am very much engaged, sir, at this moment,&rsquo; said Mr. Millbank; &lsquo;I am
+      sorry I cannot pay you any personal attention, but my clerk will show you
+      everything. Mr. Benson, let this gentleman see everything;&rsquo; and he
+      withdrew.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Be pleased to write your name here, sir,&rsquo; said Mr. Benson, opening a
+      book, and our friend wrote his name and the date of his visit to Millbank:
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+  &lsquo;HARRY CONINGSBY, Sept. 2, 1836.&rsquo;
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby beheld in this great factory the last and the most refined
+      inventions of mechanical genius. The building had been fitted up by a
+      capitalist as anxious to raise a monument of the skill and power of his
+      order, as to obtain a return for the great investment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is the glory of Lancashire!&rsquo; exclaimed the enthusiastic Mr. Benson.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The clerk spoke freely of his master, whom he evidently idolised, and his
+      great achievements, and Coningsby encouraged him. He detailed to Coningsby
+      the plans which Mr. Millbank had pursued, both for the moral and physical
+      well-being of his people; how he had built churches, and schools, and
+      institutes; houses and cottages on a new system of ventilation; how he had
+      allotted gardens; established singing classes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Here is Mr. Millbank,&rsquo; continued the clerk, as he and Coningsby, quitting
+      the factory, re-entered the court.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Millbank was approaching the factory, and the moment that he observed
+      them, he quickened his pace.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Mr. Coningsby?&rsquo; he said, when he reached them. His countenance was rather
+      disturbed, and his voice a little trembled, and he looked on our friend
+      with a glance scrutinising and serious. Coningsby bowed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sorry that you should have been received at this place with so
+      little ceremony, sir,&rsquo; said Mr. Millbank; &lsquo;but had your name been
+      mentioned, you would have found it cherished here.&rsquo; He nodded to the
+      clerk, who disappeared.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby began to talk about the wonders of the factory, but Mr. Millbank
+      recurred to other thoughts that were passing in his mind. He spoke of his
+      son: he expressed a kind reproach that Coningsby should have thought of
+      visiting this part of the world without giving them some notice of his
+      intention, that he might have been their guest, that Oswald might have
+      been there to receive him, that they might have made arrangements that he
+      should see everything, and in the best manner; in short, that they might
+      all have shown, however slightly, the deep sense of their obligations to
+      him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My visit to Manchester, which led to this, was quite accidental,&rsquo; said
+      Coningsby. &lsquo;I am bound for the other division of the county, to pay a
+      visit to my grandfather, Lord Monmouth; but an irresistible desire came
+      over me during my journey to view this famous district of industry. It is
+      some days since I ought to have found myself at Coningsby, and this is the
+      reason why I am so pressed.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A cloud passed over the countenance of Millbank as the name of Lord
+      Monmouth was mentioned, but he said nothing. Turning towards Coningsby,
+      with an air of kindness:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;At least,&rsquo; said he, &lsquo;let not Oswald hear that you did not taste our salt.
+      Pray dine with me to-day; there is yet an hour to dinner; and as you have
+      seen the factory, suppose we stroll together through the village.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER IV.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The village clock struck five as Mr. Millbank and his guest entered the
+      gardens of his mansion. Coningsby lingered a moment to admire the beauty
+      and gay profusion of the flowers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Your situation,&rsquo; said Coningsby, looking up the green and silent valley,
+      &lsquo;is absolutely poetic.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I try sometimes to fancy,&rsquo; said Mr. Millbank, with a rather fierce smile,
+      &lsquo;that I am in the New World.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They entered the house; a capacious and classic hall, at the end a
+      staircase in the Italian fashion. As they approached it, the sweetest and
+      the clearest voice exclaimed from above, &lsquo;Papa! papa!&rsquo; and instantly a
+      young girl came bounding down the stairs, but suddenly seeing a stranger
+      with her father she stopped upon the landing-place, and was evidently on
+      the point of as rapidly retreating as she had advanced, when Mr. Millbank
+      waved his hand to her and begged her to descend. She came down slowly; as
+      she approached them her father said, &lsquo;A friend you have often heard of,
+      Edith: this is Mr. Coningsby.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She started; blushed very much; and then, with a trembling and uncertain
+      gait, advanced, put forth her hand with a wild unstudied grace, and said
+      in a tone of sensibility, &lsquo;How often have we all wished to see and to
+      thank you!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This daughter of his host was of tender years; apparently she could
+      scarcely have counted sixteen summers. She was delicate and fragile, but
+      as she raised her still blushing visage to her father&rsquo;s guest, Coningsby
+      felt that he had never beheld a countenance of such striking and such
+      peculiar beauty.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My only daughter, Mr. Coningsby, Edith; a Saxon name, for she is the
+      daughter of a Saxon.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But the beauty of the countenance was not the beauty of the Saxons. It was
+      a radiant face, one of those that seem to have been touched in their
+      cradle by a sunbeam, and to have retained all their brilliancy and
+      suffused and mantling lustre. One marks sometimes such faces, diaphanous
+      with delicate splendour, in the southern regions of France. Her eye, too,
+      was the rare eye of Aquitaine; soft and long, with lashes drooping over
+      the cheek, dark as her clustering ringlets.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They entered the drawing-room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Mr. Coningsby,&rsquo; said Millbank to his daughter, &lsquo;is in this part of the
+      world only for a few hours, or I am sure he would become our guest. He
+      has, however, promised to stay with us now and dine.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If Miss Millbank will pardon this dress,&rsquo; said Coningsby, bowing an
+      apology for his inevitable frock and boots; the maiden raised her eyes and
+      bent her head.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The hour of dinner was at hand. Millbank offered to show Coningsby to his
+      dressing-room. He was absent but a few minutes. When he returned he found
+      Miss Millbank alone. He came somewhat suddenly into the room. She was
+      playing with her dog, but ceased the moment she observed Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby, who since his practice with Lady Everingham, flattered himself
+      that he had advanced in small talk, and was not sorry that he had now an
+      opportunity of proving his prowess, made some lively observations about
+      pets and the breeds of lapdogs, but he was not fortunate in extracting a
+      response or exciting a repartee. He began then on the beauty of Millbank,
+      which he would on no account have avoided seeing, and inquired when she
+      had last heard of her brother. The young lady, apparently much distressed,
+      was murmuring something about Antwerp, when the entrance of her father
+      relieved her from her embarrassment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Dinner being announced, Coningsby offered his arm to his fair companion,
+      who took it with her eyes fixed on the ground.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You are very fond, I see, of flowers,&rsquo; said Coningsby, as they moved
+      along; and the young lady said &lsquo;Yes.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The dinner was plain, but perfect of its kind. The young hostess seemed to
+      perform her office with a certain degree of desperate determination. She
+      looked at a chicken and then at Coningsby, and murmured something which he
+      understood. Sometimes she informed herself of his tastes or necessities in
+      more detail, by the medium of her father, whom she treated as a sort of
+      dragoman; in this way: &lsquo;Would not Mr. Coningsby, papa, take this or that,
+      or do so and so?&rsquo; Coningsby was always careful to reply in a direct
+      manner, without the agency of the interpreter; but he did not advance.
+      Even a petition for the great honour of taking a glass of sherry with her
+      only induced the beautiful face to bow. And yet when she had first seen
+      him, she had addressed him even with emotion. What could it be? He felt
+      less confidence in his increased power of conversation. Why, Theresa
+      Sydney was scarcely a year older than Miss Millbank, and though she did
+      not certainly originate like Lady Everingham, he got on with her perfectly
+      well.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Millbank did not seem to be conscious of his daughter&rsquo;s silence: at
+      any rate, he attempted to compensate for it. He talked fluently and well;
+      on all subjects his opinions seemed to be decided, and his language was
+      precise. He was really interested in what Coningsby had seen, and what he
+      had felt; and this sympathy divested his manner of the disagreeable effect
+      that accompanies a tone inclined to be dictatorial. More than once
+      Coningsby observed the silent daughter listening with extreme attention to
+      the conversation of himself and her father.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The dessert was remarkable. Millbank was proud of his fruit. A bland
+      expression of self-complacency spread over his features as he surveyed his
+      grapes, his peaches, his figs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;These grapes have gained a medal,&rsquo; he told Coningsby. &lsquo;Those too are
+      prize peaches. I have not yet been so successful with my figs. These
+      however promise, and perhaps this year I may be more fortunate.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What would your brother and myself have given for such a dessert at
+      Eton!&rsquo; said Coningsby to Miss Millbank, wishing to say something, and
+      something too that might interest her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She seemed infinitely distressed, and yet this time would speak.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Let me give you some,&rsquo; He caught by chance her glance immediately
+      withdrawn; yet it was a glance not only of beauty, but of feeling and
+      thought. She added, in a hushed and hurried tone, dividing very nervously
+      some grapes, &lsquo;I hardly know whether Oswald will be most pleased or grieved
+      when he hears that you have been here.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And why grieved?&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;That he should not have been here to welcome you, and that your stay is
+      for so brief a time. It seems so strange that after having talked of you
+      for years, we should see you only for hours.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I hope I may return,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;and that Millbank may be here to
+      welcome me; but I hope I may be permitted to return even if he be not.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But there was no reply; and soon after, Mr. Millbank talking of the
+      American market, and Coningsby helping himself to a glass of claret, the
+      daughter of the Saxon, looking at her father, rose and left the room, so
+      suddenly and so quickly that Coningsby could scarcely gain the door.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes,&rsquo; said Millbank, filling his glass, and pursuing some previous
+      observations, &lsquo;all that we want in this country is to be masters of our
+      own industry; but Saxon industry and Norman manners never will agree; and
+      some day, Mr. Coningsby, you will find that out.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But what do you mean by Norman manners?&rsquo; inquired Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Did you ever hear of the Forest of Rossendale?&rsquo; said Millbank. &lsquo;If you
+      were staying here, you should visit the district. It is an area of
+      twenty-four square miles. It was disforested in the early part of the
+      sixteenth century, possessing at that time eighty inhabitants. Its rental
+      in James the First&rsquo;s time was 120<i>l.</i> When the woollen manufacture
+      was introduced into the north, the shuttle competed with the plough in
+      Rossendale, and about forty years ago we sent them the Jenny. The eighty
+      souls are now increased to upwards of eighty thousand, and the rental of
+      the forest, by the last county assessment, amounts to more than 50,000<i>l.</i>,
+      41,000 per cent, on the value in the reign of James I. Now I call that an
+      instance of Saxon industry competing successfully with Norman manners.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Exactly,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;but those manners are gone.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;From Rossendale,&rsquo; said Millbank, with a grim smile; &lsquo;but not from
+      England.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Where do you meet them?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Meet them! In every place, at every hour; and feel them, too, in every
+      transaction of life.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I know, sir, from your son,&rsquo; said Coningsby, inquiringly, &lsquo;that you are
+      opposed to an aristocracy.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No, I am not. I am for an aristocracy; but a real one, a natural one.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But, sir, is not the aristocracy of England,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;a real
+      one? You do not confound our peerage, for example, with the degraded
+      patricians of the Continent.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Hum!&rsquo; said Millbank. &lsquo;I do not understand how an aristocracy can exist,
+      unless it be distinguished by some quality which no other class of the
+      community possesses. Distinction is the basis of aristocracy. If you
+      permit only one class of the population, for example, to bear arms, they
+      are an aristocracy; not one much to my taste; but still a great fact.
+      That, however, is not the characteristic of the English peerage. I have
+      yet to learn they are richer than we are, better informed, wiser, or more
+      distinguished for public or private virtue. Is it not monstrous, then,
+      that a small number of men, several of whom take the titles of Duke and
+      Earl from towns in this very neighbourhood, towns which they never saw,
+      which never heard of them, which they did not form, or build, or
+      establish, I say, is it not monstrous, that individuals so circumstanced,
+      should be invested with the highest of conceivable privileges, the
+      privilege of making laws? Dukes and Earls indeed! I say there is nothing
+      in a masquerade more ridiculous.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But do you not argue from an exception, sir?&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;The
+      question is, whether a preponderance of the aristocratic principle in a
+      political constitution be, as I believe, conducive to the stability and
+      permanent power of a State; and whether the peerage, as established in
+      England, generally tends to that end? We must not forget in such an
+      estimate the influence which, in this country, is exercised over opinion
+      by ancient lineage.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ancient lineage!&rsquo; said Mr. Millbank; &lsquo;I never heard of a peer with an
+      ancient lineage. The real old families of this country are to be found
+      among the peasantry; the gentry, too, may lay some claim to old blood. I
+      can point you out Saxon families in this county who can trace their
+      pedigrees beyond the Conquest; I know of some Norman gentlemen whose
+      fathers undoubtedly came over with the Conqueror. But a peer with an
+      ancient lineage is to me quite a novelty. No, no; the thirty years of the
+      wars of the Roses freed us from those gentlemen. I take it, after the
+      battle of Tewkesbury, a Norman baron was almost as rare a being in England
+      as a wolf is now.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have always understood,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;that our peerage was the
+      finest in Europe.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;From themselves,&rsquo; said Millbank, &lsquo;and the heralds they pay to paint their
+      carriages. But I go to facts. When Henry VII. called his first Parliament,
+      there were only twenty-nine temporal peers to be found, and even some of
+      them took their seats illegally, for they had been attainted. Of those
+      twenty-nine not five remain, and they, as the Howards for instance, are
+      not Norman nobility. We owe the English peerage to three sources: the
+      spoliation of the Church; the open and flagrant sale of its honours by the
+      elder Stuarts; and the boroughmongering of our own times. Those are the
+      three main sources of the existing peerage of England, and in my opinion
+      disgraceful ones. But I must apologise for my frankness in thus speaking
+      to an aristocrat.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh, by no means, sir, I like discussion. Your son and myself at Eton have
+      had some encounters of this kind before. But if your view of the case be
+      correct,&rsquo; added Coningsby, smiling, &lsquo;you cannot at any rate accuse our
+      present peers of Norman manners.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes, I do: they adopted Norman manners while they usurped Norman titles.
+      They have neither the right of the Normans, nor do they fulfil the duty of
+      the Normans: they did not conquer the land, and they do not defend it.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And where will you find your natural aristocracy?&rsquo; asked Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Among those men whom a nation recognises as the most eminent for virtue,
+      talents, and property, and, if you please, birth and standing in the land.
+      They guide opinion; and, therefore, they govern. I am no leveller; I look
+      upon an artificial equality as equally pernicious with a factitious
+      aristocracy; both depressing the energies, and checking the enterprise of
+      a nation. I like man to be free, really free: free in his industry as well
+      as his body. What is the use of Habeas Corpus, if a man may not use his
+      hands when he is out of prison?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But it appears to me you have, in a great measure, this natural
+      aristocracy in England.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah, to be sure! If we had not, where should we be? It is the
+      counteracting power that saves us, the disturbing cause in the
+      calculations of short-sighted selfishness. I say it now, and I have said
+      it a hundred times, the House of Commons is a more aristocratic body than
+      the House of Lords. The fact is, a great peer would be a greater man now
+      in the House of Commons than in the House of Lords. Nobody wants a second
+      chamber, except a few disreputable individuals. It is a valuable
+      institution for any member of it who has no distinction, neither
+      character, talents, nor estate. But a peer who possesses all or any of
+      these great qualifications, would find himself an immeasurably more
+      important personage in what, by way of jest, they call the Lower House.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Is not the revising wisdom of a senate a salutary check on the
+      precipitation of a popular assembly?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why should a popular assembly, elected by the flower of a nation, be
+      precipitate? If precipitate, what senate could stay an assembly so chosen?
+      No, no, no! the thing has been tried over and over again; the idea of
+      restraining the powerful by the weak is an absurdity; the question is
+      settled. If we wanted a fresh illustration, we need only look to the
+      present state of our own House of Lords. It originates nothing; it has, in
+      fact, announced itself as a mere Court of Registration of the decrees of
+      your House of Commons; and if by any chance it ventures to alter some
+      miserable detail in a clause of a bill that excites public interest, what
+      a clatter through the country, at Conservative banquets got up by the
+      rural attorneys, about the power, authority, and independence of the House
+      of Lords; nine times nine, and one cheer more! No, sir, you may make
+      aristocracies by laws; you can only maintain them by manners. The manners
+      of England preserve it from its laws. And they have substituted for our
+      formal aristocracy an essential aristocracy; the government of those who
+      are distinguished by their fellow-citizens.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But then it would appear,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;that the remedial action of
+      our manners has removed all the political and social evils of which you
+      complain?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;They have created a power that may remove them; a power that has the
+      capacity to remove them. But in a great measure they still exist, and must
+      exist yet, I fear, for a long time. The growth of our civilisation has
+      ever been as slow as our oaks; but this tardy development is preferable to
+      the temporary expansion of the gourd.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The future seems to me sometimes a dark cloud.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Not to me,&rsquo; said Mr. Millbank. &lsquo;I am sanguine; I am the Disciple of
+      Progress. But I have cause for my faith. I have witnessed advance. My
+      father has often told me that in his early days the displeasure of a peer
+      of England was like a sentence of death to a man. Why it was esteemed a
+      great concession to public opinion, so late as the reign of George II.,
+      that Lord Ferrars should be executed for murder. The king of a new
+      dynasty, who wished to be popular with the people, insisted on it, and
+      even then he was hanged with a silken cord. At any rate we may defend
+      ourselves now,&rsquo; continued Mr. Millbank, &lsquo;and, perhaps, do something more.
+      I defy any peer to crush me, though there is one who would be very glad to
+      do it. No more of that; I am very happy to see you at Millbank, very happy
+      to make your acquaintance,&rsquo; he continued, with some emotion, &lsquo;and not
+      merely because you are my son&rsquo;s friend and more than friend.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The walls of the dining-room were covered with pictures of great merit,
+      all of the modern English school. Mr. Millbank understood no other, he was
+      wont to say! and he found that many of his friends who did, bought a great
+      many pleasing pictures that were copies, and many originals that were very
+      displeasing. He loved a fine free landscape by Lee, that gave him the
+      broad plains, the green lanes, and running streams of his own land; a
+      group of animals by Landseer, as full of speech and sentiment as if they
+      were designed by Aesop; above all, he delighted in the household humour
+      and homely pathos of Wilkie. And if a higher tone of imagination pleased
+      him, he could gratify it without difficulty among his favourite masters.
+      He possessed some specimens of Etty worthy of Venice when it was alive; he
+      could muse amid the twilight ruins of ancient cities raised by the magic
+      pencil of Danby, or accompany a group of fair Neapolitans to a festival by
+      the genial aid of Uwins.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Opposite Coningsby was a portrait, which had greatly attracted his
+      attention during the whole dinner. It represented a woman, young and of a
+      rare beauty. The costume was of that classical character prevalent in this
+      country before the general peace; a blue ribbon bound together as a fillet
+      her clustering chestnut curls. The face was looking out of the canvas, and
+      Coningsby never raised his eyes without catching its glance of blended
+      vivacity and tenderness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There are moments when our sensibility is affected by circumstances of a
+      trivial character. It seems a fantastic emotion, but the gaze of this
+      picture disturbed the serenity of Coningsby. He endeavoured sometimes to
+      avoid looking at it, but it irresistibly attracted him. More than once
+      during dinner he longed to inquire whom it represented; but it is a
+      delicate subject to ask questions about portraits, and he refrained.
+      Still, when he was rising to leave the room, the impulse was irresistible.
+      He said to Mr. Millbank, &lsquo;By whom is that portrait, sir?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The countenance of Millbank became disturbed; it was not an expression of
+      tender reminiscence that fell upon his features. On the contrary, the
+      expression was agitated, almost angry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! that is by a country artist,&rsquo; he said,&rsquo; of whom you never heard,&rsquo; and
+      moved away.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They found Miss Millbank in the drawing-room; she was sitting at a round
+      table covered with working materials, apparently dressing a doll.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Nay,&rsquo; thought Coningsby, &lsquo;she must be too old for that.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He addressed her, and seated himself by her side. There were several dolls
+      on the table, but he discovered, on examination, that they were
+      pincushions; and elicited, with some difficulty, that they were making for
+      a fancy fair about to be held in aid of that excellent institution, the
+      Manchester Athenaeum. Then the father came up and said,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My child, let us have some tea;&rsquo; and she rose and seated herself at the
+      tea-table. Coningsby also quitted his seat, and surveyed the apartment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There were several musical instruments; among others, he observed a
+      guitar; not such an instrument as one buys in a music shop, but such an
+      one as tinkles at Seville, a genuine Spanish guitar. Coningsby repaired to
+      the tea-table.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am glad that you are fond of music, Miss Millbank.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A blush and a bow.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I hope after tea you will be so kind as to touch the guitar.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Signals of great distress.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Were you ever at Birmingham?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes:&rsquo; a sigh.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What a splendid music-hall! They should build one at Manchester.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;They ought,&rsquo; in a whisper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The tea-tray was removed; Coningsby was conversing with Mr. Millbank, who
+      was asking him questions about his son; what he thought of Oxford; what he
+      thought of Oriel; should himself have preferred Cambridge; but had
+      consulted a friend, an Oriel man, who had a great opinion of Oriel; and
+      Oswald&rsquo;s name had been entered some years back. He rather regretted it
+      now; but the thing was done. Coningsby, remembering the promise of the
+      guitar, turned round to claim its fulfilment, but the singer had made her
+      escape. Time elapsed, and no Miss Millbank reappeared. Coningsby looked at
+      his watch; he had to go three miles to the train, which started, as his
+      friend of the previous night would phrase it, at 9.45.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I should be happy if you remained with us,&rsquo; said Mr. Millbank; &lsquo;but as
+      you say it is out of your power, in this age of punctual travelling a host
+      is bound to speed the parting guest. The carriage is ready for you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Farewell, then, sir. You must make my adieux to Miss Millbank, and accept
+      my thanks for your great kindness.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Farewell, Mr. Coningsby,&rsquo; said his host, taking his hand, which he
+      retained for a moment, as if he would say more. Then leaving it, he
+      repeated with a somewhat wandering air, and in a voice of emotion,
+      &lsquo;Farewell, farewell, Mr. Coningsby.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER V.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Towards the end of the session of 1836, the hopes of the Conservative
+      party were again in the ascendant. The Tadpoles and the Tapers had infused
+      such enthusiasm into all the country attorneys, who, in their turn, had so
+      bedeviled the registration, that it was whispered in the utmost
+      confidence, but as a flagrant truth, that Reaction was at length &lsquo;a great
+      fact.&rsquo; All that was required was the opportunity; but as the existing
+      parliament was not two years old, and the government had an excellent
+      working majority, it seemed that the occasion could scarcely be furnished.
+      Under these circumstances, the backstairs politicians, not content with
+      having by their premature movements already seriously damaged the career
+      of their leader, to whom in public they pretended to be devoted, began
+      weaving again their old intrigues about the court, and not without effect.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was said that the royal ear lent itself with no marked repugnance to
+      suggestions which might rid the sovereign of ministers, who, after all,
+      were the ministers not of his choice, but of his necessity. But William
+      IV., after two failures in a similar attempt, after his respective
+      embarrassing interviews with Lord Grey and Lord Melbourne, on their return
+      to office in 1832 and 1835, was resolved never to make another move unless
+      it were a checkmate. The king, therefore, listened and smiled, and loved
+      to talk to his favourites of his private feelings and secret hopes; the
+      first outraged, the second cherished; and a little of these revelations of
+      royalty was distilled to great personages, who in their turn spoke
+      hypothetically to their hangers-on of royal dispositions, and possible
+      contingencies, while the hangers-on and go-betweens, in their turn, looked
+      more than they expressed; took county members by the button into a corner,
+      and advised, as friends, the representatives of boroughs to look sharply
+      after the next registration.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth, who was never greater than in adversity, and whose
+      favourite excitement was to aim at the impossible, had never been more
+      resolved on a Dukedom than when the Reform Act deprived him of the twelve
+      votes which he had accumulated to attain that object. While all his
+      companions in discomfiture were bewailing their irretrievable overthrow,
+      Lord Monmouth became almost a convert to the measure, which had furnished
+      his devising and daring mind, palled with prosperity, and satiated with a
+      life of success, with an object, and the stimulating enjoyment of a
+      difficulty.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He had early resolved to appropriate to himself a division of the county
+      in which his chief seat was situate; but what most interested him, because
+      it was most difficult, was the acquisition of one of the new boroughs that
+      was in his vicinity, and in which he possessed considerable property. The
+      borough, however, was a manufacturing town, and returning only one member,
+      it had hitherto sent up to Westminster a radical shopkeeper, one Mr.
+      Jawster Sharp, who had taken what is called &lsquo;a leading part&rsquo; in the town
+      on every &lsquo;crisis&rsquo; that had occurred since 1830; one of those zealous
+      patriots who had got up penny subscriptions for gold cups to Lord Grey;
+      cries for the bill, the whole bill, and nothing but the bill; and public
+      dinners where the victual was devoured before grace was said; a worthy who
+      makes speeches, passes resolutions, votes addresses, goes up with
+      deputations, has at all times the necessary quantity of confidence in the
+      necessary individual; confidence in Lord Grey; confidence in Lord Durham;
+      confidence in Lord Melbourne: and can also, if necessary, give three
+      cheers for the King, or three groans for the Queen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But the days of the genus Jawster Sharp were over in this borough as well
+      as in many others. He had contrived in his lustre of agitation to feather
+      his nest pretty successfully; by which he had lost public confidence and
+      gained his private end. Three hungry Jawster Sharps, his hopeful sons, had
+      all become commissioners of one thing or another; temporary appointments
+      with interminable duties; a low-church son-in-law found himself
+      comfortably seated in a chancellor&rsquo;s living; and several cousins and
+      nephews were busy in the Excise. But Jawster Sharp himself was as pure as
+      Cato. He had always said he would never touch the public money, and he had
+      kept his word. It was an understood thing that Jawster Sharp was never to
+      show his face again on the hustings of Darlford; the Liberal party was
+      determined to be represented in future by a man of station, substance,
+      character, a true Reformer, but one who wanted nothing for himself, and
+      therefore might, if needful, get something for them. They were looking out
+      for such a man, but were in no hurry. The seat was looked upon as a good
+      thing; a contest certainly, every place is contested now, but as certainly
+      a large majority. Notwithstanding all this confidence, however, Reaction
+      or Registration, or some other mystification, had produced effects even in
+      this creature of the Reform Bill, the good Borough of Darlford. The
+      borough that out of gratitude to Lord Grey returned a jobbing shopkeeper
+      twice to Parliament as its representative without a contest, had now a
+      Conservative Association, with a banker for its chairman, and a brewer for
+      its vice-president, and four sharp lawyers nibbing their pens, noting
+      their memorandum-books, and assuring their neighbours, with a consoling
+      and complacent air, that &lsquo;Property must tell in the long run.&rsquo; Whispers
+      also were about, that when the proper time arrived, a Conservative
+      candidate would certainly have the honour of addressing the electors. No
+      name mentioned, but it was not concealed that he was to be of no ordinary
+      calibre; a tried man, a distinguished individual, who had already fought
+      the battle of the constitution, and served his country in eminent posts;
+      honoured by the nation, favoured by his sovereign. These important and
+      encouraging intimations were ably diffused in the columns of the
+      Conservative journal, and in a style which, from its high tone, evidently
+      indicated no ordinary source and no common pen. Indeed, there appeared
+      occasionally in this paper, articles written with such unusual vigour,
+      that the proprietors of the Liberal journal almost felt the necessity of
+      getting some eminent hand down from town to compete with them. It was
+      impossible that they could emanate from the rival Editor. They knew well
+      the length of their brother&rsquo;s tether. Had they been more versant in the
+      periodical literature of the day, they might in this &lsquo;slashing&rsquo; style have
+      caught perhaps a glimpse of the future candidate for their borough, the
+      Right Honourable Nicholas Rigby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth, though he had been absent from England since 1832, had
+      obtained from his vigilant correspondent a current knowledge of all that
+      had occurred in the interval: all the hopes, fears, plans, prospects,
+      manoeuvres, and machinations; their rise and fall; how some had bloomed,
+      others were blighted; not a shade of reaction that was not represented to
+      him; not the possibility of an adhesion that was not duly reported; he
+      could calculate at Naples at any time, within ten, the result of a
+      dissolution. The season of the year had prevented him crossing the Alps in
+      1834, and after the general election he was too shrewd a practiser in the
+      political world to be deceived as to the ultimate result. Lord Eskdale, in
+      whose judgment he had more confidence than in that of any individual, had
+      told him from the first that the pear was not ripe; Rigby, who always
+      hedged against his interest by the fulfilment of his prophecy of
+      irremediable discomfiture, was never very sanguine. Indeed, the whole
+      affair was always considered premature by the good judges; and a long time
+      elapsed before Tadpole and Taper recovered their secret influence, or
+      resumed their ostentatious loquacity, or their silent insolence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The pear, however, was now ripe. Even Lord Eskdale wrote that after the
+      forthcoming registration a bet was safe, and Lord Monmouth had the
+      satisfaction of drawing the Whig Minister at Naples into a cool thousand
+      on the event. Soon after this he returned to England, and determined to
+      pay a visit to Coningsby Castle, feast the county, patronise the borough,
+      diffuse that confidence in the party which his presence never failed to
+      do; so great and so just was the reliance in his unerring powers of
+      calculation and his intrepid pluck. Notwithstanding Schedule A, the
+      prestige of his power had not sensibly diminished, for his essential
+      resources were vast, and his intellect always made the most of his
+      influence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      True, however, to his organisation, Lord Monmouth, even to save his party
+      and gain his dukedom, must not be bored. He, therefore, filled his castle
+      with the most agreeable people from London, and even secured for their
+      diversion a little troop of French comedians. Thus supported, he received
+      his neighbours with all the splendour befitting his immense wealth and
+      great position, and with one charm which even immense wealth and great
+      position cannot command, the most perfect manner in the world. Indeed,
+      Lord Monmouth was one of the most finished gentlemen that ever lived; and
+      as he was good-natured, and for a selfish man even good-humoured, there
+      was rarely a cloud of caprice or ill-temper to prevent his fine manners
+      having their fair play. The country neighbours were all fascinated; they
+      were received with so much dignity and dismissed with so much grace.
+      Nobody would believe a word of the stories against him. Had he lived all
+      his life at Coningsby, fulfilled every duty of a great English nobleman,
+      benefited the county, loaded the inhabitants with favours, he would not
+      have been half so popular as he found himself within a fortnight of his
+      arrival with the worst county reputation conceivable, and every little
+      squire vowing that he would not even leave his name at the Castle to show
+      his respect.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth, whose contempt for mankind was absolute; not a fluctuating
+      sentiment, not a mournful conviction, ebbing and flowing with
+      circumstances, but a fixed, profound, unalterable instinct; who never
+      loved any one, and never hated any one except his own children; was
+      diverted by his popularity, but he was also gratified by it. At this
+      moment it was a great element of power; he was proud that, with a vicious
+      character, after having treated these people with unprecedented neglect
+      and contumely, he should have won back their golden opinions in a moment
+      by the magic of manner and the splendour of wealth. His experience proved
+      the soundness of his philosophy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth worshipped gold, though, if necessary, he could squander it
+      like a caliph. He had even a respect for very rich men; it was his only
+      weakness, the only exception to his general scorn for his species. Wit,
+      power, particular friendships, general popularity, public opinion, beauty,
+      genius, virtue, all these are to be purchased; but it does not follow that
+      you can buy a rich man: you may not be able or willing to spare enough. A
+      person or a thing that you perhaps could not buy, became invested, in the
+      eyes of Lord Monmouth, with a kind of halo amounting almost to sanctity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As the prey rose to the bait, Lord Monmouth resolved they should be
+      gorged. His banquets were doubled; a ball was announced; a public day
+      fixed; not only the county, but the principal inhabitants of the
+      neighbouring borough, were encouraged to attend; Lord Monmouth wished it,
+      if possible, to be without distinction of party. He had come to reside
+      among his old friends, to live and die where he was born. The Chairman of
+      the Conservative Association and the Vice President exchanged glances,
+      which would have become Tadpole and Taper; the four attorneys nibbed their
+      pens with increased energy, and vowed that nothing could withstand the
+      influence of the aristocracy &lsquo;in the long run.&rsquo; All went and dined at the
+      Castle; all returned home overpowered by the condescension of the host,
+      the beauty of the ladies, several real Princesses, the splendour of his
+      liveries, the variety of his viands, and the flavour of his wines. It was
+      agreed that at future meetings of the Conservative Association, they
+      should always give &lsquo;Lord Monmouth and the House of Lords!&rsquo; superseding the
+      Duke of Wellington, who was to figure in an after-toast with the Battle of
+      Waterloo.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was not without emotion that Coningsby beheld for the first time the
+      castle that bore his name. It was visible for several miles before he even
+      entered the park, so proud and prominent was its position, on the
+      richly-wooded steep of a considerable eminence. It was a castellated
+      building, immense and magnificent, in a faulty and incongruous style of
+      architecture, indeed, but compensating in some degree for these
+      deficiencies of external taste and beauty by the splendour and
+      accommodation of its exterior, and which a Gothic castle, raised according
+      to the strict rules of art, could scarcely have afforded. The declining
+      sun threw over the pile a rich colour as Coningsby approached it, and lit
+      up with fleeting and fanciful tints the delicate foliage of the rare
+      shrubs and tall thin trees that clothed the acclivity on which it stood.
+      Our young friend felt a little embarrassed when, without a servant and in
+      a hack chaise, he drew up to the grand portal, and a crowd of retainers
+      came forth to receive him. A superior servant inquired his name with a
+      stately composure that disdained to be supercilious. It was not without
+      some degree of pride and satisfaction that the guest replied, &lsquo;Mr.
+      Coningsby.&rsquo; The instantaneous effect was magical. It seemed to Coningsby
+      that he was borne on the shoulders of the people to his apartment; each
+      tried to carry some part of his luggage; and he only hoped his welcome
+      from their superiors might be as hearty.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VI.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      It appeared to Coningsby in his way to his room, that the Castle was in a
+      state of great excitement; everywhere bustle, preparation, moving to and
+      fro, ascending and descending of stairs, servants in every corner; orders
+      boundlessly given, rapidly obeyed; many desires, equal gratification. All
+      this made him rather nervous. It was quite unlike Beaumanoir. That also
+      was a palace, but it was a home. This, though it should be one to him,
+      seemed to have nothing of that character. Of all mysteries the social
+      mysteries are the most appalling. Going to an assembly for the first time
+      is more alarming than the first battle. Coningsby had never before been in
+      a great house full of company. It seemed an overwhelming affair. The sight
+      of the servants bewildered him; how then was he to encounter their
+      masters?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      That, however, he must do in a moment. A groom of the chambers indicates
+      the way to him, as he proceeds with a hesitating yet hurried step through
+      several ante-chambers and drawing-rooms; then doors are suddenly thrown
+      open, and he is ushered into the largest and most sumptuous saloon that he
+      had ever entered. It was full of ladies and gentlemen. Coningsby for the
+      first time in his life was at a great party. His immediate emotion was to
+      sink into the earth; but perceiving that no one even noticed him, and that
+      not an eye had been attracted to his entrance, he regained his breath and
+      in some degree his composure, and standing aside, endeavoured to make
+      himself, as well as he could, master of the land.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Not a human being that he had ever seen before! The circumstance of not
+      being noticed, which a few minutes since he had felt as a relief, became
+      now a cause of annoyance. It seemed that he was the only person standing
+      alone whom no one was addressing. He felt renewed and aggravated
+      embarrassment, and fancied, perhaps was conscious, that he was blushing.
+      At length his ear caught the voice of Mr. Rigby. The speaker was not
+      visible; he was at a distance surrounded by a wondering group, whom he was
+      severally and collectively contradicting, but Coningsby could not mistake
+      those harsh, arrogant tones. He was not sorry indeed that Mr. Rigby did
+      not observe him. Coningsby never loved him particularly, which was rather
+      ungrateful, for he was a person who had been kind, and, on the whole,
+      serviceable to him; but Coningsby writhed, especially as he grew older,
+      under Mr. Rigby&rsquo;s patronising air and paternal tone. Even in old days,
+      though attentive, Coningsby had never found him affectionate. Mr. Rigby
+      would tell him what to do and see, but never asked him what he wished to
+      do and see. It seemed to Coningsby that it was always contrived that he
+      should appear the <i>protégé</i>, or poor relation, of a dependent of his
+      family. These feelings, which the thought of Mr. Rigby had revived, caused
+      our young friend, by an inevitable association of ideas, to remember that,
+      unknown and unnoticed as he might be, he was the only Coningsby in that
+      proud Castle, except the Lord of the Castle himself; and he began to be
+      rather ashamed of permitting a sense of his inexperience in the mere forms
+      and fashions of society so to oppress him, and deprive him, as it were, of
+      the spirit and carriage which became alike his character and his position.
+      Emboldened and greatly restored to himself, Coningsby advanced into the
+      body of the saloon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On his legs, wearing his blue ribbon and bending his head frequently to a
+      lady who was seated on a sofa, and continually addressed him, Coningsby
+      recognised his grandfather. Lord Monmouth was somewhat balder than four
+      years ago, when he had come down to Montem, and a little more portly
+      perhaps; but otherwise unchanged. Lord Monmouth never condescended to the
+      artifices of the toilet, and, indeed, notwithstanding his life of excess,
+      had little need of them. Nature had done much for him, and the slow
+      progress of decay was carried off by his consummate bearing. He looked,
+      indeed, the chieftain of a house of whom a cadet might be proud.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      For Coningsby, not only the chief of his house, but his host too. In
+      either capacity he ought to address Lord Monmouth. To sit down to dinner
+      without having previously paid his respects to his grandfather, to whom he
+      was so much indebted, and whom he had not seen for so many years, struck
+      him not only as uncourtly, but as unkind and ungrateful, and, indeed, in
+      the highest degree absurd. But how was he to do it? Lord Monmouth seemed
+      deeply engaged, and apparently with some very great lady. And if Coningsby
+      advanced and bowed, in all probability he would only get a bow in return.
+      He remembered the bow of his first interview. It had made a lasting
+      impression on his mind. For it was more than likely Lord Monmouth would
+      not recognise him. Four years had not sensibly altered Lord Monmouth, but
+      four years had changed Harry Coningsby from a schoolboy into a man. Then
+      how was he to make himself known to his grandfather? To announce himself
+      as Coningsby, as his Lordship&rsquo;s grandson, seemed somewhat ridiculous: to
+      address his grandfather as Lord Monmouth would serve no purpose: to style
+      Lord Monmouth &lsquo;grandfather&rsquo; would make every one laugh, and seem stiff and
+      unnatural. What was he to do? To fall into an attitude and exclaim,
+      &lsquo;Behold your grandchild!&rsquo; or, &lsquo;Have you forgotten your Harry?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Even to catch Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s glance was not an easy affair; he was much
+      occupied on one side by the great lady, on the other were several
+      gentlemen who occasionally joined in the conversation. But something must
+      be done.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There ran through Coningsby&rsquo;s character, as we have before mentioned, a
+      vein of simplicity which was not its least charm. It resulted, no doubt,
+      in a great degree from the earnestness of his nature. There never was a
+      boy so totally devoid of affectation, which was remarkable, for he had a
+      brilliant imagination, a quality that, from its fantasies, and the vague
+      and indefinite desires it engenders, generally makes those whose
+      characters are not formed, affected. The Duchess, who was a fine judge of
+      character, and who greatly regarded Coningsby, often mentioned this trait
+      as one which, combined with his great abilities and acquirements so
+      unusual at his age, rendered him very interesting. In the present instance
+      it happened that, while Coningsby was watching his grandfather, he
+      observed a gentleman advance, make his bow, say and receive a few words
+      and retire. This little incident, however, made a momentary diversion in
+      the immediate circle of Lord Monmouth, and before they could all resume
+      their former talk and fall into their previous positions, an impulse sent
+      forth Coningsby, who walked up to Lord Monmouth, and standing before him,
+      said,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;How do you do, grandpapa?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth beheld his grandson. His comprehensive and penetrating
+      glance took in every point with a flash. There stood before him one of the
+      handsomest youths he had ever seen, with a mien as graceful as his
+      countenance was captivating; and his whole air breathing that freshness
+      and ingenuousness which none so much appreciates as the used man of the
+      world. And this was his child; the only one of his blood to whom he had
+      been kind. It would be exaggeration to say that Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s heart was
+      touched; but his goodnature effervesced, and his fine taste was deeply
+      gratified. He perceived in an instant such a relation might be a valuable
+      adherent; an irresistible candidate for future elections: a brilliant tool
+      to work out the Dukedom. All these impressions and ideas, and many more,
+      passed through the quick brain of Lord Monmouth ere the sound of
+      Coningsby&rsquo;s words had seemed to cease, and long before the surrounding
+      guests had recovered from the surprise which they had occasioned them, and
+      which did not diminish, when Lord Monmouth, advancing, placed his arms
+      round Coningsby with a dignity of affection that would have become Louis
+      XIV., and then, in the high manner of the old Court, kissed him on each
+      cheek.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Welcome to your home,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth. &lsquo;You have grown a great deal.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Lord Monmouth led the agitated Coningsby to the great lady, who was a
+      Princess and an Ambassadress, and then, placing his arm gracefully in that
+      of his grandson, he led him across the room, and presented him in due form
+      to some royal blood that was his guest, in the shape of a Russian
+      Grand-duke. His Imperial Highness received our hero as graciously as the
+      grandson of Lord Monmouth might expect; but no greeting can be imagined
+      warmer than the one he received from the lady with whom the Grand-duke was
+      conversing. She was a dame whose beauty was mature, but still radiant. Her
+      figure was superb; her dark hair crowned with a tiara of curious
+      workmanship. Her rounded arm was covered with costly bracelets, but not a
+      jewel on her finely formed bust, and the least possible rouge on her still
+      oval cheek. Madame Colonna retained her charms.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The party, though so considerable, principally consisted of the guests at
+      the Castle. The suite of the Grand-duke included several counts and
+      generals; then there were the Russian Ambassador and his lady; and a
+      Russian Prince and Princess, their relations. The Prince and Princess
+      Colonna and the Princess Lucretia were also paying a visit to the
+      Marquess; and the frequency of these visits made some straight-laced
+      magnificoes mysteriously declare it was impossible to go to Coningsby; but
+      as they were not asked, it did not much signify. The Marquess knew a great
+      many very agreeable people of the highest <i>ton</i>, who took a more
+      liberal view of human conduct, and always made it a rule to presume the
+      best motives instead of imputing the worst. There was Lady St. Julians,
+      for example, whose position was of the highest; no one more sought; she
+      made it a rule to go everywhere and visit everybody, provided they had
+      power, wealth, and fashion. She knew no crime except a woman not living
+      with her husband; that was past pardon. So long as his presence sanctioned
+      her conduct, however shameless, it did not signify; but if the husband
+      were a brute, neglected his wife first, and then deserted her; then, if a
+      breath but sullies her name she must be crushed; unless, indeed, her own
+      family were very powerful, which makes a difference, and sometimes softens
+      immorality into indiscretion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord and Lady Gaverstock were also there, who never said an unkind thing
+      of anybody; her ladyship was pure as snow; but her mother having been
+      divorced, she ever fancied she was paying a kind of homage to her parent,
+      by visiting those who might some day be in the same predicament. There
+      were other lords and ladies of high degree; and some who, though neither
+      lords nor ladies, were charming people, which Lord Monmouth chiefly cared
+      about; troops of fine gentlemen who came and went; and some who were
+      neither fine nor gentlemen, but who were very amusing or very obliging, as
+      circumstances required, and made life easy and pleasant to others and
+      themselves.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A new scene this for Coningsby, who watched with interest all that passed
+      before him. The dinner was announced as served; an affectionate arm guides
+      him at a moment of some perplexity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;When did you arrive, Harry? We shall sit together. How is the Duchess?&rsquo;
+      inquired Mr. Rigby, who spoke as if he had seen Coningsby for the first
+      time; but who indeed had, with that eye which nothing could escape,
+      observed his reception by his grandfather, marked it well, and inwardly
+      digested it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      There was to be a first appearance on the stage of Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s theatre
+      to-night, the expectation of which created considerable interest in the
+      party, and was one of the principal subjects of conversation at dinner.
+      Villebecque, the manager of the troop, had married the actress Stella,
+      once celebrated for her genius and her beauty; a woman who had none of the
+      vices of her craft, for, though she was a fallen angel, there were what
+      her countrymen style extenuating circumstances in her declension. With the
+      whole world at her feet, she had remained unsullied. Wealth and its
+      enjoyments could not tempt her, although she was unable to refuse her
+      heart to one whom she deemed worthy of possessing it. She found her fate
+      in an Englishman, who was the father of her only child, a daughter. She
+      thought she had met in him a hero, a demi-god, a being of deep passion and
+      original and creative mind; but he was only a voluptuary, full of violence
+      instead of feeling, and eccentric, because he had great means with which
+      he could gratify extravagant whims. Stella found she had made the great
+      and irretrievable mistake. She had exchanged devotion for a passionate and
+      evanescent fancy, prompted at first by vanity, and daily dissipating under
+      the influence of custom and new objects. Though not stainless in conduct,
+      Stella was pure in spirit. She required that devotion which she had
+      yielded; and she separated herself from the being to whom she had made the
+      most precious sacrifice. He offered her the consoling compensation of a
+      settlement, which she refused; and she returned with a broken spirit to
+      that profession of which she was still the ornament and the pride.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The animating principle of her career was her daughter, whom she educated
+      with a solicitude which the most virtuous mother could not surpass. To
+      preserve her from the stage, and to secure for her an independence, were
+      the objects of her mother&rsquo;s life; but nature whispered to her, that the
+      days of that life were already numbered. The exertions of her profession
+      had alarmingly developed an inherent tendency to pulmonary disease.
+      Anxious that her child should not be left without some protector, Stella
+      yielded to the repeated solicitations of one who from the first had been
+      her silent admirer, and she married Villebecque, a clever actor, and an
+      enterprising man who meant to be something more. Their union was not of
+      long duration, though it was happy on the side of Villebecque, and serene
+      on that of his wife. Stella was recalled from this world, where she had
+      known much triumph and more suffering; and where she had exercised many
+      virtues, which elsewhere, though not here, may perhaps be accepted as some
+      palliation of one great error.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Villebecque acted becomingly to the young charge which Stella had
+      bequeathed to him. He was himself, as we have intimated, a man of
+      enterprise, a restless spirit, not content to move for ever in the sphere
+      in which he was born. Vicissitudes are the lot of such aspirants.
+      Villebecque became manager of a small theatre, and made money. If
+      Villebecque without a sou had been a schemer, Villebecque with a small
+      capital was the very Chevalier Law of theatrical managers. He took a
+      larger theatre, and even that succeeded. Soon he was recognised as the
+      lessee of more than one, and still he prospered. Villebecque began to
+      dabble in opera-houses. He enthroned himself at Paris; his envoys were
+      heard of at Milan and Naples, at Berlin and St. Petersburg. His
+      controversies with the Conservatoire at Paris ranked among state papers.
+      Villebecque rolled in chariots and drove cabriolets; Villebecque gave
+      refined suppers to great nobles, who were honoured by the invitation;
+      Villebecque wore a red ribbon in the button-hole of his frock, and more
+      than one cross in his gala dress.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All this time the daughter of Stella increased in years and stature, and
+      we must add in goodness: a mild, soft-hearted girl, as yet with no decided
+      character, but one who loved calmness and seemed little fitted for the
+      circle in which she found herself. In that circle, however, she ever
+      experienced kindness and consideration. No enterprise however hazardous,
+      no management however complicated, no schemes however vast, ever for a
+      moment induced Villebecque to forget &lsquo;La Petite.&rsquo; If only for one
+      breathless instant, hardly a day elapsed but he saw her; she was his
+      companion in all his rapid movements, and he studied every comfort and
+      convenience that could relieve her delicate frame in some degree from the
+      inconvenience and exhaustion of travel. He was proud to surround her with
+      luxury and refinement; to supply her with the most celebrated masters; to
+      gratify every wish that she could express.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But all this time Villebecque was dancing on a volcano. The catastrophe
+      which inevitably occurs in the career of all great speculators, and
+      especially theatrical ones, arrived to him. Flushed with his prosperity,
+      and confident in his constant success, nothing would satisfy him but
+      universal empire. He had established his despotism at Paris, his dynasties
+      at Naples and at Milan; but the North was not to him, and he was
+      determined to appropriate it. Berlin fell before a successful campaign,
+      though a costly one; but St. Petersburg and London still remained.
+      Resolute and reckless, nothing deterred Villebecque. One season all the
+      opera-houses in Europe obeyed his nod, and at the end of it he was ruined.
+      The crash was utter, universal, overwhelming; and under ordinary
+      circumstances a French bed and a brasier of charcoal alone remained for
+      Villebecque, who was equal to the occasion. But the thought of La Petite
+      and the remembrance of his promise to Stella deterred him from the deed.
+      He reviewed his position in a spirit becoming a practical philosopher. Was
+      he worse off than before he commenced his career? Yes, because he was
+      older; though to be sure he had his compensating reminiscences. But was he
+      too old to do anything? At forty-five the game was not altogether up; and
+      in a large theatre, not too much lighted, and with the artifices of a
+      dramatic toilet, he might still be able successfully to reassume those
+      characters of coxcombs and muscadins, in which he was once so celebrated.
+      Luxury had perhaps a little too much enlarged his waist, but diet and
+      rehearsals would set all right.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Villebecque in their adversity broke to La Petite, that the time had
+      unfortunately arrived when it would be wise for her to consider the most
+      effectual means for turning her talents and accomplishments to account. He
+      himself suggested the stage, to which otherwise there were doubtless
+      objections, because her occupation in any other pursuit would necessarily
+      separate them; but he impartially placed before her the relative
+      advantages and disadvantages of every course which seemed to lie open to
+      them, and left the preferable one to her own decision. La Petite, who had
+      wept very much over Villebecque&rsquo;s misfortunes, and often assured him that
+      she cared for them only for his sake, decided for the stage, solely
+      because it would secure their not being parted; and yet, as she often
+      assured him, she feared she had no predisposition for the career.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Villebecque had now not only to fill his own parts at the theatre at which
+      he had obtained an engagement, but he had also to be the instructor of his
+      ward. It was a life of toil; an addition of labour and effort that need
+      scarcely have been made to the exciting exertion of performance, and the
+      dull exercise of rehearsal; but he bore it all without a murmur; with a
+      self-command and a gentle perseverance which the finest temper in the
+      world could hardly account for; certainly not when we remember that its
+      possessor, who had to make all these exertions and endure all this
+      wearisome toil, had just experienced the most shattering vicissitudes of
+      fortune, and been hurled from the possession of absolute power and
+      illimitable self-gratification.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Eskdale, who was always doing kind things to actors and actresses,
+      had a great regard for Villebecque, with whom he had often supped. He had
+      often been kind, too, to La Petite. Lord Eskdale had a plan for putting
+      Villebecque, as he termed it, &lsquo;on his legs again.&rsquo; It was to establish him
+      with a French Company in London at some pretty theatre; Lord Eskdale to
+      take a private box and to make all his friends do the same. Villebecque,
+      who was as sanguine as he was good-tempered, was ravished by this friendly
+      scheme. He immediately believed that he should recover his great fortunes
+      as rapidly as he had lost them. He foresaw in La Petite a genius as
+      distinguished as that of her mother, although as yet not developed, and he
+      was boundless in his expressions of gratitude to his patron. And indeed of
+      all friends, a friend in need is the most delightful. Lord Eskdale had the
+      talent of being a friend in need. Perhaps it was because he knew so many
+      worthless persons. But it often happens that worthless persons are merely
+      people who are worth nothing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth having written to Mr. Rigby of his intention to reside for
+      some months at Coningsby, and having mentioned that he wished a troop of
+      French comedians to be engaged for the summer, Mr. Rigby had immediately
+      consulted Lord Eskdale on the subject, as the best current authority.
+      Thinking this a good opportunity of giving a turn to poor Villebecque, and
+      that it might serve as a capital introduction to their scheme of the
+      London company, Lord Eskdale obtained for him the engagement.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Villebecque and his little troop had now been a month at Coningsby, and
+      had hitherto performed three times a-week. Lord Monmouth was content; his
+      guests much gratified; the company, on the whole, much approved of. It
+      was, indeed, considering its limited numbers, a capital company. There was
+      a young lady who played the old woman&rsquo;s parts, nothing could be more
+      garrulous and venerable; and a lady of maturer years who performed the
+      heroines, gay and graceful as May. Villebecque himself was a celebrity in
+      characters of airy insolence and careless frolic. Their old man, indeed,
+      was rather hard, but handy; could take anything either in the high
+      serious, or the low droll. Their sentimental lover was rather too much
+      bewigged, and spoke too much to the audience, a fault rare with the
+      French; but this hero had a vague idea that he was ultimately destined to
+      run off with a princess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In this wise, affairs had gone on for a month; very well, but not too
+      well. The enterprising genius of Villebecque, once more a manager,
+      prompted him to action. He felt an itching desire to announce a novelty.
+      He fancied Lord Monmouth had yawned once or twice when the heroine came
+      on. Villebecque wanted to make a <i>coup.</i> It was clear that La Petite
+      must sooner or later begin. Could she find a more favourable audience, or
+      a more fitting occasion, than were now offered? True it was she had a
+      great repugnance to come out; but it certainly seemed more to her
+      advantage that she should make her first appearance at a private theatre
+      than at a public one; supported by all the encouraging patronage of
+      Coningsby Castle, than subjected to all the cynical criticism of the
+      stalls of St. James&rsquo;.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These views and various considerations were urged and represented by
+      Villebecque to La Petite, with all the practised powers of plausibility of
+      which so much experience as a manager had made him master. La Petite
+      looked infinitely distressed, but yielded, as she ever did. And the night
+      of Coningsby&rsquo;s arrival at the Castle was to witness in its private theatre
+      the first appearance of MADEMOISELLE FLORA.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VIII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The guests re-assembled in the great saloon before they repaired to the
+      theatre. A lady on the arm of the Russian Prince bestowed on Coningsby a
+      haughty, but not ungracious bow; which he returned, unconscious of the
+      person to whom he bent. She was, however, a striking person; not
+      beautiful, her face, indeed, at the first glance was almost repulsive, yet
+      it ever attracted a second gaze. A remarkable pallor distinguished her;
+      her features had neither regularity nor expression; neither were her eyes
+      fine; but her brow impressed you with an idea of power of no ordinary
+      character or capacity. Her figure was as fine and commanding as her face
+      was void of charm. Juno, in the full bloom of her immortality, could have
+      presented nothing more majestic. Coningsby watched her as she swept along
+      like a resistless Fate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Servants now went round and presented to each of the guests a billet of
+      the performance. It announced in striking characters the <i>début</i> of
+      Mademoiselle Flora. A principal servant, bearing branch lights, came
+      forward and bowed to the Marquess. Lord Monmouth went immediately to the
+      Grand-duke, and notified to his Imperial Highness that the comedy was
+      ready. The Grand-duke offered his arm to the Ambassadress; the rest were
+      following; Coningsby was called; Madame Colonna wished him to be her beau.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was a pretty theatre; had been rapidly rubbed up and renovated here and
+      there; the painting just touched; a little gilding on a cornice. There
+      were no boxes, but the ground-floor, which gradually ascended, was
+      carpeted and covered with arm-chairs, and the back of the theatre with a
+      new and rich curtain of green velvet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They are all seated; a great artist performs on the violin, accompanied by
+      another great artist on the piano. The lights rise; somebody evidently
+      crosses the stage behind the curtain. They are disposing the scene. In a
+      moment the curtain will rise also.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Have you seen Lucretia?&rsquo; said the Princess to Coningsby. &lsquo;She is so
+      anxious to resume her acquaintance with you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But before he could answer the bell rang, and the curtain rose.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The old man, who had a droll part to-night, came forward and maintained a
+      conversation with his housekeeper; not bad. The young woman who played the
+      grave matron performed with great finish. She was a favourite, and was
+      ever applauded. The second scene came; a saloon tastefully furnished; a
+      table with flowers, arranged with grace; birds in cages, a lap-dog on a
+      cushion; some books. The audience were pleased; especially the ladies;
+      they like to recognise signs of <i>bon ton</i> in the details of the
+      scene. A rather awful pause, and Mademoiselle Flora enters. She was
+      greeted with even vehement approbation. Her agitation is extreme; she
+      curtseys and bows her head, as if to hide her face. The face was pleasing,
+      and pretty enough, soft and engaging. Her figure slight and rather
+      graceful. Nothing could be more perfect than her costume; purely white,
+      but the fashion consummate; a single rose her only ornament. All admitted
+      that her hair was arranged to admiration.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At length she spoke; her voice trembled, but she had a good elocution,
+      though her organ wanted force. The gentlemen looked at each other, and
+      nodded approbation. There was something so unobtrusive in her mien, that
+      she instantly became a favourite with the ladies. The scene was not long,
+      but it was successful.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Flora did not appear in the next scene. In the fourth and final one of the
+      act, she had to make a grand display. It was a love-scene, and rather of
+      an impassioned character; Villebecque was her suitor. He entered first on
+      the stage. Never had he looked so well, or performed with more spirit. You
+      would not have given him five-and-twenty years; he seemed redolent of
+      youth. His dress, too, was admirable. He had studied the most
+      distinguished of his audience for the occasion, and had outdone them all.
+      The fact is, he had been assisted a little by a great connoisseur, a
+      celebrated French nobleman, Count D&rsquo;O&mdash;&mdash;y, who had been one of
+      the guests. The thing was perfect; and Lord Monmouth took a pinch of
+      snuff, and tapped approbation on the top of his box.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Flora now re-appeared, received with renewed approbation. It did not seem,
+      however, that in the interval she had gained courage; she looked agitated.
+      She spoke, she proceeded with her part; it became impassioned. She had to
+      speak of her feelings; to tell the secrets of her heart; to confess that
+      she loved another; her emotion was exquisitely performed, the mournful
+      tenderness of her tones thrilling. There was, throughout the audience, a
+      dead silence; all were absorbed in their admiration of the unrivalled
+      artist; all felt a new genius had visited the stage; but while they were
+      fascinated by the actress, the woman was in torture. The emotion was the
+      disturbance of her own soul; the mournful tenderness of her tones thrilled
+      from the heart: suddenly she clasped her hands with all the exhaustion of
+      woe; an expression of agony flitted over her countenance; and she burst
+      into tears. Villebecque rushed forward, and carried, rather than led, her
+      from the stage; the audience looking at each other, some of them
+      suspecting that this movement was a part of the scene.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;She has talent,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth to the Russian Ambassadress, &lsquo;but
+      wants practice. Villebecque should send her for a time to the provinces.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At length M. Villebecque came forward to express his deep regret that the
+      sudden and severe indisposition of Mlle. Flora rendered it impossible for
+      the company to proceed with the piece; but that the curtain would descend
+      to rise again for the second and last piece announced.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All this accordingly took place. The experienced performer who acted the
+      heroines now came forward and disported most jocundly. The failure of
+      Flora had given fresh animation to her perpetual liveliness. She seemed
+      the very soul of elegant frolic. In the last scene she figured in male
+      attire; and in air, fashion, and youth, beat Villebecque out of the field.
+      She looked younger than Coningsby when he went up to his grandpapa.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The comedy was over, the curtain fell; the audience, much amused,
+      chattered brilliant criticism, and quitted the theatre to repair to the
+      saloon, where they were to be diverted tonight with Russian dances. Nobody
+      thought of the unhappy Flora; not a single message to console her in her
+      grief, to compliment her on what she had done, to encourage her future.
+      And yet it was a season for a word of kindness; so, at least, thought one
+      of the audience, as he lingered behind the hurrying crowd, absorbed in
+      their coming amusements.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby had sat very near the stage; he had observed, with great
+      advantage and attention, the countenance and movements of Flora from the
+      beginning. He was fully persuaded that her woe was genuine and profound.
+      He had felt his eyes moist when she wept. He recoiled from the cruelty and
+      the callousness that, without the slightest symptom of sympathy, could
+      leave a young girl who had been labouring for their amusement, and who was
+      suffering for her trial.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He got on the stage, ran behind the scenes, and asked for Mlle. Flora.
+      They pointed to a door; he requested permission to enter. Flora was
+      sitting at a table, with her face resting on her hands. Villebecque was
+      there, resting on the edge of the tall fender, and still in the dress in
+      which he had performed in the last piece.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I took the liberty,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;of inquiring after Mlle. Flora;&rsquo;
+      and then advancing to her, who had raised her head, he added, &lsquo;I am sure
+      my grandfather must feel much indebted to you, Mademoiselle, for making
+      such exertions when you were suffering under so much indisposition.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;This is very amiable of you, sir,&rsquo; said the young lady, looking at him
+      with earnestness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Mademoiselle has too much sensibility,&rsquo; said Villebecque, making an
+      observation by way of diversion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And yet that must be the soul of fine acting,&rsquo; said Coningsby; &lsquo;I look
+      forward, all look forward, with great interest to the next occasion on
+      which you will favour us.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Never!&rsquo; said La Petite, in a plaintive tone; &lsquo;oh, I hope, never!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Mademoiselle is not aware at this moment,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;how much her
+      talent is appreciated. I assure you, sir,&rsquo; he added, turning to
+      Villebecque, &lsquo;I heard but one opinion, but one expression of gratification
+      at her feeling and her fine taste.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The talent is hereditary,&rsquo; said Villebecque.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Indeed you have reason to say so,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Pardon; I was not thinking of myself. My child reminded me so much of
+      another this evening. But that is nothing. I am glad you are here, sir, to
+      reassure Mademoiselle.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I came only to congratulate her, and to lament, for our sakes as well as
+      her own, her indisposition.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is not indisposition,&rsquo; said La Petite, in a low tone, with her eyes
+      cast down.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Mademoiselle cannot overcome the nervousness incidental to a first
+      appearance,&rsquo; said Villebecque.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A last appearance,&rsquo; said La Petite: &lsquo;yes, it must be the last.&rsquo; She rose
+      gently, she approached Villebecque, she laid her head on his breast, and
+      placed her arms round his neck, &lsquo;My father, my best father, yes, say it is
+      the last.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You are the mistress of your lot, Flora,&rsquo; said Villebecque; &lsquo;but with
+      such a distinguished talent&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No, no, no; no talent. You are wrong, my father. I know myself. I am not
+      of those to whom nature gives talents. I am born only for still life. I
+      have no taste except for privacy. The convent is more suited to me than
+      the stage.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But you hear what this gentleman says,&rsquo; said Villebecque, returning her
+      embrace. &lsquo;He tells you that his grandfather, my Lord Marquess, I believe,
+      sir, that every one, that&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh, no, no, no!&rsquo; said Flora, shaking her head. &lsquo;He comes here because he
+      is generous, because he is a gentleman; and he wished to soothe the soul
+      that he knew was suffering. Thank him, my father, thank him for me and
+      before me, and promise in his presence that the stage and your daughter
+      have parted for ever.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Nay, Mademoiselle,&rsquo; said Coningsby, advancing and venturing to take her
+      hand, a soft hand, &lsquo;make no such resolutions to-night. M. Villebecque can
+      have no other thought or object but your happiness; and, believe me, &lsquo;tis
+      not I only, but all, who appreciate, and, if they were here, must respect
+      you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I prefer respect to admiration,&rsquo; said Flora; &lsquo;but I fear that respect is
+      not the appanage of such as I am.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;All must respect those who respect themselves,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;Adieu,
+      Mademoiselle; I trust to-morrow to hear that you are yourself.&rsquo; He bowed
+      to Villebecque and retired.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the meantime affairs in the drawing-room assumed a very different
+      character from those behind the scenes. Coningsby returned to brilliancy,
+      groups apparently gushing with light-heartedness, universal content, and
+      Russian dances!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And you too, do you dance the Russian dances, Mr. Coningsby?&rsquo; said Madame
+      Colonna.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I cannot dance at all,&rsquo; said Coningsby, beginning a little to lose his
+      pride in the want of an accomplishment which at Eton he had thought it
+      spirited to despise.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! you cannot dance the Russian dances! Lucretia shall teach you,&rsquo; said
+      the Princess; &lsquo;nothing will please her so much.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On the present occasion the ladies were not so experienced in the
+      entertainment as the gentlemen; but there was amusement in being
+      instructed. To be disciplined by a Grand-duke or a Russian Princess was
+      all very well; but what even good-tempered Lady Gaythorp could not pardon
+      was, that a certain Mrs. Guy Flouncey, whom they were all of them trying
+      to put down and to keep down, on this, as almost on every other occasion,
+      proved herself a more finished performer than even the Russians
+      themselves.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth had picked up the Guy Flounceys during a Roman winter. They
+      were people of some position in society. Mr. Guy Flouncey was a man of
+      good estate, a sportsman, proud of his pretty wife. Mrs. Guy Flouncey was
+      even very pretty, dressed in a style of ultra fashion. However, she could
+      sing, dance, act, ride, and talk, and all well; and was mistress of the
+      art of flirtation. She had amused the Marquess abroad, and had taken care
+      to call at Monmouth House the instant the <i>Morning Post</i> apprised her
+      he had arrived in England; the consequence was an invitation to Coningsby.
+      She came with a wardrobe which, in point of variety, fancy, and fashion,
+      never was surpassed. Morning and evening, every day a new dress equally
+      striking; and a riding habit that was the talk and wonder of the whole
+      neighbourhood. Mrs. Guy Flouncey created far more sensation in the borough
+      when she rode down the High Street, than what the good people called the
+      real Princesses.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At first the fine ladies never noticed her, or only stared at her over
+      their shoulders; everywhere sounded, in suppressed whispers, the fatal
+      question, &lsquo;Who is she?&rsquo; After dinner they formed always into polite
+      groups, from which Mrs. Guy Flouncey was invariably excluded; and if ever
+      the Princess Colonna, impelled partly by goodnature, and partly from
+      having known her on the Continent, did kindly sit by her, Lady St.
+      Julians, or some dame equally benevolent, was sure, by an adroit appeal to
+      Her Highness on some point which could not be decided without moving, to
+      withdraw her from her pretty and persecuted companion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was, indeed, rather difficult work the first few days for Mrs. Guy
+      Flouncey, especially immediately after dinner. It is not soothing to one&rsquo;s
+      self-love to find oneself sitting alone, pretending to look at prints, in
+      a fine drawing-room, full of fine people who don&rsquo;t speak to you. But Mrs.
+      Guy Flouncey, after having taken Coningsby Castle by storm, was not to be
+      driven out of its drawing-room by the tactics even of a Lady St. Julians.
+      Experience convinced her that all that was required was a little patience.
+      Mrs. Guy had confidence in herself, her quickness, her ever ready
+      accomplishments, and her practised powers of attraction. And she was
+      right. She was always sure of an ally the moment the gentlemen appeared.
+      The cavalier who had sat next to her at dinner was only too happy to meet
+      her again. More than once, too, she had caught her noble host, though a
+      whole garrison was ever on the watch to prevent her, and he was greatly
+      amused, and showed that he was greatly amused by her society. Then she
+      suggested plans to him to divert his guests. In a country-house the
+      suggestive mind is inestimable. Somehow or other, before a week passed,
+      Mrs. Guy Flouncey seemed the soul of everything, was always surrounded by
+      a cluster of admirers, and with what are called &lsquo;the best men&rsquo; ever ready
+      to ride with her, dance with her, act with her, or fall at her feet. The
+      fine ladies found it absolutely necessary to thaw: they began to ask her
+      questions after dinner. Mrs. Guy Flouncey only wanted an opening. She was
+      an adroit flatterer, with a temper imperturbable, and gifted with a
+      ceaseless energy of conferring slight obligations. She lent them patterns
+      for new fashions, in all which mysteries she was very versant; and what
+      with some gentle glozing and some gay gossip, sugar for their tongues and
+      salt for their tails, she contrived pretty well to catch them all.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER IX.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Nothing could present a greater contrast than the respective interiors of
+      Coningsby and Beaumanoir. That air of habitual habitation, which so
+      pleasingly distinguished the Duke&rsquo;s family seat, was entirely wanting at
+      Coningsby. Everything, indeed, was vast and splendid; but it seemed rather
+      a gala-house than a dwelling; as if the grand furniture and the grand
+      servants had all come down express from town with the grand company, and
+      were to disappear and to be dispersed at the same time. And truly there
+      were manifold traces of hasty and temporary arrangement; new carpets and
+      old hangings; old paint, new gilding; battalions of odd French chairs,
+      squadrons of queer English tables; and large tasteless lamps and tawdry
+      chandeliers, evidently true cockneys, and only taking the air by way of
+      change. There was, too, throughout the drawing-rooms an absence of all
+      those minor articles of ornamental furniture that are the offering of
+      taste to the home we love. There were no books neither; few flowers; no
+      pet animals; no portfolios of fine drawings by our English artists like
+      the album of the Duchess, full of sketches by Landseer and Stanfield, and
+      their gifted brethren; not a print even, except portfolios of H. B.&lsquo;s
+      caricatures. The modes and manners of the house were not rural; there was
+      nothing of the sweet order of a country life. Nobody came down to
+      breakfast; the ladies were scarcely seen until dinner-time; they rolled
+      about in carriages together late in the afternoon as if they were in
+      London, or led a sort of factitious boudoir life in their provincial
+      dressing-rooms.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Marquess sent for Coningsby the morning after his arrival and asked
+      him to breakfast with him in his private rooms. Nothing could be more kind
+      or more agreeable than his grandfather. He appeared to be interested in
+      his grandson&rsquo;s progress, was glad to find Coningsby had distinguished
+      himself at Eton, solemnly adjured him not to neglect his French. A
+      classical education, he said, was a very admirable thing, and one which
+      all gentlemen should enjoy; but Coningsby would find some day that there
+      were two educations, one which his position required, and another which
+      was demanded by the world. &lsquo;French, my dear Harry,&rsquo; he continued, &lsquo;is the
+      key to this second education. In a couple of years or so you will enter
+      the world; it is a different thing to what you read about. It is a
+      masquerade; a motley, sparkling multitude, in which you may mark all forms
+      and colours, and listen to all sentiments and opinions; but where all you
+      see and hear has only one object, plunder. When you get into this crowd
+      you will find that Greek and Latin are not so much diffused as you
+      imagine. I was glad to hear you speaking French yesterday. Study your
+      accent. There are a good many foreigners here with whom you may try your
+      wing a little; don&rsquo;t talk to any of them too much. Be very careful of
+      intimacies. All the people here are good acquaintance; at least pretty
+      well. Now, here,&rsquo; said the Marquess, taking up a letter and then throwing
+      it on the table again, &lsquo;now here is a man whom I should like you to know,
+      Sidonia. He will be here in a few days. Lay yourself out for him if you
+      have the opportunity. He is a man of rare capacity, and enormously rich.
+      No one knows the world like Sidonia. I never met his equal; and &lsquo;tis so
+      pleasant to talk with one that can want nothing of you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth had invited Coningsby to take a drive with him in the
+      afternoon. The Marquess wished to show a part of his domain to the
+      Ambassadress. Only Lucretia, he said, would be with them, and there was a
+      place for him. This invitation was readily accepted by Coningsby, who was
+      not yet sufficiently established in the habits of the house exactly to
+      know how to pass his morning. His friend and patron, Mr. Rigby, was
+      entirely taken up with the Grand-duke, whom he was accompanying all over
+      the neighbourhood, in visits to manufactures, many of which Rigby himself
+      saw for the first time, but all of which he fluently explained to his
+      Imperial Highness. In return for this, he extracted much information from
+      the Grand-duke on Russian plans and projects, materials for a &lsquo;slashing&rsquo;
+      article against the Russophobia that he was preparing, and in which he was
+      to prove that Muscovite aggression was an English interest, and entirely
+      to be explained by the want of sea-coast, which drove the Czar, for the
+      pure purposes of commerce, to the Baltic and the Euxine.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the hour for the drive arrived, Coningsby found Lucretia, a young
+      girl when he had first seen her only four years back, and still his
+      junior, in that majestic dame who had conceded a superb recognition to him
+      the preceding eve. She really looked older than Madame Colonna; who, very
+      beautiful, very young-looking, and mistress of the real arts of the
+      toilet, those that cannot be detected, was not in the least altered since
+      she first so cordially saluted Coningsby as her dear young friend at
+      Monmouth House.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The day was delightful, the park extensive and picturesque, the
+      Ambassadress sparkling with anecdote, and occasionally, in a low voice,
+      breathing a diplomatic hint to Lord Monmouth, who bowed his graceful
+      consciousness of her distinguished confidence. Coningsby occasionally took
+      advantage of one of those moments, when the conversation ceased to be
+      general, to address Lucretia, who replied in calm, fine smiles, and in
+      affable monosyllables. She indeed generally succeeded in conveying an
+      impression to those she addressed, that she had never seen them before,
+      did not care to see them now, and never wished to see them again. And all
+      this, too, with an air of great courtesy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They arrived at the brink of a wooded bank; at their feet flowed a fine
+      river, deep and rushing, though not broad; its opposite bank the boundary
+      of a richly-timbered park.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! this is beautiful!&rsquo; exclaimed the Ambassadress. &lsquo;And is that yours,
+      Lord Monmouth?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Not yet,&rsquo; said the Marquess. &lsquo;That is Hellingsley; it is one of the
+      finest places in the county, with a splendid estate; not so considerable
+      as Coningsby, but very great. It belongs to an old, a very old man,
+      without a relative in the world. It is known that the estate will be sold
+      at his death, which may be almost daily expected. Then it is mine. No one
+      can offer for it what I can afford. For it gives me this division of the
+      county, Princess. To possess Hellingsley is one of my objects.&rsquo; The
+      Marquess spoke with an animation unusual with him, almost with a degree of
+      excitement.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The wind met them as they returned, the breeze blew rather freshly.
+      Lucretia all of a sudden seemed touched with unusual emotion. She was
+      alarmed lest Lord Monmouth should catch cold; she took a kerchief from her
+      own well-turned throat to tie round his neck. He feebly resisted,
+      evidently much pleased.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Princess Lucretia was highly accomplished. In the evening, having
+      refused several distinguished guests, but instantly yielding to the
+      request of Lord Monmouth, she sang. It was impossible to conceive a
+      contralto of more thrilling power, or an execution more worthy of the
+      voice. Coningsby, who was not experienced in fine singing, listened as if
+      to a supernatural lay, but all agreed it was of the highest class of
+      nature and of art; and the Grand-duke was in raptures. Lucretia received
+      even his Highness&rsquo; compliments with a graceful indifference. Indeed, to
+      those who watched her demeanour, it might be remarked that she seemed to
+      yield to none, although all bowed before her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Madame Colonna, who was always kind to Coningsby, expressed to him her
+      gratification from the party of the morning. It must have been delightful,
+      she assured Coningsby, for Lord Monmouth to have had both Lucretia and his
+      grandson with him; and Lucretia too, she added, must have been so pleased.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby could not make out why Madame Colonna was always intimating to
+      him that the Princess Lucretia took such great interest in his existence,
+      looked forward with such gratification to his society, remembered with so
+      much pleasure the past, anticipated so much happiness from the future. It
+      appeared to him that he was to Lucretia, if not an object of repugnance,
+      as he sometimes fancied, certainly one only of absolute indifference; but
+      he said nothing. He had already lived long enough to know that it is
+      unwise to wish everything explained.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the meantime his life was agreeable. Every day, he found, added to his
+      acquaintance. He was never without a companion to ride or to shoot with;
+      and of riding Coningsby was very fond. His grandfather, too, was
+      continually giving him goodnatured turns, and making him of consequence in
+      the Castle: so that all the guests were fully impressed with the
+      importance of Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s grandson. Lady St. Julians pronounced him
+      distinguished; the Ambassadress thought diplomacy should be his part, as
+      he had a fine person and a clear brain; Madame Colonna spoke of him always
+      as if she took intense interest in his career, and declared she liked him
+      almost as much as Lucretia did; the Russians persisted in always styling
+      him &lsquo;the young Marquess,&rsquo; notwithstanding the Ambassador&rsquo;s explanations;
+      Mrs. Guy Flouncey made a dashing attack on him; but Coningsby remembered a
+      lesson which Lady Everingham had graciously bestowed on him. He was not to
+      be caught again easily. Besides, Mrs. Guy Flouncey laughed a little too
+      much, and talked a little too loud.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As time flew on, there were changes of visitors, chiefly among the single
+      men. At the end of the first week after Coningsby&rsquo;s arrival, Lord Eskdale
+      appeared, bringing with him Lucian Gay; and soon after followed the
+      Marquess of Beaumanoir and Mr. Melton. These were all heroes who, in their
+      way, interested the ladies, and whose advent was hailed with general
+      satisfaction. Even Lucretia would relax a little to Lord Eskdale. He was
+      one of her oldest friends, and with a simplicity of manner which amounted
+      almost to plainness, and with rather a cynical nonchalance in his carriage
+      towards men, Lord Eskdale was invariably a favourite with women. To be
+      sure his station was eminent; he was noble, and very rich, and very
+      powerful, and these are qualities which tell as much with the softer as
+      the harsher sex; but there are individuals with all these qualities who
+      are nevertheless unpopular with women. Lord Eskdale was easy, knew the
+      world thoroughly, had no prejudices, and, above all, had a reputation for
+      success. A reputation for success has as much influence with women as a
+      reputation for wealth has with men. Both reputations may be, and often
+      are, unjust; but we see persons daily make good fortunes by them all the
+      same. Lord Eskdale was not an impostor; and though he might not have been
+      so successful a man had he not been Lord Eskdale, still, thrown over by a
+      revolution, he would have lighted on his legs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The arrival of this nobleman was the occasion of giving a good turn to
+      poor Flora. He went immediately to see his friend Villebecque and his
+      troop. Indeed it was a sort of society which pleased Lord Eskdale more
+      than that which is deemed more refined. He was very sorry about &lsquo;La
+      Petite;&rsquo; but thought that everything would come right in the long run; and
+      told Villebecque that he was glad to hear him well spoken of here,
+      especially by the Marquess, who seemed to take to him. As for Flora, he
+      was entirely against her attempting the stage again, at least for the
+      present, but as she was a good musician, he suggested to the Princess
+      Lucretia one night, that the subordinate aid of Flora might be of service
+      to her, and permit her to favour her friends with some pieces which
+      otherwise she must deny to them. This suggestion was successful; Flora was
+      introduced occasionally, soon often, to their parties in the evening, and
+      her performances were in every respect satisfactory. There was nothing to
+      excite the jealousy of Lucretia either in her style or her person. And yet
+      she sang well enough, and was a quiet, refined, retiring, by no means
+      disagreeable person. She was the companion of Lucretia very often in the
+      morning as well as in the illumined saloon; for the Princess was devoted
+      to the art in which she excelled. This connexion on the whole contributed
+      to the happiness of poor Flora. True it was, in the evening she often
+      found herself sitting or standing alone and no one noticing her; she had
+      no dazzling quality to attract men of fashion, who themselves love to
+      worship ever the fashionable. Even their goddesses must be <i>à la mode</i>.
+      But Coningsby never omitted an opportunity to show Flora some kindness
+      under these circumstances. He always came and talked to her, and praised
+      her singing, and would sometimes hand her refreshments and give her his
+      arm if necessary. These slight attentions coming from the grandson of Lord
+      Monmouth were for the world redoubled in their value, though Flora thought
+      only of their essential kindness; all in character with that first visit
+      which dwelt on the poor girl&rsquo;s memory, though it had long ago escaped that
+      of her visitor. For in truth Coningsby had no other impulse for his
+      conduct but kind-heartedness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Thus we have attempted to give some faint idea how life glided away at the
+      Castle the first fortnight that Coningsby passed there. Perhaps we ought
+      not to omit that Mrs. Guy Flouncey, to the infinite disgust of Lady St.
+      Julians, who had a daughter with her, successfully entrapped the devoted
+      attentions of the young Marquess of Beaumanoir, who was never very
+      backward if a lady would take trouble enough; while his friend, Mr.
+      Melton, whose barren homage Lady St. Julians wished her daughter ever
+      particularly to shun, employed all his gaiety, good-humour, frivolity, and
+      fashion in amusing that young lady, and with irresistible effect. For the
+      rest, they continued, though they had only partridges to shoot, to pass
+      the morning without weariness. The weather was fine; the stud numerous;
+      all might be mounted. The Grand-duke and his suite, guided by Mr. Rigby,
+      had always some objects to visit, and railroads returned them just in time
+      for the banquet with an appetite which they had earned, and during which
+      Rigby recounted their achievements, and his own opinions.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The dinner was always firstrate; the evening never failed; music, dancing,
+      and the theatre offered great resources independently of the soul-subduing
+      sentiment harshly called flirtation, and which is the spell of a country
+      house. Lord Monmouth was satisfied, for he had scarcely ever felt wearied.
+      All that he required in life was to be amused; perhaps that was not all he
+      required, but it was indispensable. Nor was it wonderful that on the
+      present occasion he obtained his purpose, for there were half a hundred of
+      the brightest eyes and quickest brains ever on the watch or the whirl to
+      secure him distraction. The only circumstance that annoyed him was the
+      non-arrival of Sidonia. Lord Monmouth could not bear to be disappointed.
+      He could not refrain from saying, notwithstanding all the resources and
+      all the exertions of his guests,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I cannot understand why Sidonia does not come. I wish Sidonia were here.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;So do I,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale; &lsquo;Sidonia is the only man who tells one
+      anything new.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We saw Sidonia at Lord Studcaster&rsquo;s,&rsquo; said Lord Beaumanoir. &lsquo;He told
+      Melton he was coming here.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You know he has bought all Studcaster&rsquo;s horses,&rsquo; said Mr. Melton.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wonder he does not buy Studcaster himself,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth; &lsquo;I
+      would if I were he; Sidonia can buy anything,&rsquo; he turned to Mrs. Guy
+      Flouncey.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wonder who Sidonia is,&rsquo; thought Mrs. Guy Flouncey, but she was
+      determined no one should suppose she did not know.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At length one day Coningsby met Madame Colonna in the vestibule before
+      dinner.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Milor is in such good temper, Mr. Coningsby,&rsquo; she said; &lsquo;Monsieur de
+      Sidonia has arrived.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      About ten minutes before dinner there was a stir in the chamber. Coningsby
+      looked round. He saw the Grand-duke advancing, and holding out his hand in
+      a manner the most gracious. A gentleman, of distinguished air, but with
+      his back turned to Coningsby, was bowing as he received his Highness&rsquo;
+      greeting. There was a general pause in the room. Several came forward:
+      even the Marquess seemed a little moved. Coningsby could not resist the
+      impulse of curiosity to see this individual of whom he had heard so much.
+      He glided round the room, and caught the countenance of his companion in
+      the forest inn; he who announced to him, that &lsquo;the Age of Ruins was past.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER X.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Sidonia was descended from a very ancient and noble family of Arragon,
+      that, in the course of ages, had given to the state many distinguished
+      citizens. In the priesthood its members had been peculiarly eminent.
+      Besides several prelates, they counted among their number an Archbishop of
+      Toledo; and a Sidonia, in a season of great danger and difficulty, had
+      exercised for a series of years the paramount office of Grand Inquisitor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Yet, strange as it may sound, it is nevertheless a fact, of which there is
+      no lack of evidence, that this illustrious family during all this period,
+      in common with two-thirds of the Arragonese nobility, secretly adhered to
+      the ancient faith and ceremonies of their fathers; a belief in the unity
+      of the God of Sinai, and the rights and observances of the laws of Moses.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Whence came those Mosaic Arabs whose passages across the strait from
+      Africa to Europe long preceded the invasion of the Mohammedan Arabs, it is
+      now impossible to ascertain. Their traditions tell us that from time
+      immemorial they had sojourned in Africa; and it is not improbable that
+      they may have been the descendants of some of the earlier dispersions;
+      like those Hebrew colonies that we find in China, and who probably
+      emigrated from Persia in the days of the great monarchies. Whatever may
+      have been their origin in Africa, their fortunes in Southern Europe are
+      not difficult to trace, though the annals of no race in any age can detail
+      a history of such strange vicissitudes, or one rife with more touching and
+      romantic incident. Their unexampled prosperity in the Spanish Peninsula,
+      and especially in the south, where they had become the principal
+      cultivators of the soil, excited the jealousy of the Goths; and the
+      Councils of Toledo during the sixth and seventh centuries attempted, by a
+      series of decrees worthy of the barbarians who promulgated them, to root
+      the Jewish Arabs out of the land. There is no doubt the Council of Toledo
+      led, as directly as the lust of Roderick, to the invasion of Spain by the
+      Moslemin Arabs. The Jewish population, suffering under the most sanguinary
+      and atrocious persecution, looked to their sympathising brethren of the
+      Crescent, whose camps already gleamed on the opposite shore. The overthrow
+      of the Gothic kingdoms was as much achieved by the superior information
+      which the Saracens received from their suffering kinsmen, as by the
+      resistless valour of the Desert. The Saracen kingdoms were established.
+      That fair and unrivalled civilisation arose which preserved for Europe
+      arts and letters when Christendom was plunged in darkness. The children of
+      Ishmael rewarded the children of Israel with equal rights and privileges
+      with themselves. During these halcyon centuries, it is difficult to
+      distinguish the follower of Moses from the votary of Mahomet. Both alike
+      built palaces, gardens, and fountains; filled equally the highest offices
+      of the state, competed in an extensive and enlightened commerce, and
+      rivalled each other in renowned universities.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Even after the fall of the principal Moorish kingdoms, the Jews of Spain
+      were still treated by the conquering Goths with tenderness and
+      consideration. Their numbers, their wealth, the fact that, in Arragon
+      especially, they were the proprietors of the soil, and surrounded by
+      warlike and devoted followers, secured for them an usage which, for a
+      considerable period, made them little sensible of the change of dynasties
+      and religions. But the tempest gradually gathered. As the Goths grew
+      stronger, persecution became more bold. Where the Jewish population was
+      scanty they were deprived of their privileges, or obliged to conform under
+      the title of &lsquo;Nuevos Christianos.&rsquo; At length the union of the two crowns
+      under Ferdinand and Isabella, and the fall of the last Moorish kingdom,
+      brought the crisis of their fate both to the New Christian and the
+      nonconforming Hebrew. The Inquisition appeared, the Institution that had
+      exterminated the Albigenses and had desolated Languedoc, and which, it
+      should ever be remembered, was established in the Spanish kingdoms against
+      the protests of the Cortes and amid the terror of the populace. The
+      Dominicans opened their first tribunal at Seville, and it is curious that
+      the first individuals they summoned before them were the Duke of Medina
+      Sidonia, the Marquess of Cadiz, and the Count of Arcos; three of the most
+      considerable personages in Spain. How many were burned alive at Seville
+      during the first year, how many imprisoned for life, what countless
+      thousands were visited with severe though lighter punishments, need not be
+      recorded here. In nothing was the Holy Office more happy than in multiform
+      and subtle means by which they tested the sincerity of the New Christians.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At length the Inquisition was to be extended to Arragon. The high-spirited
+      nobles of that kingdom knew that its institution was for them a matter of
+      life or death. The Cortes of Arragon appealed to the King and to the Pope;
+      they organised an extensive conspiracy; the chief Inquisitor was
+      assassinated in the cathedral of Saragossa. Alas! it was fated that in
+      this, one of the many, and continual, and continuing struggles between the
+      rival organisations of the North and the South, the children of the sun
+      should fall. The fagot and the San Benito were the doom of the nobles of
+      Arragon. Those who were convicted of secret Judaism, and this scarcely
+      three centuries ago, were dragged to the stake; the sons of the noblest
+      houses, in whose veins the Hebrew taint could be traced, had to walk in
+      solemn procession, singing psalms, and confessing their faith in the
+      religion of the fell Torquemada.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This triumph in Arragon, the almost simultaneous fall of the last Moorish
+      kingdom, raised the hopes of the pure Christians to the highest pitch.
+      Having purged the new Christians, they next turned their attention to the
+      old Hebrews. Ferdinand was resolved that the delicious air of Spain should
+      be breathed no longer by any one who did not profess the Catholic faith.
+      Baptism or exile was the alternative. More than six hundred thousand
+      individuals, some authorities greatly increase the amount, the most
+      industrious, the most intelligent, and the most enlightened of Spanish
+      subjects, would not desert the religion of their fathers. For this they
+      gave up the delightful land wherein they had lived for centuries, the
+      beautiful cities they had raised, the universities from which Christendom
+      drew for ages its most precious lore, the tombs of their ancestors, the
+      temples where they had worshipped the God for whom they had made this
+      sacrifice. They had but four months to prepare for eternal exile, after a
+      residence of as many centuries; during which brief period forced sales and
+      glutted markets virtually confiscated their property. It is a calamity
+      that the scattered nation still ranks with the desolations of
+      Nebuchadnezzar and of Titus. Who after this should say the Jews are by
+      nature a sordid people? But the Spanish Goth, then so cruel and so
+      haughty, where is he? A despised suppliant to the very race which he
+      banished, for some miserable portion of the treasure which their habits of
+      industry have again accumulated. Where is that tribunal that summoned
+      Medina Sidonia and Cadiz to its dark inquisition? Where is Spain? Its
+      fall, its unparalleled and its irremediable fall, is mainly to be
+      attributed to the expulsion of that large portion of its subjects, the
+      most industrious and intelligent, who traced their origin to the Mosaic
+      and Mohammedan Arabs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Sidonias of Arragon were Nuevos Christianos. Some of them, no doubt,
+      were burned alive at the end of the fifteenth century, under the system of
+      Torquemada; many of them, doubtless, wore the San Benito; but they kept
+      their titles and estates, and in time reached those great offices to which
+      we have referred.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      During the long disorders of the Peninsular war, when so many openings
+      were offered to talent, and so many opportunities seized by the
+      adventurous, a cadet of a younger branch of this family made a large
+      fortune by military contracts, and supplying the commissariat of the
+      different armies. At the peace, prescient of the great financial future of
+      Europe, confident in the fertility of his own genius, in his original
+      views of fiscal subjects, and his knowledge of national resources, this
+      Sidonia, feeling that Madrid, or even Cadiz, could never be a base on
+      which the monetary transactions of the world could be regulated, resolved
+      to emigrate to England, with which he had, in the course of years, formed
+      considerable commercial connections. He arrived here after the peace of
+      Paris, with his large capital. He staked all he was worth on the Waterloo
+      loan; and the event made him one of the greatest capitalists in Europe.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      No sooner was Sidonia established in England than he professed Judaism;
+      which Torquemada flattered himself, with the fagot and the San Benito, he
+      had drained out of the veins of his family more than three centuries ago.
+      He sent over, also, for several of his brothers, who were as good
+      Catholics in Spain as Ferdinand and Isabella could have possibly desired,
+      but who made an offering in the synagogue, in gratitude for their safe
+      voyage, on their arrival in England.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sidonia had foreseen in Spain that, after the exhaustion of a war of
+      twenty-five years, Europe must require capital to carry on peace. He
+      reaped the due reward of his sagacity. Europe did require money, and
+      Sidonia was ready to lend it to Europe. France wanted some; Austria more;
+      Prussia a little; Russia a few millions. Sidonia could furnish them all.
+      The only country which he avoided was Spain; he was too well acquainted
+      with its resources. Nothing, too, would ever tempt him to lend anything to
+      the revolted colonies of Spain. Prudence saved him from being a creditor
+      of the mother-country; his Spanish pride recoiled from the rebellion of
+      her children.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It is not difficult to conceive that, after having pursued the career we
+      have intimated for about ten years, Sidonia had become one of the most
+      considerable personages in Europe. He had established a brother, or a near
+      relative, in whom he could confide, in most of the principal capitals. He
+      was lord and master of the money-market of the world, and of course
+      virtually lord and master of everything else. He literally held the
+      revenues of Southern Italy in pawn; and monarchs and ministers of all
+      countries courted his advice and were guided by his suggestions. He was
+      still in the vigour of life, and was not a mere money-making machine. He
+      had a general intelligence equal to his position, and looked forward to
+      the period when some relaxation from his vast enterprises and exertions
+      might enable him to direct his energies to great objects of public
+      benefit. But in the height of his vast prosperity he suddenly died,
+      leaving only one child, a youth still of tender years, and heir to the
+      greatest fortune in Europe, so great, indeed, that it could only be
+      calculated by millions.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Shut out from universities and schools, those universities and schools
+      which were indebted for their first knowledge of ancient philosophy to the
+      learning and enterprise of his ancestors, the young Sidonia was fortunate
+      in the tutor whom his father had procured for him, and who devoted to his
+      charge all the resources of his trained intellect and vast and varied
+      erudition. A Jesuit before the revolution; since then an exiled Liberal
+      leader; now a member of the Spanish Cortes; Rebello was always a Jew. He
+      found in his pupil that precocity of intellectual development which is
+      characteristic of the Arabian organisation. The young Sidonia penetrated
+      the highest mysteries of mathematics with a facility almost instinctive;
+      while a memory, which never had any twilight hours, but always reflected a
+      noontide clearness, seemed to magnify his acquisitions of ancient learning
+      by the promptness with which they could be reproduced and applied.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The circumstances of his position, too, had early contributed to give him
+      an unusual command over the modern languages. An Englishman, and taught
+      from his cradle to be proud of being an Englishman, he first evinced in
+      speaking his native language those remarkable powers of expression, and
+      that clear and happy elocution, which ever afterwards distinguished him.
+      But the son of a Spaniard, the sonorous syllables of that noble tongue
+      constantly resounded in his ear; while the foreign guests who thronged his
+      father&rsquo;s mansion habituated him from an early period of life to the tones
+      of languages that were not long strange to him. When he was nineteen,
+      Sidonia, who had then resided some time with his uncle at Naples, and had
+      made a long visit to another of his father&rsquo;s relatives at Frankfort,
+      possessed a complete mastery over the principal European languages.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At seventeen he had parted with Rebello, who returned to Spain, and
+      Sidonia, under the control of his guardians, commenced his travels. He
+      resided, as we have mentioned, some time in Germany, and then, having
+      visited Italy, settled at Naples, at which city it may be said he made his
+      entrance into life. With an interesting person, and highly accomplished,
+      he availed himself of the gracious attentions of a court of which he was
+      principal creditor; and which, treating him as a distinguished English
+      traveller, were enabled perhaps to show him some favours that the manners
+      of the country might not have permitted them to accord to his Neapolitan
+      relatives. Sidonia thus obtained at an early age that experience of
+      refined and luxurious society, which is a necessary part of a finished
+      education. It gives the last polish to the manners; it teaches us
+      something of the power of the passions, early developed in the hot-bed of
+      self-indulgence; it instils into us that indefinable tact seldom obtained
+      in later life, which prevents us from saying the wrong thing, and often
+      impels us to do the right.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Between Paris and Naples Sidonia passed two years, spent apparently in the
+      dissipation which was perhaps inseparable from his time of life. He was
+      admired by women, to whom he was magnificent, idolised by artists whom he
+      patronised, received in all circles with great distinction, and
+      appreciated for his intellect by the very few to whom he at all opened
+      himself. For, though affable and gracious, it was impossible to penetrate
+      him. Though unreserved in his manner, his frankness was strictly limited
+      to the surface. He observed everything, thought ever, but avoided serious
+      discussion. If you pressed him for an opinion, he took refuge in raillery,
+      or threw out some grave paradox with which it was not easy to cope.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The moment he came of age, Sidonia having previously, at a great family
+      congress held at Naples, made arrangements with the heads of the houses
+      that bore his name respecting the disposition and management of his vast
+      fortune, quitted Europe.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sidonia was absent from his connections for five years, during which
+      period he never communicated with them. They were aware of his existence
+      only by the orders which he drew on them for payment, and which arrived
+      from all quarters of the globe. It would appear from these documents that
+      he had dwelt a considerable time in the Mediterranean regions; penetrated
+      Nilotic Africa to Sennaar and Abyssinia; traversed the Asiatic continent
+      to Tartary, whence he had visited Hindostan, and the isles of that Indian
+      Sea which are so little known. Afterwards he was heard of at Valparaiso,
+      the Brazils, and Lima. He evidently remained some time at Mexico, which he
+      quitted for the United States. One morning, without notice, he arrived in
+      London.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sidonia had exhausted all the sources of human knowledge; he was master of
+      the learning of every nation, of all tongues dead or living, of every
+      literature, Western and Oriental. He had pursued the speculations of
+      science to their last term, and had himself illustrated them by
+      observation and experiment. He had lived in all orders of society, had
+      viewed every combination of Nature and of Art, and had observed man under
+      every phasis of civilisation. He had even studied him in the wilderness.
+      The influence of creeds and laws, manners, customs, traditions, in all
+      their diversities, had been subjected to his personal scrutiny.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He brought to the study of this vast aggregate of knowledge a penetrative
+      intellect that, matured by long meditation, and assisted by that absolute
+      freedom from prejudice, which, was the compensatory possession of a man
+      without a country, permitted Sidonia to fathom, as it were by intuition,
+      the depth of questions apparently the most difficult and profound. He
+      possessed the rare faculty of communicating with precision ideas the most
+      abstruse, and in general a power of expression which arrests and satisfies
+      attention.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With all this knowledge, which no one knew more to prize, with boundless
+      wealth, and with an athletic frame, which sickness had never tried, and
+      which had avoided excess, Sidonia nevertheless looked upon life with a
+      glance rather of curiosity than content. His religion walled him out from
+      the pursuits of a citizen; his riches deprived him of the stimulating
+      anxieties of a man. He perceived himself a lone being, alike without cares
+      and without duties.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To a man in his position there might yet seem one unfailing source of
+      felicity and joy; independent of creed, independent of country,
+      independent even of character. He might have discovered that perpetual
+      spring of happiness in the sensibility of the heart. But this was a sealed
+      fountain to Sidonia. In his organisation there was a peculiarity, perhaps
+      a great deficiency. He was a man without affections. It would be harsh to
+      say he had no heart, for he was susceptible of deep emotions, but not for
+      individuals. He was capable of rebuilding a town that was burned down; of
+      restoring a colony that had been destroyed by some awful visitation of
+      Nature; of redeeming to liberty a horde of captives; and of doing these
+      great acts in secret; for, void of all self-love, public approbation was
+      worthless to him; but the individual never touched him. Woman was to him a
+      toy, man a machine.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The lot the most precious to man, and which a beneficent Providence has
+      made not the least common; to find in another heart a perfect and profound
+      sympathy; to unite his existence with one who could share all his joys,
+      soften all his sorrows, aid him in all his projects, respond to all his
+      fancies, counsel him in his cares, and support him in his perils; make
+      life charming by her charms, interesting by her intelligence, and sweet by
+      the vigilant variety of her tenderness; to find your life blessed by such
+      an influence, and to feel that your influence can bless such a life: this
+      lot, the most divine of divine gifts, that power and even fame can never
+      rival in its delights, all this Nature had denied to Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With an imagination as fiery as his native Desert, and an intellect as
+      luminous as his native sky, he wanted, like that land, those softening
+      dews without which the soil is barren, and the sunbeam as often a
+      messenger of pestilence as an angel of regenerative grace.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Such a temperament, though rare, is peculiar to the East. It inspired the
+      founders of the great monarchies of antiquity, the prophets that the
+      Desert has sent forth, the Tartar chiefs who have overrun the world; it
+      might be observed in the great Corsican, who, like most of the inhabitants
+      of the Mediterranean isles, had probably Arab blood in his veins. It is a
+      temperament that befits conquerors and legislators, but, in ordinary times
+      and ordinary situations, entails on its possessor only eccentric
+      aberrations or profound melancholy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The only human quality that interested Sidonia was Intellect. He cared not
+      whence it came; where it was to be found: creed, country, class,
+      character, in this respect, were alike indifferent to him. The author, the
+      artist, the man of science, never appealed to him in vain. Often he
+      anticipated their wants and wishes. He encouraged their society; was as
+      frank in his conversation as he was generous in his contributions; but the
+      instant they ceased to be authors, artists, or philosophers, and their
+      communications arose from anything but the intellectual quality which had
+      originally interested him, the moment they were rash enough to approach
+      intimacy and appealed to the sympathising man instead of the congenial
+      intelligence, he saw them no more. It was not however intellect merely in
+      these unquestionable shapes that commanded his notice. There was not an
+      adventurer in Europe with whom he was not familiar. No Minister of State
+      had such communication with secret agents and political spies as Sidonia.
+      He held relations with all the clever outcasts of the world. The catalogue
+      of his acquaintance in the shape of Greeks, Armenians, Moors, secret Jews,
+      Tartars, Gipsies, wandering Poles and Carbonari, would throw a curious
+      light on those subterranean agencies of which the world in general knows
+      so little, but which exercise so great an influence on public events. His
+      extensive travels, his knowledge of languages, his daring and adventurous
+      disposition, and his unlimited means, had given him opportunities of
+      becoming acquainted with these characters, in general so difficult to
+      trace, and of gaining their devotion. To these sources he owed that
+      knowledge of strange and hidden things which often startled those who
+      listened to him. Nor was it easy, scarcely possible, to deceive him.
+      Information reached him from so many, and such contrary quarters, that
+      with his discrimination and experience, he could almost instantly
+      distinguish the truth. The secret history of the world was his pastime.
+      His great pleasure was to contrast the hidden motive, with the public
+      pretext, of transactions.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One source of interest Sidonia found in his descent and in the fortunes of
+      his race. As firm in his adherence to the code of the great Legislator as
+      if the trumpet still sounded on Sinai, he might have received in the
+      conviction of divine favour an adequate compensation for human
+      persecution. But there were other and more terrestrial considerations that
+      made Sidonia proud of his origin, and confident in the future of his kind.
+      Sidonia was a great philosopher, who took comprehensive views of human
+      affairs, and surveyed every fact in its relative position to other facts,
+      the only mode of obtaining truth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sidonia was well aware that in the five great varieties into which
+      Physiology has divided the human species; to wit, the Caucasian, the
+      Mongolian, the Malayan, the American, the Ethiopian; the Arabian tribes
+      rank in the first and superior class, together, among others, with the
+      Saxon and the Greek. This fact alone is a source of great pride and
+      satisfaction to the animal Man. But Sidonia and his brethren could claim a
+      distinction which the Saxon and the Greek, and the rest of the Caucasian
+      nations, have forfeited. The Hebrew is an unmixed race. Doubtless, among
+      the tribes who inhabit the bosom of the Desert, progenitors alike of the
+      Mosaic and the Mohammedan Arabs, blood may be found as pure as that of the
+      descendants of the Scheik Abraham. But the Mosaic Arabs are the most
+      ancient, if not the only, unmixed blood that dwells in cities.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      An unmixed race of a firstrate organisation are the aristocracy of Nature.
+      Such excellence is a positive fact; not an imagination, a ceremony, coined
+      by poets, blazoned by cozening heralds, but perceptible in its physical
+      advantages, and in the vigour of its unsullied idiosyncrasy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In his comprehensive travels, Sidonia had visited and examined the Hebrew
+      communities of the world. He had found, in general, the lower orders
+      debased; the superior immersed in sordid pursuits; but he perceived that
+      the intellectual development was not impaired. This gave him hope. He was
+      persuaded that organisation would outlive persecution. When he reflected
+      on what they had endured, it was only marvellous that the race had not
+      disappeared. They had defied exile, massacre, spoliation, the degrading
+      influence of the constant pursuit of gain; they had defied Time. For
+      nearly three thousand years, according to Archbishop Usher, they have been
+      dispersed over the globe. To the unpolluted current of their Caucasian
+      structure, and to the segregating genius of their great Law-giver, Sidonia
+      ascribed the fact that they had not been long ago absorbed among those
+      mixed races, who presume to persecute them, but who periodically wear away
+      and disappear, while their victims still flourish in all the primeval
+      vigour of the pure Asian breed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Shortly after his arrival in England, Sidonia repaired to the principal
+      Courts of Europe, that he might become personally acquainted with the
+      monarchs and ministers of whom he had heard so much. His position insured
+      him a distinguished reception; his personal qualities immediately made him
+      cherished. He could please; he could do more, he could astonish. He could
+      throw out a careless observation which would make the oldest diplomatist
+      start; a winged word that gained him the consideration, sometimes the
+      confidence, of Sovereigns. When he had fathomed the intelligence which
+      governs Europe, and which can only be done by personal acquaintance, he
+      returned to this country.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The somewhat hard and literal character of English life suited one who
+      shrank from sensibility, and often took refuge in sarcasm. Its masculine
+      vigour and active intelligence occupied and interested his mind. Sidonia,
+      indeed, was exactly the character who would be welcomed in our circles.
+      His immense wealth, his unrivalled social knowledge, his clear vigorous
+      intellect, the severe simplicity of his manners, frank, but neither
+      claiming nor brooking familiarity, and his devotion to field sports, which
+      was the safety-valve of his energy, were all circumstances and qualities
+      which the English appreciate and admire; and it may be fairly said of
+      Sidonia that few men were more popular, and none less understood.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XI.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      At dinner, Coningsby was seated on the same side as Sidonia, and distant
+      from him. There had been, therefore, no mutual recognition. Another guest
+      had also arrived, Mr. Ormsby. He came straight from London, full of
+      rumours, had seen Tadpole, who, hearing he was on the wing for Coningsby
+      Castle, had taken him into a dark corner of a club, and shown him his
+      book, a safe piece of confidence, as Mr. Ormsby was very near-sighted. It
+      was, however, to be received as an undoubted fact, that all was right, and
+      somehow or other, before very long, there would be national demonstration
+      of the same. This arrival of Mr. Ormsby, and the news that he bore, gave a
+      political turn to the conversation after the ladies had left the room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Tadpole wants me to stand for Birmingham,&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby, gravely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You!&rsquo; exclaimed Lord Monmouth, and throwing himself back in his chair, he
+      broke into a real, hearty laugh.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes; the Conservatives mean to start two candidates; a manufacturer they
+      have got, and they have written up to Tadpole for a &ldquo;West-end man.&rdquo;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A what?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A West-end man, who will make the ladies patronise their fancy articles.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The result of the Reform Bill, then,&rsquo; said Lucian Gay, &lsquo;will be to give
+      Manchester a bishop, and Birmingham a dandy.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I begin to believe the result will be very different from what we
+      expected,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Rigby shook his head and was going to prophesy, when Lord Eskdale, who
+      liked talk to be short, and was of opinion that Rigby should keep his
+      amplifications for his slashing articles, put in a brief careless
+      observation, which balked his inspiration.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Certainly,&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby, &lsquo;when the guns were firing over Vyvyan&rsquo;s
+      last speech and confession, I never expected to be asked to stand for
+      Birmingham.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Perhaps you may be called up to the other house by the title,&rsquo; said
+      Lucian Gay. &lsquo;Who knows?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I agree with Tadpole,&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby, &lsquo;that if we only stick to the
+      Registration the country is saved.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Fortunate country!&rsquo; said Sidonia, &lsquo;that can be saved by a good
+      registration!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I believe, after all, that with property and pluck,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth,
+      &lsquo;Parliamentary Reform is not such a very bad thing.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Here several gentlemen began talking at the same time, all agreeing with
+      their host, and proving in their different ways, the irresistible
+      influence of property and pluck; property in Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s mind meaning
+      vassals, and pluck a total disregard for public opinion. Mr. Guy Flouncey,
+      who wanted to get into parliament, but why nobody knew, who had neither
+      political abilities nor political opinions, but had some floating idea
+      that it would get himself and his wife to some more balls and dinners, and
+      who was duly ticketed for &lsquo;a good thing&rsquo; in the candidate list of the
+      Tadpoles and the Tapers, was of opinion that an immense deal might be done
+      by properly patronising borough races. That was his specific how to
+      prevent revolution.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Taking advantage of a pause, Lord Monmouth said, &lsquo;I should like to know
+      what you think of this question, Sidonia?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am scarcely a competent judge,&rsquo; he said, as if wishing to disclaim any
+      interference in the conversation, and then added, &lsquo;but I have been ever of
+      opinion that revolutions are not to be evaded.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Exactly my views,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, eagerly; &lsquo;I say it now, I have said it
+      a thousand times, you may doctor the registration as you like, but you can
+      never get rid of Schedule A.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Is there a person in this room who can now tell us the names of the
+      boroughs in Schedule A?&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sure I cannot, &lsquo;said Lord Monmouth, &lsquo;though six of them belong to
+      myself.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But the principle,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby; &lsquo;they represented a principle.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Nothing else, certainly,&rsquo; said Lucian Gay.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And what principle?&rsquo; inquired Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The principle of nomination.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;That is a practice, not a principle,&rsquo; said Sidonia. &lsquo;Is it a practice
+      that no longer exists?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You think then,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale, cutting in before Rigby, &lsquo;that the
+      Reform Bill has done us no harm?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is not the Reform Bill that has shaken the aristocracy of this
+      country, but the means by which that Bill was carried,&rsquo; replied Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Physical force?&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Or social power?&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Upon this, Mr. Rigby, impatient at any one giving the tone in a political
+      discussion but himself, and chafing under the vigilance of Lord Eskdale,
+      which to him ever appeared only fortuitous, violently assaulted the
+      argument, and astonished several country gentlemen present by its
+      volubility. They at length listened to real eloquence. At the end of a
+      long appeal to Sidonia, that gentleman only bowed his head and said,
+      &lsquo;Perhaps;&rsquo; and then, turning to his neighbour, inquired whether birds were
+      plentiful in Lancashire this season; so that Mr. Rigby was reduced to the
+      necessity of forming the political opinions of Mr. Guy Flouncey.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As the gentlemen left the dining-room, Coningsby, though at some distance,
+      was observed by Sidonia, who stopped instantly, then advanced to
+      Coningsby, and extending his hand said, &lsquo;I said we should meet again,
+      though I hardly expected so quickly.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And I hope we shall not separate so soon,&rsquo; said Coningsby; &lsquo;I was much
+      struck with what you said just now about the Reform Bill. Do you know that
+      the more I think the more I am perplexed by what is meant by
+      Representation?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is a principle of which a limited definition is only current in this
+      country,&rsquo; said Sidonia, quitting the room with him. &lsquo;People may be
+      represented without periodical elections of neighbours who are incapable
+      to maintain their interests, and strangers who are unwilling.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The entrance of the gentlemen produced the same effect on the saloon as
+      sunrise on the world; universal animation, a general though gentle stir.
+      The Grand-duke, bowing to every one, devoted himself to the daughter of
+      Lady St. Julians, who herself pinned Lord Beaumanoir before he could reach
+      Mrs. Guy Flouncey. Coningsby instead talked nonsense to that lady.
+      Brilliant cavaliers, including Mr. Melton, addressed a band of beautiful
+      damsels grouped on a large ottoman. Everywhere sounded a delicious murmur,
+      broken occasionally by a silver-sounding laugh not too loud. Sidonia and
+      Lord Eskdale did not join the ladies. They stood for a few moments in
+      conversation, and then threw themselves on a sofa.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Who is that?&rsquo; asked Sidonia of his companion rather earnestly, as
+      Coningsby quitted them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;&rsquo;Tis the grandson of Monmouth; young Coningsby.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! The new generation then promises. I met him once before, by chance;
+      he interests me.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;They tell me he is a lively lad. He is a prodigious favourite here, and I
+      should not be surprised if Monmouth made him his heir.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I hope he does not dream of inheritance,&rsquo; said Sidonia. &lsquo;&rsquo;Tis the most
+      enervating of visions.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Do you admire Lady Augustina St. Julians?&rsquo; said Mrs. Guy Flouncey to
+      Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I admire no one except yourself.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! how very gallant, Mr. Coningsby!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;When should men be gallant, if not to the brilliant and the beautiful!&rsquo;
+      said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! you are laughing at me.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No, I am not. I am quite grave.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Your eyes laugh. Now tell me, Mr. Coningsby, Lord Henry Sydney is a very
+      great friend of yours?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Very.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He is very amiable.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Very.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He does a great deal for the poor at Beaumanoir. A very fine place, is it
+      not?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Very.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;As fine as Coningsby?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;At present, with Mrs. Guy Flouncey at Coningsby, Beaumanoir would have no
+      chance.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! you laugh at me again! Now tell me, Mr. Coningsby, what do you think
+      we shall do to-night? I look upon you, you know, as the real arbiter of
+      our destinies.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You shall decide,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Mon cher Harry,&rsquo; said Madame Colonna, coming up, &lsquo;they wish Lucretia to
+      sing and she will not. You must ask her, she cannot refuse you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I assure you she can,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Mon cher Harry, your grandpapa did desire me to beg you to ask her to
+      sing.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So Coningsby unwillingly approached Lucretia, who was talking with the
+      Russian Ambassador.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sent upon a fruitless mission,&rsquo; said Coningsby, looking at her, and
+      catching her glance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What and why?&rsquo; she replied.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The mission is to entreat you to do us all a great favour; and the cause
+      of its failure will be that I am the envoy.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If the favour be one to yourself, it is granted; and if you be the envoy,
+      you need never fear failure with me.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I must presume then to lead you away,&rsquo; said Coningsby, bending to the
+      Ambassador.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Remember,&rsquo; said Lucretia, as they approached the instrument, &lsquo;that I am
+      singing to you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is impossible ever to forget it,&rsquo; said Coningsby, leading her to the
+      piano with great politeness, but only with great politeness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Where is Mademoiselle Flora?&rsquo; she inquired.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby found La Petite crouching as it were behind some furniture, and
+      apparently looking over some music. She looked up as he approached, and a
+      smile stole over her countenance. &lsquo;I am come to ask a favour,&rsquo; he said,
+      and he named his request.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I will sing,&rsquo; she replied; &lsquo;but only tell me what you like.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby felt the difference between the courtesy of the head and of the
+      heart, as he contrasted the manner of Lucretia and Flora. Nothing could be
+      more exquisitely gracious than the daughter of Colonna was to-night;
+      Flora, on the contrary, was rather agitated and embarrassed; and did not
+      express her readiness with half the facility and the grace of Lucretia;
+      but Flora&rsquo;s arm trembled as Coningsby led her to the piano.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Meantime Lord Eskdale and Sidonia are in deep converse.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Hah! that is a fine note!&rsquo; said Sidonia, and he looked round. &lsquo;Who is
+      that singing? Some new <i>protégée</i> of Lord Monmouth?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;&rsquo;Tis the daughter of the Colonnas,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale, &lsquo;the Princess
+      Lucretia.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why, she was not at dinner to-day.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No, she was not there.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My favourite voice; and of all, the rarest to be found. When I was a boy,
+      it made me almost in love even with Pisaroni.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, the Princess is scarcely more lovely. &lsquo;Tis a pity the plumage is
+      not as beautiful as the note. She is plain.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No; not plain with that brow.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, I rather admire her myself,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale. &lsquo;She has fine
+      points.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Let us approach,&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The song ceased, Lord Eskdale advanced, made his compliments, and then
+      said, &lsquo;You were not at dinner to-day.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why should I be?&rsquo; said the Princess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;For our sakes, for mine, if not for your own,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale,
+      smiling. &lsquo;Your absence has been remarked, and felt, I assure you, by
+      others as well as myself. There is my friend Sidonia so enraptured with
+      your thrilling tones, that he has abruptly closed a conversation which I
+      have been long counting on. Do you know him? May I present him to you?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And having obtained a consent, not often conceded, Lord Eskdale looked
+      round, and calling Sidonia, he presented his friend to the Princess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You are fond of music, Lord Eskdale tells me?&rsquo; said Lucretia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;When it is excellent,&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But that is so rare,&rsquo; said the Princess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And precious as Paradise,&rsquo; said Sidonia. &lsquo;As for indifferent music, &lsquo;tis
+      Purgatory; but when it is bad, for my part I feel myself&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Where?&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;In the last circle of the Inferno,&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Eskdale turned to Flora.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And in what circle do you place us who are here?&rsquo; the Princess inquired
+      of Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;One too polished for his verse,&rsquo; replied her companion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You mean too insipid,&rsquo; said the Princess. &lsquo;I wish that life were a little
+      more Dantesque.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There is not less treasure in the world,&rsquo; said Sidonia, &lsquo;because we use
+      paper currency; and there is not less passion than of old, though it is <i>bon
+      ton</i> to be tranquil.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Do you think so?&rsquo; said the Princess, inquiringly, and then looking round
+      the apartment. &lsquo;Have these automata, indeed, souls?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Some of them,&rsquo; said Sidonia. &lsquo;As many as would have had souls in the
+      fourteenth century.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I thought they were wound up every day,&rsquo; said the Princess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Some are self-impelling,&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And you can tell at a glance?&rsquo; inquired the Princess. &lsquo;You are one of
+      those who can read human nature?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;&rsquo;Tis a book open to all.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But if they cannot read?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Those must be your automata.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Lord Monmouth tells me you are a great traveller?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have not discovered a new world.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But you have visited it?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is getting old.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I would sooner recall the old than discover the new,&rsquo; said the Princess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We have both of us cause,&rsquo; said Sidonia. &lsquo;Our names are the names of the
+      Past.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I do not love a world of Utility,&rsquo; said the Princess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You prefer to be celebrated to being comfortable,&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It seems to me that the world is withering under routine.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;&rsquo;Tis the inevitable lot of humanity,&rsquo; said Sidonia. &lsquo;Man must ever be the
+      slave of routine: but in old days it was a routine of great thoughts, and
+      now it is a routine of little ones.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The evening glided on; the dance succeeded the song; the ladies were fast
+      vanishing; Coningsby himself was meditating a movement, when Lord
+      Beaumanoir, as he passed him, said, &lsquo;Come to Lucian Gay&rsquo;s room; we are
+      going to smoke a cigar.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This was a favourite haunt, towards midnight, of several of the younger
+      members of the party at the Castle, who loved to find relaxation from the
+      decorous gravities of polished life in the fumes of tobacco, the
+      inspiration of whiskey toddy, and the infinite amusement of Lucian Gay&rsquo;s
+      conversation and company. This was the genial hour when the good story
+      gladdened, the pun flashed, and the song sparkled with jolly mirth or
+      saucy mimicry. To-night, being Coningsby&rsquo;s initiation, there was a special
+      general meeting of the Grumpy Club, in which everybody was to say the
+      gayest things with the gravest face, and every laugh carried a forfeit.
+      Lucian was the inimitable president. He told a tale for which he was
+      famous, of &lsquo;the very respectable county family who had been established in
+      the shire for several generations, but who, it was a fact, had been ever
+      distinguished by the strange and humiliating peculiarity of being born
+      with sheep&rsquo;s tails.&rsquo; The remarkable circumstances under which Lucian Gay
+      had become acquainted with this fact; the traditionary mysteries by which
+      the family in question had succeeded for generations in keeping it secret;
+      the decided measures to which the chief of the family had recourse to stop
+      for ever the rumour when it first became prevalent; and finally the origin
+      and result of the legend; were details which Lucian Gay, with the most
+      rueful countenance, loved to expend upon the attentive and expanding
+      intelligence of a new member of the Grumpy Club. Familiar as all present
+      were with the story whose stimulus of agonising risibility they had all in
+      turn experienced, it was with extreme difficulty that any of them could
+      resist the fatal explosion which was to be attended with the dreaded
+      penalty. Lord Beaumanoir looked on the table with desperate seriousness,
+      an ominous pucker quivering round his lip; Mr. Melton crammed his
+      handkerchief into his mouth with one hand, while he lighted the wrong end
+      of a cigar with the other; one youth hung over the back of his chair
+      pinching himself like a faquir, while another hid his countenance on the
+      table.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It was at the Hunt dinner,&rsquo; continued Lucian Gay, in an almost solemn
+      tone, &lsquo;that an idea for a moment was prevalent, that Sir Mowbray
+      Cholmondeley Fetherstonehaugh, as the head of the family, had resolved to
+      terminate for ever these mysterious aspersions on his race, that had
+      circulated in the county for more than two centuries; I mean that the
+      highly respectable family of the Cholmondeley Fetherstonehaughs had the
+      misfortune to be graced with that appendage to which I have referred. His
+      health being drunk, Sir Mowbray Cholmondeley Fetherstonehaugh rose. He was
+      a little unpopular at the moment, from an ugly story about killing foxes,
+      and the guests were not as quiet as orators generally desire, so the
+      Honourable Baronet prayed particular attention to a matter personal to
+      himself. Instantly there was a dead silence&mdash;&rsquo; but here Coningsby,
+      who had moved for some time very restlessly on his chair, suddenly started
+      up, and struggling for a moment against the inward convulsion, but in
+      vain, stamped against the floor, and gave a shout.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A song from Mr. Coningsby,&rsquo; said the president of the Grumpy Club, amid
+      an universal, and now permissible roar of laughter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby could not sing; so he was to favour them as a substitute with a
+      speech or a sentiment. But Lucian Gay always let one off these penalties
+      easily, and, indeed, was ever ready to fulfil them for all. Song, speech,
+      or sentiment, he poured them all forth; nor were pastimes more active
+      wanting. He could dance a Tarantella like a Lazzarone, and execute a
+      Cracovienne with all the mincing graces of a ballet heroine.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His powers of mimicry, indeed, were great and versatile. But in nothing
+      was he so happy as in a Parliamentary debate. And it was remarkable that,
+      though himself a man who on ordinary occasions was quite incapable without
+      infinite perplexity of publicly expressing his sense of the merest
+      courtesy of society, he was not only a master of the style of every
+      speaker of distinction in either house, but he seemed in his imitative
+      play to appropriate their intellectual as well as their physical
+      peculiarities, and presented you with their mind as well as their manner.
+      There were several attempts to-night to induce Lucian to indulge his
+      guests with a debate, but he seemed to avoid the exertion, which was
+      great. As the night grew old, however, and every hour he grew more lively,
+      he suddenly broke without further pressure into the promised diversion;
+      and Coningsby listened really with admiration to a discussion, of which
+      the only fault was that it was more parliamentary than the original, &lsquo;plus
+      Arabe que l&rsquo;Arabie.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Duke was never more curt, nor Sir Robert more specious; he was as
+      fiery as Stanley, and as bitter as Graham. Nor did he do their opponents
+      less justice. Lord Palmerston himself never treated a profound subject
+      with a more pleasant volatility; and when Lucian rose at an early hour of
+      morn, in a full house alike exhausted and excited, and after having
+      endured for hours, in sarcastic silence, the menacing finger of Sir
+      Robert, shaking over the green table and appealing to his misdeeds in the
+      irrevocable records of Hansard, Lord John himself could not have afforded
+      a more perfect representative of pluck.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But loud as was the laughter, and vehement the cheering, with which
+      Lucian&rsquo;s performances were received, all these ebullitions sank into
+      insignificance compared with the reception which greeted what he himself
+      announced was to be the speech of the night. Having quaffed full many a
+      quaigh of toddy, he insisted on delivering, it on the table, a proposition
+      with which his auditors immediately closed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The orator appeared, the great man of the night, who was to answer
+      everybody on both sides. Ah! that harsh voice, that arrogant style, that
+      saucy superficiality which decided on everything, that insolent ignorance
+      that contradicted everybody; it was impossible to mistake them! And
+      Coningsby had the pleasure of seeing reproduced before him the guardian of
+      his youth and the patron of the mimic, the Right Honourable Nicholas
+      Rigby!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Madame Colonna, with that vivacious energy which characterises the south,
+      had no sooner seen Coningsby, and heard his praises celebrated by his
+      grandfather, than she resolved that an alliance should sooner or later
+      take place between him and her step-daughter. She imparted her projects
+      without delay to Lucretia, who received them in a different spirit from
+      that in which they were communicated. Lucretia bore as little resemblance
+      to her step-mother in character, as in person. If she did not possess her
+      beauty, she was born with an intellect of far greater capacity and reach.
+      She had a deep judgment. A hasty alliance with a youth, arranged by their
+      mutual relatives, might suit very well the clime and manners of Italy, but
+      Lucretia was well aware that it was altogether opposed to the habits and
+      feelings of this country. She had no conviction that either Coningsby
+      would wish to marry her, or, if willing, that his grandfather would
+      sanction such a step in one as yet only on the threshold of the world.
+      Lucretia therefore received the suggestions and proposals of Madarne
+      Colonna with coldness and indifference; one might even say contempt, for
+      she neither felt respect for this lady, nor was she sedulous to evince it.
+      Although really younger than Coningsby, Lucretia felt that a woman of
+      eighteen is, in all worldly considerations, ten years older than a youth
+      of the same age. She anticipated that a considerable time might elapse
+      before Coningsby would feel it necessary to seal his destiny by marriage,
+      while, on the other hand, she was not only anxious, but resolved, not to
+      delay on her part her emancipation from the galling position in which she
+      very frequently found herself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lucretia felt rather than expressed these ideas and impressions. She was
+      not naturally communicative, and conversed with no one with less frankness
+      and facility than with her step-mother. Madame Colonna therefore found no
+      reasons in her conversation with Lucretia to change her determination. As
+      her mind was not ingenious she did not see questions in those various
+      lights which make us at the same time infirm of purpose and tolerant. What
+      she fancied ought to be done, she fancied must be done; for she perceived
+      no middle course or alternative. For the rest, Lucretia&rsquo;s carriage towards
+      her gave her little discomfort. Besides, she herself, though good-natured,
+      was obstinate. Her feelings were not very acute; nothing much vexed her.
+      As long as she had fine dresses, good dinners, and opera-boxes, she could
+      bear her plans to be crossed like a philosopher; and her consolation under
+      her unaccomplished devices was her admirable consistency, which always
+      assured her that her projects were wise, though unfulfilled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She broke her purpose to Mr. Rigby, that she might gain not only his
+      adhesion to her views, but his assistance in achieving them. As Madame
+      Colonna, in Mr. Rigby&rsquo;s estimation, exercised more influence over Lord
+      Monmouth than any other individual, faithful to his policy or practice, he
+      agreed with all Madame Colonna&rsquo;s plans and wishes, and volunteered
+      instantly to further them. As for the Prince, his wife never consulted him
+      on any subject, nor did he wish to be consulted. On the contrary, he had
+      no opinion about anything. All that he required was that he should be
+      surrounded by what contributed to his personal enjoyment, that he should
+      never be troubled, and that he should have billiards. He was not inexpert
+      in field-sports, rode indeed very well for an Italian, but he never cared
+      to be out-of-doors; and there was only one room in the interior which
+      passionately interested him. It was where the echoing balls denoted the
+      sweeping hazard or the effective cannonade. That was the chamber where the
+      Prince Colonna literally existed. Half-an-hour after breakfast he was in
+      the billiard-room; he never quitted it until he dressed for dinner; and he
+      generally contrived, while the world were amused or amusing themselves at
+      the comedy or in the dance, to steal down with some congenial sprites to
+      the magical and illumined chamber, and use his cue until bedtime.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Faithful to her first impressions, Lucretia had made no difference in her
+      demeanour to Coningsby to that which she offered to the other guests.
+      Polite, but uncommunicative; ready to answer, but never originating
+      conversation; she charmed him as little by her manner as by her person;
+      and after some attempts, not very painstaking, to interest her, Coningsby
+      had ceased to address her. The day passed by with only a faint recognition
+      between them; even that sometimes omitted.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When, however, Lucretia observed that Coningsby had become one of the most
+      notable persons in the Castle; when she heard everywhere of his talents
+      and accomplishments, his beauty and grace and great acquirements, and
+      perceived that he was courted by all; that Lord Monmouth omitted no
+      occasion publicly to evince towards him his regard and consideration; that
+      he seemed generally looked upon in the light of his grandfather&rsquo;s heir;
+      and that Lady St. Julians, more learned in that respect than any lady in
+      the kingdom, was heard more than once to regret that she had not brought
+      another daughter with her, Clara Isabella, as well as Augustina; the
+      Princess Lucretia began to imagine that Madame Colonna, after all, might
+      not be so extravagant in her purpose as she had first supposed. She,
+      therefore, surprised Coningsby with the almost affectionate moroseness
+      with which, while she hated to sing, she yet found pleasure in singing for
+      him alone. And it is impossible to say what might not have been the next
+      move in her tactics in this respect, had not the very night on which she
+      had resolved to commence the enchantment of Coningsby introduced to her
+      Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Princess Lucretia encountered the dark still glance of the friend of
+      Lord Eskdale. He, too, beheld a woman unlike other women, and with his
+      fine experience, both as a man and as a physiologist, felt that he was in
+      the presence of no ordinary organisation. From the evening of his
+      introduction Sidonia sought the society of the Princess Lucretia. He could
+      not complain of her reserve. She threw out her mind in various and
+      highly-cultivated intelligence. He recognised in her a deep and subtile
+      spirit, considerable reading for a woman, habits of thought, and a soul
+      passionate and daring. She resolved to subdue one whose appreciation she
+      had gained, and who had subdued her. The profound meaning and the calm
+      manner of Sidonia combined to quell her spirit. She struggled against the
+      spell. She tried to rival his power; to cope with him, and with the same
+      weapons. But prompt as was her thought and bright as was its expression,
+      her heart beat in tumult; and, with all her apparent serenity, her
+      agitated soul was a prey of absorbing passion. She could not contend with
+      that intelligent, yet inscrutable, eye; with that manner so full of
+      interest and respect, and yet so tranquil. Besides, they were not on equal
+      terms. Here was a girl contending with a man learned in the world&rsquo;s way.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Between Sidonia and Coningsby there at once occurred companionship. The
+      morning after his arrival they went out shooting together. After a long
+      ramble they would stretch themselves on the turf under a shady tree, often
+      by the side of some brook where the cresses grow, that added a luxury to
+      their sporting-meal; and then Coningsby would lead their conversation to
+      some subject on which Sidonia would pour out his mind with all that depth
+      of reflection, variety of knowledge, and richness of illustrative memory,
+      which distinguished him; and which offered so striking a contrast to the
+      sharp talent, the shallow information, and the worldly cunning, that make
+      a Rigby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This fellowship between Sidonia and Coningsby elevated the latter still
+      more in the estimation of Lucretia, and rendered her still more desirous
+      of gaining his good will and opinion. A great friendship seemed to have
+      arisen between them, and the world began to believe that there must be
+      some foundation for Madame Colonna&rsquo;s innuendos. That lady herself was not
+      in the least alarmed by the attention which Sidonia paid her
+      step-daughter. It was, of course, well known that Sidonia was not a
+      marrying man. He was, however, a great friend of Mr. Coningsby, his
+      presence and society brought Coningsby and Lucretia more together; and
+      however flattered her daughter might be for the moment by Sidonia&rsquo;s
+      homage, still, as she would ultimately find out, if indeed she ever cared
+      so to do, that Sidonia could only be her admirer, Madame Colonna had no
+      kind of doubt that ultimately Coningsby would be Lucretia&rsquo;s husband, as
+      she had arranged from the first.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Princess Lucretia was a fine horse-woman, though she rarely joined the
+      various riding-parties that were daily formed at the Castle. Often,
+      indeed, attended only by her groom, she met the equestrians. Now she would
+      ride with Sidonia and Coningsby, and as a female companion was
+      indispensable, she insisted upon La Petite accompanying her. This was a
+      fearful trial for Flora, but she encountered it, encouraged by the kind
+      solicitude of Coningsby, who always seemed her friend.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Very shortly after the arrival of Sidonia, the Grand-duke and his suite
+      quitted the Castle, which had been his Highness&rsquo; head-quarters during his
+      visit to the manufacturing districts; but no other great change in the
+      assembled company occurred for some little time.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XIII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You will observe one curious trait,&rsquo; said Sidonia to Coningsby, &lsquo;in the
+      history of this country: the depository of power is always unpopular; all
+      combine against it; it always falls. Power was deposited in the great
+      Barons; the Church, using the King for its instrument, crushed the great
+      Barons. Power was deposited in the Church; the King, bribing the
+      Parliament, plundered the Church. Power was deposited in the King; the
+      Parliament, using the People, beheaded the King, expelled the King,
+      changed the King, and, finally, for a King substituted an administrative
+      officer. For one hundred and fifty years Power has been deposited in the
+      Parliament, and for the last sixty or seventy years it has been becoming
+      more and more unpopular. In 1830 it was endeavoured by a reconstruction to
+      regain the popular affection; but, in truth, as the Parliament then only
+      made itself more powerful, it has only become more odious. As we see that
+      the Barons, the Church, the King, have in turn devoured each other, and
+      that the Parliament, the last devourer, remains, it is impossible to
+      resist the impression that this body also is doomed to be destroyed; and
+      he is a sagacious statesman who may detect in what form and in what
+      quarter the great consumer will arise.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You take, then, a dark view of our position?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Troubled, not dark. I do not ascribe to political institutions that
+      paramount influence which it is the feeling of this age to attribute to
+      them. The Senate that confronted Brennus in the Forum was the same body
+      that registered in an after-age the ribald decrees of a Nero. Trial by
+      jury, for example, is looked upon by all as the Palladium of our
+      liberties; yet a jury, at a very recent period of our own history, the
+      reign of Charles II., was a tribunal as iniquitous as the Inquisition.&rsquo;
+      And a graver expression stole over the countenance of Sidonia as he
+      remembered what that Inquisition had operated on his own race and his own
+      destiny. &lsquo;There are families in this country,&rsquo; he continued, &lsquo;of both the
+      great historical parties, that in the persecution of their houses, the
+      murder and proscription of some of their most illustrious members, found
+      judges as unjust and relentless in an open jury of their countrymen as we
+      did in the conclaves of Madrid and Seville.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Where, then, would you look for hope?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;In what is more powerful than laws and institutions, and without which
+      the best laws and the most skilful institutions may be a dead letter, or
+      the very means of tyranny in the national character. It is not in the
+      increased feebleness of its institutions that I see the peril of England;
+      it is in the decline of its character as a community.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And yet you could scarcely describe this as an age of corruption?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Not of political corruption. But it is an age of social disorganisation,
+      far more dangerous in its consequences, because far more extensive. You
+      may have a corrupt government and a pure community; you may have a corrupt
+      community and a pure administration. Which would you elect?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Neither,&rsquo; said Coningsby; &lsquo;I wish to see a people full of faith, and a
+      government full of duty.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Rely upon it,&rsquo; said Sidonia, &lsquo;that England should think more of the
+      community and less of the government.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But tell me, what do you understand by the term national character?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A character is an assemblage of qualities; the character of England
+      should be an assemblage of great qualities.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But we cannot deny that the English have great virtues.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The civilisation of a thousand years must produce great virtues; but we
+      are speaking of the decline of public virtue, not its existence.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;In what, then, do you trace that decline?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;In the fact that the various classes of this country are arrayed against
+      each other.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But to what do you attribute those reciprocal hostilities?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Not entirely, not even principally, to those economical causes of which
+      we hear so much. I look upon all such as secondary causes, which, in a
+      certain degree, must always exist, which obtrude themselves in troubled
+      times, and which at all times it is the business of wise statesmen to
+      watch, to regulate, to ameliorate, to modify.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am speaking to elicit truth, not to maintain opinions,&rsquo; said Coningsby;
+      &lsquo;for I have none,&rsquo; he added, mournfully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think,&rsquo; said Sidonia, &lsquo;that there is no error so vulgar as to believe
+      that revolutions are occasioned by economical causes. They come in,
+      doubtless, very often to precipitate a catastrophe; very rarely do they
+      occasion one. I know no period, for example, when physical comfort was
+      more diffused in England than in 1640. England had a moderate population,
+      a very improved agriculture, a rich commerce; yet she was on the eve of
+      the greatest and most violent changes that she has as yet experienced.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;That was a religious movement.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Admit it; the cause, then, was not physical. The imagination of England
+      rose against the government. It proves, then, that when that faculty is
+      astir in a nation, it will sacrifice even physical comfort to follow its
+      impulses.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Do you think, then, there is a wild desire for extensive political change
+      in the country?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Hardly that: England is perplexed at the present moment, not inventive.
+      That will be the next phasis in her moral state, and to that I wish to
+      draw your thoughts. For myself, while I ascribe little influence to
+      physical causes for the production of this perplexity, I am still less of
+      opinion that it can be removed by any new disposition of political power.
+      It would only aggravate the evil. That would be recurring to the old error
+      of supposing you can necessarily find national content in political
+      institutions. A political institution is a machine; the motive power is
+      the national character. With that it rests whether the machine will
+      benefit society, or destroy it. Society in this country is perplexed,
+      almost paralysed; in time it will move, and it will devise. How are the
+      elements of the nation to be again blended together? In what spirit is
+      that reorganisation to take place?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;To know that would be to know everything.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;At least let us free ourselves from the double ignorance of the
+      Platonists. Let us not be ignorant that we are ignorant.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have emancipated myself from that darkness for a long time,&rsquo; said
+      Coningsby. &lsquo;Long has my mind been musing over these thoughts, but to me
+      all is still obscurity.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;In this country,&rsquo; said Sidonia, &lsquo;since the peace, there has been an
+      attempt to advocate a reconstruction of society on a purely rational
+      basis. The principle of Utility has been powerfully developed. I speak not
+      with lightness of the labours of the disciples of that school. I bow to
+      intellect in every form: and we should be grateful to any school of
+      philosophers, even if we disagree with them; doubly grateful in this
+      country, where for so long a period our statesmen were in so pitiable an
+      arrear of public intelligence. There has been an attempt to reconstruct
+      society on a basis of material motives and calculations. It has failed. It
+      must ultimately have failed under any circumstances; its failure in an
+      ancient and densely-peopled kingdom was inevitable. How limited is human
+      reason, the profoundest inquirers are most conscious. We are not indebted
+      to the Reason of man for any of the great achievements which are the
+      landmarks of human action and human progress. It was not Reason that
+      besieged Troy; it was not Reason that sent forth the Saracen from the
+      Desert to conquer the world; that inspired the Crusades; that instituted
+      the Monastic orders; it was not Reason that produced the Jesuits; above
+      all, it was not Reason that created the French Revolution. Man is only
+      truly great when he acts from the passions; never irresistible but when he
+      appeals to the imagination. Even Mormon counts more votaries than
+      Bentham.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And you think, then, that as Imagination once subdued the State,
+      Imagination may now save it?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Man is made to adore and to obey: but if you will not command him, if you
+      give him nothing to worship, he will fashion his own divinities, and find
+      a chieftain in his own passions.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But where can we find faith in a nation of sectaries? Who can feel
+      loyalty to a sovereign of Downing Street?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I speak of the eternal principles of human nature, you answer me with the
+      passing accidents of the hour. Sects rise and sects disappear. Where are
+      the Fifth-Monarchy men? England is governed by Downing Street; once it was
+      governed by Alfred and Elizabeth.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XIV.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      About this time a steeple-chase in the West of England had attracted
+      considerable attention. This sport was then of recent introduction in
+      England, and is, in fact, an importation of Irish growth, although it has
+      flourished in our soil. A young guardsman, who was then a guest at the
+      Castle, and who had been in garrison in Ireland, had some experience of
+      this pastime in the Kildare country, and he proposed that they should have
+      a steeple-chase at Coningsby. This was a suggestion very agreeable to the
+      Marquess of Beaumanoir, celebrated for his feats of horsemanship, and,
+      indeed, to most of the guests. It was agreed that the race should come off
+      at once, before any of the present company, many of whom gave symptoms of
+      being on the wing, had quitted the Castle. The young guardsman and Mr. Guy
+      Flouncey had surveyed the country and had selected a line which they
+      esteemed very appropriate for the scene of action. From a hill of common
+      land you looked down upon the valley of Coningsby, richly cultivated,
+      deeply ditched, and stiffly fenced; the valley was bounded by another
+      rising ground, and the scene was admirably calculated to give an extensive
+      view to a multitude.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The distance along the valley was to be two miles out, and home again; the
+      starting-post being also the winning-post, and the flags, which were
+      placed on every fence which the horses were to pass, were to be passed on
+      the left hand of the rider both going and coming; so that although the
+      horses had to leap the same fences forward and backward, they could not
+      come over the same place twice. In the last field before they turned, was
+      a brook seventeen feet clear from side to side, with good taking off both
+      banks. Here real business commenced.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth highly approved the scheme, but mentioned that the stakes
+      must be moderate, and open to the whole county. The neighbourhood had a
+      week of preparation, and the entries for the Coningsby steeple-chase were
+      numerous. Lord Monmouth, after a reserve for his own account, placed his
+      stable at the service of his guests. For himself, he offered to back his
+      horse, Sir Robert, which was to be ridden by his grandson.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now, nothing was spoken or thought of at Coningsby Castle except the
+      coming sport. The ladies shared the general excitement. They embroidered
+      handkerchiefs, and scarfs, and gloves, with the respective colours of the
+      rivals, and tried to make jockey-caps. Lady St. Julians postponed her
+      intended departure in consequence. Madame Colonna wished that some means
+      could be contrived by which they might all win.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sidonia, with the other competitors, had ridden over the ground and
+      glanced at the brook with the eye of a workman. On his return to the
+      Castle he sent a despatch for some of his stud.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby was all anxiety to win. He was proud of the confidence of his
+      grandfather in backing him. He had a powerful horse and a firstrate
+      fencer, and he was resolved himself not to flinch. On the night before the
+      race, retiring somewhat earlier than usual to his chamber, he observed on
+      his dressing-table a small packet addressed to his name, and in an unknown
+      handwriting. Opening it, he found a pretty racing-jacket embroidered with
+      his colours of pink and white. This was a perplexing circumstance, but he
+      fancied it on the whole a happy omen. And who was the donor? Certainly not
+      the Princess Lucretia, for he had observed her fashioning some maroon
+      ribbons, which were the colours of Sidonia. It could scarcely be from Mrs.
+      Guy Flouncey. Perhaps Madame Colonna to please the Marquess? Thinking over
+      this incident he fell asleep.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The morning before the race Sidonia&rsquo;s horses arrived. All went to examine
+      them at the stables. Among them was an Arab mare. Coningsby recognised the
+      Daughter of the Star. She was greatly admired for her points; but Guy
+      Flouncey whispered to Mr. Melton that she never could do the work.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But Lord Beaumanoir says he is all for speed against strength in these
+      affairs,&rsquo; said Mr. Melton.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Guy Flouncey smiled incredulously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The night before the race it rained rather heavily.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I take it the country will not be very like the Deserts of Arabia,&rsquo; said
+      Mr. Guy Flouncey, with a knowing look to Mr. Melton, who was noting a bet
+      in his memorandum-book.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The morning was fine, clear, and sunny, with a soft western breeze. The
+      starting-post was about three miles from the Castle; but, long before the
+      hour, the surrounding hills were covered with people; squire and farmer;
+      with no lack of their wives and daughters; many a hind in his smock-frock,
+      and many an &lsquo;operative&rsquo; from the neighbouring factories. The &lsquo;gentlemen
+      riders&rsquo; gradually arrived. The entries were very numerous, though it was
+      understood that not more than a dozen would come to the post, and half of
+      these were the guests of Lord Monmouth. At half-past one the <i>cortège</i>
+      from the Castle arrived, and took up the post which had been prepared for
+      them on the summit of the hill. Lord Monmouth was much cheered on his
+      arrival. In the carriage with him were Madame Colonna and Lady St.
+      Julians. The Princess Lucretia, Lady Gaythorp, Mrs. Guy Flouncey,
+      accompanied by Lord Eskdale and other cavaliers, formed a brilliant
+      company. There was scarcely a domestic in the Castle who was not there.
+      The comedians, indeed, did not care to come, but Villebecque prevailed
+      upon Flora to drive with him to the race in a buggy he borrowed of the
+      steward.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The start was to be at two o&rsquo;clock. The &lsquo;gentlemen jockeys&rsquo; are mustered.
+      Never were riders mounted and appointed in better style. The stewards and
+      the clerk of the course attend them to the starting-post. There they are
+      now assembled. Guy Flouncey takes up his stirrup-leathers a hole; Mr.
+      Melton looks at his girths. In a few moments, the irrevocable monosyllable
+      will be uttered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The bugle sounds for them to face about; the clerk of the course sings
+      out, &lsquo;Gentlemen, are you all ready?&rsquo; No objection made, the word given to
+      go, and fifteen riders start in excellent style.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Prince Colonna, who rode like Prince Rupert, took the lead, followed close
+      by a stout yeoman on an old white horse of great provincial celebrity, who
+      made steady running, and, from his appearance and action, an awkward
+      customer. The rest, with two exceptions, followed in a cluster at no great
+      distance, and in this order they continued, with very slight variation,
+      for the first two miles, though there were several ox-fences, and one or
+      two of them remarkably stiff. Indeed, they appeared more like horses
+      running over a course than over a country. The two exceptions were Lord
+      Beaumanoir on his horse Sunbeam, and Sidonia on the Arab. These kept
+      somewhat slightly in the rear.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Almost in this wise they approached the dreaded brook. Indeed, with the
+      exception of the last two riders, who were about thirty yards behind, it
+      seemed that you might have covered the rest of the field with a sheet.
+      They arrived at the brook at the same moment: seventeen feet of water
+      between strong sound banks is no holiday work; but they charged with
+      unfaltering intrepidity. But what a revolution in their spirited order did
+      that instant produce! A masked battery of canister and grape could not
+      have achieved more terrible execution. Coningsby alone clearly lighted on
+      the opposing bank; but, for the rest of them, it seemed for a moment that
+      they were all in the middle of the brook, one over another, splashing,
+      kicking, swearing; every one trying to get out and keep others in. Mr.
+      Melton and the stout yeoman regained their saddles and were soon again in
+      chase. The Prince lost his horse, and was not alone in his misfortune. Mr.
+      Guy Flouncey lay on his back with a horse across his diaphragm; only his
+      head above the water, and his mouth full of chickweed and dockleaves. And
+      if help had not been at hand, he and several others might have remained
+      struggling in their watery bed for a considerable period. In the midst of
+      this turmoil, the Marquess and Sidonia at the same moment cleared the
+      brook.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Affairs now became interesting. Here Coningsby took up the running,
+      Sidonia and the Marquess lying close at his quarters. Mr. Melton had gone
+      the wrong side of a flag, and the stout yeoman, though close at hand, was
+      already trusting much to his spurs. In the extreme distance might be
+      detected three or four stragglers. Thus they continued until within three
+      fields of home. A ploughed field finished the old white horse; the yeoman
+      struck his spurs to the rowels, but the only effect of the experiment was,
+      that the horse stood stock-still. Coningsby, Sidonia, and the Marquess
+      were now all together. The winning-post is in sight, and a high and strong
+      gate leads to the last field. Coningsby, looking like a winner, gallantly
+      dashed forward and sent Sir Robert at the gate, but he had over-estimated
+      his horse&rsquo;s powers at this point of the game, and a rattling fall was the
+      consequence: however, horse and rider were both on the right side, and
+      Coningsby was in his saddle and at work again in a moment. It seemed that
+      the Marquess was winning. There was only one more fence; and that the foot
+      people had made a breach in by the side of a gate-post, and wide enough,
+      as was said, for a broad-wheeled waggon to travel by. Instead of passing
+      straight over this gap, Sunbeam swerved against the gate and threw his
+      rider. This was decisive. The Daughter of the Star, who was still going
+      beautifully, pulling double, and her jockey sitting still, sprang over the
+      gap and went in first; Coningsby, on Sir Robert, being placed second. The
+      distance measured was about four miles; there were thirty-nine leaps; and
+      it was done under fifteen minutes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth was well content with the prowess of his grandson, and his
+      extreme cordiality consoled Coningsby under a defeat which was very
+      vexatious. It was some alleviation that he was beaten by Sidonia. Madame
+      Colonna even shed tears at her young friend&rsquo;s disappointment, and mourned
+      it especially for Lucretia, who had said nothing, though a flush might be
+      observed on her usually pale countenance. Villebecque, who had betted, was
+      so extremely excited by the whole affair, especially during the last three
+      minutes, that he quite forgot his quiet companion, and when he looked
+      round he found Flora fainting.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You rode well,&rsquo; said Sidonia to Coningsby; &lsquo;but your horse was more
+      strong than swift. After all, this thing is a race; and, notwithstanding
+      Solomon, in a race speed must win.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XV.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Notwithstanding the fatigues of the morning, the evening was passed with
+      great gaiety at the Castle. The gentlemen all vowed that, far from being
+      inconvenienced by their mishaps, they felt, on the whole, rather better
+      for them. Mr. Guy Flouncey, indeed, did not seem quite so limber and
+      flexible as usual; and the young guardsman, who had previously discoursed
+      in an almost alarming style of the perils and feats of the Kildare
+      country, had subsided into a remarkable reserve. The Provincials were
+      delighted with Sidonia&rsquo;s riding, and even the Leicestershire gentlemen
+      admitted that he was a &lsquo;customer.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth beckoned to Coningsby to sit by him on the sofa, and spoke
+      of his approaching University life. He gave his grandson a great deal of
+      good advice: told him to avoid drinking, especially if he ever chanced to
+      play cards, which he hoped he never would; urged the expediency of never
+      borrowing money, and of confining his loans to small sums, and then only
+      to friends of whom he wished to get rid; most particularly impressed on
+      him never to permit his feelings to be engaged by any woman; nobody, he
+      assured Coningsby, despised that weakness more than women themselves.
+      Indeed, feeling of any kind did not suit the present age: it was not <i>bon
+      ton</i>; and in some degree always made a man ridiculous. Coningsby was
+      always to have before him the possible catastrophe of becoming ridiculous.
+      It was the test of conduct, Lord Monmouth said; a fear of becoming
+      ridiculous is the best guide in life, and will save a man from all sorts
+      of scrapes. For the rest, Coningsby was to appear at Cambridge as became
+      Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s favourite grandson. His grandfather had opened an account
+      for him with Drummonds&rsquo;, on whom he was to draw for his considerable
+      allowance; and if by any chance he found himself in a scrape, no matter of
+      what kind, he was to be sure to write to his grandfather, who would
+      certainly get him out of it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Your departure is sudden,&rsquo; said the Princess Lucretia, in a low deep tone
+      to Sidonia, who was sitting by her side and screened from general
+      observation by the waltzers who whirled by.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Departures should be sudden.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I do not like departures,&rsquo; said the Princess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Nor did the Queen of Sheba when she quitted Solomon. You know what she
+      did?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Tell me.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;She wept very much, and let one of the King&rsquo;s birds fly into the garden.
+      &ldquo;You are freed from your cage,&rdquo; she said; &ldquo;but I am going back to mine.&rdquo;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But you never weep?&rsquo; said the Princess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Never.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And are always free?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;So are men in the Desert.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But your life is not a Desert?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It at least resembles the Desert in one respect: it is useless.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The only useless life is woman&rsquo;s.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yet there have been heroines,&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The Queen of Sheba,&rsquo; said the Princess, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A favourite of mine,&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And why was she a favourite of yours?&rsquo; rather eagerly inquired Lucretia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Because she thought deeply, talked finely, and moved gracefully.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And yet might be a very unfeeling dame at the same time,&rsquo; said the
+      Princess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I never thought of that,&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The heart, apparently, does not reckon in your philosophy.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What we call the heart,&rsquo; said Sidonia, &lsquo;is a nervous sensation, like
+      shyness, which gradually disappears in society. It is fervent in the
+      nursery, strong in the domestic circle, tumultuous at school. The
+      affections are the children of ignorance; when the horizon of our
+      experience expands, and models multiply, love and admiration imperceptibly
+      vanish.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I fear the horizon of your experience has very greatly expanded. With
+      your opinions, what charm can there be in life?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The sense of existence.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;So Sidonia is off to-morrow, Monmouth,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Hah!&rsquo; said the Marquess. &lsquo;I must get him to breakfast with me before he
+      goes.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The party broke up. Coningsby, who had heard Lord Eskdale announce
+      Sidonia&rsquo;s departure, lingered to express his regret, and say farewell.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I cannot sleep,&rsquo; said Sidonia, &lsquo;and I never smoke in Europe. If you are
+      not stiff with your wounds, come to my rooms.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This invitation was willingly accepted.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am going to Cambridge in a week,&rsquo; said Coningsby. I was almost in hopes
+      you might have remained as long.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I also; but my letters of this morning demand me. If it had not been for
+      our chase, I should have quitted immediately. The minister cannot pay the
+      interest on the national debt; not an unprecedented circumstance, and has
+      applied to us. I never permit any business of State to be transacted
+      without my personal interposition; and so I must go up to town
+      immediately.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Suppose you don&rsquo;t pay it,&rsquo; said Coningsby, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If I followed my own impulse, I would remain here,&rsquo; said Sidonia. &lsquo;Can
+      anything be more absurd than that a nation should apply to an individual
+      to maintain its credit, and, with its credit, its existence as an empire,
+      and its comfort as a people; and that individual one to whom its laws deny
+      the proudest rights of citizenship, the privilege of sitting in its senate
+      and of holding land? for though I have been rash enough to buy several
+      estates, my own opinion is, that, by the existing law of England, an
+      Englishman of Hebrew faith cannot possess the soil.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But surely it would be easy to repeal a law so illiberal&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! as for illiberality, I have no objection to it if it be an element of
+      power. Eschew political sentimentalism. What I contend is, that if you
+      permit men to accumulate property, and they use that permission to a great
+      extent, power is inseparable from that property, and it is in the last
+      degree impolitic to make it the interest of any powerful class to oppose
+      the institutions under which they live. The Jews, for example,
+      independently of the capital qualities for citizenship which they possess
+      in their industry, temperance, and energy and vivacity of mind, are a race
+      essentially monarchical, deeply religious, and shrinking themselves from
+      converts as from a calamity, are ever anxious to see the religious systems
+      of the countries in which they live flourish; yet, since your society has
+      become agitated in England, and powerful combinations menace your
+      institutions, you find the once loyal Hebrew invariably arrayed in the
+      same ranks as the leveller, and the latitudinarian, and prepared to
+      support the policy which may even endanger his life and property, rather
+      than tamely continue under a system which seeks to degrade him. The Tories
+      lose an important election at a critical moment; &lsquo;tis the Jews come
+      forward to vote against them. The Church is alarmed at the scheme of a
+      latitudinarian university, and learns with relief that funds are not
+      forthcoming for its establishment; a Jew immediately advances and endows
+      it. Yet the Jews, Coningsby, are essentially Tories. Toryism, indeed, is
+      but copied from the mighty prototype which has fashioned Europe. And every
+      generation they must become more powerful and more dangerous to the
+      society which is hostile to them. Do you think that the quiet humdrum
+      persecution of a decorous representative of an English university can
+      crush those who have successively baffled the Pharaohs, Nebuchadnezzar,
+      Rome, and the Feudal ages? The fact is, you cannot destroy a pure race of
+      the Caucasian organisation. It is a physiological fact; a simple law of
+      nature, which has baffled Egyptian and Assyrian Kings, Roman Emperors, and
+      Christian Inquisitors. No penal laws, no physical tortures, can effect
+      that a superior race should be absorbed in an inferior, or be destroyed by
+      it. The mixed persecuting races disappear; the pure persecuted race
+      remains. And at this moment, in spite of centuries, of tens of centuries,
+      of degradation, the Jewish mind exercises a vast influence on the affairs
+      of Europe. I speak not of their laws, which you still obey; of their
+      literature, with which your minds are saturated; but of the living Hebrew
+      intellect.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You never observe a great intellectual movement in Europe in which the
+      Jews do not greatly participate. The first Jesuits were Jews; that
+      mysterious Russian Diplomacy which so alarms Western Europe is organised
+      and principally carried on by Jews; that mighty revolution which is at
+      this moment preparing in Germany, and which will be, in fact, a second and
+      greater Reformation, and of which so little is as yet known in England, is
+      entirely developing under the auspices of Jews, who almost monopolise the
+      professorial chairs of Germany. Neander, the founder of Spiritual
+      Christianity, and who is Regius Professor of Divinity in the University of
+      Berlin, is a Jew. Benary, equally famous, and in the same University, is a
+      Jew. Wehl, the Arabic Professor of Heidelberg, is a Jew. Years ago, when I
+      was In Palestine, I met a German student who was accumulating materials
+      for the History of Christianity, and studying the genius of the place; a
+      modest and learned man. It was Wehl; then unknown, since become the first
+      Arabic scholar of the day, and the author of the life of Mahomet. But for
+      the German professors of this race, their name is Legion. I think there
+      are more than ten at Berlin alone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I told you just now that I was going up to town tomorrow, because I
+      always made it a rule to interpose when affairs of State were on the
+      carpet. Otherwise, I never interfere. I hear of peace and war in
+      newspapers, but I am never alarmed, except when I am informed that the
+      Sovereigns want treasure; then I know that monarchs are serious.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A few years back we were applied, to by Russia. Now, there has been no
+      friendship between the Court of St. Petersburg and my family. It has Dutch
+      connections, which have generally supplied it; and our representations in
+      favour of the Polish Hebrews, a numerous race, but the most suffering and
+      degraded of all the tribes, have not been very agreeable to the Czar.
+      However, circumstances drew to an approximation between the Romanoffs and
+      the Sidonias. I resolved to go myself to St. Petersburg. I had, on my
+      arrival, an interview with the Russian Minister of Finance, Count Cancrin;
+      I beheld the son of a Lithuanian Jew. The loan was connected with the
+      affairs of Spain; I resolved on repairing to Spain from Russia. I
+      travelled without intermission. I had an audience immediately on my
+      arrival with the Spanish Minister, Senor Mendizabel; I beheld one like
+      myself, the son of a Nuevo Christiano, a Jew of Arragon. In consequence of
+      what transpired at Madrid, I went straight to Paris to consult the
+      President of the French Council; I beheld the son of a French Jew, a hero,
+      an imperial marshal, and very properly so, for who should be military
+      heroes if not those who worship the Lord of Hosts?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And is Soult a Hebrew?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes, and others of the French marshals, and the most famous; Massena, for
+      example; his real name was Manasseh: but to my anecdote. The consequence
+      of our consultations was, that some Northern power should be applied to in
+      a friendly and mediative capacity. We fixed on Prussia; and the President
+      of the Council made an application to the Prussian Minister, who attended
+      a few days after our conference. Count Arnim entered the cabinet, and I
+      beheld a Prussian Jew. So you see, my dear Coningsby, that the world is
+      governed by very different personages from what is imagined by those who
+      are not behind the scenes.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You startle, and deeply interest me.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You must study physiology, my dear child. Pure races of Caucasus may be
+      persecuted, but they cannot be despised, except by the brutal ignorance of
+      some mongrel breed, that brandishes fagots and howls extermination, but is
+      itself exterminated without persecution, by that irresistible law of
+      Nature which is fatal to curs.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But I come also from Caucasus,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Verily; and thank your Creator for such a destiny: and your race is
+      sufficiently pure. You come from the shores of the Northern Sea, land of
+      the blue eye, and the golden hair, and the frank brow: &lsquo;tis a famous
+      breed, with whom we Arabs have contended long; from whom we have suffered
+      much: but these Goths, and Saxons, and Normans were doubtless great men.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But so favoured by Nature, why has not your race produced great poets,
+      great orators, great writers?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Favoured by Nature and by Nature&rsquo;s God, we produced the lyre of David; we
+      gave you Isaiah and Ezekiel; they are our Olynthians, our Philippics.
+      Favoured by Nature we still remain: but in exact proportion as we have
+      been favoured by Nature we have been persecuted by Man. After a thousand
+      struggles; after acts of heroic courage that Rome has never equalled;
+      deeds of divine patriotism that Athens, and Sparta, and Carthage have
+      never excelled; we have endured fifteen hundred years of supernatural
+      slavery, during which, every device that can degrade or destroy man has
+      been the destiny that we have sustained and baffled. The Hebrew child has
+      entered adolescence only to learn that he was the Pariah of that
+      ungrateful Europe that owes to him the best part of its laws, a fine
+      portion of its literature, all its religion. Great poets require a public;
+      we have been content with the immortal melodies that we sung more than two
+      thousand years ago by the waters of Babylon and wept. They record our
+      triumphs; they solace our affliction. Great orators are the creatures of
+      popular assemblies; we were permitted only by stealth to meet even in our
+      temples. And as for great writers, the catalogue is not blank. What are
+      all the schoolmen, Aquinas himself, to Maimonides? And as for modern
+      philosophy, all springs from Spinoza.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But the passionate and creative genius, that is the nearest link to
+      Divinity, and which no human tyranny can destroy, though it can divert it;
+      that should have stirred the hearts of nations by its inspired sympathy,
+      or governed senates by its burning eloquence; has found a medium for its
+      expression, to which, in spite of your prejudices and your evil passions,
+      you have been obliged to bow. The ear, the voice, the fancy teeming with
+      combinations, the imagination fervent with picture and emotion, that came
+      from Caucasus, and which we have preserved unpolluted, have endowed us
+      with almost the exclusive privilege of Music; that science of harmonious
+      sounds, which the ancients recognised as most divine, and deified in the
+      person of their most beautiful creation. I speak not of the past; though,
+      were I to enter into the history of the lords of melody, you would find it
+      the annals of Hebrew genius. But at this moment even, musical Europe is
+      ours. There is not a company of singers, not an orchestra in a single
+      capital, that is not crowded with our children under the feigned names
+      which they adopt to conciliate the dark aversion which your posterity will
+      some day disclaim with shame and disgust. Almost every great composer,
+      skilled musician, almost every voice that ravishes you with its
+      transporting strains, springs from our tribes. The catalogue is too vast
+      to enumerate; too illustrious to dwell for a moment on secondary names,
+      however eminent. Enough for us that the three great creative minds to
+      whose exquisite inventions all nations at this moment yield, Rossini,
+      Meyerbeer, Mendelssohn, are of Hebrew race; and little do your men of
+      fashion, your muscadins of Paris, and your dandies of London, as they
+      thrill into raptures at the notes of a Pasta or a Grisi, little do they
+      suspect that they are offering their homage to &ldquo;the sweet singers of
+      Israel!&rdquo;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XVI.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      It was the noon of the day on which Sidonia was to leave the Castle. The
+      wind was high; the vast white clouds scudded over the blue heaven; the
+      leaves yet green, and tender branches snapped like glass, were whirled in
+      eddies from the trees; the grassy sward undulated like the ocean with a
+      thousand tints and shadows. From the window of the music-room Lucretia
+      Colonna gazed on the turbulent sky.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The heaven of her heart, too, was disturbed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She turned from the agitated external world to ponder over her inward
+      emotion. She uttered a deep sigh.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Slowly she moved towards her harp; wildly, almost unconsciously, she
+      touched with one hand its strings, while her eyes were fixed on the
+      ground. An imperfect melody resounded; yet plaintive and passionate. It
+      seemed to attract her soul. She raised her head, and then, touching the
+      strings with both her hands, she poured forth tones of deep, yet thrilling
+      power.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+  &lsquo;I am a stranger in the halls of a stranger! Ah! whither shall I flee?
+  To the castle of my fathers in the green mountains; to the palace of my
+    fathers in the ancient city?
+  There is no flag on the castle of my fathers in the green mountains,
+    silent is the palace of my fathers in the ancient city.
+  Is there no home for the homeless? Can the unloved never find love?
+  Ah! thou fliest away, fleet cloud: he will leave us swifter than thee!
+    Alas! cutting wind, thy breath is not so cold as his heart!
+  I am a stranger in the halls of a stranger! Ah! whither shall I flee?&rsquo;
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      The door of the music-room slowly opened. It was Sidonia. His hat was in
+      his hand; he was evidently on the point of departure.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Those sounds assured me,&rsquo; he said calmly but kindly, as he advanced,
+      &lsquo;that I might find you here, on which I scarcely counted at so early an
+      hour.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You are going then?&rsquo; said the Princess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My carriage is at the door; the Marquess has delayed me; I must be in
+      London to-night. I conclude more abruptly than I could have wished one of
+      the most agreeable visits I ever made; and I hope you will permit me to
+      express to you how much I am indebted to you for a society which those
+      should deem themselves fortunate who can more frequently enjoy.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He held forth his hand; she extended hers, cold as marble, which he bent
+      over, but did not press to his lips.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Lord Monmouth talks of remaining here some time,&rsquo; he observed; &lsquo;but I
+      suppose next year, if not this, we shall all meet in some city of the
+      earth?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lucretia bowed; and Sidonia, with a graceful reverence, withdrew.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Princess Lucretia stood for some moments motionless; a sound attracted
+      her to the window; she perceived the equipage of Sidonia whirling along
+      the winding roads of the park. She watched it till it disappeared; then
+      quitting the window, she threw herself into a chair, and buried her face
+      in her shawl.
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      END OF BOOK IV.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0048" id="link2H_4_0048"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      BOOK V.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER I.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      An University life did not bring to Coningsby that feeling of emancipation
+      usually experienced by freshmen. The contrast between school and college
+      life is perhaps, under any circumstances, less striking to the Etonian
+      than to others: he has been prepared for becoming his own master by the
+      liberty wisely entrusted to him in his boyhood, and which is, in general,
+      discreetly exercised. But there were also other reasons why Coningsby
+      should have been less impressed with the novelty of his life, and have
+      encountered less temptations than commonly are met with in the new
+      existence which an University opens to youth. In the interval which had
+      elapsed between quitting Eton and going to Cambridge, brief as the period
+      may comparatively appear, Coningsby had seen much of the world. Three or
+      four months, indeed, may not seem, at the first blush, a course of time
+      which can very materially influence the formation of character; but time
+      must not be counted by calendars, but by sensations, by thought. Coningsby
+      had felt a good deal, reflected more. He had encountered a great number of
+      human beings, offering a vast variety of character for his observation. It
+      was not merely manners, but even the intellectual and moral development of
+      the human mind, which in a great degree, unconsciously to himself, had
+      been submitted to his study and his scrutiny. New trains of ideas had been
+      opened to him; his mind was teeming with suggestions. The horizon of his
+      intelligence had insensibly expanded. He perceived that there were other
+      opinions in the world, besides those to which he had been habituated. The
+      depths of his intellect had been stirred. He was a wiser man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He distinguished three individuals whose acquaintance had greatly
+      influenced his mind; Eustace Lyle, the elder Millbank, above all, Sidonia.
+      He curiously meditated over the fact, that three English subjects, one of
+      them a principal landed proprietor, another one of the most eminent
+      manufacturers, and the third the greatest capitalist in the kingdom, all
+      of them men of great intelligence, and doubtless of a high probity and
+      conscience, were in their hearts disaffected with the political
+      constitution of the country. Yet, unquestionably, these were the men among
+      whom we ought to seek for some of our first citizens. What, then, was this
+      repulsive quality in those institutions which we persisted in calling
+      national, and which once were so? Here was a great question.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was another reason, also, why Coningsby should feel a little
+      fastidious among his new habits, and, without being aware of it, a little
+      depressed. For three or four months, and for the first time in his life,
+      he had passed his time in the continual society of refined and charming
+      women. It is an acquaintance which, when habitual, exercises a great
+      influence over the tone of the mind, even if it does not produce any more
+      violent effects. It refines the taste, quickens the perception, and gives,
+      as it were, a grace and flexibility to the intellect. Coningsby in his
+      solitary rooms arranging his books, sighed when he recalled the Lady
+      Everinghams and the Lady Theresas; the gracious Duchess; the frank,
+      good-natured Madame Colonna; that deeply interesting enigma the Princess
+      Lucretia; and the gentle Flora. He thought with disgust of the impending
+      dissipation of an University, which could only be an exaggeration of their
+      coarse frolics at school. It seemed rather vapid this mighty Cambridge,
+      over which they had so often talked in the playing fields of Eton, with
+      such anticipations of its vast and absorbing interest. And those
+      University honours that once were the great object of his aspirations,
+      they did not figure in that grandeur with which they once haunted his
+      imagination.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      What Coningsby determined to conquer was knowledge. He had watched the
+      influence of Sidonia in society with an eye of unceasing vigilance.
+      Coningsby perceived that all yielded to him; that Lord Monmouth even, who
+      seemed to respect none, gave place to his intelligence; appealed to him,
+      listened to him, was guided by him. What was the secret of this influence?
+      Knowledge. On all subjects, his views were prompt and clear, and this not
+      more from his native sagacity and reach of view, than from the aggregate
+      of facts which rose to guide his judgment and illustrate his meaning, from
+      all countries and all ages, instantly at his command.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The friends of Coningsby were now hourly arriving. It seemed when he met
+      them again, that they had all suddenly become men since they had
+      separated; Buckhurst especially. He had been at Paris, and returned with
+      his mind very much opened, and trousers made quite in a new style. All his
+      thoughts were, how soon he could contrive to get back again; and he told
+      them endless stories of actresses, and dinners at fashionable <i>cafés</i>.
+      Vere enjoyed Cambridge most, because he had been staying with his family
+      since he quitted Eton. Henry Sydney was full of church architecture,
+      national sports, restoration of the order of the Peasantry, and was to
+      maintain a constant correspondence on these and similar subjects with
+      Eustace Lyle. Finally, however, they all fell into a very fair, regular,
+      routine life. They all read a little, but not with the enthusiasm which
+      they had once projected. Buckhurst drove four-in-hand, and they all of
+      them sometimes assisted him; but not immoderately. Their suppers were
+      sometimes gay, but never outrageous; and, among all of them, the school
+      friendship was maintained unbroken, and even undisturbed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The fame of Coningsby preceded him at Cambridge. No man ever went up from
+      whom more was expected in every way. The dons awaited a sucking member for
+      the University, the undergraduates were prepared to welcome a new
+      Alcibiades. He was neither: neither a prig nor a profligate; but a quiet,
+      gentlemanlike, yet spirited young man, gracious to all, but intimate only
+      with his old friends, and giving always an impression in his general tone
+      that his soul was not absorbed in his University.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And yet, perhaps, he might have been coddled into a prig, or flattered
+      into a profligate, had it not been for the intervening experience which he
+      had gained between his school and college life. That had visibly impressed
+      upon him, what before he had only faintly acquired from books, that there
+      was a greater and more real world awaiting him, than to be found in those
+      bowers of Academus to which youth is apt at first to attribute an
+      exaggerated importance. A world of action and passion, of power and peril;
+      a world for which a great preparation was indeed necessary, severe and
+      profound, but not altogether such an one as was now offered to him. Yet
+      this want must be supplied, and by himself. Coningsby had already
+      acquirements sufficiently considerable, with some formal application, to
+      ensure him at all times his degree. He was no longer engrossed by the
+      intention he once proudly entertained of trying for honours, and he
+      chalked out for himself that range of reading, which, digested by his
+      thought, should furnish him in some degree with that various knowledge of
+      the history of man to which he aspired. No, we must not for a moment
+      believe that accident could have long diverted the course of a character
+      so strong. The same desire that prevented the Castle of his grandfather
+      from proving a Castle of Indolence to him, that saved him from a too early
+      initiation into the seductive distractions of a refined and luxurious
+      society, would have preserved Coningsby from the puerile profligacy of a
+      college life, or from being that idol of private tutors, a young pedant.
+      It was that noble ambition, the highest and the best, that must be born in
+      the heart and organised in the brain, which will not let a man be content,
+      unless his intellectual power is recognised by his race, and desires that
+      it should contribute to their welfare. It is the heroic feeling; the
+      feeling that in old days produced demigods; without which no State is
+      safe; without which political institutions are meat without salt; the
+      Crown a bauble, the Church an establishment, Parliaments debating-clubs,
+      and Civilisation itself but a fitful and transient dream.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0041" id="link2HCH0041"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER II.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Less than a year after the arrival of Coningsby at Cambridge, and which he
+      had only once quitted in the interval, and that to pass a short time in
+      Berkshire with his friend Buckhurst, occurred the death of King William
+      IV. This event necessarily induced a dissolution of the Parliament,
+      elected under the auspices of Sir Robert Peel in 1834, and after the
+      publication of the Tamworth Manifesto.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The death of the King was a great blow to what had now come to be
+      generally styled the &lsquo;Conservative Cause.&rsquo; It was quite unexpected; within
+      a fortnight of his death, eminent persons still believed that &lsquo;it was only
+      the hay-fever.&rsquo; Had his Majesty lived until after the then impending
+      registration, the Whigs would have been again dismissed. Nor is there any
+      doubt that, under these circumstances, the Conservative Cause would have
+      secured for the new ministers a parliamentary majority. What would have
+      been the consequences to the country, if the four years of Whig rule, from
+      1837 to 1841, had not occurred? It is easier to decide what would have
+      been the consequences to the Whigs. Some of their great friends might have
+      lacked blue ribbons and lord-lieutenancies, and some of their little
+      friends comfortable places in the Customs and Excise. They would have
+      lost, undoubtedly, the distribution of four years&rsquo; patronage; we can
+      hardly say the exercise of four years&rsquo; power; but they would have existed
+      at this moment as the most powerful and popular Opposition that ever
+      flourished in this country, if, indeed, the course of events had not long
+      ere this carried them back to their old posts in a proud and intelligible
+      position. The Reform Bill did not do more injury to the Tories, than the
+      attempt to govern this country without a decided Parliamentary majority
+      did the Whigs. The greatest of all evils is a weak government. They cannot
+      carry good measures, they are forced to carry bad ones.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The death of the King was a great blow to the Conservative Cause; that is
+      to say, it darkened the brow of Tadpole, quailed the heart of Taper,
+      crushed all the rising hopes of those numerous statesmen who believe the
+      country must be saved if they receive twelve hundred a-year. It is a
+      peculiar class, that; 1,200<i>l.</i> per annum, paid quarterly, is their
+      idea of political science and human nature. To receive 1,200<i>l.</i> per
+      annum is government; to try to receive 1,200<i>l.</i> per annum is
+      opposition; to wish to receive 1,200<i>l.</i> per annum is ambition. If a
+      man wants to get into Parliament, and does not want to get 1,200<i>l.</i>
+      per annum, they look upon him as daft; as a benighted being. They stare in
+      each other&rsquo;s face, and ask, &lsquo;What can ***** want to get into Parliament
+      for?&rsquo; They have no conception that public reputation is a motive power,
+      and with many men the greatest. They have as much idea of fame or
+      celebrity, even of the masculine impulse of an honourable pride, as
+      eunuchs of manly joys.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The twelve-hundred-a-yearers were in despair about the King&rsquo;s death. Their
+      loyal souls were sorely grieved that his gracious Majesty had not outlived
+      the Registration. All their happy inventions about &lsquo;hay-fever,&rsquo; circulated
+      in confidence, and sent by post to chairmen of Conservative Associations,
+      followed by a royal funeral! General election about to take place with the
+      old registration; government boroughs against them, and the young Queen
+      for a cry. What a cry! Youth, beauty, and a Queen! Taper grew pale at the
+      thought. What could they possibly get up to countervail it? Even Church
+      and Corn-laws together would not do; and then Church was sulky, for the
+      Conservative Cause had just made it a present of a commission, and all
+      that the country gentlemen knew of Conservatism was, that it would not
+      repeal the Malt Tax, and had made them repeal their pledges. Yet a cry
+      must be found. A dissolution without a cry, in the Taper philosophy, would
+      be a world without a sun. A rise might be got by &lsquo;Independence of the
+      House of Lords;&rsquo; and Lord Lyndhurst&rsquo;s summaries might be well circulated
+      at one penny per hundred, large discount allowed to Conservative
+      Associations, and endless credit. Tadpole, however, was never very fond of
+      the House of Lords; besides, it was too limited. Tadpole wanted the young
+      Queen brought in; the rogue! At length, one morning, Taper came up to him
+      with a slip of paper, and a smile of complacent austerity on his dull
+      visage, &lsquo;I think, Mr. Tadpole, that will do!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tadpole took the paper and read, &lsquo;OUR YOUNG QUEEN, AND OUR OLD
+      INSTITUTIONS.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The eyes of Tadpole sparkled as if they had met a gnomic sentence of
+      Periander or Thales; then turning to Taper, he said,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What do you think of &ldquo;ancient,&rdquo; instead of &ldquo;old&rdquo;?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You cannot have &ldquo;Our modern Queen and our ancient Institutions,&rdquo;&rsquo; said
+      Mr. Taper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The dissolution was soon followed by an election for the borough of
+      Cambridge. The Conservative Cause candidate was an old Etonian. That was a
+      bond of sympathy which imparted zeal even to those who were a little
+      sceptical of the essential virtues of Conservatism. Every undergraduate
+      especially who remembered &lsquo;the distant spires,&rsquo; became enthusiastic.
+      Buckhurst took a very decided part. He cheered, he canvassed, he brought
+      men to the poll whom none could move; he influenced his friends and his
+      companions. Even Coningsby caught the contagion, and Vere, who had imbibed
+      much of Coningsby&rsquo;s political sentiment, prevailed on himself to be
+      neutral. The Conservative Cause triumphed in the person of its Eton
+      champion. The day the member was chaired, several men in Coningsby&rsquo;s rooms
+      were talking over their triumph.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By Jove!&rsquo; said the panting Buckhurst, throwing himself on the sofa, &lsquo;it
+      was well done; never was any thing better done. An immense triumph! The
+      greatest triumph the Conservative Cause has had. And yet,&rsquo; he added,
+      laughing, &lsquo;if any fellow were to ask me what the Conservative Cause is, I
+      am sure I should not know what to say.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why, it is the cause of our glorious institutions,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;A
+      Crown robbed of its prerogatives; a Church controlled by a commission; and
+      an Aristocracy that does not lead.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Under whose genial influence the order of the Peasantry, &ldquo;a country&rsquo;s
+      pride,&rdquo; has vanished from the face of the land,&rsquo; said Henry Sydney, &lsquo;and
+      is succeeded by a race of serfs, who are called labourers, and who burn
+      ricks.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Under which,&rsquo; continued Coningsby, &lsquo;the Crown has become a cipher; the
+      Church a sect; the Nobility drones; and the People drudges.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is the great constitutional cause,&rsquo; said Lord Vere, &lsquo;that refuses
+      everything to opposition; yields everything to agitation; conservative in
+      Parliament, destructive out-of-doors; that has no objection to any change
+      provided only it be effected by unauthorised means.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The first public association of men,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;who have worked
+      for an avowed end without enunciating a single principle.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And who have established political infidelity throughout the land,&rsquo; said
+      Lord Henry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By Jove!&rsquo; said Buckhurst, &lsquo;what infernal fools we have made ourselves
+      this last week!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Nay,&rsquo; said Coningsby, smiling, &lsquo;it was our last schoolboy weakness.
+      Floreat Etona, under all circumstances.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I certainly, Coningsby,&rsquo; said Lord Vere, &lsquo;shall not assume the
+      Conservative Cause, instead of the cause for which Hampden died in the
+      field, and Sydney on the scaffold.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The cause for which Hampden died in the field and Sydney on the
+      scaffold,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;was the cause of the Venetian Republic.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;How, how?&rsquo; cried Buckhurst.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I repeat it,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;The great object of the Whig leaders in
+      England from the first movement under Hampden to the last most successful
+      one in 1688, was to establish in England a high aristocratic republic on
+      the model of the Venetian, then the study and admiration of all
+      speculative politicians. Read Harrington; turn over Algernon Sydney; then
+      you will see how the minds of the English leaders in the seventeenth
+      century were saturated with the Venetian type. And they at length
+      succeeded. William III. found them out. He told the Whig leaders, &ldquo;I will
+      not be a Doge.&rdquo; He balanced parties; he baffled them as the Puritans
+      baffled them fifty years before. The reign of Anne was a struggle between
+      the Venetian and the English systems. Two great Whig nobles, Argyle and
+      Somerset, worthy of seats in the Council of Ten, forced their Sovereign on
+      her deathbed to change the ministry. They accomplished their object. They
+      brought in a new family on their own terms. George I. was a Doge; George
+      II. was a Doge; they were what William III., a great man, would not be.
+      George III. tried not to be a Doge, but it was impossible materially to
+      resist the deeply-laid combination. He might get rid of the Whig
+      magnificoes, but he could not rid himself of the Venetian constitution.
+      And a Venetian constitution did govern England from the accession of the
+      House of Hanover until 1832. Now I do not ask you, Vere, to relinquish the
+      political tenets which in ordinary times would have been your inheritance.
+      All I say is, the constitution introduced by your ancestors having been
+      subverted by their descendants your contemporaries, beware of still
+      holding Venetian principles of government when you have not a Venetian
+      constitution to govern with. Do what I am doing, what Henry Sydney and
+      Buckhurst are doing, what other men that I could mention are doing, hold
+      yourself aloof from political parties which, from the necessity of things,
+      have ceased to have distinctive principles, and are therefore practically
+      only factions; and wait and see, whether with patience, energy, honour,
+      and Christian faith, and a desire to look to the national welfare and not
+      to sectional and limited interests; whether, I say, we may not discover
+      some great principles to guide us, to which we may adhere, and which then,
+      if true, will ultimately guide and control others.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The Whigs are worn out,&rsquo; said Vere, &lsquo;Conservatism is a sham, and
+      Radicalism is pollution.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I certainly,&rsquo; said Buckhurst, &lsquo;when I get into the House of Commons,
+      shall speak my mind without reference to any party whatever; and all I
+      hope is, we may all come in at the same time, and then we may make a party
+      of our own.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have always heard my father say,&rsquo; said Vere, &lsquo;that there was nothing so
+      difficult as to organise an independent party in the House of Commons.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ay! but that was in the Venetian period, Vere,&rsquo; said Henry Sydney,
+      smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I dare say,&rsquo; said Buckhurst, &lsquo;the only way to make a party in the House
+      of Commons is just the one that succeeds anywhere else. Men must associate
+      together. When you are living in the same set, dining together every day,
+      and quizzing the Dons, it is astonishing how well men agree. As for me, I
+      never would enter into a conspiracy, unless the conspirators were fellows
+      who had been at Eton with me; and then there would be no treachery.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Let us think of principles, and not of parties,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;For my part,&rsquo; said Buckhurst, &lsquo;whenever a political system is breaking
+      up, as in this country at present, I think the very best thing is to brush
+      all the old Dons off the stage. They never take to the new road kindly.
+      They are always hampered by their exploded prejudices and obsolete
+      traditions. I don&rsquo;t think a single man, Vere, that sat in the Venetian
+      Senate ought to be allowed to sit in the present English House of
+      Commons.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, no one does in our family except my uncle Philip,&rsquo; said Lord Henry;
+      &lsquo;and the moment I want it, he will resign; for he detests Parliament. It
+      interferes so with his hunting.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, we all have fair parliamentary prospects,&rsquo; said Buckhurst. &lsquo;That is
+      something. I wish we were in now.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Heaven forbid!&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;I tremble at the responsibility of a
+      seat at any time. With my present unsettled and perplexed views, there is
+      nothing from which I should recoil so much as the House of Commons.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I quite agree with you,&rsquo; said Henry Sydney. &lsquo;The best thing we can do is
+      to keep as clear of political party as we possibly can. How many men waste
+      the best part of their lives in painfully apologising for conscientious
+      deviation from a parliamentary course which they adopted when they were
+      boys, without thought, or prompted by some local connection, or interest,
+      to secure a seat.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was the midnight following the morning when this conversation took
+      place, that Coningsby, alone, and having just quitted a rather boisterous
+      party of wassailers who had been celebrating at Buckhurst&rsquo;s rooms the
+      triumph of &lsquo;Eton Statesmen,&rsquo; if not of Conservative principles, stopped in
+      the precincts of that Royal College that reminded him of his schooldays,
+      to cool his brow in the summer air, that even at that hour was soft, and
+      to calm his mind in the contemplation of the still, the sacred, and the
+      beauteous scene that surrounded him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There rose that fane, the pride and boast of Cambridge, not unworthy to
+      rank among the chief temples of Christendom. Its vast form was exaggerated
+      in the uncertain hour; part shrouded in the deepest darkness, while a
+      flood of silver light suffused its southern side, distinguished with
+      revealing beam the huge ribs of its buttresses, and bathed with mild
+      lustre its airy pinnacles.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Where is the spirit that raised these walls?&rsquo; thought Coningsby. &lsquo;Is it
+      indeed extinct? Is then this civilisation, so much vaunted, inseparable
+      from moderate feelings and little thoughts? If so, give me back barbarism!
+      But I cannot believe it. Man that is made in the image of the Creator, is
+      made for God-like deeds. Come what come may, I will cling to the heroic
+      principle. It can alone satisfy my soul.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0042" id="link2HCH0042"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER III.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      We must now revert to the family, or rather the household, of Lord
+      Monmouth, in which considerable changes and events had occurred since the
+      visit of Coningsby to the Castle in the preceding autumn.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the first place, the earliest frost of the winter had carried off the
+      aged proprietor of Hellingsley, that contiguous estate which Lord Monmouth
+      so much coveted, the possession of which was indeed one of the few objects
+      of his life, and to secure which he was prepared to pay far beyond its
+      intrinsic value, great as that undoubtedly was. Yet Lord Monmouth did not
+      become its possessor. Long as his mind had been intent upon the subject,
+      skilful as had been his combinations to secure his prey, and unlimited the
+      means which were to achieve his purpose, another stepped in, and without
+      his privity, without even the consolation of a struggle, stole away the
+      prize; and this too a man whom he hated, almost the only individual out of
+      his own family that he did hate; a man who had crossed him before in
+      similar enterprises; who was his avowed foe; had lavished treasure to
+      oppose him in elections; raised associations against his interest;
+      established journals to assail him; denounced him in public; agitated
+      against him in private; had declared more than once that he would make
+      &lsquo;the county too hot for him;&rsquo; his personal, inveterate, indomitable foe,
+      Mr. Millbank of Millbank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The loss of Hellingsley was a bitter disappointment to Lord Monmouth; but
+      the loss of it to such an adversary touched him to the quick. He did not
+      seek to control his anger; he could not succeed even in concealing his
+      agitation. He threw upon Rigby that glance so rare with him, but under
+      which men always quailed; that play of the eye which Lord Monmouth shared
+      in common with Henry VIII., that struck awe into the trembling Commons
+      when they had given an obnoxious vote, as the King entered the gallery of
+      his palace, and looked around him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was a look which implied that dreadful question, &lsquo;Why have I bought you
+      that such things should happen? Why have I unlimited means and
+      unscrupulous agents?&rsquo; It made Rigby even feel; even his brazen tones were
+      hushed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To fly from everything disagreeable was the practical philosophy of Lord
+      Monmouth; but he was as brave as he was sensual. He would not shrink
+      before the new proprietor of Hellingsley. He therefore remained at the
+      Castle with an aching heart, and redoubled his hospitalities. An ordinary
+      mind might have been soothed by the unceasing consideration and the
+      skilful and delicate flattery that ever surrounded Lord Monmouth; but his
+      sagacious intelligence was never for a moment the dupe of his vanity. He
+      had no self-love, and as he valued no one, there were really no feelings
+      to play upon. He saw through everybody and everything; and when he had
+      detected their purpose, discovered their weakness or their vileness, he
+      calculated whether they could contribute to his pleasure or his
+      convenience in a degree that counterbalanced the objections which might be
+      urged against their intentions, or their less pleasing and profitable
+      qualities. To be pleased was always a principal object with Lord Monmouth;
+      but when a man wants vengeance, gay amusement is not exactly a
+      satisfactory substitute.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A month elapsed. Lord Monmouth with a serene or smiling visage to his
+      guests, but in private taciturn and morose, scarcely ever gave a word to
+      Mr. Rigby, but continually bestowed on him glances which painfully
+      affected the appetite of that gentleman. In a hundred ways it was
+      intimated to Mr. Rigby that he was not a welcome guest, and yet something
+      was continually given him to do which rendered it impossible for him to
+      take his departure. In this state of affairs, another event occurred which
+      changed the current of feeling, and by its possible consequences
+      distracted the Marquess from his brooding meditations over his
+      discomfiture in the matter of Hellingsley. The Prince Colonna, who, since
+      the steeple-chase, had imbibed a morbid predilection for such amusements,
+      and indeed for every species of rough-riding, was thrown from his horse
+      and killed on the spot.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This calamity broke up the party at Coningsby, which was not at the moment
+      very numerous. Mr. Rigby, by command, instantly seized the opportunity of
+      preventing the arrival of other guests who were expected. This catastrophe
+      was the cause of Mr. Rigby resuming in a great measure his old position in
+      the Castle. There were a great many things to be done, and all
+      disagreeable; he achieved them all, and studied everybody&rsquo;s convenience.
+      Coroners&rsquo; inquests, funerals especially, weeping women, these were all
+      spectacles which Lord Monmouth could not endure, but he was so high-bred,
+      that he would not for the world that there should be in manner or degree
+      the slightest deficiency in propriety or even sympathy. But he wanted
+      somebody to do everything that was proper; to be considerate and consoling
+      and sympathetic. Mr. Rigby did it all; gave evidence at the inquest, was
+      chief mourner at the funeral, and arranged everything so well that not a
+      single emblem of death crossed the sight of Lord Monmouth; while Madame
+      Colonna found submission in his exhortations, and the Princess Lucretia, a
+      little more pale and pensive than usual, listened with tranquillity to his
+      discourse on the vanity of all sublunary things.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the tumult had subsided, and habits and feelings had fallen into
+      their old routine and relapsed into their ancient channels, the Marquess
+      proposed that they should all return to London, and with great formality,
+      though with warmth, begged that Madame Colonna would ever consider his
+      roof as her own. All were glad to quit the Castle, which now presented a
+      scene so different from its former animation, and Madame Colonna, weeping,
+      accepted the hospitality of her friend, until the impending expansion of
+      the spring would permit her to return to Italy. This notice of her return
+      to her own country seemed to occasion the Marquess great disquietude.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After they had remained about a month in London, Madame Colonna sent for
+      Mr. Rigby one morning to tell him how very painful it was to her feelings
+      to remain under the roof of Monmouth House without the sanction of a
+      husband; that the circumstance of being a foreigner, under such unusual
+      affliction, might have excused, though not authorised, the step at first,
+      and for a moment; but that the continuance of such a course was quite out
+      of the question; that she owed it to herself, to her step-child, no longer
+      to trespass on this friendly hospitality, which, if persisted in, might be
+      liable to misconstruction. Mr. Rigby listened with great attention to this
+      statement, and never in the least interrupted Madame Colonna; and then
+      offered to do that which he was convinced the lady desired, namely, to
+      make the Marquess acquainted with the painful state of her feelings. This
+      he did according to his fashion, and with sufficient dexterity. Mr. Rigby
+      himself was anxious to know which way the wind blew, and the mission with
+      which he had been entrusted, fell in precisely with his inclinations and
+      necessities. The Marquess listened to the communication and sighed, then
+      turned gently round and surveyed himself in the mirror and sighed again,
+      then said to Rigby,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You understand exactly what I mean, Rigby. It is quite ridiculous their
+      going, and infinitely distressing to me. They must stay.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rigby repaired to the Princess full of mysterious bustle, and with a face
+      beaming with importance and satisfaction. He made much of the two sighs;
+      fully justified the confidence of the Marquess in his comprehension of
+      unexplained intentions; prevailed on Madame Colonna to have some regard
+      for the feelings of one so devoted; expatiated on the insignificance of
+      worldly misconstructions, when replied to by such honourable intentions;
+      and fully succeeded in his mission. They did stay. Month after month
+      rolled on, and still they stayed; every month all the family becoming more
+      resigned or more content, and more cheerful. As for the Marquess himself,
+      Mr. Rigby never remembered him more serene and even joyous. His Lordship
+      scarcely ever entered general society. The Colonna family remained in
+      strict seclusion; and he preferred the company of these accomplished and
+      congenial friends to the mob of the great world.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Between Madame Colonna and Mr. Rigby there had always subsisted
+      considerable confidence. Now, that gentleman seemed to have achieved fresh
+      and greater claims to her regard. In the pleasure with which he looked
+      forward to her approaching alliance with his patron, he reminded her of
+      the readiness with which he had embraced her suggestions for the marriage
+      of her daughter with Coningsby. Always obliging, she was never wearied of
+      chanting his praises to her noble admirer, who was apparently much
+      gratified she should have bestowed her esteem on one of whom she would
+      necessarily in after-life see so much. It is seldom the lot of husbands
+      that their confidential friends gain the regards of their brides.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am glad you all like Rigby,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth, &lsquo;as you will see so
+      much of him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The remembrance of the Hellingsley failure seemed to be erased from the
+      memory of the Marquess. Rigby never recollected him more cordial and
+      confidential, and more equable in his manner. He told Rigby one day, that
+      he wished that Monmouth House should possess the most sumptuous and the
+      most fanciful boudoir in London or Paris. What a hint for Rigby! That
+      gentleman consulted the first artists, and gave them some hints in return;
+      his researches on domestic decoration ranged through all ages; he even
+      meditated a rapid tour to mature his inventions; but his confidence in his
+      native taste and genius ultimately convinced him that this movement was
+      unnecessary.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The summer advanced; the death of the King occurred; the dissolution
+      summoned Rigby to Coningsby and the borough of Darlford. His success was
+      marked certain in the secret books of Tadpole and Taper. A manufacturing
+      town, enfranchised under the Reform Act, already gained by the
+      Conservative cause! Here was reaction; here influence of property!
+      Influence of character, too; for no one was so popular as Lord Monmouth; a
+      most distinguished nobleman of strict Conservative principles, who, if he
+      carried the county and the manufacturing borough also, merited the
+      strawberry-leaf.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There will be no holding Rigby,&rsquo; said Taper; &lsquo;I&rsquo;m afraid he will be
+      looking for something very high.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The higher the better,&rsquo; rejoined Tadpole, &lsquo;and then he will not interfere
+      with us. I like your high-flyers; it is your plodders I detest, wearing
+      old hats and high-lows, speaking in committee, and thinking they are men
+      of business: d&mdash;&mdash;n them!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rigby went down, and made some impressive speeches; at least they read
+      very well in some of his second-rate journals, where all the uproar
+      figured as loud cheering, and the interruption of a cabbage-stalk was
+      represented as a question from some intelligent individual in the crowd.
+      The fact is, Rigby bored his audience too much with history, especially
+      with the French Revolution, which he fancied was his &lsquo;forte,&rsquo; so that the
+      people at last, whenever he made any allusion to the subject, were almost
+      as much terrified as if they had seen the guillotine.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rigby had as yet one great advantage; he had no opponent; and without
+      personal opposition, no contest can be very bitter. It was for some days
+      Rigby <i>versus</i> Liberal principles; and Rigby had much the best of it;
+      for he abused Liberal principles roundly in his harangues, who, not being
+      represented on the occasion, made no reply; while plenty of ale, and some
+      capital songs by Lucian Gay, who went down express, gave the right cue to
+      the mob, who declared in chorus, beneath the windows of Rigby&rsquo;s hotel,
+      that he was &lsquo;a fine old English gentleman!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But there was to be a contest; no question about that, and a sharp one,
+      although Rigby was to win, and well. The Liberal party had been so
+      fastidious about their new candidate, that they had none ready though
+      several biting. Jawster Sharp thought at one time that sheer necessity
+      would give him another chance still; but even Rigby was preferable to
+      Jawster Sharp, who, finding it would not do, published his long-prepared
+      valedictory address, in which he told his constituents, that having long
+      sacrificed his health to their interests, he was now obliged to retire
+      into the bosom of his family. And a very well-provided-for family, too.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All this time the Liberal deputation from Darlford, two aldermen, three
+      town-councillors, and the Secretary of the Reform Association, were
+      walking about London like mad things, eating luncheons and looking for a
+      candidate. They called at the Reform Club twenty times in the morning,
+      badgered whips and red-tapers; were introduced to candidates, badgered
+      candidates; examined would-be members as if they were at a cattle-show,
+      listened to political pedigrees, dictated political pledges, referred to
+      Hansard to see how men had voted, inquired whether men had spoken, finally
+      discussed terms. But they never could hit the right man. If the principles
+      were right, there was no money; and if money were ready, money would not
+      take pledges. In fact, they wanted a Phoenix: a very rich man, who would
+      do exactly as they liked, with extremely low opinions and with very high
+      connections.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If he would go for the ballot and had a handle to his name, it would have
+      the best effect,&rsquo; said the secretary of the Reform Association, &lsquo;because
+      you see we are fighting against a Right Honourable, and you have no idea
+      how that takes with the mob.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The deputation had been three days in town, and urged by despatches by
+      every train to bring affairs to a conclusion; jaded, perplexed, confused,
+      they were ready to fall into the hands of the first jobber or bold
+      adventurer. They discussed over their dinner at a Strand coffee-house the
+      claims of the various candidates who had presented themselves. Mr. Donald
+      Macpherson Macfarlane, who would only pay the legal expenses; he was soon
+      despatched. Mr. Gingerly Browne, of Jermyn Street, the younger son of a
+      baronet, who would go as far as 1000<i>l.</i> provided the seat was
+      secured. Mr. Juggins, a distiller, 2000<i>l.</i> man; but would not agree
+      to any annual subscriptions. Sir Baptist Placid, vague about expenditure,
+      but repeatedly declaring that &lsquo;there could be no difficulty on that head.&rsquo;
+      He however had a moral objection to subscribing to the races, and that was
+      a great point at Darlford. Sir Baptist would subscribe a guinea per annum
+      to the infirmary, and the same to all religious societies without any
+      distinction of sects; but races, it was not the sum, 100<i>l.</i> per
+      annum, but the principle. He had a moral objection.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In short, the deputation began to suspect, what was the truth, that they
+      were a day after the fair, and that all the electioneering rips that swarm
+      in the purlieus of political clubs during an impending dissolution of
+      Parliament, men who become political characters in their small circle
+      because they have been talked of as once having an intention to stand for
+      places for which they never offered themselves, or for having stood for
+      places where they never could by any circumstance have succeeded, were in
+      fact nibbling at their dainty morsel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this moment of despair, a ray of hope was imparted to them by a
+      confidential note from a secretary of the Treasury, who wished to see them
+      at the Reform Club on the morrow. You may be sure they were punctual to
+      their appointment. The secretary received them with great consideration.
+      He had got them a candidate, and one of high mark, the son of a Peer, and
+      connected with the highest Whig houses. Their eyes sparkled. A real
+      honourable. If they liked he would introduce them immediately to the
+      Honourable Alberic de Crecy. He had only to introduce them, as there was
+      no difficulty either as to means or opinions, expenses or pledges.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The secretary returned with a young gentleman, whose diminutive stature
+      would seem, from his smooth and singularly puerile countenance, to be
+      merely the consequence of his very tender years; but Mr. De Crecy was
+      really of age, or at least would be by nomination-day. He did not say a
+      word, but looked like the rosebud which dangled in the button-hole of his
+      frock-coat. The aldermen and town-councillors were what is sometimes
+      emphatically styled flabbergasted; they were speechless from bewilderment.
+      &lsquo;Mr. De Crecy will go for the ballot,&rsquo; said the secretary of the Treasury,
+      with an audacious eye and a demure look, &lsquo;and for Total and Immediate, if
+      you press him hard; but don&rsquo;t, if you can help it, because he has an
+      uncle, an old county member, who has prejudices, and might disinherit him.
+      However, we answer for him. And I am very happy that I have been the means
+      of bringing about an arrangement which, I feel, will be mutually
+      advantageous.&rsquo; And so saying, the secretary effected his escape.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Circumstances, however, retarded for a season the political career of the
+      Honourable Alberic de Crecy. While the Liberal party at Darlford were
+      suffering under the daily inflictions of Mr. Rigby&rsquo;s slashing style, and
+      the post brought them very unsatisfactory prospects of a champion, one
+      offered himself, and in an address which intimated that he was no man of
+      straw, likely to recede from any contest in which he chose to embark. The
+      town was suddenly placarded with a letter to the Independent Electors from
+      Mr. Millbank, the new proprietor of Hellingsley.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He expressed himself as one not anxious to obtrude himself on their
+      attention, and founding no claim to their confidence on his recent
+      acquisition; but at the same time as one resolved that the free and
+      enlightened community, with which he must necessarily hereafter be much
+      connected, should not become the nomination borough of any Peer of the
+      realm without a struggle, if they chose to make one. And so he offered
+      himself if they could not find a better candidate, without waiting for the
+      ceremony of a requisition. He was exactly the man they wanted; and though
+      he had &lsquo;no handle to his name,&rsquo; and was somewhat impracticable about
+      pledges, his fortune was so great, and his character so high, that it
+      might be hoped that the people would be almost as content as if they were
+      appealed to by some obscure scion of factitious nobility, subscribing to
+      political engagements which he could not comprehend, and which, in
+      general, are vomited with as much facility as they are swallowed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0043" id="link2HCH0043"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER IV.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The people of Darlford, who, as long as the contest for their
+      representation remained between Mr. Rigby and the abstraction called
+      Liberal Principles, appeared to be very indifferent about the result, the
+      moment they learned that for the phrase had been substituted a substance,
+      and that, too, in the form of a gentleman who was soon to figure as their
+      resident neighbour, became excited, speedily enthusiastic. All the bells
+      of all the churches rang when Mr. Millbank commenced his canvass; the
+      Conservatives, on the alert, if not alarmed, insisted on their champion
+      also showing himself in all directions; and in the course of
+      four-and-twenty hours, such is the contagion of popular feeling, the town
+      was divided into two parties, the vast majority of which were firmly
+      convinced that the country could only be saved by the return of Mr. Rigby,
+      or preserved from inevitable destruction by the election of Mr. Millbank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The results of the two canvasses were such as had been anticipated from
+      the previous reports of the respective agents and supporters. In these
+      days the personal canvass of a candidate is a mere form. The whole country
+      that is to be invaded has been surveyed and mapped out before entry; every
+      position reconnoitred; the chain of communications complete. In the
+      present case, as was not unusual, both candidates were really supported by
+      numerous and reputable adherents; and both had good grounds for believing
+      that they would be ultimately successful. But there was a body of the
+      electors sufficiently numerous to turn the election, who would not promise
+      their votes: conscientious men who felt the responsibility of the duty
+      that the constitution had entrusted to their discharge, and who would not
+      make up their minds without duly weighing the respective merits of the two
+      rivals. This class of deeply meditative individuals are distinguished not
+      only by their pensive turn of mind, but by a charitable vein that seems to
+      pervade their being. Not only will they think of your request, but for
+      their parts they wish both sides equally well. Decision, indeed, as it
+      must dash the hopes of one of their solicitors, seems infinitely painful
+      to them; they have always a good reason for postponing it. If you seek
+      their suffrage during the canvass, they reply, that the writ not having
+      come down, the day of election is not yet fixed. If you call again to
+      inform them that the writ has arrived, they rejoin, that perhaps after all
+      there may not be a contest. If you call a third time, half dead with
+      fatigue, to give them friendly notice that both you and your rival have
+      pledged yourselves to go to the poll, they twitch their trousers, rub
+      their hands, and with a dull grin observe,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, sir, we shall see.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Come, Mr. Jobson,&rsquo; says one of the committee, with an insinuating smile,
+      &lsquo;give Mr. Millbank one.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Jobson, I think you and I know each other,&rsquo; says a most influential
+      supporter, with a knowing nod.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes, Mr. Smith, I should think we did.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Come, come, give us one.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, I have not made up my mind yet, gentlemen.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Jobson!&rsquo; says a solemn voice, &lsquo;didn&rsquo;t you tell me the other night you
+      wished well to this gentleman?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;So I do; I wish well to everybody,&rsquo; replies the imperturbable Jobson.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, Jobson,&rsquo; exclaims another member of the committee, with a sigh,
+      &lsquo;who could have supposed that you would have been an enemy?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I don&rsquo;t wish to be no enemy to no man, Mr. Trip.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Come, Jobson,&rsquo; says a jolly tanner, &lsquo;if I wanted to be a Parliament man,
+      I don&rsquo;t think you could refuse me one!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I don&rsquo;t think I could, Mr. Oakfield.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, then, give it to my friend.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, sir, I&rsquo;ll think about it.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Leave him to me,&rsquo; says another member of the committee, with a
+      significant look. &lsquo;I know how to get round him. It&rsquo;s all right.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes, leave him to Hayfield, Mr. Millbank; he knows how to manage him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But all the same, Jobson continues to look as little tractable and
+      lamb-like as can be well fancied.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And here, in a work which, in an unpretending shape, aspires to take
+      neither an uninformed nor a partial view of the political history of the
+      ten eventful years of the Reform struggle, we should pause for a moment to
+      observe the strangeness, that only five years after the reconstruction of
+      the electoral body by the Whig party, in a borough called into political
+      existence by their policy, a manufacturing town, too, the candidate
+      comprising in his person every quality and circumstance which could
+      recommend him to the constituency, and his opponent the worst specimen of
+      the Old Generation, a political adventurer, who owed the least
+      disreputable part of his notoriety to his opposition to the Reform Bill;
+      that in such a borough, under such circumstances, there should be a
+      contest, and that, too, one of a very doubtful issue.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      What was the cause of this? Are we to seek it in the &lsquo;Reaction&rsquo; of the
+      Tadpoles and the Tapers? That would not be a satisfactory solution.
+      Reaction, to a certain extent, is the law of human existence. In the
+      particular state of affairs before us, England after the Reform Act, it
+      never could be doubtful that Time would gradually, and in some instances
+      rapidly, counteract the national impulse of 1832. There never could have
+      been a question, for example, that the English counties would have
+      reverted to their natural allegiance to their proprietors; but the results
+      of the appeals to the third Estate in 1835 and 1837 are not to be
+      accounted for by a mere readjustment of legitimate influences.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The truth is, that, considerable as are the abilities of the Whig leaders,
+      highly accomplished as many of them unquestionably must be acknowledged in
+      parliamentary debate, experienced in council, sedulous in office, eminent
+      as scholars, powerful from their position, the absence of individual
+      influence, and of the pervading authority of a commanding mind, have been
+      the cause of the fall of the Whig party.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Such a supremacy was generally acknowledged in Lord Grey on the accession
+      of this party to power: but it was the supremacy of a tradition rather
+      than of a fact. Almost at the outset of his authority his successor was
+      indicated. When the crisis arrived, the intended successor was not in the
+      Whig ranks. It is in this virtual absence of a real and recognised leader,
+      almost from the moment that they passed their great measure, that we must
+      seek a chief cause of all that insubordination, all those distempered
+      ambitions, and all those dark intrigues, that finally broke up, not only
+      the Whig government, but the Whig party; demoralised their ranks, and sent
+      them to the country, both in 1835 and 1837, with every illusion, which had
+      operated so happily in their favour in 1832, scattered to the winds. In
+      all things we trace the irresistible influence of the individual.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And yet the interval that elapsed between 1835 and 1837 proved, that there
+      was all this time in the Whig array one entirely competent to the office
+      of leading a great party, though his capacity for that fulfilment was too
+      tardily recognised.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      LORD JOHN RUSSELL has that degree of imagination, which, though evinced
+      rather in sentiment than expression, still enables him to generalise from
+      the details of his reading and experience; and to take those comprehensive
+      views, which, however easily depreciated by ordinary men in an age of
+      routine, are indispensable to a statesman in the conjunctures in which we
+      live. He understands, therefore, his position; and he has the moral
+      intrepidity which prompts him ever to dare that which his intellect
+      assures him is politic. He is consequently, at the same time, sagacious
+      and bold in council. As an administrator he is prompt and indefatigable.
+      He is not a natural orator, and labours under physical deficiencies which
+      even a Demosthenic impulse could scarcely overcome. But he is experienced
+      in debate, quick in reply, fertile in resource, takes large views, and
+      frequently compensates for a dry and hesitating manner by the expression
+      of those noble truths that flash across the fancy, and rise spontaneously
+      to the lip, of men of poetic temperament when addressing popular
+      assemblies. If we add to this, a private life of dignified repute, the
+      accidents of his birth and rank, which never can be severed from the man,
+      the scion of a great historic family, and born, as it were, to the
+      hereditary service of the State, it is difficult to ascertain at what
+      period, or under what circumstances, the Whig party have ever possessed,
+      or could obtain, a more efficient leader.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But we must return to the Darlford election. The class of thoughtful
+      voters was sufficiently numerous in that borough to render the result of
+      the contest doubtful to the last; and on the eve of the day of nomination
+      both parties were equally sanguine.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Nomination-day altogether is an unsatisfactory affair. There is little to
+      be done, and that little mere form. The tedious hours remain, and no one
+      can settle his mind to anything. It is not a holiday, for every one is
+      serious; it is not business, for no one can attend to it; it is not a
+      contest, for there is no canvassing; nor an election, for there is no
+      poll. It is a day of lounging without an object, and luncheons without an
+      appetite; of hopes and fears; confidence and dejection; bravado bets and
+      secret hedging; and, about midnight, of furious suppers of grilled bones,
+      brandy-and-water, and recklessness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The president and vice-president of the Conservative Association, the
+      secretary and the four solicitors who were agents, had impressed upon Mr.
+      Rigby that it was of the utmost importance, and must produce a great moral
+      effect, if he obtain the show of hands. With his powers of eloquence and
+      their secret organisation, they flattered themselves it might be done.
+      With this view, Rigby inflicted a speech of more than two hours&rsquo; duration
+      on the electors, who bore it very kindly, as the mob likes, above all
+      things, that the ceremonies of nomination-day should not be cut short:
+      moreover, there is nothing that the mob likes so much as a speech. Rigby
+      therefore had, on the whole, a far from unfavourable audience, and he
+      availed himself of their forbearance. He brought in his crack theme, the
+      guillotine, and dilated so elaborately upon its qualities, that one of the
+      gentlemen below could not refrain from exclaiming, &lsquo;I wish you may get
+      it.&rsquo; This exclamation gave Mr. Rigby what is called a great opening,
+      which, like a practised speaker, he immediately seized. He denounced the
+      sentiment as &lsquo;un-English,&rsquo; and got much cheered. Excited by this success,
+      Rigby began to call everything else &lsquo;un-English&rsquo; with which he did not
+      agree, until menacing murmurs began to rise, when he shifted the subject,
+      and rose into a grand peroration, in which he assured them that the eyes
+      of the whole empire were on this particular election; cries of &lsquo;That&rsquo;s
+      true,&rsquo; from all sides; and that England expected every man to do his duty.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And who do you expect to do yours?&rsquo; inquired a gentleman below, &lsquo;about
+      that &rsquo;ere pension?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Rigby,&rsquo; screeched a hoarse voice, &lsquo;don&rsquo;t you mind; you guv it them well.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Rigby, keep up your spirits, old chap: we will have you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Now!&rsquo; said a stentorian voice; and a man as tall as Saul looked round
+      him. This was the engaged leader of the Conservative mob; the eye of every
+      one of his minions was instantly on him. &lsquo;Now! Our young Queen and our Old
+      Institutions! Rigby for ever!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This was a signal for the instant appearance of the leader of the Liberal
+      mob. Magog Wrath, not so tall as Bully Bluck, his rival, had a voice
+      almost as powerful, a back much broader, and a countenance far more
+      forbidding. &lsquo;Now, my boys, the Queen and Millbank for ever!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These rival cries were the signals for a fight between the two bands of
+      gladiators in the face of the hustings, the body of the people little
+      interfering. Bully Bluck seized Magog Wrath&rsquo;s colours; they wrestled, they
+      seized each other; their supporters were engaged in mutual contest; it
+      appeared to be a most alarming and perilous fray; several ladies from the
+      windows screamed, one fainted; a band of special constables pushed their
+      way through the mob; you heard their staves resounded on the skulls of all
+      who opposed them, especially the little boys: order was at length
+      restored; and, to tell the truth, the only hurts inflicted were those
+      which came from the special constables. Bully Bluck and Magog Wrath, with
+      all their fierce looks, flaunting colours, loud cheers, and desperate
+      assaults, were, after all, only a couple of Condottieri, who were cautious
+      never to wound each other. They were, in fact, a peaceful police, who kept
+      the town in awe, and prevented others from being mischievous who were more
+      inclined to do harm. Their hired gangs were the safety-valves for all the
+      scamps of the borough, who, receiving a few shillings per head for their
+      nominal service, and as much drink as they liked after the contest, were
+      bribed and organised into peace and sobriety on the days in which their
+      excesses were most to be apprehended.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now Mr. Millbank came forward: he was brief compared with Mr. Rigby; but
+      clear and terse. No one could misunderstand him. He did not favour his
+      hearers with any history, but gave them his views about taxes, free trade,
+      placemen, and pensioners, whoever and wherever they might be.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Hilloa, Rigby, about that &lsquo;ere pension?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Millbank for ever! We will have him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Never mind, Rigby, you&rsquo;ll come in next time.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Millbank was energetic about resident representatives, but did not
+      understand that a resident representative meant the nominee of a great
+      Lord, who lived in a great castle; great cheering. There was a Lord once
+      who declared that, if he liked, he would return his negro valet to
+      Parliament; but Mr. Millbank thought those days were over. It remained for
+      the people of Darlford to determine whether he was mistaken.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Never!&rsquo; exclaimed the mob. &lsquo;Millbank for ever! Rigby in the river! No
+      niggers, no walets!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Three groans for Rigby.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;His language ain&rsquo;t as purty as the Lunnun chap&rsquo;s,&rsquo; said a critic below;
+      &lsquo;but he speaks from his &lsquo;art: and give me the man who &lsquo;as got a &lsquo;art.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;That&rsquo;s your time of day, Mr. Robinson.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Now!&rsquo; said Magog Wrath, looking around. &lsquo;Now, the Queen and Millbank for
+      ever! Hurrah!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The show of hands was entirely in favour of Mr. Millbank. Scarcely a hand
+      was held up for Mr. Rigby below, except by Bully Bluck and his
+      praetorians. The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Conservative
+      Association, the Secretary, and the four agents, severally and
+      respectively went up to Mr. Rigby and congratulated him on the result, as
+      it was a known fact, &lsquo;that the show of hands never won.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The eve of polling-day was now at hand. This is the most critical period
+      of an election. All night parties in disguise were perambulating the
+      different wards, watching each other&rsquo;s tactics; masks, wigs, false noses,
+      gentles in livery coats, men in female attire, a silent carnival of
+      manoeuvre, vigilance, anxiety, and trepidation. The thoughtful voters
+      about this time make up their minds; the enthusiasts who have told you
+      twenty times a-day for the last fortnight, that they would get up in the
+      middle of the night to serve you, require the most watchful cooping; all
+      the individuals who have assured you that &lsquo;their word is their bond,&rsquo;
+      change sides.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Two of the Rigbyites met in the market-place about an hour after midnight.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, how goes it?&rsquo; said one.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have been the rounds. The blunt&rsquo;s going like the ward-pump. I saw a man
+      come out of Moffatt&rsquo;s house, muffled up with a mask on. I dodged him. It
+      was Biggs.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You don&rsquo;t mean that, do you? D&mdash;&mdash;e, I&rsquo;ll answer for Moffatt.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I never thought he was a true man.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Told Robins?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I could not see him; but I met young Gunning and told him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Young Gunning! That won&rsquo;t do.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I thought he was as right as the town clock.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;So did I, once. Hush! who comes here? The enemy, Franklin and Sampson
+      Potts. Keep close.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I&rsquo;ll speak to them. Good night, Potts. Up rather late to-night?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;All fair election time. You ain&rsquo;t snoring, are you?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, I hope the best man will win.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sure he will.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You must go for Moffatt early, to breakfast at the White Lion; that&rsquo;s
+      your sort. Don&rsquo;t leave him, and poll him your-self. I am going off to
+      Solomon Lacey&rsquo;s. He has got four Millbankites cooped up very drunk, and I
+      want to get them quietly into the country before daybreak.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Tis polling-day! The candidates are roused from their slumbers at an
+      early hour by the music of their own bands perambulating the town, and
+      each playing the &lsquo;conquering hero&rsquo; to sustain the courage of their jaded
+      employers, by depriving them of that rest which can alone tranquillise the
+      nervous system. There is something in that matin burst of music, followed
+      by a shrill cheer from the boys of the borough, the only inhabitants yet
+      up, that is very depressing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The committee-rooms of each candidate are soon rife with black reports;
+      each side has received fearful bulletins of the preceding night campaign;
+      and its consequences as exemplified in the morning, unprecedented
+      tergiversations, mysterious absences; men who breakfast with one side and
+      vote with the other; men who won&rsquo;t come to breakfast; men who won&rsquo;t leave
+      breakfast.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At ten o&rsquo;clock Mr. Rigby was in a majority of twenty-eight.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The polling was brisk and equal until the middle of the day, when it
+      became slack. Mr. Rigby kept a majority, but an inconsiderable one. Mr.
+      Millbank&rsquo;s friends were not disheartened, as it was known that the leading
+      members of Mr. Rigby&rsquo;s committee had polled; whereas his opponent&rsquo;s were
+      principally reserved. At a quarter-past two there was great cheering and
+      uproar. The four voters in favour of Millbank, whom Solomon Lacey had
+      cooped up, made drunk, and carried into the country, had recovered iheir
+      senses, made their escape, and voted as they originally intended. Soon
+      after this, Mr. Millbank was declared by his committee to be in a majority
+      of one, but the committee of Mr. Rigby instantly posted a placard, in
+      large letters, to announce that, on the contrary, their man was in a
+      majority of nine.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If we could only have got another registration,&rsquo; whispered the principal
+      agent to Mr. Rigby, at a quarter-past four.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You think it&rsquo;s all over, then?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why, I do not see now how we can win. We have polled all our dead men,
+      and Millbank is seven ahead.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have no doubt we shall be able to have a good petition,&rsquo; said the
+      consoling chairman of the Conservative Association.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0044" id="link2HCH0044"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER V.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      It was not with feelings of extreme satisfaction that Mr. Rigby returned
+      to London. The loss of Hellingsley, followed by the loss of the borough to
+      Hellingsley&rsquo;s successful master, were not precisely the incidents which
+      would be adduced as evidence of Mr. Rigby&rsquo;s good management or good
+      fortune. Hitherto that gentleman had persuaded the world that he was not
+      only very clever, but that he was also always in luck; a quality which
+      many appreciate more even than capacity. His reputation was unquestionably
+      damaged, both with his patron and his party. But what the Tapers and the
+      Tadpoles thought or said, what even might be the injurious effect on his
+      own career of the loss of this election, assumed an insignificant
+      character when compared with its influence on the temper and disposition
+      of the Marquess of Monmouth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And yet his carriage is now entering the courtyard of Monmouth House, and,
+      in all probability, a few minutes would introduce him to that presence
+      before which he had, ere this, trembled. The Marquess was at home, and
+      anxious to see Mr. Rigby. In a few minutes that gentleman was ascending
+      the private staircase, entering the antechamber, and waiting to be
+      received in the little saloon, exactly as our Coningsby did more than five
+      years ago, scarcely less agitated, but by feelings of a very different
+      character.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, you made a good fight of it,&rsquo; exclaimed the Marquess, in a cheerful
+      and cordial tone, as Mr. Rigby entered his dressing-room. &lsquo;Patience! We
+      shall win next time.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This reception instantly reassured the defeated candidate, though its
+      contrast to that which he expected rather perplexed him. He entered into
+      the details of the election, talked rapidly of the next registration, the
+      propriety of petitioning; accustomed himself to hearing his voice with its
+      habitual volubility in a chamber where he had feared it might not sound
+      for some time.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;D&mdash;&mdash;n politics!&rsquo; said the Marquess. &lsquo;These fellows are in for
+      this Parliament, and I am really weary of the whole affair. I begin to
+      think the Duke was right, and it would have been best to have left them to
+      themselves. I am glad you have come up at once, for I want you. The fact
+      is, I am going to be married.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This was not a startling announcement to Mr. Rigby; he was prepared for
+      it, though scarcely could have hoped that he would have been favoured with
+      it on the present occasion, instead of a morose comment on his
+      misfortunes. Marriage, then, was the predominant idea of Lord Monmouth at
+      the present moment, in whose absorbing interest all vexations were
+      forgotten. Fortunate Rigby! Disgusted by the failure of his political
+      combinations, his disappointments in not dictating to the county and not
+      carrying the borough, and the slight prospect at present of obtaining the
+      great object of his ambition, Lord Monmouth had resolved to precipitate
+      his fate, was about to marry immediately, and quit England.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You will be wanted, Rigby,&rsquo; continued the Marquess. &lsquo;We must have a
+      couple of trustees, and I have thought of you as one. You know you are my
+      executor; and it is better not to bring in unnecessarily new names into
+      the management of my affairs. Lord Eskdale will act with you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rigby then, after all, was a lucky man. After such a succession of
+      failures, he had returned only to receive fresh and the most delicate
+      marks of his patron&rsquo;s good feeling and consideration. Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s
+      trustee and executor! &lsquo;You know you are my executor.&rsquo; Sublime truth! It
+      ought to be blazoned in letters of gold in the most conspicuous part of
+      Rigby&rsquo;s library, to remind him perpetually of his great and impending
+      destiny. Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s executor, and very probably one of his residuary
+      legatees! A legatee of some sort he knew he was. What a splendid <i>memento
+      mori</i>! What cared Rigby for the borough of Darlford? And as for his
+      political friends, he wished them joy of their barren benches. Nothing was
+      lost by not being in this Parliament.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was then with sincerity that Rigby offered his congratulations to his
+      patron. He praised the judicious alliance, accompanied by every
+      circumstance conducive to worldly happiness; distinguished beauty, perfect
+      temper, princely rank. Rigby, who had hardly got out of his hustings&rsquo;
+      vein, was most eloquent in his praises of Madame Colonna.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;An amiable woman,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth, &lsquo;and very handsome. I always
+      admired her; and an agreeable person too; I dare say a very good temper,
+      but I am not going to marry her.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Might I then ask who is&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Her step-daughter, the Princess Lucretia,&rsquo; replied the Marquess, quietly,
+      and looking at his ring.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Here was a thunderbolt! Rigby had made another mistake. He had been
+      working all this time for the wrong woman! The consciousness of being a
+      trustee alone sustained him. There was an inevitable pause. The Marquess
+      would not speak however, and Rigby must. He babbled rather incoherently
+      about the Princess Lucretia being admired by everybody; also that she was
+      the most fortunate of women, as well as the most accomplished; he was just
+      beginning to say he had known her from a child, when discretion stopped
+      his tongue, which had a habit of running on somewhat rashly; but Rigby,
+      though he often blundered in his talk, had the talent of extricating
+      himself from the consequence of his mistakes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And Madame must be highly gratified by all this?&rsquo; observed Mr. Rigby,
+      with an enquiring accent. He was dying to learn how she had first received
+      the intelligence, and congratulated himself that his absence at his
+      contest had preserved him from the storm.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Madame Colonna knows nothing of our intentions,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth. &lsquo;And
+      by the bye, that is the very business on which I wish to see you, Rigby. I
+      wish you to communicate them to her. We are to be married, and
+      immediately. It would gratify me that the wife of Lucretia&rsquo;s father should
+      attend our wedding. You understand exactly what I mean, Rigby; I must have
+      no scenes. Always happy to see the Princess Colonna under my roof; but
+      then I like to live quietly, particularly at present; harassed as I have
+      been by the loss of these elections, by all this bad management, and by
+      all these disappointments on subjects in which I was led to believe
+      success was certain. Madame Colonna is at home;&rsquo; and the Marquess bowed
+      Mr. Rigby out of the room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0045" id="link2HCH0045"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VI.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The departure of Sidonia from Coningsby Castle, in the autumn, determined
+      the Princess Lucretia on a step which had for some time before his arrival
+      occupied her brooding imagination. Nature had bestowed on this lady an
+      ambitious soul and a subtle spirit; she could dare much and could execute
+      finely. Above all things she coveted power; and though not free from the
+      characteristic susceptibility of her sex, the qualities that could engage
+      her passions or fascinate her fancy must partake of that intellectual
+      eminence which distinguished her. Though the Princess Lucretia in a short
+      space of time had seen much of the world, she had as yet encountered no
+      hero. In the admirers whom her rank, and sometimes her intelligence,
+      assembled around her, her master had not yet appeared. Her heart had not
+      trembled before any of those brilliant forms whom she was told her sex
+      admired; nor did she envy any one the homage which she did not appreciate.
+      There was, therefore, no disturbing element in the worldly calculations
+      which she applied to that question which is, to woman, what a career is to
+      man, the question of marriage. She would marry to gain power, and
+      therefore she wished to marry the powerful. Lord Eskdale hovered around
+      her, and she liked him. She admired his incomparable shrewdness; his
+      freedom from ordinary prejudices; his selfishness which was always
+      good-natured, and the imperturbability that was not callous. But Lord
+      Eskdale had hovered round many; it was his easy habit. He liked clever
+      women, young, but who had seen something of the world. The Princess
+      Lucretia pleased him much; with the form and mind of a woman even in the
+      nursery. He had watched her development with interest; and had witnessed
+      her launch in that world where she floated at once with as much dignity
+      and consciousness of superior power, as if she had braved for seasons its
+      waves and its tempests.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Musing over Lord Eskdale, the mind of Lucretia was drawn to the image of
+      his friend; her friend; the friend of her parents. And why not marry Lord
+      Monmouth? The idea pleased her. There was something great in the
+      conception; difficult and strange. The result, if achieved, would give her
+      all that she desired. She devoted her mind to this secret thought. She had
+      no confidants. She concentrated her intellect on one point, and that was
+      to fascinate the grandfather of Coningsby, while her step-mother was
+      plotting that she should marry his grandson. The volition of Lucretia
+      Colonna was, if not supreme, of a power most difficult to resist. There
+      was something charm-like and alluring in the conversation of one who was
+      silent to all others; something in the tones of her low rich voice which
+      acted singularly on the nervous system. It was the voice of the serpent;
+      indeed, there was an undulating movement in Lucretia, when she approached
+      you, which irresistibly reminded you of that mysterious animal.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth was not insensible to the spell, though totally unconscious
+      of its purpose. He found the society of Lucretia very agreeable to him;
+      she was animated, intelligent, original; her inquiries were stimulating;
+      her comments on what she saw, and heard, and read, racy and often
+      indicating a fine humour. But all this was reserved for his ear. Before
+      her parents, as before all others, Lucretia was silent, a little scornful,
+      never communicating, neither giving nor seeking amusement, shut up in
+      herself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth fell therefore into the habit of riding and driving with
+      Lucretia alone. It was an arrangement which he found made his life more
+      pleasant. Nor was it displeasing to Madame Colonna. She looked upon Lord
+      Monmouth&rsquo;s fancy for Lucretia as a fresh tie for them all. Even the
+      Prince, when his wife called his attention to the circumstance, observed
+      it with satisfaction. It was a circumstance which represented in his mind
+      a continuance of good eating and good drinking, fine horses, luxurious
+      baths, unceasing billiards.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In this state of affairs appeared Sidonia, known before to her
+      step-mother, but seen by Lucretia for the first time. Truly, he came, saw,
+      and conquered. Those eyes that rarely met another&rsquo;s were fixed upon his
+      searching yet unimpassioned glance. She listened to that voice, full of
+      music yet void of tenderness; and the spirit of Lucretia Colonna bowed
+      before an intelligence that commanded sympathy, yet offered none.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lucretia naturally possessed great qualities as well as great talents.
+      Under a genial influence, her education might have formed a being capable
+      of imparting and receiving happiness. But she found herself without a
+      guide. Her father offered her no love; her step-mother gained from her no
+      respect. Her literary education was the result of her own strong mind and
+      inquisitive spirit. She valued knowledge, and she therefore acquired it.
+      But not a single moral principle or a single religious truth had ever been
+      instilled into her being. Frequent absence from her own country had by
+      degrees broken off even an habitual observance of the forms of her creed;
+      while a life of undisturbed indulgence, void of all anxiety and care,
+      while it preserved her from many of the temptations to vice, deprived her
+      of that wisdom &lsquo;more precious than rubies,&rsquo; which adversity and
+      affliction, the struggles and the sorrows of existence, can alone impart.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lucretia had passed her life in a refined, but rather dissolute society.
+      Not indeed that a word that could call forth a maiden blush, conduct that
+      could pain the purest feelings, could be heard or witnessed in those
+      polished and luxurious circles. The most exquisite taste pervaded their
+      atmosphere; and the uninitiated who found themselves in those perfumed
+      chambers and those golden saloons, might believe, from all that passed
+      before them, that their inhabitants were as pure, as orderly, and as
+      irreproachable as their furniture. But among the habitual dwellers in
+      these delicate halls there was a tacit understanding, a prevalent doctrine
+      that required no formal exposition, no proofs and illustrations, no
+      comment and no gloss; which was indeed rather a traditional conviction
+      than an imparted dogma; that the exoteric public were, on many subjects,
+      the victims of very vulgar prejudices, which these enlightened personages
+      wished neither to disturb nor to adopt.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A being of such a temper, bred in such a manner; a woman full of intellect
+      and ambition, daring and lawless, and satiated with prosperity, is not
+      made for equable fortunes and an uniform existence. She would have
+      sacrificed the world for Sidonia, for he had touched the fervent
+      imagination that none before could approach; but that inscrutable man
+      would not read the secret of her heart; and prompted alike by pique, the
+      love of power, and a weariness of her present life, Lucretia resolved on
+      that great result which Mr. Rigby is now about to communicate to the
+      Princess Colonna.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      About half-an-hour after Mr. Rigby had entered that lady&rsquo;s apartments it
+      seemed that all the bells of Monmouth House were ringing at the same time.
+      The sound even reached the Marquess in his luxurious recess; who
+      immediately took a pinch of snuff, and ordered his valet to lock the door
+      of the ante-chamber. The Princess Lucretia, too, heard the sounds; she was
+      lying on a sofa, in her boudoir, reading the <i>Inferno</i>, and
+      immediately mustered her garrison in the form of a French maid, and gave
+      directions that no one should be admitted. Both the Marquess and his
+      intended bride felt that a crisis was at hand, and resolved to participate
+      in no scenes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The ringing ceased; there was again silence. Then there was another ring;
+      a short, hasty, and violent pull; followed by some slamming of doors. The
+      servants, who were all on the alert, and had advantages of hearing and
+      observation denied to their secluded master, caught a glimpse of Mr. Rigby
+      endeavouring gently to draw back into her apartment Madame Colonna,
+      furious amid his deprecatory exclamations.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;For heaven&rsquo;s sake, my dear Madame; for your own sake; now really; now I
+      assure you; you are quite wrong; you are indeed; it is a complete
+      misapprehension; I will explain everything. I entreat, I implore, whatever
+      you like, just what you please; only listen.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the lady, with a mantling visage and flashing eye, violently closing
+      the door, was again lost to their sight. A few minutes after there was a
+      moderate ring, and Mr. Rigby, coming out of the apartments, with his
+      cravat a little out of order, as if he had had a violent shaking, met the
+      servant who would have entered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Order Madame Colonna&rsquo;s travelling carriage,&rsquo; he exclaimed in a loud
+      voice, &lsquo;and send Mademoiselle Conrad here directly. I don&rsquo;t think the
+      fellow hears me,&rsquo; added Mr. Rigby, and following the servant, he added in
+      a low tone and with a significant glance, &lsquo;no travelling carriage; no
+      Mademoiselle Conrad; order the britska round as usual.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Nearly another hour passed; there was another ring; very moderate indeed.
+      The servant was informed that Madame Colonna was coming down, and she
+      appeared as usual. In a beautiful morning dress, and leaning on the arm of
+      Mr. Rigby, she descended the stairs, and was handed into her carriage by
+      that gentleman, who, seating himself by her side, ordered them to drive to
+      Richmond.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth having been informed that all was calm, and that Madame
+      Colonna, attended by Mr. Rigby, had gone to Richmond, ordered his
+      carriage, and accompanied by Lucretia and Lucian Gay, departed immediately
+      for Blackwall, where, in whitebait, a quiet bottle of claret, the society
+      of his agreeable friends, and the contemplation of the passing steamers,
+      he found a mild distraction and an amusing repose.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Rigby reported that evening to the Marquess on his return, that all
+      was arranged and tranquil. Perhaps he exaggerated the difficulties, to
+      increase the service; but according to his account they were considerable.
+      It required some time to make Madame Colonna comprehend the nature of his
+      communication. All Rigby&rsquo;s diplomatic skill was expended in the gradual
+      development. When it was once fairly put before her, the effect was
+      appalling. That was the first great ringing of bells. Rigby softened a
+      little what he had personally endured; but he confessed she sprang at him
+      like a tigress balked of her prey, and poured forth on him a volume of
+      epithets, many of which Rigby really deserved. But after all, in the
+      present instance, he was not treacherous, only base, which he always was.
+      Then she fell into a passion of tears, and vowed frequently that she was
+      not weeping for herself, but only for that dear Mr. Coningsby, who had
+      been treated so infamously and robbed of Lucretia, and whose heart she
+      knew must break. It seemed that Rigby stemmed the first violence of her
+      emotion by mysterious intimations of an important communication that he
+      had to make; and piquing her curiosity, he calmed her passion. But really
+      having nothing to say, he was nearly involved in fresh dangers. He took
+      refuge in the affectation of great agitation which prevented exposition.
+      The lady then insisted on her travelling carriage being ordered and
+      packed, as she was determined to set out for Rome that afternoon. This
+      little occurrence gave Rigby some few minutes to collect himself, at the
+      end of which he made the Princess several announcements of intended
+      arrangements, all of which pleased her mightily, though they were so
+      inconsistent with each other, that if she had not been a woman in a
+      passion, she must have detected that Rigby was lying. He assured her
+      almost in the same breath, that she was never to be separated from them,
+      and that she was to have any establishment in any country she liked. He
+      talked wildly of equipages, diamonds, shawls, opera-boxes; and while her
+      mind was bewildered with these dazzling objects, he, with intrepid
+      gravity, consulted her as to the exact amount she would like to have
+      apportioned, independent of her general revenue, for the purposes of
+      charity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At the end of two hours, exhausted by her rage and soothed by these
+      visions, Madame Colonna having grown calm and reasonable, sighed and
+      murmured a complaint, that Lord Monmouth ought to have communicated this
+      important intelligence in person. Upon this Rigby instantly assured her,
+      that Lord Monmouth had been for some time waiting to do so, but in
+      consequence of her lengthened interview with Rigby, his Lordship had
+      departed for Richmond with Lucretia, where he hoped that Madame Colonna
+      and Mr. Rigby would join him. So it ended, with a morning drive and
+      suburban dinner; Rigby, after what he had gone through, finding no
+      difficulty in accounting for the other guests not being present, and
+      bringing home Madame Colonna in the evening, at times almost as gay and
+      good-tempered as usual, and almost oblivious of her disappointment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the Marquess met Madame Colonna he embraced her with great
+      courtliness, and from that time consulted her on every arrangement. He
+      took a very early occasion of presenting her with a diamond necklace of
+      great value. The Marquess was fond of making presents to persons to whom
+      he thought he had not behaved very well, and who yet spared him scenes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The marriage speedily followed, by special license, at the villa of the
+      Right Hon. Nicholas Rigby, who gave away the bride. The wedding was very
+      select, but brilliant as the diamond necklace: a royal Duke and Duchess,
+      Lady St. Julians, and a few others. Mr. Ormsby presented the bride with a
+      bouquet of precious stones, and Lord Eskdale with a French fan in a
+      diamond frame. It was a fine day; Lord Monmouth, calm as if he were
+      winning the St. Leger; Lucretia, universally recognised as a beauty; all
+      the guests gay, the Princess Colonna especially.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The travelling carriage is at the door which is to bear away the happy
+      pair. Madame Colonna embraces Lucretia; the Marquess gives a grand bow:
+      they are gone. The guests remain awhile. A Prince of the blood will
+      propose a toast; there is another glass of champagne quaffed, another
+      ortolan devoured; and then they rise and disperse. Madame Colonna leaves
+      with Lady St. Julians, whose guest for a while she is to become. And in a
+      few minutes their host is alone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Rigby retired into his library: the repose of the chamber must have
+      been grateful to his feelings after all this distraction. It was spacious,
+      well-stored, classically adorned, and opened on a beautiful lawn. Rigby
+      threw himself into an ample chair, crossed his legs, and resting his head
+      on his arm, apparently fell into deep contemplation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He had some cause for reflection, and though we did once venture to affirm
+      that Rigby never either thought or felt, this perhaps may be the exception
+      that proves the rule.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He could scarcely refrain from pondering over the strange event which he
+      had witnessed, and at which he had assisted.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was an incident that might exercise considerable influence over his
+      fortunes. His patron married, and married to one who certainly did not
+      offer to Mr. Rigby such a prospect of easy management as her step-mother!
+      Here were new influences arising; new characters, new situations, new
+      contingencies. Was he thinking of all this? He suddenly jumps up, hurries
+      to a shelf and takes down a volume. It is his interleaved peerage, of
+      which for twenty years he had been threatening an edition. Turning to the
+      Marquisate of Monmouth, he took up his pen and thus made the necessary
+      entry:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;<i>Married, second time, August 3rd, 1837, The Princess Lucretia Colonna,
+      daughter of Prince Paul Colonna, born at Rome, February 16th, 1819.</i>&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      That was what Mr. Rigby called &lsquo;a great fact.&rsquo; There was not a
+      peerage-compiler in England who had that date save himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Before we close this slight narrative of the domestic incidents that
+      occurred in the family of his grandfather since Coningsby quitted the
+      Castle, we must not forget to mention what happened to Villebecque and
+      Flora. Lord Monmouth took a great liking to the manager. He found him very
+      clever in many things independently of his profession; he was useful to
+      Lord Monmouth, and did his work in an agreeable manner. And the future
+      Lady Monmouth was accustomed to Flora, and found her useful too, and did
+      not like to lose her. And so the Marquess, turning all the circumstances
+      in his mind, and being convinced that Villebecque could never succeed to
+      any extent in England in his profession, and probably nowhere else,
+      appointed him, to Villebecque&rsquo;s infinite satisfaction, intendant of his
+      household, with a considerable salary, while Flora still lived with her
+      kind step-father.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0046" id="link2HCH0046"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Another year elapsed; not so fruitful in incidents to Coningsby as the
+      preceding ones, and yet not unprofitably passed. It had been spent in the
+      almost unremitting cultivation of his intelligence. He had read deeply and
+      extensively, digested his acquisitions, and had practised himself in
+      surveying them, free from those conventional conclusions and those
+      traditionary inferences that surrounded him. Although he had renounced his
+      once cherished purpose of trying for University honours, an aim which he
+      found discordant with the investigations on which his mind was bent, he
+      had rarely quitted Cambridge. The society of his friends, the great
+      convenience of public libraries, and the general tone of studious life
+      around, rendered an University for him a genial residence. There is a
+      moment in life, when the pride and thirst of knowledge seem to absorb our
+      being, and so it happened now to Coningsby, who felt each day stronger in
+      his intellectual resources, and each day more anxious and avid to increase
+      them. The habits of public discussion fostered by the Debating Society
+      were also for Coningsby no Inconsiderable tie to the University. This was
+      the arena in which he felt himself at home. The promise of his Eton days
+      was here fulfilled. And while his friends listened to his sustained
+      argument or his impassioned declamation, the prompt reply or the apt
+      retort, they looked forward with pride through the vista of years to the
+      time when the hero of the youthful Club should convince or dazzle in the
+      senate. It is probable then that he would have remained at Cambridge with
+      slight intervals until he had taken his degree, had not circumstances
+      occurred which gave altogether a new turn to his thoughts.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Lord Monmouth had fixed his wedding-day he had written himself to
+      Coningsby to announce his intended marriage, and to request his grandson&rsquo;s
+      presence at the ceremony. The letter was more than kind; it was warm and
+      generous. He assured his grandson that this alliance should make no
+      difference in the very ample provision which he had long intended for him;
+      that he should ever esteem Coningsby his nearest relative; and that, while
+      his death would bring to Coningsby as considerable an independence as an
+      English gentleman need desire, so in his lifetime Coningsby should ever be
+      supported as became his birth, breeding, and future prospects. Lord
+      Monmouth had mentioned to Lucretia, that he was about to invite his
+      grandson to their wedding, and the lady had received the intimation with
+      satisfaction. It so happened that a few hours after, Lucretia, who now
+      entered the private rooms of Lord Monmouth without previously announcing
+      her arrival, met Villebecque with the letter to Coningsby in his hand.
+      Lucretia took it away from him, and said it should be posted with her own
+      letters. It never reached its destination. Our friend learnt the marriage
+      from the newspapers, which somewhat astounded him; but Coningsby was fond
+      of his grandfather, and he wrote Lord Monmouth a letter of congratulation,
+      full of feeling and ingenuousness, and which, while it much pleased the
+      person to whom it was addressed, unintentionally convinced him that
+      Coningsby had never received his original communication. Lord Monmouth
+      spoke to Villebecque, who could throw sufficient light upon the subject,
+      but it was never mentioned to Lady Monmouth. The Marquess was a man who
+      always found out everything, and enjoyed the secret.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rather more than a year after the marriage, when Coningsby had completed
+      his twenty-first year, the year which he had passed so quietly at
+      Cambridge, he received a letter from his grandfather, informing him that
+      after a variety of movements Lady Monmouth and himself were established in
+      Paris for the season, and desiring that he would not fail to come over as
+      soon as practicable, and pay them as long a visit as the regulations of
+      the University would permit. So, at the close of the December term,
+      Coningsby quitted Cambridge for Paris.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Passing through London, he made his first visit to his banker at Charing
+      Cross, on whom he had periodically drawn since he commenced his college
+      life. He was in the outer counting-house, making some inquiries about a
+      letter of credit, when one of the partners came out from an inner room,
+      and invited him to enter. This firm had been for generations the bankers
+      of the Coningsby family; and it appeared that there was a sealed box in
+      their possession, which had belonged to the father of Coningsby, and they
+      wished to take this opportunity of delivering it to his son. This
+      communication deeply interested him; and as he was alone in London, at an
+      hotel, and on the wing for a foreign country, he requested permission at
+      once to examine it, in order that he might again deposit it with them: so
+      he was shown into a private room for that purpose. The seal was broken;
+      the box was full of papers, chiefly correspondence: among them was a
+      packet described as letters from &lsquo;my dear Helen,&rsquo; the mother of Coningsby.
+      In the interior of this packet there was a miniature of that mother. He
+      looked at it; put it down; looked at it again and again. He could not be
+      mistaken. There was the same blue fillet in the bright hair. It was an
+      exact copy of that portrait which had so greatly excited his attention
+      when at Millbank! This was a mysterious and singularly perplexing
+      incident. It greatly agitated him. He was alone in the room when he made
+      the discovery. When he had recovered himself, he sealed up the contents of
+      the box, with the exception of his mother&rsquo;s letters and the miniature,
+      which he took away with him, and then re-delivered it to his banker for
+      custody until his return.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby found Lord and Lady Monmouth in a splendid hotel in the Faubourg
+      St. Honoré, near the English Embassy. His grandfather looked at him with
+      marked attention, and received him with evident satisfaction. Indeed, Lord
+      Monmouth was greatly pleased that Harry had come to Paris; it was the
+      University of the World, where everybody should graduate. Paris and London
+      ought to be the great objects of all travellers; the rest was mere
+      landscape.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It cannot be denied that between Lucretia and Coningsby there existed from
+      the first a certain antipathy; and though circumstances for a short time
+      had apparently removed or modified the aversion, the manner of the lady
+      when Coningsby was ushered into her boudoir, resplendent with all that
+      Parisian taste and luxury could devise, was characterised by that frigid
+      politeness which had preceded the days of their more genial acquaintance.
+      If the manner of Lucretia were the same as before her marriage, a
+      considerable change might however be observed in her appearance. Her fine
+      form had become more developed; while her dress, that she once neglected,
+      was elaborate and gorgeous, and of the last mode. Lucretia was the fashion
+      of Paris; a great lady, greatly admired. A guest under such a roof,
+      however, Coningsby was at once launched into the most brilliant circles of
+      Parisian society, which he found fascinating.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The art of society is, without doubt, perfectly comprehended and
+      completely practised in the bright metropolis of France. An Englishman
+      cannot enter a saloon without instantly feeling he is among a race more
+      social than his compatriots. What, for example, is more consummate than
+      the manner in which a French lady receives her guests! She unites graceful
+      repose and unaffected dignity, with the most amiable regard for others.
+      She sees every one; she speaks to every one; she sees them at the right
+      moment; she says the right thing; it is utterly impossible to detect any
+      difference in the position of her guests by the spirit in which she
+      welcomes them. There is, indeed, throughout every circle of Parisian
+      society, from the chateau to the cabaret, a sincere homage to intellect;
+      and this without any maudlin sentiment. None sooner than the Parisians can
+      draw the line between factitious notoriety and honest fame; or sooner
+      distinguished between the counterfeit celebrity and the standard
+      reputation. In England, we too often alternate between a supercilious
+      neglect of genius and a rhapsodical pursuit of quacks. In England when a
+      new character appears in our circles, the first question always is, &lsquo;Who
+      is he?&rsquo; In France it is, &lsquo;What is he?&rsquo; In England, &lsquo;How much a-year?&rsquo; In
+      France, &lsquo;What has he done?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0047" id="link2HCH0047"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VIII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      About a week after Coningsby&rsquo;s arrival in Paris, as he was sauntering on
+      the soft and sunny Boulevards, soft and sunny though Christmas, he met
+      Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;So you are here?&rsquo; said Sidonia. &lsquo;Turn now with me, for I see you are only
+      lounging, and tell me when you came, where you are, and what you have done
+      since we parted. I have been here myself but a few days.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was much to tell. And when Coningsby had rapidly related all that
+      had passed, they talked of Paris. Sidonia had offered him hospitality,
+      until he learned that Lord Monmouth was in Paris, and that Coningsby was
+      his guest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sorry you cannot come to me,&rsquo; he remarked; &lsquo;I would have shown you
+      everybody and everything. But we shall meet often.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have already seen many remarkable things,&rsquo; said Coningsby; &lsquo;and met
+      many celebrated persons. Nothing strikes me more in this brilliant city
+      than the tone of its society, so much higher than our own. What an absence
+      of petty personalities! How much conversation, and how little gossip! Yet
+      nowhere is there less pedantry. Here all women are as agreeable as is the
+      remarkable privilege in London of some half-dozen. Men too, and great men,
+      develop their minds. A great man in England, on the contrary, is generally
+      the dullest dog in company. And yet, how piteous to think that so fair a
+      civilisation should be in such imminent peril!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes! that is a common opinion: and yet I am somewhat sceptical of its
+      truth,&rsquo; replied Sidonia. &lsquo;I am inclined to believe that the social system
+      of England is in infinitely greater danger than that of France. We must
+      not be misled by the agitated surface of this country. The foundations of
+      its order are deep and sure. Learn to understand France. France is a
+      kingdom with a Republic for its capital. It has been always so, for
+      centuries. From the days of the League to the days of the Sections, to the
+      days of 1830. It is still France, little changed; and only more national,
+      for it is less Frank and more Gallic; as England has become less Norman
+      and more Saxon.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And it is your opinion, then, that the present King may maintain
+      himself?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Every movement in this country, however apparently discordant, seems to
+      tend to that inevitable end. He would not be on the throne if the nature
+      of things had not demanded his presence. The Kingdom of France required a
+      Monarch; the Republic of Paris required a Dictator. He comprised in his
+      person both qualifications; lineage and intellect; blood for the
+      provinces, brains for the city.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What a position! what an individual!&rsquo; exclaimed Coningsby. &lsquo;Tell me,&rsquo; he
+      added, eagerly, &lsquo;what is he? This Prince of whom one hears in all
+      countries at all hours; on whose existence we are told the tranquillity,
+      almost the civilisation, of Europe depends, yet of whom we receive
+      accounts so conflicting, so contradictory; tell me, you who can tell me,
+      tell me what he is.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sidonia smiled at his earnestness. &lsquo;I have a creed of mine own,&rsquo; he
+      remarked, &lsquo;that the great characters of antiquity are at rare epochs
+      reproduced for our wonder, or our guidance. Nature, wearied with
+      mediocrity, pours the warm metal into an heroic mould. When circumstances
+      at length placed me in the presence of the King of France, I recognised,
+      ULYSSES!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But is there no danger,&rsquo; resumed Coningsby, after the pause of a few
+      moments, &lsquo;that the Republic of Paris may absorb the Kingdom of France?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I suspect the reverse,&rsquo; replied Sidonia. &lsquo;The tendency of advanced
+      civilisation is in truth to pure Monarchy. Monarchy is indeed a government
+      which requires a high degree of civilisation for its full development. It
+      needs the support of free laws and manners, and of a widely-diffused
+      intelligence. Political compromises are not to be tolerated except at
+      periods of rude transition. An educated nation recoils from the imperfect
+      vicariate of what is called a representative government. Your House of
+      Commons, that has absorbed all other powers in the State, will in all
+      probability fall more rapidly than it rose. Public opinion has a more
+      direct, a more comprehensive, a more efficient organ for its utterance,
+      than a body of men sectionally chosen. The Printing-press is a political
+      element unknown to classic or feudal times. It absorbs in a great degree
+      the duties of the Sovereign, the Priest, the Parliament; it controls, it
+      educates, it discusses. That public opinion, when it acts, would appear in
+      the form of one who has no class interests. In an enlightened age the
+      Monarch on the throne, free from the vulgar prejudices and the corrupt
+      interests of the subject, becomes again divine!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this moment they reached that part of the Boulevards which leads into
+      the Place of the Madeleine, whither Sidonia was bound; and Coningsby was
+      about to quit his companion, when Sidonia said:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am only going a step over to the Rue Tronchet to say a few words to a
+      friend of mine, M. P&mdash;&mdash;s. I shall not detain you five minutes;
+      and you should know him, for he has some capital pictures, and a
+      collection of Limoges ware that is the despair of the dilettanti.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So saying they turned down by the Place of the Madeleine, and soon entered
+      the court of the hotel of M. P&mdash;&mdash;s. That gentleman received
+      them in his gallery. After some general conversation, Coningsby turned
+      towards the pictures, and left Sidonia with their host. The collection was
+      rare, and interested Coningsby, though unacquainted with art. He sauntered
+      on from picture to picture until he reached the end of the gallery, where
+      an open door invited him into a suite of rooms also full of pictures and
+      objects of curiosity and art. As he was entering a second chamber, he
+      observed a lady leaning back in a cushioned chair, and looking earnestly
+      on a picture. His entrance was unheard and unnoticed, for the lady&rsquo;s back
+      was to the door; yet Coningsby, advancing in an angular direction,
+      obtained nearly a complete view of her countenance. It was upraised,
+      gazing on the picture with an expression of delight; the bonnet thrown
+      back, while the large sable cloak of the gazer had fallen partly off. The
+      countenance was more beautiful than the beautiful picture. Those glowing
+      shades of the gallery to which love, and genius, and devotion had lent
+      their inspiration, seemed without life and lustre by the radiant
+      expression and expressive presence which Coningsby now beheld.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The finely-arched brow was a little elevated, the soft dark eyes were
+      fully opened, the nostril of the delicate nose slightly dilated, the
+      small, yet rich, full lips just parted; and over the clear, transparent
+      visage, there played a vivid glance of gratified intelligence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The lady rose, advanced towards the picture, looked at it earnestly for a
+      few moments, and then, turning in a direction opposite to Coningsby,
+      walked away. She was somewhat above the middle stature, and yet could
+      scarcely be called tall; a quality so rare, that even skilful dancers do
+      not often possess it, was hers; that elastic gait that is so winning, and
+      so often denotes the gaiety and quickness of the spirit.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The fair object of his observation had advanced into other chambers, and
+      as soon as it was becoming, Coningsby followed her. She had joined a lady
+      and gentleman, who were examining an ancient carving in ivory. The
+      gentleman was middle-aged and portly; the elder lady tall and elegant, and
+      with traces of interesting beauty. Coningsby heard her speak; the words
+      were English, but the accent not of a native.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the remotest part of the room, Coningsby, apparently engaged in
+      examining some of that famous Limoges ware of which Sidonia had spoken,
+      watched with interest and intentness the beautiful being whom he had
+      followed, and whom he concluded to be the child of her companions. After
+      some little time, they quitted the apartment on their return to the
+      gallery; Coningsby remained behind, caring for none of the rare and
+      fanciful objects that surrounded him, yet compelled, from the fear of
+      seeming obtrusive, for some minutes to remain. Then he too returned to the
+      gallery, and just as he had gained its end, he saw the portly gentleman in
+      the distance shaking hands with Sidonia, the ladies apparently expressing
+      their thanks and gratification to M. P&mdash;&mdash;s, and then all
+      vanishing by the door through which Coningsby had originally entered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What a beautiful countrywoman of yours!&rsquo; said M. P&mdash;&mdash;s, as
+      Coningsby approached him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Is she my countrywoman? I am glad to hear it; I have been admiring her,&rsquo;
+      he replied.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes,&rsquo; said M. P&mdash;&mdash;s, &lsquo;it is Sir Wallinger: one of your
+      deputies; don&rsquo;t you know him?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Sir Wallinger!&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;no, I have not that honour.&rsquo; He looked
+      at Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Sir Joseph Wallinger,&rsquo; said Sidonia, &lsquo;one of the new Whig baronets, and
+      member for &mdash;&mdash;. I know him. He married a Spaniard. That is not
+      his daughter, but his niece; the child of his wife&rsquo;s sister. It is not
+      easy to find any one more beautiful.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      END OF BOOK V.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0057" id="link2H_4_0057"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      BOOK VI.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0048" id="link2HCH0048"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER I.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The knowledge that Sidonia was in Paris greatly agitated Lady Monmouth.
+      She received the intimation indeed from Coningsby at dinner with
+      sufficient art to conceal her emotion. Lord Monmouth himself was quite
+      pleased at the announcement. Sidonia was his especial favourite; he knew
+      so much, had such an excellent judgment, and was so rich. He had always
+      something to tell you, was the best man in the world to bet on, and never
+      wanted anything. A perfect character according to the Monmouth ethics.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the evening of the day that Coningsby met Sidonia, Lady Monmouth made a
+      little visit to the charming Duchess de G&mdash;&mdash;t who was &lsquo;at home&rsquo;
+      every other night in her pretty hotel, with its embroidered white satin
+      draperies, its fine old cabinets, and ancestral portraits of famous name,
+      brave marshals and bright princesses of the olden time, on its walls.
+      These receptions without form, yet full of elegance, are what English &lsquo;at
+      homes&rsquo; were before the Continental war, though now, by a curious
+      perversion of terms, the easy domestic title distinguishes in England a
+      formally-prepared and elaborately-collected assembly, in which everything
+      and every person are careful to be as little &lsquo;homely&rsquo; as possible. In
+      France, on the contrary, &lsquo;tis on these occasions, and in this manner, that
+      society carries on that degree and kind of intercourse which in England we
+      attempt awkwardly to maintain by the medium of that unpopular species of
+      visitation styled a morning call; which all complain that they have either
+      to make or to endure.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Nowhere was this species of reception more happily conducted than at the
+      Duchess de G&mdash;&mdash;t&rsquo;s. The rooms, though small, decorated with
+      taste, brightly illumined; a handsome and gracious hostess, the Duke the
+      very pearl of gentlemen, and sons and daughters worthy of such parents.
+      Every moment some one came in, and some one went away. In your way from a
+      dinner to a ball, you stopped to exchange agreeable <i>on dits</i>. It
+      seemed that every woman was pretty, every man a wit. Sure you were to find
+      yourself surrounded by celebrities, and men were welcomed there, if they
+      were clever, before they were famous, which showed it was a house that
+      regarded intellect, and did not seek merely to gratify its vanity by being
+      surrounded by the distinguished.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Enveloped in a rich Indian shawl, and leaning back on a sofa, Lady
+      Monmouth was engaged in conversation with the courtly and classic Count M&mdash;&mdash;é,
+      when, on casually turning her head, she observed entering the saloon,
+      Sidonia. She just caught his form bowing to the Duchess, and instantly
+      turned her head and replunged into her conversation with increased
+      interest. Lady Monmouth was a person who had the power of seeing all about
+      her, everything and everybody, without appearing to look. She was
+      conscious that Sidonia was approaching her neighbourhood. Her heart beat
+      in tumult; she dreaded to catch the eye of that very individual whom she
+      was so anxious to meet. He was advancing towards the sofa. Instinctively,
+      Lady Monmouth turned from the Count, and began speaking earnestly to her
+      other neighbour, a young daughter of the house, innocent and beautiful,
+      not yet quite fledged, trying her wings in society under the maternal eye.
+      She was surprised by the extreme interest which her grand neighbour
+      suddenly took in all her pursuits, her studies, her daily walks in the
+      Bois de Boulogne. Sidonia, as the Marchioness had anticipated, had now
+      reached the sofa. But no, it was to the Count, and not to Lady Monmouth
+      that he was advancing; and they were immediately engaged in conversation.
+      After some little time, when she had become accustomed to his voice, and
+      found her own heart throbbing with less violence, Lucretia turned again,
+      as if by accident, to the Count, and met the glance of Sidonia. She meant
+      to have received him with haughtiness, but her self-command deserted her;
+      and slightly rising from the sofa, she welcomed him with a countenance of
+      extreme pallor and with some awkwardness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His manner was such as might have assisted her, even had she been more
+      troubled. It was marked by a degree of respectful friendliness. He
+      expressed without reserve his pleasure at meeting her again; inquired much
+      how she had passed her time since they last parted; asked more than once
+      after the Marquess. The Count moved away; Sidonia took his seat. His ease
+      and homage combined greatly relieved her. She expressed to him how kind
+      her Lord would consider his society, for the Marquess had suffered in
+      health since Sidonia last saw him. His periodical gout had left him, which
+      made him ill and nervous. The Marquess received his friends at dinner
+      every day. Sidonia, particularly amiable, offered himself as a guest for
+      the following one.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And do you go to the great ball to-morrow?&rsquo; inquired Lucretia, delighted
+      with all that had occurred.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I always go to their balls,&rsquo; said Sidonia, &lsquo;I have promised.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a momentary pause; Lucretia happier than she had been for a long
+      time, her face a little flushed, and truly in a secret tumult of sweet
+      thoughts, remembered she had been long there, and offering her hand to
+      Sidonia, bade him adieu until to-morrow, while he, as was his custom, soon
+      repaired to the refined circle of the Countess de C-s-l-ne, a lady whose
+      manners he always mentioned as his fair ideal, and whose house was his
+      favourite haunt.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Before to-morrow comes, a word or two respecting two other characters of
+      this history connected with the family of Lord Monmouth. And first of
+      Flora. La Petite was neither very well nor very happy. Her hereditary
+      disease developed itself; gradually, but in a manner alarming to those who
+      loved her. She was very delicate, and suffered so much from the weakness
+      of her chest, that she was obliged to relinquish singing. This was really
+      the only tie between her and the Marchioness, who, without being a petty
+      tyrant, treated her often with unfeeling haughtiness. She was, therefore,
+      now rarely seen in the chambers of the great. In her own apartments she
+      found, indeed, some distraction in music, for which she had a natural
+      predisposition, but this was a pursuit that only fed the morbid passion of
+      her tender soul. Alone, listening only to sweet sounds, or indulging in
+      soft dreams that never could be realised, her existence glided away like a
+      vision, and she seemed to become every day more fair and fragile. Alas!
+      hers was the sad and mystic destiny to love one whom she never met, and by
+      whom, if she met him, she would scarcely, perhaps, be recognised. Yet in
+      that passion, fanciful, almost ideal, her life was absorbed; nor for her
+      did the world contain an existence, a thought, a sensation, beyond those
+      that sprang from the image of the noble youth who had sympathised with her
+      in her sorrows, and had softened the hard fortunes of dependence by his
+      generous sensibility. Happy that, with many mortifications, it was still
+      her lot to live under the roof of one who bore his name, and in whose
+      veins flowed the same blood! She felt indeed for the Marquess, whom she so
+      rarely saw, and from whom she had never received much notice, prompted, it
+      would seem, by her fantastic passion, a degree of reverence, almost of
+      affection, which seemed occasionally, even to herself, as something
+      inexplicable and without reason.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As for her fond step-father, M. Villebecque, the world fared very
+      differently with him. His lively and enterprising genius, his ready and
+      multiform talents, and his temper which defied disturbance, had made their
+      way. He had become the very right hand of Lord Monmouth; his only
+      counsellor, his only confidant; his secret agent; the minister of his
+      will. And well did Villebecque deserve this trust, and ably did he
+      maintain himself in the difficult position which he achieved. There was
+      nothing which Villebecque did not know, nothing which he could not do,
+      especially at Paris. He was master of his subject; in all things the
+      secret of success, and without which, however they may from accident
+      dazzle the world, the statesman, the orator, the author, all alike feel
+      the damning consciousness of being charlatans.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby had made a visit to M. Villebecque and Flora the day after his
+      arrival. It was a recollection and a courtesy that evidently greatly
+      gratified them. Villebecque talked very much and amusingly; and Flora,
+      whom Coningsby frequently addressed, very little, though she listened with
+      great earnestness. Coningsby told her that he thought, from all he heard,
+      she was too much alone, and counselled her to gaiety. But nature, that had
+      made her mild, had denied her that constitutional liveliness of being
+      which is the graceful property of French women. She was a lily of the
+      valley, that loved seclusion and the tranquillity of virgin glades. Almost
+      every day, as he passed their <i>entresol</i>, Coningsby would look into
+      Villebecque&rsquo;s apartments for a moment, to ask after Flora.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0049" id="link2HCH0049"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER II.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Sidonia was to dine at Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s the day after he met Lucretia, and
+      afterwards they were all to meet at a ball much talked of, and to which
+      invitations were much sought; and which was to be given that evening by
+      the Baroness S. de R&mdash;&mdash;d.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s dinners at Paris were celebrated. It was generally agreed
+      that they had no rivals; yet there were others who had as skilful cooks,
+      others who, for such a purpose, were equally profuse in their expenditure.
+      What, then, was the secret spell of his success? The simplest in the
+      world, though no one seemed aware of it. His Lordship&rsquo;s plates were always
+      hot: whereas at Paris, in the best appointed houses, and at dinners which,
+      for costly materials and admirable art in their preparation, cannot be
+      surpassed, the effect is always considerably lessened, and by a mode the
+      most mortifying: by the mere circumstance that every one at a French
+      dinner is served on a cold plate. The reason of a custom, or rather a
+      necessity, which one would think a nation so celebrated for their
+      gastronomical taste would recoil from, is really, it is believed, that the
+      ordinary French porcelain is so very inferior that it cannot endure the
+      preparatory heat for dinner. The common white pottery, for example, which
+      is in general use, and always found at the cafés, will not bear vicinage
+      to a brisk kitchen fire for half-an-hour. Now, if we only had that treaty
+      of commerce with France which has been so often on the point of
+      completion, the fabrics of our unrivalled potteries, in exchange for their
+      capital wines, would be found throughout France. The dinners of both
+      nations would be improved: the English would gain a delightful beverage,
+      and the French, for the first time in their lives, would dine off hot
+      plates. An unanswerable instance of the advantages of commercial
+      reciprocity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The guests at Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s to-day were chiefly Carlists, individuals
+      bearing illustrious names, that animate the page of history, and are
+      indissolubly bound up with the glorious annals of their great country.
+      They are the phantoms of a past, but real Aristocracy; an Aristocracy that
+      was founded on an intelligible principle; which claimed great privileges
+      for great purposes; whose hereditary duties were such, that their
+      possessors were perpetually in the eye of the nation, and who maintained,
+      and, in a certain point of view justified, their pre-eminence by constant
+      illustration.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It pleased Lord Monmouth to show great courtesies to a fallen race with
+      whom he sympathised; whose fathers had been his friends in the days of his
+      hot youth; whose mothers he had made love to; whose palaces had been his
+      home; whose brilliant fêtes he remembered; whose fanciful splendour
+      excited his early imagination; and whose magnificent and wanton luxury had
+      developed his own predisposition for boundless enjoyment. Soubise and his
+      suppers; his cutlets and his mistresses; the profuse and embarrassed De
+      Lauragais, who sighed for &lsquo;entire ruin,&rsquo; as for a strange luxury, which
+      perpetually eluded his grasp; these were the heroes of the olden time that
+      Lord Monmouth worshipped; the wisdom of our ancestors which he
+      appreciated; and he turned to their recollection for relief from the
+      vulgar prudence of the degenerate days on which he had fallen: days when
+      nobles must be richer than other men, or they cease to have any
+      distinction.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was impossible not to be struck by the effective appearance of Lady
+      Monmouth as she received her guests in grand toilet preparatory to the
+      ball; white satin and minever, a brilliant tiara. Her fine form, her
+      costume of a fashion as perfect as its materials were sumptuous, and her
+      presence always commanding and distinguished, produced a general effect to
+      which few could be insensible. It was the triumph of mien over mere beauty
+      of countenance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The hotel of Madame S. de R&mdash;&mdash;d is not more distinguished by
+      its profuse decoration, than by the fine taste which has guided the vast
+      expenditure. Its halls of arabesque are almost without a rival; there is
+      not the slightest embellishment in which the hand and feeling of art are
+      not recognised. The rooms were very crowded; everybody distinguished in
+      Paris was there: the lady of the Court, the duchess of the Faubourg, the
+      wife of the financier, the constitutional Throne, the old Monarchy, the
+      modern Bourse, were alike represented. Marshals of the Empire, Ministers
+      of the Crown, Dukes and Marquesses, whose ancestors lounged in the Oeil de
+      Boeuf; diplomatists of all countries, eminent foreigners of all nations,
+      deputies who led sections, members of learned and scientific academies,
+      occasionally a stray poet; a sea of sparkling tiaras, brilliant bouquets,
+      glittering stars, and glowing ribbons, many beautiful faces, many famous
+      ones: unquestionably the general air of a firstrate Parisian saloon, on a
+      great occasion, is not easily equalled. In London there is not the variety
+      of guests; nor the same size and splendour of saloons. Our houses are too
+      small for reception.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby, who had stolen away from his grandfather&rsquo;s before the rest of
+      the guests, was delighted with the novelty of the splendid scene. He had
+      been in Paris long enough to make some acquaintances, and mostly with
+      celebrated personages. In his long fruitless endeavour to enter the saloon
+      in which they danced, he found himself hustled against the illustrious
+      Baron von H&mdash;&mdash;t, whom he had sat next to at dinner a few days
+      before at Count M&mdash;&mdash;é&rsquo;s.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is more difficult than cutting through the Isthmus of Panama, Baron,&rsquo;
+      said Coningsby, alluding to a past conversation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Infinitely,&rsquo; replied M. de H., smiling; &lsquo;for I would undertake to cut
+      through the Isthmus, and I cannot engage that I shall enter this
+      ball-room.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Time, however, brought Coningsby into that brilliant chamber. What a blaze
+      of light and loveliness! How coquettish are the costumes! How vivid the
+      flowers! To sounds of stirring melody, beautiful beings move with grace.
+      Grace, indeed, is beauty in action.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Here, where all are fair and everything is attractive, his eye is suddenly
+      arrested by one object, a form of surpassing grace among the graceful,
+      among the beauteous a countenance of unrivalled beauty.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She was young among the youthful; a face of sunshine amid all that
+      artificial light; her head placed upon her finely-moulded shoulders with a
+      queen-like grace; a coronet of white roses on her dark brown hair; her
+      only ornament. It was the beauty of the picture-gallery.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The eye of Coningsby never quitted her. When the dance ceased, he had an
+      opportunity of seeing her nearer. He met her walking with her cavalier,
+      and he was conscious that she observed him. Finally he remarked that she
+      resumed a seat next to the lady whom he had mistaken for her mother, but
+      had afterwards understood to be Lady Wallinger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby returned to the other saloons: he witnessed the entrance and
+      reception of Lady Monmouth, who moved on towards the ball-room. Soon after
+      this, Sidonia arrived; he came in with the still handsome and ever
+      courteous Duke D&mdash;&mdash;s. Observing Coningsby, he stopped to
+      present him to the Duke. While thus conversing, the Duke, who is fond of
+      the English, observed, &lsquo;See, here is your beautiful countrywoman that all
+      the world are talking of. That is her uncle. He brings to me letters from
+      one of your lords, whose name I cannot recollect.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And Sir Joseph and his lovely niece veritably approached. The Duke
+      addressed them: asked them in the name of his Duchess to a concert on the
+      next Thursday; and, after a thousand compliments, moved on. Sidonia
+      stopped; Coningsby could not refrain from lingering, but stood a little
+      apart, and was about to move away, when there was a whisper, of which,
+      without hearing a word, he could not resist the impression that he was the
+      subject. He felt a little embarrassed, and was retiring, when he heard
+      Sidonia reply to an inquiry of the lady, &lsquo;The same,&rsquo; and then, turning to
+      Coningsby, said aloud, &lsquo;Coningsby, Miss Millbank says that you have
+      forgotten her.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby started, advanced, coloured a little, could not conceal his
+      surprise. The lady, too, though more prepared, was not without confusion,
+      and for an instant looked down. Coningsby recalled at that moment the long
+      dark eyelashes, and the beautiful, bashful countenance that had so charmed
+      him at Millbank; but two years had otherwise effected a wonderful change
+      in the sister of his school-day friend, and transformed the silent,
+      embarrassed girl into a woman of surpassing beauty and of the most
+      graceful and impressive mien.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is not surprising that Mr. Coningsby should not recollect my niece,&rsquo;
+      said Sir Joseph, addressing Sidonia, and wishing to cover their mutual
+      embarrassment; &lsquo;but it is impossible for her, or for anyone connected with
+      her, not to be anxious at all times to express to him our sense of what we
+      all owe him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby and Miss Millbank were now in full routine conversation,
+      consisting of questions; how long she had been at Paris; when she had
+      heard last from Millbank; how her father was; also, how was her brother.
+      Sidonia made an observation to Sir Joseph on a passer-by, and then himself
+      moved on; Coningsby accompanying his new friends, in a contrary direction,
+      to the refreshment-room, to which they were proceeding.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And you have passed a winter at Rome,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;How I envy you! I
+      feel that I shall never be able to travel.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And why not?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Life has become so stirring, that there is ever some great cause that
+      keeps one at home.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Life, on the contrary, so swift, that all may see now that of which they
+      once could only read.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The golden and silver sides of the shield,&rsquo; said Coningsby, with a smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And you, like a good knight, will maintain your own.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No, I would follow yours.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have not heard lately from Oswald?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh, yes; I think there are no such faithful correspondents as we are; I
+      only wish we could meet.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You will soon; but he is such a devotee of Oxford; quite a monk; and you,
+      too, Mr. Coningsby, are much occupied.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes, and at the same time as Millbank. I was in hopes, when I once paid
+      you a visit, I might have found your brother.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But that was such a rapid visit,&rsquo; said Miss Millbank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I always remember it with delight,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You were willing to be pleased; but Millbank, notwithstanding Rome,
+      commands my affections, and in spite of this surrounding splendour, I
+      could have wished to have passed my Christmas in Lancashire.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Mr. Millbank has lately purchased a very beautiful place in the county. I
+      became acquainted with Hellingsley when staying at my grandfather&rsquo;s.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! I have never seen it; indeed, I was much surprised that papa became
+      its purchaser, because he never will live there; and Oswald, I am sure,
+      could never be tempted to quit Millbank. You know what enthusiastic ideas
+      he has of his order?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Like all his ideas, sound, and high, and pure. I always duly appreciated
+      your brother&rsquo;s great abilities, and, what is far more important, his lofty
+      mind. When I recollect our Eton days, I cannot understand how more than
+      two years have passed away without our being together. I am sure the fault
+      is mine. I might now have been at Oxford instead of Paris. And yet,&rsquo; added
+      Coningsby, &lsquo;that would have been a sad mistake, since I should not have
+      had the happiness of being here.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh, yes, that would have been a sad mistake,&rsquo; said Miss Millbank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Edith,&rsquo; said Sir Joseph, rejoining his niece, from whom he had been
+      momentarily separated, &lsquo;Edith, that is Monsieur Thiers.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the meantime Sidonia reached the ball-room, and sitting near the
+      entrance was Lady Monmouth, who immediately addressed him. He was, as
+      usual, intelligent and unimpassioned, and yet not without a delicate
+      deference which is flattering to women, especially if not altogether
+      unworthy of it. Sidonia always admired Lucretia, and preferred her society
+      to that of most persons. But the Lady was in error in supposing that she
+      had conquered or could vanquish his heart. Sidonia was one of those men,
+      not so rare as may be supposed, who shrink, above all things, from an
+      adventure of gallantry with a woman in a position. He had neither time nor
+      temper for sentimental circumvolutions. He detested the diplomacy of
+      passion: protocols, protracted negotiations, conferences, correspondence,
+      treaties projected, ratified, violated. He had no genius for the tactics
+      of intrigue; your reconnoiterings, and marchings, and countermarchings,
+      sappings, and minings, assaults, sometimes surrenders, and sometimes
+      repulses. All the solemn and studied hypocrisies were to him infinitely
+      wearisome; and if the movements were not merely formal, they irritated
+      him, distracted his feelings, disturbed the tenor of his mind, deranged
+      his nervous system. Something of the old Oriental vein influenced him in
+      his carriage towards women. He was oftener behind the scenes of the
+      Opera-house than in his box; he delighted, too, in the society of <i>etairai</i>;
+      Aspasia was his heroine. Obliged to appear much in what is esteemed pure
+      society, he cultivated the acquaintance of clever women, because they
+      interested him; but in such saloons his feminine acquaintances were merely
+      psychological. No lady could accuse him of trifling with her feelings,
+      however decided might be his predilection for her conversation. He yielded
+      at once to an admirer; never trespassed by any chance into the domain of
+      sentiment; never broke, by any accident or blunder, into the irregular
+      paces of flirtation; was a man who notoriously would never diminish by
+      marriage the purity of his race; and one who always maintained that
+      passion and polished life were quite incompatible. He liked the
+      drawing-room, and he liked the Desert, but he would not consent that
+      either should trench on their mutual privileges.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Princess Lucretia had yielded herself to the spell of Sidonia&rsquo;s
+      society at Coningsby Castle, when she knew that marriage was impossible.
+      But she loved him; and with an Italian spirit. Now they met again, and she
+      was the Marchioness of Monmouth, a very great lady, very much admired, and
+      followed, and courted, and very powerful. It is our great moralist who
+      tells us, in the immortal page, that an affair of gallantry with a great
+      lady is more delightful than with ladies of a lower degree. In this he
+      contradicts the good old ballad; but certain it is that Dr. Johnson
+      announced to Boswell, &lsquo;Sir, in the case of a Countess the imagination is
+      more excited.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But Sidonia was a man on whom the conventional superiorities of life
+      produced as little effect as a flake falling on the glaciers of the high
+      Alps. His comprehension of the world and human nature was too vast and
+      complete; he understood too well the relative value of things to
+      appreciate anything but essential excellence; and that not too much. A
+      charming woman was not more charming to him because she chanced to be an
+      empress in a particular district of one of the smallest planets; a
+      charming woman under any circumstances was not an unique animal. When
+      Sidonia felt a disposition to be spellbound, he used to review in his
+      memory all the charming women of whom he had read in the books of all
+      literatures, and whom he had known himself in every court and clime, and
+      the result of his reflections ever was, that the charming woman in
+      question was by no means the paragon, which some who had read, seen, and
+      thought less, might be inclined to esteem her. There was, indeed, no
+      subject on which Sidonia discoursed so felicitously as on woman, and none
+      on which Lord Eskdale more frequently endeavoured to attract him. He would
+      tell you Talmudical stories about our mother Eve and the Queen of Sheba,
+      which would have astonished you. There was not a free lady of Greece,
+      Leontium and Phryne, Lais, Danae, and Lamia, the Egyptian girl Thonis,
+      respecting whom he could not tell you as many diverting tales as if they
+      were ladies of Loretto; not a nook of Athenseus, not an obscure scholiast,
+      not a passage in a Greek orator, that could throw light on these
+      personages, which was not at his command. What stories he would tell you
+      about Marc Antony and the actress Cytheris in their chariot drawn by
+      tigers! What a character would he paint of that Flora who gave her gardens
+      to the Roman people! It would draw tears to your eyes. No man was ever so
+      learned in the female manners of the last centuries of polytheism as
+      Sidonia. You would have supposed that he had devoted his studies
+      peculiarly to that period if you had not chanced to draw him to the
+      Italian middle ages. And even these startling revelations were almost
+      eclipsed by his anecdotes of the Court of Henry III. of France, with every
+      character of which he was as familiar as with the brilliant groups that at
+      this moment filled the saloons of Madame de R&mdash;&mdash;d.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0050" id="link2HCH0050"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER III.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The image of Edith Millbank was the last thought of Coningsby, as he sank
+      into an agitated slumber. To him had hitherto in general been accorded the
+      precious boon of dreamless sleep. Homer tells us these phantasms come from
+      Jove; they are rather the children of a distracted soul. Coningsby this
+      night lived much in past years, varied by painful perplexities of the
+      present, which he could neither subdue nor comprehend. The scene flitted
+      from Eton to the castle of his grandfather; and then he found himself
+      among the pictures of the Rue de Tronchet, but their owner bore the
+      features of the senior Millbank. A beautiful countenance that was
+      alternately the face in the mysterious picture, and then that of Edith,
+      haunted him under all circumstances. He woke little refreshed; restless,
+      and yet sensible of some secret joy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He woke to think of her of whom he had dreamed. The light had dawned on
+      his soul. Coningsby loved.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Ah! what is that ambition that haunts our youth, that thirst for power or
+      that lust of fame that forces us from obscurity into the sunblaze of the
+      world, what are these sentiments so high, so vehement, so ennobling? They
+      vanish, and in an instant, before the glance of a woman!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby had scarcely quitted her side the preceding eve. He hung upon
+      the accents of that clear sweet voice, and sought, with tremulous
+      fascination, the gleaming splendour of those soft dark eyes. And now he
+      sat in his chamber, with his eyes fixed on vacancy. All thoughts and
+      feelings, pursuits, desires, life, merge in one absorbing sentiment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It is impossible to exist without seeing her again, and instantly. He had
+      requested and gained permission to call on Lady Wallinger; he would not
+      lose a moment in availing himself of it. As early as was tolerably
+      decorous, and before, in all probability, they could quit their hotel,
+      Coningsby repaired to the Rue de Rivoli to pay his respects to his new
+      friends.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As he walked along, he indulged in fanciful speculations which connected
+      Edith and the mysterious portrait of his mother. He felt himself, as it
+      were, near the fulfilment of some fate, and on the threshold of some
+      critical discovery. He recalled the impatient, even alarmed, expressions
+      of Rigby at Montem six years ago, when he proposed to invite young
+      Millbank to his grandfather&rsquo;s dinner; the vindictive feud that existed
+      between the two families, and for which political opinion, or even party
+      passion, could not satisfactorily account; and he reasoned himself into a
+      conviction, that the solution of many perplexities was at hand, and that
+      all would be consummated to the satisfaction of every one, by his
+      unexpected but inevitable agency.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby found Sir Joseph alone. The worthy Baronet was at any rate no
+      participator in Mr. Millbank&rsquo;s vindictive feelings against Lord Monmouth.
+      On the contrary, he had a very high respect for a Marquess, whatever might
+      be his opinions, and no mean consideration for a Marquess&rsquo; grandson.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sir Joseph had inherited a large fortune made by commerce, and had
+      increased it by the same means. He was a middle-class Whig, had faithfully
+      supported that party in his native town during the days they wandered in
+      the wilderness, and had well earned his share of the milk and honey when
+      they had vanquished the promised land. In the springtide of Liberalism,
+      when the world was not analytical of free opinions, and odious
+      distinctions were not drawn between Finality men and progressive
+      Reformers, Mr. Wallinger had been the popular leader of a powerful body of
+      his fellow-citizens, who had returned him to the first Reformed
+      Parliament, and where, in spite of many a menacing registration, he had
+      contrived to remain. He had never given a Radical vote without the
+      permission of the Secretary of the Treasury, and was not afraid of giving
+      an unpopular one to serve his friends. He was not like that distinguished
+      Liberal, who, after dining with the late Whig Premier, expressed his
+      gratification and his gratitude, by assuring his Lordship that he might
+      count on his support on all popular questions.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I want men who will support the government on all unpopular questions,&rsquo;
+      replied the witty statesman.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Wallinger was one of these men. His high character and strong purse
+      were always in the front rank in the hour of danger. His support in the
+      House was limited to his votes; but in other places equally important, at
+      a meeting at a political club, or in Downing Street, he could find his
+      tongue, take what is called a &lsquo;practical&rsquo; view of a question, adopt what
+      is called an &lsquo;independent tone,&rsquo; reanimate confidence in ministers, check
+      mutiny, and set a bright and bold example to the wavering. A man of his
+      property, and high character, and sound views, so practical and so
+      independent, this was evidently the block from which a Baronet should be
+      cut, and in due time he figured Sir Joseph.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A Spanish gentleman of ample means, and of a good Catalan family, flying
+      during a political convulsion to England, arrived with his two daughters
+      at Liverpool, and bore letters of introduction to the house of Wallinger.
+      Some little time after this, by one of those stormy vicissitudes of
+      political fortune, of late years not unusual in the Peninsula, he returned
+      to his native country, and left his children, and the management of that
+      portion of his fortune that he had succeeded in bringing with him, under
+      the guardianship of the father of the present Sir Joseph. This gentleman
+      was about again to become an exile, when he met with an untimely end in
+      one of those terrible tumults of which Barcelona is the frequent scene.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The younger Wallinger was touched by the charms of one of his father&rsquo;s
+      wards. Her beauty of a character to which he was unaccustomed, her
+      accomplishments of society, and the refinement of her manners, conspicuous
+      in the circle in which he lived, captivated him; and though they had no
+      heir, the union had been one of great felicity. Sir Joseph was proud of
+      his wife; he secretly considered himself, though his &lsquo;tone&rsquo; was as liberal
+      and independent as in old days, to be on the threshold of aristocracy, and
+      was conscious that Lady Wallinger played her part not unworthily in the
+      elevated circles in which they now frequently found themselves. Sir Joseph
+      was fond of great people, and not averse to travel; because, bearing a
+      title, and being a member of the British Parliament, and always moving
+      with the appendages of wealth, servants, carriages, and couriers, and
+      fortified with no lack of letters from the Foreign Office, he was
+      everywhere acknowledged, and received, and treated as a personage; was
+      invited to court-balls, dined with ambassadors, and found himself and his
+      lady at every festival of distinction.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The elder Millbank had been Joseph Wallinger&rsquo;s youthful friend. Different
+      as were their dispositions and the rate of their abilities, their
+      political opinions were the same; and commerce habitually connected their
+      interests. During a visit to Liverpool, Millbank had made the acquaintance
+      of the sister of Lady Wallinger, and had been a successful suitor for her
+      hand. This lady was the mother of Edith and of the schoolfellow of
+      Coningsby. It was only within a very few years that she had died; she had
+      scarcely lived long enough to complete the education of her daughter, to
+      whom she was devoted, and on whom she lavished the many accomplishments
+      that she possessed. Lady Wallinger having no children, and being very fond
+      of her niece, had watched over Edith with infinite solicitude, and finally
+      had persuaded Mr. Millbank, that it would be well that his daughter should
+      accompany them in their somewhat extensive travels. It was not, therefore,
+      only that nature had developed a beautiful woman out of a bashful girl
+      since Coningsby&rsquo;s visit to Millbank; but really, every means and every
+      opportunity that could contribute to render an individual capable of
+      adorning the most accomplished circles of life, had naturally, and without
+      effort, fallen to the fortunate lot of the manufacturer&rsquo;s daughter. Edith
+      possessed an intelligence equal to those occasions. Without losing the
+      native simplicity of her character, which sprang from the heart, and which
+      the strong and original bent of her father&rsquo;s mind had fostered, she had
+      imbibed all the refinement and facility of the polished circles in which
+      she moved. She had a clear head, a fine taste, and a generous spirit; had
+      received so much admiration, that, though by no means insensible to
+      homage, her heart was free; was strongly attached to her family; and,
+      notwithstanding all the splendour of Rome, and the brilliancy of Paris,
+      her thoughts were often in her Saxon valley, amid the green hills and busy
+      factories of Millbank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sir Joseph, finding himself alone with the grandson of Lord Monmouth, was
+      not very anxious that the ladies should immediately appear. He thought
+      this a good opportunity of getting at what are called &lsquo;the real feelings
+      of the Tory party;&rsquo; and he began to pump with a seductive semblance of
+      frankness. For his part, he had never doubted that a Conservative
+      government was ultimately inevitable; had told Lord John so two years ago,
+      and, between themselves, Lord John was of the same opinion. The present
+      position of the Whigs was the necessary fate of all progressive parties;
+      could not see exactly how it would end; thought sometimes it must end in a
+      fusion of parties; but could not well see how that could be brought about,
+      at least at present. For his part, should be happy to witness an union of
+      the best men of all parties, for the preservation of peace and order,
+      without any reference to any particular opinions. And, in that sense of
+      the word, it was not at all impossible he might find it his duty some day
+      to support a Conservative government.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sir Joseph was much astonished when Coningsby, who being somewhat
+      impatient for the entrance of the ladies was rather more abrupt than his
+      wont, told the worthy Baronet that he looked, upon a government without
+      distinct principles of policy as only a stop-gap to a wide-spread and
+      demoralising anarchy; that he for one could not comprehend how a free
+      government could endure without national opinions to uphold it; and that
+      governments for the preservation of peace and order, and nothing else, had
+      better be sought in China, or among the Austrians, the Chinese of Europe.
+      As for Conservative government, the natural question was, What do you mean
+      to conserve? Do you mean to conserve things or only names, realities or
+      merely appearances? Or, do you mean to continue the system commenced in
+      1834, and, with a hypocritical reverence for the principles, and a
+      superstitious adhesion to the forms, of the old exclusive constitution,
+      carry on your policy by latitudinarian practice?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sir Joseph stared; it was the first time that any inkling of the views of
+      the New Generation had caught his ear. They were strange and unaccustomed
+      accents. He was extremely perplexed; could by no means make out what his
+      companion was driving at; at length, with a rather knowing smile,
+      expressive as much of compassion as comprehension, he remarked,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! I see; you are a regular Orangeman.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I look upon an Orangeman,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;as a pure Whig; the only
+      professor and practiser of unadulterated Whiggism.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This was too much for Sir Joseph, whose political knowledge did not reach
+      much further back than the ministry of the Mediocrities; hardly touched
+      the times of the Corresponding Society. But he was a cautious man, and
+      never replied in haste. He was about feeling his way, when he experienced
+      the golden advantage of gaining time, for the ladies entered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The heart of Coningsby throbbed as Edith appeared. She extended to him her
+      hand; her face radiant with kind expression. Lady Wallinger seemed
+      gratified also by his visit. She had much elegance in her manner; a calm,
+      soft address; and she spoke English with a sweet Doric irregularity. They
+      all sat down, talked of the last night&rsquo;s ball, of a thousand things. There
+      was something animating in the frank, cheerful spirit of Edith. She had a
+      quick eye both for the beautiful and the ridiculous, and threw out her
+      observations in terse and vivid phrases. An hour, and more than an hour,
+      passed away, and Coningsby still found some excuse not to depart. It
+      seemed that on this morning they were about to make an expedition into the
+      antique city of Paris, to visit some old hotels which retained their
+      character; especially they had heard much of the hotel of the Archbishop
+      of Sens, with its fortified courtyard. Coningsby expressed great interest
+      in the subject, and showed some knowledge. Sir Joseph invited him to join
+      the party, which of all things in the world was what he most desired.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0051" id="link2HCH0051"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER IV.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Not a day elapsed without Coningsby being in the company of Edith. Time
+      was precious for him, for the spires and pinnacles of Cambridge already
+      began to loom in the distance, and he resolved to make the most determined
+      efforts not to lose a day of his liberty. And yet to call every morning in
+      the Rue de Rivoli was an exploit which surpassed even the audacity of
+      love! More than once, making the attempt, his courage failed him, and he
+      turned into the gardens of the Tuileries, and only watched the windows of
+      the house. Circumstances, however, favoured him: he received a letter from
+      Oswald Millbank; he was bound to communicate in person this evidence of
+      his friend&rsquo;s existence; and when he had to reply to the letter, he must
+      necessarily inquire whether his friend&rsquo;s relatives had any message to
+      transmit to him. These, however, were only slight advantages. What
+      assisted Coningsby in his plans and wishes was the great pleasure which
+      Sidonia, with whom he passed a great deal of his time, took in the society
+      of the Wallingers and their niece. Sidonia presented Lady Wallinger with
+      his opera-box during her stay at Paris; invited them frequently to his
+      agreeable dinner-parties; and announced his determination to give a ball,
+      which Lady Wallinger esteemed a delicate attention to Edith; while Lady
+      Monmouth flattered herself that the festival sprang from the desire she
+      had expressed of seeing the celebrated hotel of Sidonia to advantage.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby was very happy. His morning visits to the Rue de Rivoli seemed
+      always welcome, and seldom an evening elapsed in which he did not find
+      himself in the society of Edith. She seemed not to wish to conceal that
+      his presence gave her pleasure, and though she had many admirers, and had
+      an airy graciousness for all of them, Coningsby sometimes indulged the
+      exquisite suspicion that there was a flattering distinction in her
+      carriage to himself. Under the influence of these feelings, he began daily
+      to be more conscious that separation would be an intolerable calamity; he
+      began to meditate upon the feasibility of keeping a half term, and of
+      postponing his departure to Cambridge to a period nearer the time when
+      Edith would probably return to England.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the meanwhile, the Parisian world talked much of the grand fete which
+      was about to be given by Sidonia. Coningsby heard much of it one day when
+      dining at his grandfather&rsquo;s. Lady Monmouth seemed very intent on the
+      occasion. Even Lord Monmouth half talked of going, though, for his part,
+      he wished people would come to him, and never ask him to their houses.
+      That was his idea of society. He liked the world, but he liked to find it
+      under his own roof. He grudged them nothing, so that they would not insist
+      upon the reciprocity of cold-catching, and would eat his good dinners
+      instead of insisting on his eating their bad ones.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But Monsieur Sidonia&rsquo;s cook is a gem, they say,&rsquo; observed an Attaché of
+      an embassy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have no doubt of it; Sidonia is a man of sense, almost the only man of
+      sense I know. I never caught him tripping. He never makes a false move.
+      Sidonia is exactly the sort of man I like; you know you cannot deceive
+      him, and that he does not want to deceive you. I wish he liked a rubber
+      more. Then he would be perfect.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;They say he is going to be married,&rsquo; said the Attaché.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Poh!&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Married!&rsquo; exclaimed Lady Monmouth. &lsquo;To whom?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;To your beautiful countrywoman, &ldquo;la belle Anglaise,&rdquo; that all the world
+      talks of,&rsquo; said the Attaché.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And who may she be, pray?&rsquo; said the Marquess. &lsquo;I have so many beautiful
+      countrywomen.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Mademoiselle Millbank,&rsquo; said the Attaché.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Millbank!&rsquo; said the Marquess, with a lowering brow. &lsquo;There are so many
+      Millbanks. Do you know what Millbank this is, Harry?&rsquo; he inquired of his
+      grandson, who had listened to the conversation with a rather embarrassed
+      and even agitated spirit.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What, sir; yes, Millbank?&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I say, do you know who this Millbank is?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! Miss Millbank: yes, I believe, that is, I know a daughter of the
+      gentleman who purchased some property near you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! that fellow! Has he got a daughter here?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The most beautiful girl in Paris,&rsquo; said the Attaché.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Lady Monmouth, have you seen this beauty, that Sidonia is going to
+      marry?&rsquo; he added, with a fiendish laugh.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have seen the young lady,&rsquo; said Lady Monmouth; &lsquo;but I had not heard
+      that Monsieur Sidonia was about to marry her.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Is she so very beautiful?&rsquo; inquired another gentleman.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes,&rsquo; said Lady Monmouth, calm, but pale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Poh!&rsquo; said the Marquess again.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I assure you that it is a fact,&rsquo; said the Attaché, &lsquo;not at least an <i>on-dit</i>.
+      I have it from a quarter that could not well be mistaken.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Behold a little snatch of ordinary dinner gossip that left a very painful
+      impression on the minds of three individuals who were present.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The name of Millbank revived in Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s mind a sense of defeat,
+      discomfiture, and disgust; Hellingsley, lost elections, and Mr. Rigby;
+      three subjects which Lord Monmouth had succeeded for a time in expelling
+      from his sensations. His lordship thought that, in all probability, this
+      beauty of whom they spoke so highly was not really the daughter of his
+      foe; that it was some confusion which had arisen from the similarity of
+      names: nor did he believe that Sidonia was going to marry her, whoever she
+      might be; but a variety of things had been said at dinner, and a number of
+      images had been raised in his mind that touched his spleen. He took his
+      wine freely, and, the usual consequence of that proceeding with Lord
+      Monmouth, became silent and sullen. As for Lady Monmouth, she had learnt
+      that Sidonia, whatever might be the result, was paying very marked
+      attention to another woman, for whom undoubtedly he was giving that very
+      ball which she had flattered herself was a homage to her wishes, and for
+      which she had projected a new dress of eclipsing splendour.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby felt quite sure that the story of Sidonia&rsquo;s marriage with Edith
+      was the most ridiculous idea that ever entered into the imagination of
+      man; at least he thought he felt quite sure. But the idlest and wildest
+      report that the woman you love is about to marry another is not
+      comfortable. Besides, he could not conceal from himself that, between the
+      Wallingers and Sidonia there existed a remarkable intimacy, fully extended
+      to their niece. He had seen her certainly on more than one occasion in
+      lengthened and apparently earnest conversation with Sidonia, who,
+      by-the-bye, spoke with her often in Spanish, and never concealed his
+      admiration of her charms or the interest he found in her society. And
+      Edith; what, after all, had passed between Edith and himself which should
+      at all gainsay this report, which he had been particularly assured was not
+      a mere report, but came from a quarter that could not well be mistaken?
+      She had received him with kindness. And how should she receive one who was
+      the friend and preserver of her only brother, and apparently the intimate
+      and cherished acquaintance of her future husband? Coningsby felt that
+      sickness of the heart that accompanies one&rsquo;s first misfortune. The
+      illusions of life seemed to dissipate and disappear. He was miserable; he
+      had no confidence in himself, in his future. After all, what was he? A
+      dependent on a man of very resolute will and passions. Could he forget the
+      glance with which Lord Monmouth caught the name of Millbank, and received
+      the intimation of Hellingsley? It was a glance for a Spagnoletto or a
+      Caravaggio to catch and immortalise. Why, if Edith were not going to marry
+      Sidonia, how was he ever to marry her, even if she cared for him? Oh! what
+      a future of unbroken, continuous, interminable misery awaited him! Was
+      there ever yet born a being with a destiny so dark and dismal? He was the
+      most forlorn of men, utterly wretched! He had entirely mistaken his own
+      character. He had no energy, no abilities, not a single eminent quality.
+      All was over!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0052" id="link2HCH0052"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER V.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      It was fated that Lady Monmouth should not be present at that ball, the
+      anticipation of which had occasioned her so much pleasure and some pangs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On the morning after that slight conversation, which had so disturbed the
+      souls, though unconsciously to each other, of herself and Coningsby, the
+      Marquess was driving Lucretia up the avenue Marigny in his phaeton. About
+      the centre of the avenue the horses took fright, and started off at a wild
+      pace. The Marquess was an experienced whip, calm, and with exertion still
+      very powerful. He would have soon mastered the horses, had not one of the
+      reins unhappily broken. The horses swerved; the Marquess kept his seat;
+      Lucretia, alarmed, sprang up, the carriage was dashed against the trunk of
+      a tree, and she was thrown out of it, at the very instant that one of the
+      outriders had succeeded in heading the equipage and checking the horses.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Marchioness was senseless. Lord Monmouth had descended from the
+      phaeton; several passengers had assembled; the door of a contiguous house
+      was opened; there were offers of service, sympathy, inquiries, a babble of
+      tongues, great confusion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Get surgeons and send for her maid,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth to one of his
+      servants.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the midst of this distressing tumult, Sidonia, on horseback, followed
+      by a groom, came up the avenue from the Champs Elysées. The empty phaeton,
+      reins broken, horses held by strangers, all the appearances of a
+      misadventure, attracted him. He recognised the livery. He instantly
+      dismounted. Moving aside the crowd, he perceived Lady Monmouth senseless
+      and prostrate, and her husband, without assistance, restraining the
+      injudicious efforts of the bystanders.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Let us carry her in, Lord Monmouth,&rsquo; said Sidonia, exchanging a
+      recognition as he took Lucretia in his arms, and bore her into the
+      dwelling that was at hand. Those who were standing at the door assisted
+      him. The woman of the house and Lord Monmouth only were present.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I would hope there is no fracture,&rsquo; said Sidonia, placing her on a sofa,
+      &lsquo;nor does it appear to me that the percussion of the head, though
+      considerable, could have been fatally violent. I have caught her pulse.
+      Keep her in a horizontal position, and she will soon come to herself.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Marquess seated himself in a chair by the side of the sofa, which
+      Sidonia had advanced to the middle of the room. Lord Monmouth was silent
+      and very serious. Sidonia opened the window, and touched the brow of
+      Lucretia with water. At this moment M. Villebecque and a surgeon entered
+      the chamber.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The brain cannot be affected, with that pulse,&rsquo; said the surgeon; &lsquo;there
+      is no fracture.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;How pale she is!&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth, as if he were examining a picture.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The colour seems to me to return,&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The surgeon applied some restoratives which he had brought with him. The
+      face of the Marchioness showed signs of life; she stirred.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;She revives,&rsquo; said the surgeon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Marchioness breathed with some force; again; then half-opened her
+      eyes, and then instantly closed them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If I could but get her to take this draught,&rsquo; said the surgeon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Stop! moisten her lips first,&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They placed the draught to her mouth; in a moment she put forth her hand
+      as if to repress them, then opened her eyes again, and sighed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;She is herself,&rsquo; said the surgeon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Lucretia!&rsquo; said the Marquess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Sidonia!&rsquo; said the Marchioness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth looked round to invite his friend to come forward.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Lady Monmouth!&rsquo; said Sidonia, in a gentle voice.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She started, rose a little on the sofa, stared around her. &lsquo;Where am I?&rsquo;
+      she exclaimed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;With me,&rsquo; said the Marquess; and he bent forward to her, and took her
+      hand.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Sidonia!&rsquo; she again exclaimed, in a voice of inquiry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Is here,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth. &lsquo;He carried you in after our accident.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Accident! Why is he going to marry?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Marquess took a pinch of snuff.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was an awkward pause in the chamber.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think now,&rsquo; said Sidonia to the surgeon, &lsquo;that Lady Monmouth would take
+      the draught.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She refused it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Try you, Sidonia,&rsquo; said the Marquess, rather dryly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You feel yourself again?&rsquo; said Sidonia, advancing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Would I did not!&rsquo; said the Marchioness, with an air of stupor. &lsquo;What has
+      happened? Why am I here? Are you married?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;She wanders a little,&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Marquess took another pinch of snuff.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I could have borne even repulsion,&rsquo; said Lady Monmouth, in a voice of
+      desolation, &lsquo;but not for another!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;M. Villebecque!&rsquo; said the Marquess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My Lord?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth looked at him with that irresistible scrutiny which would
+      daunt a galley-slave; and then, after a short pause, said, &lsquo;The carriage
+      should have arrived by this time. Let us get home.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0053" id="link2HCH0053"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VI.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      After the conversation at dinner which we have noticed, the restless and
+      disquieted Coningsby wandered about Paris, vainly seeking in the
+      distraction of a great city some relief from the excitement of his mind.
+      His first resolution was immediately to depart for England; but when, on
+      reflection, he was mindful that, after all, the assertion which had so
+      agitated him might really be without foundation, in spite of many
+      circumstances that to his regardful fancy seemed to accredit it, his firm
+      resolution began to waver.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These were the first pangs of jealousy that Coningsby had ever
+      experienced, and they revealed to him the immensity of the stake which he
+      was hazarding on a most uncertain die.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The next morning he called in the Rue Rivoli, and was informed that the
+      family were not at home. He was returning under the arcades, towards the
+      Rue St. Florentin, when Sidonia passed him in an opposite direction, on
+      horseback, and at a rapid rate. Coningsby, who was not observed by him,
+      could not resist a strange temptation to watch for a moment his progress.
+      He saw him enter the court of the hotel where the Wallinger family were
+      staying. Would he come forth immediately? No. Coningsby stood still and
+      pale. Minute followed minute. Coningsby flattered himself that Sidonia was
+      only speaking to the porter. Then he would fain believe Sidonia was
+      writing a note. Then, crossing the street, he mounted by some steps the
+      terrace of the Tuileries, nearly opposite the Hotel of the Minister of
+      Finance, and watched the house. A quarter of an hour elapsed; Sidonia did
+      not come forth. They were at home to him; only to him. Sick at heart,
+      infinitely wretched, scarcely able to guide his steps, dreading even to
+      meet an acquaintance, and almost feeling that his tongue would refuse the
+      office of conversation, he contrived to reach his grandfather&rsquo;s hotel, and
+      was about to bury himself in his chamber, when on the staircase he met
+      Flora.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby had not seen her for the last fortnight. Seeing her now, his
+      heart smote him for his neglect, excusable as it really was. Any one else
+      at this time he would have hurried by without a recognition, but the
+      gentle and suffering Flora was too meek to be rudely treated by so kind a
+      heart as Coningsby&rsquo;s.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He looked at her; she was pale and agitated. Her step trembled, while she
+      still hastened on.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What is the matter?&rsquo; inquired Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My Lord, the Marchioness, are in danger, thrown from their carriage.&rsquo;
+      Briefly she detailed to Coningsby all that had occurred; that M.
+      Villebecque had already repaired to them; that she herself only this
+      moment had learned the intelligence that seemed to agitate her to the
+      centre. Coningsby instantly turned with her; but they had scarcely emerged
+      from the courtyard when the carriage approached that brought Lord and Lady
+      Monmouth home. They followed it into the court. They were immediately at
+      its door.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;All is right, Harry,&rsquo; said the Marquess, calm and grave.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby pressed his grandfather&rsquo;s hand. Then he assisted Lucretia to
+      alight.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am quite well,&rsquo; she said, &lsquo;now.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But you must lean on me, dearest Lady Monmouth,&rsquo; Coningsby said in a tone
+      of tenderness, as he felt Lucretia almost sinking from him. And he
+      supported her into the hall of the hotel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth had lingered behind. Flora crept up to him, and with
+      unwonted boldness offered her arm to the Marquess. He looked at her with a
+      glance of surprise, and then a softer expression, one indeed of an almost
+      winning sweetness, which, though rare, was not a stranger to his
+      countenance, melted his features, and taking the arm so humbly presented,
+      he said,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ma Petite, you look more frightened than any of us. Poor child!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He had reached the top of the flight of steps; he withdrew his arm from
+      Flora, and thanked her with all his courtesy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You are not hurt, then, sir?&rsquo; she ventured to ask with a look that
+      expressed the infinite solicitude which her tongue did not venture to
+      convey.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By no means, my good little girl;&rsquo; and he extended his hand to her, which
+      she reverently bent over and embraced.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0054" id="link2HCH0054"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      When Coningsby had returned to his grandfather&rsquo;s hotel that morning, it
+      was with a determination to leave Paris the next day for England; but the
+      accident to Lady Monmouth, though, as it ultimately appeared, accompanied
+      by no very serious consequences, quite dissipated this intention. It was
+      impossible to quit them so crudely at such a moment. So he remained
+      another day, and that was the day preceding Sidonia&rsquo;s fête, which he
+      particularly resolved not to attend. He felt it quite impossible that he
+      could again endure the sight of either Sidonia or Edith. He looked upon
+      them as persons who had deeply injured him; though they really were
+      individuals who had treated him with invariable kindness. But he felt
+      their existence was a source of mortification and misery to him. With
+      these feelings, sauntering away the last hours at Paris, disquieted,
+      uneasy; no present, no future; no enjoyment, no hope; really, positively,
+      undeniably unhappy; unhappy too for the first time in his life; the first
+      unhappiness; what a companion piece for the first love! Coningsby, of all
+      places in the world, in the gardens of the Luxembourg, encountered Sir
+      Joseph Wallinger and Edith.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To avoid them was impossible; they met face to face; and Sir Joseph
+      stopped, and immediately reminded him that it was three days since they
+      had seen him, as if to reproach him for so unprecedented a neglect. And it
+      seemed that Edith, though she said not as much, felt the same. And
+      Coningsby turned round and walked with them. He told them he was going to
+      leave Paris on the morrow.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And miss Monsieur de Sidonia&rsquo;s fête, of which we have all talked so
+      much!&rsquo; said Edith, with unaffected surprise, and an expression of
+      disappointment which she in vain attempted to conceal.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The festival will not be less gay for my absence,&rsquo; said Coningsby, with
+      that plaintive moroseness not unusual to despairing lovers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If we were all to argue from the same premises, and act accordingly,&rsquo;
+      said Edith, &lsquo;the saloons would be empty. But if any person&rsquo;s absence would
+      be remarked, I should really have thought it would be yours. I thought you
+      were one of Monsieur de Sidonia&rsquo;s great friends?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He has no friends,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;No wise man has. What are friends?
+      Traitors.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Edith looked much astonished. And then she said,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sure you have not quarrelled with Monsieur de Sidonia, for we have
+      just parted with him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have no doubt you have,&rsquo; thought Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And it is impossible to speak of another in higher terms than he spoke of
+      you.&rsquo; Sir Joseph observed how unusual it was for Monsieur de Sidonia to
+      express himself so warmly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Sidonia is a great man, and carries everything before him,&rsquo; said
+      Coningsby. &lsquo;I am nothing; I cannot cope with him; I retire from the
+      field.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What field?&rsquo; inquired Sir Joseph, who did not clearly catch the drift of
+      these observations. &lsquo;It appears to me that a field for action is exactly
+      what Sidonia wants. There is no vent for his abilities and intelligence.
+      He wastes his energy in travelling from capital to capital like a King&rsquo;s
+      messenger. The morning after his fête he is going to Madrid.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This brought some reference to their mutual movements. Edith spoke of her
+      return to Lancashire, of her hope that Mr. Coningsby would soon see
+      Oswald; but Mr. Coningsby informed her that though he was going to leave
+      Paris, he had no intention of returning to England; that he had not yet
+      quite made up his mind whither he should go; but thought that he should
+      travel direct to St. Petersburg. He wished to travel overland to
+      Astrachan. That was the place he was particularly anxious to visit.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After this incomprehensible announcement, they walked on for some minutes
+      in silence, broken only by occasional monosyllables, with which Coningsby
+      responded at hazard to the sound remarks of Sir Joseph. As they approached
+      the Palace a party of English who were visiting the Chamber of Peers, and
+      who were acquainted with the companions of Coningsby, encountered them.
+      Amid the mutual recognitions, Coningsby, was about to take his leave
+      somewhat ceremoniously, but Edith held forth her hand, and said,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Is this indeed farewell?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His heart was agitated, his countenance changed; he retained her hand amid
+      the chattering tourists, too full of their criticisms and their
+      egotistical commonplaces to notice what was passing. A sentimental
+      ebullition seemed to be on the point of taking place. Their eyes met. The
+      look of Edith was mournful and inquiring.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We will say farewell at the ball,&rsquo; said Coningsby, and she rewarded him
+      with a radiant smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0055" id="link2HCH0055"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VIII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Sidonia lived in the Faubourg St. Germain, in a large hotel that, in old
+      days, had belonged to the Crillons; but it had received at his hands such
+      extensive alterations, that nothing of the original decoration, and little
+      of its arrangement, remained.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A flight of marble steps, ascending from a vast court, led into a hall of
+      great dimensions, which was at the same time an orangery and a gallery of
+      sculpture. It was illumined by a distinct, yet soft and subdued light,
+      which harmonised with the beautiful repose of the surrounding forms, and
+      with the exotic perfume that was wafted about. A gallery led from this
+      hall to an inner hall of quite a different character; fantastic,
+      glittering, variegated; full of strange shapes and dazzling objects.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The roof was carved and gilt in that honeycomb style prevalent in the
+      Saracenic buildings; the walls were hung with leather stamped in rich and
+      vivid patterns; the floor was a flood of mosaic; about were statues of
+      negroes of human size with faces of wild expression, and holding in their
+      outstretched hands silver torches that blazed with an almost painful
+      brilliancy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      From this inner hall a double staircase of white marble led to the grand
+      suite of apartments.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These saloons, lofty, spacious, and numerous, had been decorated
+      principally in encaustic by the most celebrated artists of Munich. The
+      three principal rooms were only separated from each other by columns,
+      covered with rich hangings, on this night drawn aside. The decoration of
+      each chamber was appropriate to its purpose. On the walls of the ball-room
+      nymphs and heroes moved in measure in Sicilian landscapes, or on the azure
+      shores of Aegean waters. From the ceiling beautiful divinities threw
+      garlands on the guests, who seemed surprised that the roses, unwilling to
+      quit Olympus, would not descend on earth. The general effect of this fair
+      chamber was heightened, too, by that regulation of the house which did not
+      permit any benches in the ball-room. That dignified assemblage who are
+      always found ranged in precise discipline against the wall, did not here
+      mar the flowing grace of the festivity. The chaperons had no cause to
+      complain. A large saloon abounded in ottomans and easy chairs at their
+      service, where their delicate charges might rest when weary, or find
+      distraction when not engaged.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All the world were at this fête of Sidonia. It exceeded in splendour and
+      luxury every entertainment that had yet been given. The highest rank, even
+      Princes of the blood, beauty, fashion, fame, all assembled in a
+      magnificent and illuminated palace, resounding with exquisite melody.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby, though somewhat depressed, was not insensible to the magic of
+      the scene. Since the passage in the gardens of the Luxembourg, that tone,
+      that glance, he had certainly felt much relieved, happier. And yet if all
+      were, with regard to Sidonia, as unfounded as he could possibly desire,
+      where was he then? Had he forgotten his grandfather, that fell look, that
+      voice of intense detestation? What was Millbank to him? Where, what was
+      the mystery? for of some he could not doubt. The Spanish parentage of
+      Edith had only more perplexed Coningsby. It offered no solution. There
+      could be no connection between a Catalan family and his mother, the
+      daughter of a clergyman in a midland county. That there was any
+      relationship between the Millbank family and his mother was contradicted
+      by the conviction in which he had been brought up, that his mother had no
+      relations; that she returned to England utterly friendless; without a
+      relative, a connection, an acquaintance to whom she could appeal. Her
+      complete forlornness was stamped upon his brain. Tender as were his years
+      when he was separated from her, he could yet recall the very phrases in
+      which she deplored her isolation; and there were numerous passages in her
+      letters which alluded to it. Coningsby had taken occasion to sound the
+      Wallingers on this subject; but he felt assured, from the manner in which
+      his advances were met, that they knew nothing of his mother, and
+      attributed the hostility of Mr. Millbank to his grandfather, solely to
+      political emulation and local rivalries. Still there were the portrait and
+      the miniature. That was a fact; a clue which ultimately, he was persuaded,
+      must lead to some solution.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby had met with great social success at Paris. He was at once a
+      favourite. The Parisian dames decided in his favour. He was a specimen of
+      the highest style of English beauty, which is popular in France. His air
+      was acknowledged as distinguished. The men also liked him; he had not
+      quite arrived at that age when you make enemies. The moment, therefore,
+      that he found himself in the saloons of Sidonia, he was accosted by many
+      whose notice was flattering; but his eye wandered, while he tried to be
+      courteous and attempted to be sprightly. Where was she? He had nearly
+      reached the ball-room when he met her. She was on the arm of Lord
+      Beaumanoir, who had made her acquaintance at Rome, and originally claimed
+      it as the member of a family who, as the reader may perhaps not forget,
+      had experienced some kindnesses from the Millbanks.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There were mutual and hearty recognitions between the young men; great
+      explanations where they had been, what they were doing, where they were
+      going. Lord Beaumanoir told Coningsby he had introduced steeple-chases at
+      Rome, and had parted with Sunbeam to the nephew of a Cardinal. Coningsby
+      securing Edith&rsquo;s hand for the next dance, they all moved on together to
+      her aunt.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lady Wallinger was indulging in some Roman reminiscences with the
+      Marquess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And you are not going to Astrachan to-morrow?&rsquo; said Edith.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Not to-morrow,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You know that you said once that life was too stirring in these days to
+      permit travel to a man?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wish nothing was stirring,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;I wish nothing to change.
+      All that I wish is, that this fête should never end.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Is it possible that you can be capricious? You perplex me very much.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Am I capricious because I dislike change?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But Astrachan?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It was the air of the Luxembourg that reminded me of the Desert,&rsquo; said
+      Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Soon after this Coningsby led Edith to the dance. It was at a ball that he
+      had first met her at Paris, and this led to other reminiscences; all most
+      interesting. Coningsby was perfectly happy. All mysteries, all
+      difficulties, were driven from his recollection; he lived only in the
+      exciting and enjoyable present. Twenty-one and in love!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Some time after this, Coningsby, who was inevitably separated from Edith,
+      met his host.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Where have you been, child,&rsquo; said Sidonia, &lsquo;that I have not seen you for
+      some days? I am going to Madrid tomorrow.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And I must think, I suppose, of Cambridge.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, you have seen something; you will find it more profitable when you
+      have digested it: and you will have opportunity. That&rsquo;s the true spring of
+      wisdom: meditate over the past. Adventure and Contemplation share our
+      being like day and night.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The resolute departure for England on the morrow had already changed into
+      a supposed necessity of thinking of returning to Cambridge. In fact,
+      Coningsby felt that to quit Paris and Edith was an impossibility. He
+      silenced the remonstrance of his conscience by the expedient of keeping a
+      half-term, and had no difficulty in persuading himself that a short delay
+      in taking his degree could not really be of the slightest consequence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was the hour for supper. The guests at a French ball are not seen to
+      advantage at this period. The custom of separating the sexes for this
+      refreshment, and arranging that the ladies should partake of it by
+      themselves, though originally founded in a feeling of consideration and
+      gallantry, and with the determination to secure, under all circumstances,
+      the convenience and comfort of the fair sex, is really, in its appearance
+      and its consequences, anything but European, and produces a scene which
+      rather reminds one of the harem of a sultan than a hall of chivalry. To
+      judge from the countenances of the favoured fair, they are not themselves
+      particularly pleased; and when their repast is over they necessarily
+      return to empty halls, and are deprived of the dance at the very moment
+      when they may feel most inclined to participate in its graceful
+      excitement.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These somewhat ungracious circumstances, however, were not attendant on
+      the festival of this night. There was opened in the Hotel of Sidonia for
+      the first time a banqueting-room which could contain with convenience all
+      the guests. It was a vast chamber of white marble, the golden panels of
+      the walls containing festive sculptures by Schwanthaler, relieved by
+      encaustic tinting. In its centre was a fountain, a group of Bacchantes
+      encircling Dionysos; and from this fountain, as from a star, diverged the
+      various tables from which sprang orange-trees in fruit and flower.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The banquet had but one fault; Coningsby was separated from Edith. The
+      Duchess of Grand Cairo, the beautiful wife of the heir of one of the
+      Imperial illustrations, had determined to appropriate Coningsby as her
+      cavalier for the moment. Distracted, he made his escape; but his wandering
+      eye could not find the object of its search; and he fell prisoner to the
+      charming Princess de Petitpoix, a Carlist chieftain, whose witty words
+      avenged the cause of fallen dynasties and a cashiered nobility.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Behold a scene brilliant in fancy, magnificent in splendour! All the
+      circumstances of his life at this moment were such as acted forcibly on
+      the imagination of Coningsby. Separated from Edith, he had still the
+      delight of seeing her the paragon of that bright company, the consummate
+      being whom he adored! and who had spoken to him in a voice sweeter than a
+      serenade, and had bestowed on him a glance softer than moonlight! The lord
+      of the palace, more distinguished even for his capacity than his boundless
+      treasure, was his chosen friend; gained under circumstances of romantic
+      interest, when the reciprocal influence of their personal qualities was
+      affected by no accessory knowledge of their worldly positions. He himself
+      was in the very bloom of youth and health; the child of a noble house,
+      rich for his present wants, and with a future of considerable fortunes.
+      Entrancing love and dazzling friendship, a high ambition and the pride of
+      knowledge, the consciousness of a great prosperity, the vague, daring
+      energies of the high pulse of twenty-one, all combined to stimulate his
+      sense of existence, which, as he looked around him at the beautiful
+      objects and listened to the delicious sounds, seemed to him a dispensation
+      of almost supernatural ecstasy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      About an hour after this, the ball-room still full, but the other saloons
+      gradually emptying, Coningsby entered a chamber which seemed deserted. Yet
+      he heard sounds, as it were, of earnest conversation. It was the voice
+      that invited his progress; he advanced another step, then suddenly
+      stopped. There were two individuals in the room, by whom he was unnoticed.
+      They were Sidonia and Miss Millbank. They were sitting on a sofa, Sidonia
+      holding her hand and endeavouring, as it seemed, to soothe her. Her tones
+      were tremulous; but the expression of her face was fond and confiding. It
+      was all the work of a moment. Coningsby instantly withdrew, yet could not
+      escape hearing an earnest request from Edith to her companion that he
+      would write to her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In a few seconds Coningsby had quitted the hotel of Sidonia, and the next
+      day found him on his road to England.
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      END OF BOOK VI.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0066" id="link2H_4_0066"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      BOOK VII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0056" id="link2HCH0056"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER I.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      It was one of those gorgeous and enduring sunsets that seemed to linger as
+      if they wished to celebrate the mid-period of the year. Perhaps the
+      beautiful hour of impending twilight never exercises a more effective
+      influence on the soul than when it descends on the aspect of some distant
+      and splendid city. What a contrast between the serenity and repose of our
+      own bosoms and the fierce passions and destructive cares girt in the walls
+      of that multitude whose domes and towers rise in purple lustre against the
+      resplendent horizon!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And yet the disturbing emotions of existence and the bitter inheritance of
+      humanity should exercise but a modified sway, and entail but a light
+      burden, within the circle of the city into which the next scene of our
+      history leads us. For it is the sacred city of study, of learning, and of
+      faith; and the declining beam is resting on the dome of the Radcliffe,
+      lingering on the towers of Christchurch and Magdalen, sanctifying the
+      spires and pinnacles of holy St. Mary&rsquo;s.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A young Oxonian, who had for some time been watching the city in the
+      sunset, from a rising ground in its vicinity, lost, as it would seem, in
+      meditation, suddenly rose, and looking at his watch, as if remindful of
+      some engagement, hastened his return at a rapid pace. He reached the High
+      Street as the Blenheim light post coach dashed up to the Star Hotel, with
+      that brilliant precision which even the New Generation can remember, and
+      yet which already ranks among the traditions of English manners. A
+      peculiar and most animating spectacle used to be the arrival of a
+      firstrate light coach in a country town! The small machine, crowded with
+      so many passengers, the foaming and curvetting leaders, the wheelers more
+      steady and glossy, as if they had not done their ten miles in the hour,
+      the triumphant bugle of the guard, and the haughty routine with which the
+      driver, as he reached his goal, threw his whip to the obedient ostlers in
+      attendance; and, not least, the staring crowd, a little awestruck, and
+      looking for the moment at the lowest official of the stable with
+      considerable respect, altogether made a picture which one recollects with
+      cheerfulness, and misses now in many a dreary market-town.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Our Oxonian was a young man about the middle height, and naturally of a
+      thoughtful expression and rather reserved mien. The general character of
+      his countenance was, indeed, a little stern, but it broke into an almost
+      bewitching smile, and a blush suffused his face, as he sprang forward and
+      welcomed an individual about the same age, who had jumped off the
+      Blenheim.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, Coningsby!&rsquo; he exclaimed, extending both his hands.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By Jove! my dear Millbank, we have met at last,&rsquo; said his friend.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And here we must for a moment revert to what had occurred to Coningsby
+      since he so suddenly quitted Paris at the beginning of the year. The wound
+      he had received was deep to one unused to wounds. Yet, after all, none had
+      outraged his feelings, no one had betrayed his hopes. He had loved one who
+      had loved another. Misery, but scarcely humiliation. And yet &lsquo;tis a bitter
+      pang under any circumstances to find another preferred to yourself. It is
+      about the same blow as one would probably feel if falling from a balloon.
+      Your Icarian flight melts into a grovelling existence, scarcely superior
+      to that of a sponge or a coral, or redeemed only from utter insensibility
+      by your frank detestation of your rival. It is quite impossible to conceal
+      that Coningsby had imbibed for Sidonia a certain degree of aversion,
+      which, in these days of exaggerated phrase, might even be described as
+      hatred. And Edith was so beautiful! And there had seemed between them a
+      sympathy so native and spontaneous, creating at once the charm of intimacy
+      without any of the disenchanting attributes that are occasionally its
+      consequence. He would recall the tones of her voice, the expression of her
+      soft dark eye, the airy spirit and frank graciousness, sometimes even the
+      flattering blush, with which she had ever welcomed one of whom she had
+      heard so long and so kindly. It seemed, to use a sweet and homely phrase,
+      that they were made for each other; the circumstances of their mutual
+      destinies might have combined into one enchanting fate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And yet, had she accorded him that peerless boon, her heart, with what
+      aspect was he to communicate this consummation of all his hopes to his
+      grandfather, ask Lord Monmouth for his blessing, and the gracious favour
+      of an establishment for the daughter of his foe, of a man whose name was
+      never mentioned except to cloud his visage? Ah! what was that mystery that
+      connected the haughty house of Coningsby with the humble blood of the
+      Lancashire manufacturer? Why was the portrait of his mother beneath the
+      roof of Millbank? Coningsby had delicately touched upon the subject both
+      with Edith and the Wallingers, but the result of his inquiries only
+      involved the question in deeper gloom. Edith had none but maternal
+      relatives: more than once she had mentioned this, and the Wallingers, on
+      other occasions, had confirmed the remark. Coningsby had sometimes drawn
+      the conversation to pictures, and he would remind her with playfulness of
+      their first unconscious meeting in the gallery of the Rue Tronchet; then
+      he remembered that Mr. Millbank was fond of pictures; then he recollected
+      some specimens of Mr. Millbank&rsquo;s collection, and after touching on several
+      which could not excite suspicion, he came to &lsquo;a portrait, a portrait of a
+      lady; was it a portrait or an ideal countenance?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Edith thought she had heard it was a portrait, but she was by no means
+      certain, and most assuredly was quite unacquainted with the name of the
+      original, if there were an original.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby addressed himself to the point with Sir Joseph. He inquired of
+      the uncle explicitly whether he knew anything on the subject. Sir Joseph
+      was of opinion that it was something that Millbank had somewhere &lsquo;picked
+      up.&rsquo; Millbank used often to &lsquo;pick up&rsquo; pictures.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Disappointed in his love, Coningsby sought refuge in the excitement of
+      study, and in the brooding imagination of an aspiring spirit. The softness
+      of his heart seemed to have quitted him for ever. He recurred to his
+      habitual reveries of political greatness and public distinction. And as it
+      ever seemed to him that no preparation could be complete for the career
+      which he planned for himself, he devoted himself with increased ardour to
+      that digestion of knowledge which converts it into wisdom. His life at
+      Cambridge was now a life of seclusion. With the exception of a few Eton
+      friends, he avoided all society. And, indeed, his acquisitions during this
+      term were such as few have equalled, and could only have been mastered by
+      a mental discipline of a severe and exalted character. At the end of the
+      term Coningsby took his degree, and in a few days was about to quit that
+      university where, on the whole, he had passed three serene and happy years
+      in the society of fond and faithful friends, and in ennobling pursuits. He
+      had many plans for his impending movements, yet none of them very mature
+      ones. Lord Vere wished Coningsby to visit his family in the north, and
+      afterwards to go to Scotland together: Coningsby was more inclined to
+      travel for a year. Amid this hesitation a circumstance occurred which
+      decided him to adopt neither of these courses.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was Commencement, and coming out of the quadrangle of St. John&rsquo;s,
+      Coningsby came suddenly upon Sir Joseph and Lady Wallinger, who were
+      visiting the marvels and rarities of the university. They were alone.
+      Coningsby was a little embarrassed, for he could not forget the abrupt
+      manner in which he had parted from them; but they greeted him with so much
+      cordiality that he instantly recovered himself, and, turning, became their
+      companion. He hardly ventured to ask after Edith: at length, in a
+      depressed tone and a hesitating manner, he inquired whether they had
+      lately seen Miss Millbank. He was himself surprised at the extreme
+      light-heartedness which came over him the moment he heard she was in
+      England, at Millbank, with her family. He always very much liked Lady
+      Wallinger, but this morning he hung over her like a lover, lavished on her
+      unceasing and the most delicate attentions, seemed to exist only in the
+      idea of making the Wallingers enjoy and understand Cambridge; and no one
+      else was to be their guide at any place or under any circumstances. He
+      told them exactly what they were to see; how they were to see it; when
+      they were to see it. He told them of things which nobody did see, but
+      which they should. He insisted that Sir Joseph should dine with him in
+      hall; Sir Joseph could not think of leaving Lady Wallinger; Lady Wallinger
+      could not think of Sir Joseph missing an opportunity that might never
+      offer again. Besides, they might both join her after dinner. Except to
+      give her husband a dinner, Coningsby evidently intended never to leave her
+      side.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And the next morning, the occasion favourable, being alone with the lady,
+      Sir Joseph bustling about a carriage, Coningsby said suddenly, with a
+      countenance a little disturbed, and in a low voice, &lsquo;I was pleased, I mean
+      surprised, to hear that there was still a Miss Millbank; I thought by this
+      time she might have borne another name?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lady Wallinger looked at him with an expression of some perplexity, and
+      then said, &lsquo;Yes, Edith was much admired; but she need not be precipitate
+      in marrying. Marriage is for a woman <i>the</i> event. Edith is too
+      precious to be carelessly bestowed.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But I understood,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;when I left Paris,&rsquo; and here, he
+      became very confused, &lsquo;that Miss Millbank was engaged, on the point of
+      marriage.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;With whom?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Our friend Sidonia.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sure that Edith would never marry Monsieur de Sidonia, nor Monsieur
+      de Sidonia, Edith. &lsquo;Tis a preposterous idea!&rsquo; said Lady Wallinger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But he very much admired her?&rsquo; said Coningsby with a searching eye.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Possibly,&rsquo; said Lady Wallinger; &lsquo;but he never even intimated his
+      admiration.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But he was very attentive to Miss Millbank?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Not more than our intimate friendship authorised, and might expect.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have known Sidonia a long time?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It was Monsieur de Sidonia&rsquo;s father who introduced us to the care of Mr.
+      Wallinger,&rsquo; said Lady Wallinger, &lsquo;and therefore I have ever entertained
+      for his son a sincere regard. Besides, I look upon him as a compatriot.
+      Recently he has been even more than usually kind to us, especially to
+      Edith. While we were at Paris he recovered for her a great number of
+      jewels which had been left to her by her uncle in Spain; and, what she
+      prized infinitely more, the whole of her mother&rsquo;s correspondence which she
+      maintained with this relative since her marriage. Nothing but the
+      influence of Sidonia could have effected this. Therefore, of course, Edith
+      is attached to him almost as much as I am. In short, he is our dearest
+      friend; our counsellor in all our cares. But as for marrying him, the idea
+      is ridiculous to those who know Monsieur Sidonia. No earthly consideration
+      would ever induce him to impair that purity of race on which he prides
+      himself. Besides, there are other obvious objections which would render an
+      alliance between him and my niece utterly impossible: Edith is quite as
+      devoted to her religion as Monsieur Sidonia can be to his race.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A ray of light flashed on the brain of Coningsby as Lady Wallinger said
+      these words. The agitated interview, which never could be explained away,
+      already appeared in quite a different point of view. He became pensive,
+      remained silent, was relieved when Sir Joseph, whose return he had
+      hitherto deprecated, reappeared. Coningsby learnt in the course of the day
+      that the Wallingers were about to make, and immediately, a visit to
+      Hellingsley; their first visit; indeed, this was the first year that Mr.
+      Millbank had taken up his abode there. He did not much like the change of
+      life, Sir Joseph told Coningsby, but Edith was delighted with Hellingsley,
+      which Sir Joseph understood was a very distinguished place, with fine
+      gardens, of which his niece was particularly fond.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Coningsby returned to his rooms, those rooms which he was soon about
+      to quit for ever, in arranging some papers preparatory to his removal, his
+      eye lighted on a too-long unanswered letter of Oswald Millbank. Coningsby
+      had often projected a visit to Oxford, which he much desired to make, but
+      hitherto it had been impossible for him to effect it, except in the
+      absence of Millbank; and he had frequently postponed it that he might
+      combine his first visit to that famous seat of learning with one to his
+      old schoolfellow and friend. Now that was practicable. And immediately
+      Coningsby wrote to apprise Millbank that he had taken his degree, was
+      free, and prepared to pay him immediately the long-projected visit. Three
+      years and more had elapsed since they had quitted Eton. How much had
+      happened in the interval! What new ideas, new feelings, vast and novel
+      knowledge! Though they had not met, they were nevertheless familiar with
+      the progress and improvement of each other&rsquo;s minds. Their suggestive
+      correspondence was too valuable to both of them to have been otherwise
+      than cherished. And now they were to meet on the eve of entering that
+      world for which they had made so sedulous a preparation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0057" id="link2HCH0057"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER II.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      There are few things in life more interesting than an unrestrained
+      interchange of ideas with a congenial spirit, and there are few things
+      more rare. How very seldom do you encounter in the world a man of great
+      abilities, acquirements, experience, who will unmask his mind, unbutton
+      his brains, and pour forth in careless and picturesque phrase all the
+      results of his studies and observation; his knowledge of men, books, and
+      nature. On the contrary, if a man has by any chance what he conceives an
+      original idea, he hoards it as if it were old gold; and rather avoids the
+      subject with which he is most conversant, from fear that you may
+      appropriate his best thoughts. One of the principal causes of our renowned
+      dulness in conversation is our extreme intellectual jealousy. It must be
+      admitted that in this respect authors, but especially poets, bear the
+      palm. They never think they are sufficiently appreciated, and live in
+      tremor lest a brother should distinguish himself. Artists have the repute
+      of being nearly as bad. And as for a small rising politician, a clever
+      speech by a supposed rival or suspected candidate for office destroys his
+      appetite and disturbs his slumbers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One of the chief delights and benefits of travel is, that one is
+      perpetually meeting men of great abilities, of original mind, and rare
+      acquirements, who will converse without reserve. In these discourses the
+      intellect makes daring leaps and marvellous advances. The tone that
+      colours our afterlife is often caught in these chance colloquies, and the
+      bent given that shapes a career.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And yet perhaps there is no occasion when the heart is more open, the
+      brain more quick, the memory more rich and happy, or the tongue more
+      prompt and eloquent, than when two school-day friends, knit by every
+      sympathy of intelligence and affection, meet at the close of their college
+      careers, after a long separation, hesitating, as it were, on the verge of
+      active life, and compare together their conclusions of the interval;
+      impart to each other all their thoughts and secret plans and projects;
+      high fancies and noble aspirations; glorious visions of personal fame and
+      national regeneration.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Ah! why should such enthusiasm ever die! Life is too short to be little.
+      Man is never so manly as when he feels deeply, acts boldly, and expresses
+      himself with frankness and with fervour.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Most assuredly there never was a congress of friendship wherein more was
+      said and felt than in this meeting, so long projected, and yet perhaps on
+      the whole so happily procrastinated, between Coningsby and Millbank. In a
+      moment they seemed as if they had never parted. Their faithful
+      correspondence indeed had maintained the chain of sentiment unbroken. But
+      details are only for conversation. Each poured forth his mind without
+      stint. Not an author that had influenced their taste or judgment but was
+      canvassed and criticised; not a theory they had framed or a principle they
+      had adopted that was not confessed. Often, with boyish glee still
+      lingering with their earnest purpose, they shouted as they discovered that
+      they had formed the same opinion or adopted the same conclusion. They
+      talked all day and late into the night. They condensed into a week the
+      poignant conclusions of three years of almost unbroken study. And one
+      night, as they sat together in Millbank&rsquo;s rooms at Oriel, their
+      conversation having for some time taken a political colour, Millbank said,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Now tell me, Coningsby, exactly what you conceive to be the state of
+      parties in this country; for it seems to me that if we penetrate the
+      surface, the classification must be more simple than their many names
+      would intimate.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The principle of the exclusive constitution of England having been
+      conceded by the Acts of 1827-8-32,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;a party has arisen in
+      the State who demand that the principle of political liberalism shall
+      consequently be carried to its extent; which it appears to them is
+      impossible without getting rid of the fragments of the old constitution
+      that remain. This is the destructive party; a party with distinct and
+      intelligible principles. They seek a specific for the evils of our social
+      system in the general suffrage of the population.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;They are resisted by another party, who, having given up exclusion, would
+      only embrace as much liberalism as is necessary for the moment; who,
+      without any embarrassing promulgation of principles, wish to keep things
+      as they find them as long as they can, and then will manage them as they
+      find them as well as they can; but as a party must have the semblance of
+      principles, they take the names of the things that they have destroyed.
+      Thus they are devoted to the prerogatives of the Crown, although in truth
+      the Crown has been stripped of every one of its prerogatives; they affect
+      a great veneration for the constitution in Church and State, though every
+      one knows that the constitution in Church and State no longer exists; they
+      are ready to stand or fall with the &ldquo;independence of the Upper House of
+      Parliament&rdquo;, though, in practice, they are perfectly aware that, with
+      their sanction, &ldquo;the Upper House&rdquo; has abdicated its initiatory functions,
+      and now serves only as a court of review of the legislation of the House
+      of Commons. Whenever public opinion, which this party never attempts to
+      form, to educate, or to lead, falls into some violent perplexity, passion,
+      or caprice, this party yields without a struggle to the impulse, and, when
+      the storm has passed, attempts to obstruct and obviate the logical and,
+      ultimately, the inevitable results of the very measures they have
+      themselves originated, or to which they have consented. This is the
+      Conservative party.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I care not whether men are called Whigs or Tories, Radicals or Chartists,
+      or by what nickname a bustling and thoughtless race may designate
+      themselves; but these two divisions comprehend at present the English
+      nation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;With regard to the first school, I for one have no faith in the remedial
+      qualities of a government carried on by a neglected democracy, who, for
+      three centuries, have received no education. What prospect does it offer
+      us of those high principles of conduct with which we have fed our
+      imaginations and strengthened our will? I perceive none of the elements of
+      government that should secure the happiness of a people and the greatness
+      of a realm.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But in my opinion, if Democracy be combated only by Conservatism,
+      Democracy must triumph, and at no distant date. This, then, is our
+      position. The man who enters public life at this epoch has to choose
+      between Political Infidelity and a Destructive Creed.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;This, then,&rsquo; said Millbank, &lsquo;is the dilemma to which we are brought by
+      nearly two centuries of Parliamentary Monarchy and Parliamentary Church.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;&rsquo;Tis true,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;We cannot conceal it from ourselves, that
+      the first has made Government detested, and the second Religion
+      disbelieved.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Many men in this country,&rsquo; said Millbank, &lsquo;and especially in the class to
+      which I belong, are reconciled to the contemplation of democracy; because
+      they have accustomed themselves to believe, that it is the only power by
+      which we can sweep away those sectional privileges and interests that
+      impede the intelligence and industry of the community.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And yet,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;the only way to terminate what, in the
+      language of the present day, is called Class Legislation, is not to
+      entrust power to classes. You would find a Locofoco majority as much
+      addicted to Class Legislation as a factitious aristocracy. The only power
+      that has no class sympathy is the Sovereign.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But suppose the case of an arbitrary Sovereign, what would be your check
+      against him?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The same as against an arbitrary Parliament.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But a Parliament is responsible.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;To whom?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;To their constituent body.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Suppose it was to vote itself perpetual?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But public opinion would prevent that.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And is public opinion of less influence on an individual than on a body?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But public opinion may be indifferent. A nation may be misled, may be
+      corrupt.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If the nation that elects the Parliament be corrupt, the elected body
+      will resemble it. The nation that is corrupt deserves to fall. But this
+      only shows that there is something to be considered beyond forms of
+      government, national character. And herein mainly should we repose our
+      hopes. If a nation be led to aim at the good and the great, depend upon
+      it, whatever be its form, the government will respond to its convictions
+      and its sentiments.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Do you then declare against Parliamentary government.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Far from it: I look upon political change as the greatest of evils, for
+      it comprehends all. But if we have no faith in the permanence of the
+      existing settlement, if the very individuals who established it are, year
+      after year, proposing their modifications or their reconstructions; so
+      also, while we uphold what exists, ought we to prepare ourselves for the
+      change we deem impending?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Now I would not that either ourselves, or our fellow-citizens, should be
+      taken unawares as in 1832, when the very men who opposed the Reform Bill
+      offered contrary objections to it which destroyed each other, so ignorant
+      were they of its real character, its historical causes, its political
+      consequences. We should now so act that, when the occasions arrives, we
+      should clearly comprehend what we want, and have formed an opinion as to
+      the best means by which that want can be supplied.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;For this purpose I would accustom the public mind to the contemplation of
+      an existing though torpid power in the constitution, capable of removing
+      our social grievances, were we to transfer to it those prerogatives which
+      the Parliament has gradually usurped, and used in a manner which has
+      produced the present material and moral disorganisation. The House of
+      Commons is the house of a few; the Sovereign is the sovereign of all. The
+      proper leader of the people is the individual who sits upon the throne.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Then you abjure the Representative principle?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why so? Representation is not necessarily, or even in a principal sense,
+      Parliamentary. Parliament is not sitting at this moment, and yet the
+      nation is represented in its highest as well as in its most minute
+      interests. Not a grievance escapes notice and redress. I see in the
+      newspaper this morning that a pedagogue has brutally chastised his pupil.
+      It is a fact known over all England. We must not forget that a principle
+      of government is reserved for our days that we shall not find in our
+      Aristotles, or even in the forests of Tacitus, nor in our Saxon
+      Wittenagemotes, nor in our Plantagenet parliaments. Opinion is now
+      supreme, and Opinion speaks in print. The representation of the Press is
+      far more complete than the representation of Parliament. Parliamentary
+      representation was the happy device of a ruder age, to which it was
+      admirably adapted: an age of semi-civilisation, when there was a leading
+      class in the community; but it exhibits many symptoms of desuetude. It is
+      controlled by a system of representation more vigorous and comprehensive;
+      which absorbs its duties and fulfils them more efficiently, and in which
+      discussion is pursued on fairer terms, and often with more depth and
+      information.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And to what power would you entrust the function of Taxation?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;To some power that would employ it more discreetly than in creating our
+      present amount of debt, and in establishing our present system of imposts.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;In a word, true wisdom lies in the policy that would effect its ends by
+      the influence of opinion, and yet by the means of existing forms.
+      Nevertheless, if we are forced to revolutions, let us propose to our
+      consideration the idea of a free monarchy, established on fundamental
+      laws, itself the apex of a vast pile of municipal and local government,
+      ruling an educated people, represented by a free and intellectual press.
+      Before such a royal authority, supported by such a national opinion, the
+      sectional anomalies of our country would disappear. Under such a system,
+      where qualification would not be parliamentary, but personal, even
+      statesmen would be educated; we should have no more diplomatists who could
+      not speak French, no more bishops ignorant of theology, no more
+      generals-in-chief who never saw a field.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Now there is a polity adapted to our laws, our institutions, our
+      feelings, our manners, our traditions; a polity capable of great ends and
+      appealing to high sentiments; a polity which, in my opinion, would render
+      government an object of national affection, which would terminate
+      sectional anomalies, assuage religious heats, and extinguish Chartism.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You said to me yesterday,&rsquo; said Millbank after a pause, &lsquo;quoting the
+      words of another, which you adopted, that Man was made to adore and to
+      obey. Now you have shown to me the means by which you deem it possible
+      that government might become no longer odious to the subject; you have
+      shown how man may be induced to obey. But there are duties and interests
+      for man beyond political obedience, and social comfort, and national
+      greatness, higher interests and greater duties. How would you deal with
+      their spiritual necessities? You think you can combat political infidelity
+      in a nation by the principle of enlightened loyalty; how would you
+      encounter religious infidelity in a state? By what means is the principle
+      of profound reverence to be revived? How, in short, is man to be led to
+      adore?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! that is a subject which I have not forgotten,&rsquo; replied Coningsby. &lsquo;I
+      know from your letters how deeply it has engaged your thoughts. I confess
+      to you that it has often filled mine with perplexity and depression. When
+      we were at Eton, and both of us impregnated with the contrary prejudices
+      in which we had been brought up, there was still between us one common
+      ground of sympathy and trust; we reposed with confidence and affection in
+      the bosom of our Church. Time and thought, with both of us, have only
+      matured the spontaneous veneration of our boyhood. But time and thought
+      have also shown me that the Church of our heart is not in a position, as
+      regards the community, consonant with its original and essential
+      character, or with the welfare of the nation.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The character of a Church is universality,&rsquo; replied Millbank. &lsquo;Once the
+      Church in this country was universal in principle and practice; when
+      wedded to the State, it continued at least universal in principle, if not
+      in practice. What is it now? All ties between the State and the Church are
+      abolished, except those which tend to its danger and degradation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What can be more anomalous than the present connection between State and
+      Church? Every condition on which it was originally consented to has been
+      cancelled. That original alliance was, in my view, an equal calamity for
+      the nation and the Church; but, at least, it was an intelligible compact.
+      Parliament, then consisting only of members of the Established Church,
+      was, on ecclesiastical matters, a lay synod, and might, in some points of
+      view, be esteemed a necessary portion of Church government. But you have
+      effaced this exclusive character of Parliament; you have determined that a
+      communion with the Established Church shall no longer be part of the
+      qualification for sitting in the House of Commons. There is no reason, so
+      far as the constitution avails, why every member of the House of Commons
+      should not be a dissenter. But the whole power of the country is
+      concentrated in the House of Commons. The House of Lords, even the Monarch
+      himself, has openly announced and confessed, within these ten years, that
+      the will of the House of Commons is supreme. A single vote of the House of
+      Commons, in 1832, made the Duke of Wellington declare, in the House of
+      Lords, that he was obliged to abandon his sovereign in &ldquo;the most difficult
+      and distressing circumstances.&rdquo; The House of Commons is absolute. It is
+      the State. &ldquo;L&rsquo;Etat c&rsquo;est moi.&rdquo; The House of Commons virtually appoints the
+      bishops. A sectarian assembly appoints the bishops of the Established
+      Church. They may appoint twenty Hoadleys. James II was expelled the throne
+      because he appointed a Roman Catholic to an Anglican see. A Parliament
+      might do this to-morrow with impunity. And this is the constitution in
+      Church and State which Conservative dinners toast! The only consequences
+      of the present union of Church and State are, that, on the side of the
+      State, there is perpetual interference in ecclesiastical government, and
+      on the side of the Church a sedulous avoidance of all those principles on
+      which alone Church government can be established, and by the influence of
+      which alone can the Church of England again become universal.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But it is urged that the State protects its revenues?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No ecclesiastical revenues should be safe that require protection. Modern
+      history is a history of Church spoliation. And by whom? Not by the people;
+      not by the democracy. No; it is the emperor, the king, the feudal baron,
+      the court minion. The estate of the Church is the estate of the people, so
+      long as the Church is governed on its real principles. The Church is the
+      medium by which the despised and degraded classes assert the native
+      equality of man, and vindicate the rights and power of intellect. It made,
+      in the darkest hour of Norman rule, the son of a Saxon pedlar Primate of
+      England, and placed Nicholas Breakspear, a Hertfordshire peasant, on the
+      throne of the Caesars. It would do as great things now, if it were
+      divorced from the degrading and tyrannical connection that enchains it.
+      You would have other sons of peasants Bishops of England, instead of men
+      appointed to that sacred office solely because they were the needy scions
+      of a factitious aristocracy; men of gross ignorance, profligate habits,
+      and grinding extortion, who have disgraced the episcopal throne, and
+      profaned the altar.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But surely you cannot justly extend such a description to the present
+      bench?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Surely not: I speak of the past, of the past that has produced so much
+      present evil. We live in decent times; frigid, latitudinarian, alarmed,
+      decorous. A priest is scarcely deemed in our days a fit successor to the
+      authors of the gospels, if he be not the editor of a Greek play; and he
+      who follows St. Paul must now at least have been private tutor of some
+      young nobleman who has taken a good degree! And then you are all
+      astonished that the Church is not universal! Why! nothing but the
+      indestructibleness of its principles, however feebly pursued, could have
+      maintained even the disorganised body that still survives.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And yet, my dear Coningsby, with all its past errors and all its present
+      deficiencies, it is by the Church; I would have said until I listened to
+      you to-night; by the Church alone that I see any chance of regenerating
+      the national character. The parochial system, though shaken by the fatal
+      poor-law, is still the most ancient, the most comprehensive, and the most
+      popular institution of the country; the younger priests are, in general,
+      men whose souls are awake to the high mission which they have to fulfil,
+      and which their predecessors so neglected; there is, I think, a rising
+      feeling in the community, that parliamentary intercourse in matters
+      ecclesiastical has not tended either to the spiritual or the material
+      elevation of the humbler orders. Divorce the Church from the State, and
+      the spiritual power that struggled against the brute force of the dark
+      ages, against tyrannical monarchs and barbarous barons, will struggle
+      again in opposition to influences of a different form, but of a similar
+      tendency; equally selfish, equally insensible, equally barbarising. The
+      priests of God are the tribunes of the people. O, ignorant! that with such
+      a mission they should ever have cringed in the antechambers of ministers,
+      or bowed before parliamentary committees!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The Utilitarian system is dead,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;It has passed through
+      the heaven of philosophy like a hailstorm, cold, noisy, sharp, and
+      peppering, and it has melted away. And yet can we wonder that it found
+      some success, when we consider the political ignorance and social torpor
+      which it assailed? Anointed kings turned into chief magistrates, and
+      therefore much overpaid; estates of the realm changed into parliaments of
+      virtual representation, and therefore requiring real reform; holy Church
+      transformed into national establishment, and therefore grumbled at by all
+      the nation for whom it was not supported. What an inevitable harvest of
+      sedition, radicalism, infidelity! I really think there is no society,
+      however great its resources, that could long resist the united influences
+      of chief magistrate, virtual representation, and Church establishment!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have immense faith in the new generation,&rsquo; said Millbank, eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is a holy thing to see a state saved by its youth,&rsquo; said Coningsby;
+      and then he added, in a tone of humility, if not of depression, &lsquo;But what
+      a task! What a variety of qualities, what a combination of circumstances
+      is requisite! What bright abilities and what noble patience! What
+      confidence from the people, what favour from the Most High!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But He will favour us,&rsquo; said Millbank. &lsquo;And I say to you as Nathan said
+      unto David, &ldquo;Thou art the man!&rdquo; You were our leader at Eton; the friends
+      of your heart and boyhood still cling and cluster round you! they are all
+      men whose position forces them into public life. It is a nucleus of
+      honour, faith, and power. You have only to dare. And will you not dare? It
+      is our privilege to live in an age when the career of the highest ambition
+      is identified with the performance of the greatest good. Of the present
+      epoch it may be truly said, &ldquo;Who dares to be good, dares to be great.&rdquo;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Heaven is above all,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;The curtain of our fate is still
+      undrawn. We are happy in our friends, dear Millbank, and whatever lights,
+      we will stand together. For myself, I prefer fame to life; and yet, the
+      consciousness of heroic deeds to the most wide-spread celebrity.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0058" id="link2HCH0058"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER III.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The beautiful light of summer had never shone on a scene and surrounding
+      landscape which recalled happier images of English nature, and better
+      recollections of English manners, than that to which we would now
+      introduce our readers. One of those true old English Halls, now unhappily
+      so rare, built in the time of the Tudors, and in its elaborate
+      timber-framing and decorative woodwork indicating, perhaps, the scarcity
+      of brick and stone at the period of its structure, as much as the
+      grotesque genius of its fabricator, rose on a terrace surrounded by
+      ancient and very formal gardens. The hall itself, during many generations,
+      had been vigilantly and tastefully preserved by its proprietors. There was
+      not a point which was not as fresh as if it had been renovated but
+      yesterday. It stood a huge and strange blending of Grecian, Gothic, and
+      Italian architecture, with a wild dash of the fantastic in addition. The
+      lantern watch-towers of a baronial castle were placed in juxtaposition
+      with Doric columns employed for chimneys, while under oriel windows might
+      be observed Italian doorways with Grecian pediments. Beyond the extensive
+      gardens an avenue of Spanish chestnuts at each point of the compass
+      approached the mansion, or led into a small park which was table-land, its
+      limits opening on all sides to beautiful and extensive valleys, sparkling
+      with cultivation, except at one point, where the river Darl formed the
+      boundary of the domain, and then spread in many a winding through the rich
+      country beyond.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Such was Hellingsley, the new home that Oswald Millbank was about to visit
+      for the first time. Coningsby and himself had travelled together as far as
+      Darlford, where their roads diverged, and they had separated with an
+      engagement on the part of Coningsby to visit Hellingsley on the morrow. As
+      they had travelled along, Coningsby had frequently led the conversation to
+      domestic topics; gradually he had talked, and talked much of Edith.
+      Without an obtrusive curiosity, he extracted, unconsciously to his
+      companion, traits of her character and early days, which filled him with a
+      wild and secret interest. The thought that in a few hours he was to meet
+      her again, infused into his being a degree of transport, which the very
+      necessity of repressing before his companion rendered more magical and
+      thrilling. How often it happens in life that we have with a grave face to
+      discourse of ordinary topics, while all the time our heart and memory are
+      engrossed with some enchanting secret!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The castle of his grandfather presented a far different scene on the
+      arrival of Coningsby from that which it had offered on his first visit.
+      The Marquess had given him a formal permission to repair to it at his
+      pleasure, and had instructed the steward accordingly. But he came without
+      notice, at a season of the year when the absence of all sports made his
+      arrival unexpected. The scattered and sauntering household roused
+      themselves into action, and contemplated the conviction that it might be
+      necessary to do some service for their wages. There was a stir in that
+      vast, sleepy castle. At last the steward was found, and came forward to
+      welcome their young master, whose simple wants were limited to the rooms
+      he had formerly occupied.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby reached the castle a little before sunset, almost the same hour
+      that he had arrived there more than three years ago. How much had happened
+      in the interval! Coningsby had already lived long enough to find interest
+      in pondering over the past. That past too must inevitably exercise a great
+      influence over his present. He recalled his morning drive with his
+      grandfather, to the brink of that river which was the boundary between his
+      own domain and Hellingsley. Who dwelt at Hellingsley now?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Restless, excited, not insensible to the difficulties, perhaps the dangers
+      of his position, yet full of an entrancing emotion in which all thoughts
+      and feelings seemed to merge, Coningsby went forth into the fair gardens
+      to muse over his love amid objects as beautiful. A rosy light hung over
+      the rare shrubs and tall fantastic trees; while a rich yet darker tint
+      suffused the distant woods. This euthanasia of the day exercises a strange
+      influence on the hearts of those who love. Who has not felt it? Magical
+      emotions that touch the immortal part!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But as for Coningsby, the mitigating hour that softens the heart made his
+      spirit brave. Amid the ennobling sympathies of nature, the pursuits and
+      purposes of worldly prudence and conventional advantage subsided into
+      their essential nothingness. He willed to blend his life and fate with a
+      being beautiful as that nature that subdued him, and he felt in his own
+      breast the intrinsic energies that in spite of all obstacles should mould
+      such an imagination into reality.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He descended the slopes, now growing dimmer in the fleeting light, into
+      the park. The stillness was almost supernatural; the jocund sounds of day
+      had died, and the voices of the night had not commenced. His heart too was
+      still. A sacred calm had succeeded to that distraction of emotion which
+      had agitated him the whole day, while he had mused over his love and the
+      infinite and insurmountable barriers that seemed to oppose his will. Now
+      he felt one of those strong groundless convictions that are the
+      inspirations of passion, that all would yield to him as to one holding an
+      enchanted wand.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Onward he strolled; it seemed without purpose, yet always proceeding. A
+      pale and then gleaming tint stole over the masses of mighty timber; and
+      soon a glittering light flooded the lawns and glades. The moon was high in
+      her summer heaven, and still Coningsby strolled on. He crossed the broad
+      lawns, he traversed the bright glades: amid the gleaming and shadowy
+      woods, he traced his prescient way.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He came to the bank of a rushing river, foaming in the moonlight, and
+      wafting on its blue breast the shadow of a thousand stars.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;O river!&rsquo; he said, &lsquo;that rollest to my mistress, bear her, bear her my
+      heart!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0059" id="link2HCH0059"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER IV.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Lady Wallinger and Edith were together in the morning room of Hellingsley,
+      the morrow after the arrival of Oswald. Edith was arranging flowers in a
+      vase, while her aunt was embroidering a Spanish peasant in correct
+      costume. The daughter of Millbank looked as bright and fragrant as the
+      fair creations that surrounded her. Beautiful to watch her as she arranged
+      their forms and composed their groups; to mark her eye glance with
+      gratification at some happy combination of colour, or to listen to her
+      delight as they wafted to her in gratitude their perfume. Oswald and Sir
+      Joseph were surveying the stables; Mr. Millbank, who had been daily
+      expected for the last week from the factories, had not yet arrived.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I must say he gained my heart from the first,&rsquo; said Lady Wallinger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wish the gardener would send us more roses,&rsquo; said Edith.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He is so very superior to any young man I ever met,&rsquo; continued Lady
+      Wallinger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think we must have this vase entirely of roses; don&rsquo;t you think so,
+      aunt?&rsquo; inquired her niece.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am fond of roses,&rsquo; said Lady Wallinger. &lsquo;What beautiful bouquets Mr.
+      Coningsby gave us at Paris, Edith!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Beautiful!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I must say, I was very happy when I met Mr. Coningsby again at
+      Cambridge,&rsquo; said Lady Wallinger. &lsquo;It gave me much greater pleasure than
+      seeing any of the colleges.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;How delighted Oswald seems at having Mr. Coningsby for a companion
+      again!&rsquo; said Edith.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And very naturally,&rsquo; said Lady Wallinger. &lsquo;Oswald ought to deem himself
+      fortunate in having such a friend. I am sure the kindness of Mr. Coningsby
+      when we met him at Cambridge is what I never shall forget. But he always
+      was my favourite from the first time I saw him at Paris. Do you know,
+      Edith, I liked him best of all your admirers.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! no, aunt,&rsquo; said Edith, smiling, &lsquo;not more than Lord Beaumanoir; you
+      forget your great favourite, Lord Beaumanoir.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But I did not know Mr. Coningsby at Rome,&rsquo; said Lady Wallinger; &lsquo;I cannot
+      agree that anybody is equal to Mr. Coningsby. I cannot tell you how
+      pleased I am that he is our neighbour!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As Lady Wallinger gave a finishing stroke to the jacket of her Andalusian,
+      Edith, vividly blushing, yet speaking in a voice of affected calmness,
+      said,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Here is Mr. Coningsby, aunt.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And, truly, at this moment our hero might be discerned, approaching the
+      hall by one of the avenues; and in a few minutes there was a ringing at
+      the hall bell, and then, after a short pause, the servants announced Mr.
+      Coningsby, and ushered him into the morning room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Edith was embarrassed; the frankness and the gaiety of her manner had
+      deserted her; Coningsby was rather earnest than self-possessed. Each felt
+      at first that the presence of Lady Wallinger was a relief. The ordinary
+      topics of conversation were in sufficient plenty; reminiscences of Paris,
+      impressions of Hellingsley, his visit to Oxford, Lady Wallinger&rsquo;s visit to
+      Cambridge. In ten minutes their voices seemed to sound to each other as
+      they did in the Rue de Rivoli, and their mutual perplexity had in a great
+      degree subsided.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Oswald and Sir Joseph now entered the room, and the conversation became
+      general. Hellingsley was the subject on which Coningsby dwelt; he was
+      charmed with all that he had seen! wished to see more. Sir Joseph was
+      quite prepared to accompany him; but Lady Wallinger, who seemed to read
+      Coningsby&rsquo;s wishes in his eyes, proposed that the inspection should be
+      general; and in the course of half an hour Coningsby was walking by the
+      side of Edith, and sympathising with all the natural charms to which her
+      quick taste and lively expression called his notice and appreciation. Few
+      things more delightful than a country ramble with a sweet companion!
+      Exploring woods, wandering over green commons, loitering in shady lanes,
+      resting on rural stiles; the air full of perfume, the heart full of bliss!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It seemed to Coningsby that he had never been happy before. A thrilling
+      joy pervaded his being. He could have sung like a bird. His heart was as
+      sunny as the summer scene. Past and Future were absorbed in the flowing
+      hour; not an allusion to Paris, not a speculation on what might arrive;
+      but infinite expressions of agreement, sympathy; a multitude of slight
+      phrases, that, however couched, had but one meaning, congeniality. He felt
+      each moment his voice becoming more tender; his heart gushing in soft
+      expressions; each moment he was more fascinated; her step was grace, her
+      glance was beauty. Now she touched him by some phrase of sweet simplicity;
+      or carried him spell-bound by her airy merriment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Oswald assumed that Coningsby remained to dine with them. There was not
+      even the ceremony of invitation. Coningsby could not but remember his
+      dinner at Millbank, and the timid hostess whom he then addressed so often
+      in vain, as he gazed upon the bewitching and accomplished woman whom he
+      now passionately loved. It was a most agreeable dinner. Oswald, happy in
+      his friend being his guest, under his own roof, indulged in unwonted
+      gaiety.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The ladies withdrew; Sir Joseph began to talk politics, although the young
+      men had threatened their fair companions immediately to follow them. This
+      was the period of the Bed-Chamber Plot, when Sir Robert Peel accepted and
+      resigned power in the course of three days. Sir Joseph, who had originally
+      made up his mind to support a Conservative government when he deemed it
+      inevitable, had for the last month endeavoured to compensate for this
+      trifling error by vindicating the conduct of his friends, and reprobating
+      the behaviour of those who would deprive her Majesty of the
+      &lsquo;friends-of-her-youth.&rsquo; Sir Joseph was a most chivalrous champion of the
+      &lsquo;friends-of-her-youth&rsquo; principle. Sir Joseph, who was always moderate and
+      conciliatory in his talk, though he would go, at any time, any lengths for
+      his party, expressed himself to-day with extreme sobriety, as he was
+      determined not to hurt the feelings of Mr. Coningsby, and he principally
+      confined himself to urging temperate questions, somewhat in the following
+      fashion:&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I admit that, on the whole, under ordinary circumstances, it would
+      perhaps have been more convenient that these appointments should have
+      remained with Sir Robert; but don&rsquo;t you think that, under the peculiar
+      circumstances, being friends of her Majesty&rsquo;s youth?&rsquo; &amp;c. &amp;c.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sir Joseph was extremely astonished when Coningsby replied that he
+      thought, under no circumstances, should any appointment in the Royal
+      Household be dependent on the voice of the House of Commons, though he was
+      far from admiring the &lsquo;friends-of-her-youth&rsquo; principle, which he looked
+      upon as impertinent.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But surely,&rsquo; said Sir Joseph, &lsquo;the Minister being responsible to
+      Parliament, it must follow that all great offices of State should be
+      filled at his discretion.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But where do you find this principle of Ministerial responsibility?&rsquo;
+      inquired Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And is not a Minister responsible to his Sovereign?&rsquo; inquired Millbank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sir Joseph seemed a little confused. He had always heard that Ministers
+      were responsible to Parliament; and he had a vague conviction,
+      notwithstanding the reanimating loyalty of the Bed-Chamber Plot, that the
+      Sovereign of England was a nonentity. He took refuge in indefinite
+      expressions, and observed, &lsquo;The Responsibility of Ministers is surely a
+      constitutional doctrine.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The Ministers of the Crown are responsible to their master; they are not
+      the Ministers of Parliament.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But then you know virtually,&rsquo; said Sir Joseph, &lsquo;the Parliament, that is,
+      the House of Commons, governs the country.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It did before 1832,&rsquo; said Coningsby; &lsquo;but that is all past now. We got
+      rid of that with the Venetian Constitution.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The Venetian Constitution!&rsquo; said Sir Joseph.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;To be sure,&rsquo; said Millbank. &lsquo;We were governed in this country by the
+      Venetian Constitution from the accession of the House of Hanover. But that
+      yoke is past. And now I hope we are in a state of transition from the
+      Italian Dogeship to the English Monarchy.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;King, Lords, and Commons, the Venetian Constitution!&rsquo; exclaimed Sir
+      Joseph.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But they were phrases,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;not facts. The King was a Doge;
+      the Cabinet the Council of Ten. Your Parliament, that you call Lords and
+      Commons, was nothing more than the Great Council of Nobles.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The resemblance was complete,&rsquo; said Millbank, &lsquo;and no wonder, for it was
+      not accidental; the Venetian Constitution was intentionally copied.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We should have had the Venetian Republic in 1640,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;had
+      it not been for the Puritans. Geneva beat Venice.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sure these ideas are not very generally known,&rsquo; said Sir Joseph,
+      bewildered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Because you have had your history written by the Venetian party,&rsquo; said
+      Coningsby, &lsquo;and it has been their interest to conceal them.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I will venture to say that there are very few men on our side in the
+      House of Commons,&rsquo; said Sir Joseph, &lsquo;who are aware that they were born
+      under a Venetian Constitution.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Let us go to the ladies,&rsquo; said Millbank, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Edith was reading a letter as they entered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A letter from papa,&rsquo; she exclaimed, looking up at her brother with great
+      animation. &lsquo;We may expect him every day; and yet, alas! he cannot fix
+      one.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They now all spoke of Millbank, and Coningsby was happy that he was
+      familiar with the scene. At length he ventured to say to Edith, &lsquo;You once
+      made me a promise which you never fulfilled. I shall claim it to-night.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And what can that be?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The song that you promised me at Millbank more than three years ago.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Your memory is good.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It has dwelt upon the subject.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then they spoke for a while of other recollections, and then Coningsby
+      appealing to Lady Wallinger for her influence, Edith rose and took up her
+      guitar. Her voice was rich and sweet; the air she sang gay, even
+      fantastically frolic, such as the girls of Granada chaunt trooping home
+      from some country festival; her soft, dark eye brightened with joyous
+      sympathy; and ever and anon, with an arch grace, she beat the guitar, in
+      chorus, with her pretty hand.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The moon wanes; and Coningsby must leave these enchanted halls. Oswald
+      walked homeward with him until he reached the domain of his grandfather.
+      Then mounting his horse, Coningsby bade his friend farewell till the
+      morrow, and made his best way to the Castle.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0060" id="link2HCH0060"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER V.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      There is a romance in every life. The emblazoned page of Coningsby&rsquo;s
+      existence was now open. It had been prosperous before, with some moments
+      of excitement, some of delight; but they had all found, as it were, their
+      origin in worldly considerations, or been inevitably mixed up with them.
+      At Paris, for example, he loved, or thought he loved. But there not an
+      hour could elapse without his meeting some person, or hearing something,
+      which disturbed the beauty of his emotions, or broke his spell-bound
+      thoughts. There was his grandfather hating the Millbanks, or Sidonia
+      loving them; and common people, in the common world, making common
+      observations on them; asking who they were, or telling who they were; and
+      brushing the bloom off all life&rsquo;s fresh delicious fancies with their
+      coarse handling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But now his feelings were ethereal. He loved passionately, and he loved in
+      a scene and in a society as sweet, as pure, and as refined as his
+      imagination and his heart. There was no malicious gossip, no callous
+      chatter to profane his ear and desecrate his sentiment. All that he heard
+      or saw was worthy of the summer sky, the still green woods, the gushing
+      river, the gardens and terraces, the stately and fantastic dwellings,
+      among which his life now glided as in some dainty and gorgeous masque.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All the soft, social, domestic sympathies of his nature, which, however
+      abundant, had never been cultivated, were developed by the life he was now
+      leading. It was not merely that he lived in the constant presence, and
+      under the constant influence of one whom he adored, that made him so
+      happy. He was surrounded by beings who found felicity in the interchange
+      of kind feelings and kind words, in the cultivation of happy talents and
+      refined tastes, and the enjoyment of a life which their own good sense and
+      their own good hearts made them both comprehend and appreciate. Ambition
+      lost much of its splendour, even his lofty aspirations something of their
+      hallowing impulse of paramount duty, when Coningsby felt how much
+      ennobling delight was consistent with the seclusion of a private station;
+      and mused over an existence to be passed amid woods and waterfalls with a
+      fair hand locked in his, or surrounded by his friends in some ancestral
+      hall.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The morning after his first visit to Hellingsley Coningsby rejoined his
+      friends, as he had promised Oswald at their breakfast-table; and day after
+      day he came with the early sun, and left them only when the late moon
+      silvered the keep of Coningsby Castle. Mr. Millbank, who wrote daily, and
+      was daily to be expected, did not arrive. A week, a week of unbroken
+      bliss, had vanished away, passed in long rides and longer walks, sunset
+      saunterings, and sometimes moonlit strolls; talking of flowers, and
+      thinking of things even sweeter; listening to delicious songs, and
+      sometimes reading aloud some bright romance or some inspiring lay.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One day Coningsby, who arrived at the hall unexpectedly late; indeed it
+      was some hours past noon, for he had been detained by despatches which
+      arrived at the Castle from Mr. Rigby, and which required his
+      interposition; found the ladies alone, and was told that Sir Joseph and
+      Oswald were at the fishing-cottage where they wished him to join them. He
+      was in no haste to do this; and Lady Wallinger proposed that when they
+      felt inclined to ramble they should all walk down to the fishing-cottage
+      together. So, seating himself by the side of Edith, who was tinting a
+      sketch which she had made of a rich oriel of Hellingsley, the morning
+      passed away in that slight and yet subtle talk in which a lover delights,
+      and in which, while asking a thousand questions, that seem at the first
+      glance sufficiently trifling, he is indeed often conveying a meaning that
+      is not expressed, or attempting to discover a feeling that is hidden. And
+      these are occasions when glances meet and glances are withdrawn: the
+      tongue may speak idly, the eye is more eloquent, and often more true.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby looked up; Lady Wallinger, who had more than once announced that
+      she was going to put on her bonnet, was gone. Yet still he continued to
+      talk trifles; and still Edith listened.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Of all that you have told me,&rsquo; said Edith, &lsquo;nothing pleases me so much as
+      your description of St. Geneviève. How much I should like to catch the
+      deer at sunset on the heights! What a pretty drawing it would make!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You would like Eustace Lyle,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;He is so shy and yet so
+      ardent.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have such a band of friends! Oswald was saying this morning there was
+      no one who had so many devoted friends.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We are all united by sympathy. It is the only bond of friendship; and yet
+      friendship&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Edith,&rsquo; said Lady Wallinger, looking into the room from the garden, with
+      her bonnet on, &lsquo;you will find me roaming on the terrace.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We come, dear aunt.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And yet they did not move. There were yet a few pencil touches to be given
+      to the tinted sketch; Coningsby would cut the pencils.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Would you give me,&rsquo; he said, &lsquo;some slight memorial of Hellingsley and
+      your art? I would not venture to hope for anything half so beautiful as
+      this; but the slightest sketch. It would make me so happy when away to
+      have it hanging in my room.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A blush suffused the cheek of Edith; she turned her head a little aside,
+      as if she were arranging some drawings. And then she said, in a somewhat
+      hushed and hesitating voice,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sure I will do so; and with pleasure. A view of the Hall itself; I
+      think that would be the best memorial. Where shall we take it from? We
+      will decide in our walk?&rsquo; and she rose, and promised immediately to
+      return, left the room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby leant over the mantel-piece in deep abstraction, gazing vacantly
+      on a miniature of the father of Edith. A light step roused him; she had
+      returned. Unconsciously he greeted her with a glance of ineffable
+      tenderness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They went forth; it was a grey, sultry day. Indeed it was the covered sky
+      which had led to the fishing scheme of the morning. Sir Joseph was an
+      expert and accomplished angler, and the Darl was renowned for its sport.
+      They lingered before they reached the terrace where they were to find Lady
+      Wallinger, observing the different points of view which the Hall
+      presented, and debating which was to form the subject of Coningsby&rsquo;s
+      drawing; for already it was to be not merely a sketch, but a drawing, the
+      most finished that the bright and effective pencil of Edith could achieve.
+      If it really were to be placed in his room, and were to be a memorial of
+      Hellingsley, her artistic reputation demanded a masterpiece.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They reached the terrace: Lady Wallinger was not there, nor could they
+      observe her in the vicinity. Coningsby was quite certain that she had gone
+      onward to the fishing-cottage, and expected them to follow her; and he
+      convinced Edith of the justness of his opinion. To the fishing-cottage,
+      therefore, they bent their steps. They emerged from the gardens into the
+      park, sauntering over the table-land, and seeking as much as possible the
+      shade, in the soft but oppressive atmosphere. At the limit of the
+      table-land their course lay by a wild but winding path through a gradual
+      and wooded declivity. While they were yet in this craggy and romantic
+      woodland, the big fervent drops began to fall. Coningsby urged Edith to
+      seek at once a natural shelter; but she, who knew the country, assured him
+      that the fishing-cottage was close by, and that they might reach it before
+      the rain could do them any harm.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And truly, at this moment emerging from the wood, they found themselves in
+      the valley of the Darl. The river here was narrow and winding, but full of
+      life; rushing, and clear but for the dark sky it reflected; with high
+      banks of turf and tall trees; the silver birch, above all others, in
+      clustering groups; infinitely picturesque. At the turn of the river, about
+      two hundred yards distant, Coningsby observed the low, dark roof of the
+      fishing-cottage on its banks. They descended from the woods to the margin
+      of the stream by a flight of turfen steps, Coningsby holding Edith&rsquo;s hand
+      as he guided her progress.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The drops became thicker. They reached, at a rapid pace, the cottage. The
+      absent boat indicated that Sir Joseph and Oswald were on the river. The
+      cottage was an old building of rustic logs, with a shelving roof, so that
+      you might obtain sufficient shelter without entering its walls. Coningsby
+      found a rough garden seat for Edith. The shower was now violent.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Nature, like man, sometimes weeps from gladness. It is the joy and
+      tenderness of her heart that seek relief; and these are summer showers. In
+      this instance the vehemence of her emotion was transient, though the tears
+      kept stealing down her cheek for a long time, and gentle sighs and sobs
+      might for some period be distinguished. The oppressive atmosphere had
+      evaporated; the grey, sullen tint had disappeared; a soft breeze came
+      dancing up the stream; a glowing light fell upon the woods and waters; the
+      perfume of trees and flowers and herbs floated around. There was a
+      carolling of birds; a hum of happy insects in the air; freshness and stir,
+      and a sense of joyous life, pervaded all things; it seemed that the heart
+      of all creation opened.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby, after repeatedly watching the shower with Edith, and
+      speculating on its progress, which did not much annoy them, had seated
+      himself on a log almost at her feet. And assuredly a maiden and a youth
+      more beautiful and engaging had seldom met before in a scene more fresh
+      and fair. Edith on her rustic seat watched the now blue and foaming river,
+      and the birch-trees with a livelier tint, and quivering in the sunset air;
+      an expression of tranquil bliss suffused her beautiful brow, and spoke
+      from the thrilling tenderness of her soft dark eye. Coningsby gazed on
+      that countenance with a glance of entranced rapture. His cheek was
+      flushed, his eye gleamed with dazzling lustre. She turned her head; she
+      met that glance, and, troubled, she withdrew her own.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Edith!&rsquo; he said in a tone of tremulous passion, &lsquo;Let me call you Edith!
+      Yes,&rsquo; he continued, gently taking her hand, let me call you my Edith! I
+      love you!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She did not withdraw her hand; but turned away a face flushed as the
+      impending twilight.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0061" id="link2HCH0061"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VI.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      It was past the dinner hour when Edith and Coningsby reached the Hall; an
+      embarrassing circumstance, but mitigated by the conviction that they had
+      not to encounter a very critical inspection. What, then, were their
+      feelings when the first servant that they met informed them that Mr.
+      Millbank had arrived! Edith never could have believed that the return of
+      her beloved father to his home could ever have been to her other than a
+      cause of delight. And yet now she trembled when she heard the
+      announcement. The mysteries of love were fast involving her existence. But
+      this was not the season of meditation. Her heart was still agitated by the
+      tremulous admission that she responded to that fervent and adoring love
+      whose eloquent music still sounded in her ear, and the pictures of whose
+      fanciful devotion flitted over her agitated vision. Unconsciously she
+      pressed the arm of Coningsby as the servant spoke, and then, without
+      looking into his face, whispering him to be quick, she sprang away.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As for Coningsby, notwithstanding the elation of his heart, and the
+      ethereal joy which flowed in all his veins, the name of Mr. Millbank
+      sounded, something like a knell. However, this was not the time to
+      reflect. He obeyed the hint of Edith; made the most rapid toilet that ever
+      was consummated by a happy lover, and in a few minutes entered the
+      drawing-room of Hellingsley, to encounter the gentleman whom he hoped by
+      some means or other, quite inconceivable, might some day be transformed
+      into his father-in-law, and the fulfilment of his consequent duties
+      towards whom he had commenced by keeping him waiting for dinner.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;How do you do, sir,&rsquo; said Mr. Millbank, extending his hand to Coningsby.
+      &lsquo;You seem to have taken a long walk.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby looked round to the kind Lady Wallinger, and half addressed his
+      murmured answer to her, explaining how they had lost her, and their way,
+      and were caught in a storm or a shower, which, as it terminated about
+      three hours back, and the fishing-cottage was little more than a mile from
+      the Hall, very satisfactorily accounted for their not being in time for
+      dinner.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lady Wallinger then said something about the lowering clouds having
+      frightened her from the terrace, and Sir Joseph and Oswald talked a little
+      of their sport, and of their having seen an otter; but there was, or at
+      least there seemed to Coningsby, a tone of general embarrassment which
+      distressed him. The fact is, keeping people from dinner under any
+      circumstances is distressing. They are obliged to talk at the very moment
+      when they wish to use their powers of expression for a very different
+      purpose. They are faint, and conversation makes them more exhausted. A
+      gentleman, too, fond of his family, who in turn are devoted to him, making
+      a great and inconvenient effort to reach them by dinner time, to please
+      and surprise them; and finding them all dispersed, dinner so late that he
+      might have reached home in good time without any great inconvenient
+      effort; his daughter, whom he had wished a thousand times to embrace,
+      taking a singularly long ramble with no other companion than a young
+      gentleman, whom he did not exactly expect to see; all these are
+      circumstances, individually perhaps slight, and yet, encountered
+      collectively, it may be doubted they would not a little ruffle even the
+      sweetest temper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Millbank, too, had not the sweetest temper, though not a bad one; a
+      little quick and fiery. But then he had a kind heart. And when Edith, who
+      had providentially sent down a message to order dinner, entered and
+      embraced him at the very moment that dinner was announced, her father
+      forgot everything in his joy in seeing her, and his pleasure in being
+      surrounded by his friends. He gave his hand to Lady Wallinger, and Sir
+      Joseph led away his niece. Coningsby put his arm around the astonished
+      neck of Oswald, as if they were once more in the playing fields of Eton.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By Jove! my dear fellow,&rsquo; he exclaimed, &lsquo;I am so sorry we kept your
+      father from dinner.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As Edith headed her father&rsquo;s table, according to his rigid rule, Coningsby
+      was on one side of her. They never spoke so little; Coningsby would have
+      never unclosed his lips, had he followed his humour. He was in a stupor of
+      happiness; the dining room took the appearance of the fishing-cottage; and
+      he saw nothing but the flowing river. Lady Wallinger was however next to
+      him, and that was a relief; for he felt always she was his friend. Sir
+      Joseph, a good-hearted man, and on subjects with which he was acquainted
+      full of sound sense, was invaluable to-day, for he entirely kept up the
+      conversation, speaking of things which greatly interested Mr. Millbank.
+      And so their host soon recovered his good temper; he addressed several
+      times his observations to Coningsby, and was careful to take wine with
+      him. On the whole, affairs went on flowingly enough. The gentlemen,
+      indeed, stayed much longer over their wine than on the preceding days, and
+      Coningsby did not venture on the liberty of quitting the room before his
+      host. It was as well. Edith required repose. She tried to seek it on the
+      bosom of her aunt, as she breathed to her the delicious secret of her
+      life. When the gentlemen returned to the drawing-room the ladies were not
+      there.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This rather disturbed Mr. Millbank again; he had not seen enough of his
+      daughter; he wished to hear her sing. But Edith managed to reappear; and
+      even to sing. Then Coningsby went up to her and asked her to sing the song
+      of the Girls of Granada. She said in a low voice, and with a fond yet
+      serious look,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am not in the mood for such a song, but if you wish me&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She sang it, and with inexpressible grace, and with an arch vivacity, that
+      to a fine observer would have singularly contrasted with the almost solemn
+      and even troubled expression of her countenance a moment afterwards.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The day was about to die; the day the most important, the most precious in
+      the lives of Harry Coningsby and Edith Millbank. Words had been spoken,
+      vows breathed, which were to influence their careers for ever. For them
+      hereafter there was to be but one life, one destiny, one world. Each of
+      them was still in such a state of tremulous excitement, that neither had
+      found time or occasion to ponder over the mighty result. They both
+      required solitude; they both longed to be alone. Coningsby rose to depart.
+      He pressed the soft hand of Edith, and his glance spoke his soul.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We shall see you at breakfast to-morrow, Coningsby!&rsquo; said Oswald, very
+      loud, knowing that the presence of his father would make Coningsby
+      hesitate about coming. Edith&rsquo;s heart fluttered; but she said nothing. It
+      was with delight she heard her father, after a moment&rsquo;s pause, say,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! I beg we may have that pleasure.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Not quite at so early an hour,&rsquo; said Coningsby; &lsquo;but if you will permit
+      me, I hope to have the pleasure of hearing from you to-morrow, sir, that
+      your journey has not fatigued you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0062" id="link2HCH0062"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      To be alone; to have no need of feigning a tranquillity he could not feel;
+      of coining common-place courtesy when his heart was gushing with rapture;
+      this was a great relief to Coningsby, though gained by a separation from
+      Edith.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The deed was done; he had breathed his long-brooding passion, he had
+      received the sweet expression of her sympathy, he had gained the
+      long-coveted heart. Youth, beauty, love, the innocence of unsophisticated
+      breasts, and the inspiration of an exquisite nature, combined to fashion
+      the spell that now entranced his life. He turned to gaze upon the moonlit
+      towers and peaked roofs of Hellingsley. Silent and dreamlike, the
+      picturesque pile rested on its broad terrace flooded with the silver light
+      and surrounded by the quaint bowers of its fantastic gardens tipped with
+      the glittering beam. Half hid in deep shadow, half sparkling in the
+      midnight blaze, he recognised the oriel window that had been the subject
+      of the morning&rsquo;s sketch. Almost he wished there should be some sound to
+      assure him of his reality. But nothing broke the all-pervading stillness.
+      Was his life to be as bright and as tranquil? And what was to be his life?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Whither was he to bear the beautiful bride he had gained? Were the portals
+      of Coningsby the proud and hospitable gates that were to greet her? How
+      long would they greet him after the achievement of the last
+      four-and-twenty hours was known to their lord? Was this the return for the
+      confiding kindness of his grandsire? That he should pledge his troth to
+      the daughter of that grandsire&rsquo;s foe?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Away with such dark and scaring visions! Is it not the noon of a summer
+      night fragrant with the breath of gardens, bright with the beam that
+      lovers love, and soft with the breath of Ausonian breezes? Within that
+      sweet and stately residence, dwells there not a maiden fair enough to
+      revive chivalry; who is even now thinking of him as she leans on her
+      pensive hand, or, if perchance she dream, recalls him in her visions? And
+      himself, is he one who would cry craven with such a lot? What avail his
+      golden youth, his high blood, his daring and devising spirit, and all his
+      stores of wisdom, if they help not now? Does not he feel the energy divine
+      that can confront Fate and carve out fortunes? Besides it is nigh
+      Midsummer Eve, and what should fairies reign for but to aid such a bright
+      pair as this?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He recalls a thousand times the scene, the moment, in which but a few
+      hours past he dared to tell her that he loved; he recalls a thousand times
+      the still, small voice, that murmured her agitated felicity: more than a
+      thousand times, for his heart clenched the idea as a diver grasps a gem,
+      he recalls the enraptured yet gentle embrace, that had sealed upon her
+      blushing cheek his mystical and delicious sovereignty.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0063" id="link2HCH0063"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VIII
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The morning broke lowering and thunderous; small white clouds, dull and
+      immovable, studded the leaden sky; the waters of the rushing Darl seemed
+      to have become black and almost stagnant; the terraces of Hellingsley
+      looked like the hard lines of a model; and the mansion itself had a harsh
+      and metallic character. Before the chief portal of his Hall, the elder
+      Millbank, with an air of some anxiety, surveyed the landscape and the
+      heavens, as if he were speculating on the destiny of the day.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Often his eye wandered over the park; often with an uneasy and restless
+      step he paced the raised walk before him. The clock of Hellingsley church
+      had given the chimes of noon. His son and Coningsby appeared at the end of
+      one of the avenues. His eye lightened; his lip became compressed; he
+      advanced to meet them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Are you going to fish to-day, Oswald?&rsquo; he inquired of his son.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We had some thoughts of it, sir.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A fine day for sport, I should think,&rsquo; he observed, as he turned towards
+      the Hall with them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby remarked the fanciful beauty of the portal; its twisted columns,
+      and Caryatides carved in dark oak.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes, it&rsquo;s very well,&rsquo; said Millbank; &lsquo;but I really do not know why I came
+      here; my presence is an effort. Oswald does not care for the place; none
+      of us do, I believe.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! I like it now, father; and Edith doats on it.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;She was very happy at Millbank,&rsquo; said the father, rather sharply.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We are all of us happy at Millbank,&rsquo; said Oswald.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I was much struck with the valley and the whole settlement when I first
+      saw it,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Suppose you go and see about the tackle, Oswald,&rsquo; said Mr. Millbank, &lsquo;and
+      Mr. Coningsby and I will take a stroll on the terrace in the meantime.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The habit of obedience, which was supreme in this family, instantly
+      carried Oswald away, though he was rather puzzled why his father should be
+      so anxious about the preparation of the fishing-tackle, as he rarely used
+      it. His son had no sooner departed than Mr. Millbank turned to Coningsby,
+      and said very abruptly,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have never seen my own room here, Mr. Coningsby; step in, for I wish
+      to say a word to you.&rsquo; And thus speaking, he advanced before the
+      astonished, and rather agitated Coningsby, and led the way through a door
+      and long passage to a room of moderate dimensions, partly furnished as a
+      library, and full of parliamentary papers and blue-books. Shutting the
+      door with some earnestness and pointing to a chair, he begged his guest to
+      be seated. Both in their chairs, Mr. Millbank, clearing his throat, said
+      without preface, &lsquo;I have reason to believe, Mr. Coningsby, that you are
+      attached to my daughter?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have been attached to her for a long time most ardently,&rsquo; replied
+      Coningsby, in a calm and rather measured tone, but looking very pale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And I have reason to believe that she returns your attachment?&rsquo; said Mr.
+      Millbank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I believe she deigns not to disregard it,&rsquo; said Coningsby, his white
+      cheek becoming scarlet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is then a mutual attachment, which, if cherished, must produce mutual
+      unhappiness,&rsquo; said Mr. Millbank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I would fain believe the reverse,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why?&rsquo; inquired Mr. Millbank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Because I believe she possesses every charm, quality, and virtue, that
+      can bless man; and because, though I can make her no equivalent return, I
+      have a heart, if I know myself, that would struggle to deserve her.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I know you to be a man of sense; I believe you to be a man of honour,&rsquo;
+      replied Mr. Millbank. &lsquo;As the first, you must feel that an union between
+      you and my daughter is impossible; what then should be your duty as a man
+      of correct principle is obvious.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I could conceive that our union might be attended with difficulties,&rsquo;
+      said Coningsby, in a somewhat deprecating tone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Sir, it is impossible,&rsquo; repeated Mr. Millbank, interrupting him, though
+      not with harshness; &lsquo;that is to say, there is no conceivable marriage
+      which could be effected at greater sacrifices, and which would occasion
+      greater misery.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The sacrifices are more apparent to me than the misery,&rsquo; said Coningsby,
+      &lsquo;and even they may be imaginary.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The sacrifices and the misery are certain and inseparable,&rsquo; said Mr.
+      Millbank. &lsquo;Come now, see how we stand! I speak without reserve, for this
+      is a subject which cannot permit misconception, but with no feelings
+      towards you, sir, but fair and friendly ones. You are the grandson of my
+      Lord Monmouth; at present enjoying his favour, but dependent on his
+      bounty. You may be the heir of his wealth to-morrow, and to-morrow you may
+      be the object of his hatred and persecution. Your grandfather and myself
+      are foes; bitter, irreclaimable, to the death. It is idle to mince
+      phrases; I do not vindicate our mutual feelings, I may regret that they
+      have ever arisen; I may regret it especially at this exigency. They are
+      not the feelings of good Christians; they may be altogether to be deplored
+      and unjustifiable; but they exist, mutually exist; and have not been
+      confined to words. Lord Monmouth would crush me, had he the power, like a
+      worm; and I have curbed his proud fortunes often. Were it not for this
+      feeling I should not be here; I purchased this estate merely to annoy him,
+      as I have done a thousand other acts merely for his discomfiture and
+      mortification. In our long encounter I have done him infinitely more
+      injury than he could do me; I have been on the spot, I am active,
+      vigilant, the maker of my fortunes. He is an epicurean, continually in
+      foreign parts, obliged to leave the fulfilment of his will to others. But,
+      for these very reasons, his hate is more intense. I can afford to hate him
+      less than he hates me; I have injured him more. Here are feelings to exist
+      between human beings! But they do exist; and now you are to go to this
+      man, and ask his sanction to marry my daughter!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But I would appease these hatreds; I would allay these dark passions, the
+      origin of which I know not, but which never could justify the end, and
+      which lead to so much misery. I would appeal to my grandfather; I would
+      show him Edith.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He has looked upon as fair even as Edith,&rsquo; said Mr. Millbank, rising
+      suddenly from his seat, and pacing the room, &lsquo;and did that melt his heart?
+      The experience of your own lot should have guarded you from the perils
+      that you have so rashly meditated encountering, and the misery which you
+      have been preparing for others besides yourself. Is my daughter to be
+      treated like your mother? And by the same hand? Your mother&rsquo;s family were
+      not Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s foes. They were simple and innocent people, free from
+      all the bad passions of our nature, and ignorant of the world&rsquo;s ways. But
+      because they were not noble, because they could trace no mystified descent
+      from a foreign invader, or the sacrilegious minion of some spoliating
+      despot, their daughter was hunted from the family which should have
+      exulted to receive her, and the land of which she was the native ornament.
+      Why should a happier lot await you than fell to your parents? You are in
+      the same position as your father; you meditate the same act. The only
+      difference being aggravating circumstances in your case, which, even if I
+      were a member of the same order as my Lord Monmouth, would prevent the
+      possibility of a prosperous union. Marry Edith, and you blast all the
+      prospects of your life, and entail on her a sense of unceasing
+      humiliation. Would you do this? Should I permit you to do this?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby, with his head resting on his arm, his face a little shaded, his
+      eyes fixed on the ground, listened in silence. There was a pause; broken
+      by Coningsby, as in a low voice, without changing his posture or raising
+      his glance, he said, &lsquo;It seems, sir, that you were acquainted with my
+      mother!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I knew sufficient of her,&rsquo; replied Mr. Millbank, with a kindling cheek,
+      &lsquo;to learn the misery that a woman may entail on herself by marrying out of
+      her condition. I have bred my children in a respect for their class. I
+      believe they have imbibed my feeling; though it is strange how in the
+      commerce of the world, chance, in their friendships, has apparently
+      baffled my designs.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! do not say it is chance, sir,&rsquo; said Coningsby, looking up, and
+      speaking with much fervour. &lsquo;The feelings that animate me towards your
+      family are not the feelings of chance: they are the creation of sympathy;
+      tried by time, tested by thought. And must they perish? Can they perish?
+      They were inevitable; they are indestructible. Yes, sir, it is in vain to
+      speak of the enmities that are fostered between you and my grandfather;
+      the love that exists between your daughter and myself is stronger than all
+      your hatreds.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You speak like a young man, and a young man that is in love,&rsquo; said Mr.
+      Millbank. &lsquo;This is mere rhapsody; it will vanish in an instant before the
+      reality of life. And you have arrived at that reality,&rsquo; he continued,
+      speaking with emphasis, leaning over the back of his chair, and looking
+      steadily at Coningsby with his grey, sagacious eye; &lsquo;my daughter and
+      yourself can meet no more.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is impossible you can be so cruel!&rsquo; exclaimed Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;So kind; kind to you both; for I wish to be kind to you as well as to
+      her. You are entitled to kindness from us all; though I will tell you now,
+      that, years ago, when the news arrived that my son&rsquo;s life had been saved,
+      and had been saved by one who bore the name of Coningsby, I had a
+      presentiment, great as was the blessing, that it might lead to
+      unhappiness.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I can answer for the misery of one,&rsquo; said Coningsby, in a tone of great
+      despondency. &lsquo;I feel as if my sun were set. Oh! why should there be such
+      wretchedness? Why are there family hatreds and party feuds? Why am I the
+      most wretched of men?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My good young friend, you will live, I doubt not, to be a happy one.
+      Happiness is not, as we are apt to fancy, entirely dependent on these
+      contingencies. It is the lot of most men to endure what you are now
+      suffering, and they can look back to such conjunctures through the vista
+      of years with calmness.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I may see Edith now?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Frankly, I should say, no. My daughter is in her room; I have had some
+      conversation with her. Of course she suffers not less than yourself. To
+      see her again will only aggravate woe. You leave under this roof, sir,
+      some sad memories, but no unkind ones. It is not likely that I can serve
+      you, or that you may want my aid; but whatever may be in my power,
+      remember you may command it; without reserve and without restraint. If I
+      control myself now, it is not because I do not respect your affliction,
+      but because, in the course of my life, I have felt too much not to be able
+      to command my feelings.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You never could have felt what I feel now,&rsquo; said Coningsby, in a tone of
+      anguish.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You touch on delicate ground,&rsquo; said Millbank; &lsquo;yet from me you may learn
+      to suffer. There was a being once, not less fair than the peerless girl
+      that you would fain call your own, and her heart was my proud possession.
+      There were no family feuds to baffle our union, nor was I dependent on
+      anything, but the energies which had already made me flourishing. What
+      happiness was mine! It was the first dream of my life, and it was the
+      last; my solitary passion, the memory of which softens my heart. Ah! you
+      dreaming scholars, and fine gentlemen who saunter through life, you think
+      there is no romance in the loves of a man who lives in the toil and
+      turmoil of business. You are in deep error. Amid my career of travail,
+      there was ever a bright form which animated exertion, inspired my
+      invention, nerved my energy, and to gain whose heart and life I first made
+      many of those discoveries, and entered into many of those speculations,
+      that have since been the foundation of my wide prosperity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Her faith was pledged to me; I lived upon her image; the day was even
+      talked of when I should bear her to the home that I had proudly prepared
+      for her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There came a young noble, a warrior who had never seen war, glittering
+      with gewgaws. He was quartered in the town where the mistress of my heart,
+      who was soon to share my life and my fortunes, resided. The tale is too
+      bitter not to be brief. He saw her, he sighed; I will hope that he loved
+      her; she gave him with rapture the heart which perhaps she found she had
+      never given to me; and instead of bearing the name I had once hoped to
+      have called her by, she pledged her faith at the altar to one who, like
+      you, was called, CONINGSBY.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My mother!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You see, I too have had my griefs.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Dear sir,&rsquo; said Coningsby, rising and taking Mr. Millbank&rsquo;s hand, &lsquo;I am
+      most wretched; and yet I wish to part from you even with affection. You
+      have explained circumstances that have long perplexed me. A curse, I fear,
+      is on our families. I have not mind enough at this moment even to ponder
+      on my situation. My head is a chaos. I go; yes, I quit this Hellingsley,
+      where I came to be so happy, where I have been so happy. Nay, let me go,
+      dear sir! I must be alone, I must try to think. And tell her, no, tell her
+      nothing. God will guard over us!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Proceeding down the avenue with a rapid and distempered step, his
+      countenance lost, as it were, in a wild abstraction, Coningsby encountered
+      Oswald Millbank. He stopped, collected his turbulent thoughts, and
+      throwing on Oswald one look that seemed at the same time to communicate
+      woe and to demand sympathy, flung himself into his arms.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My friend!&rsquo; he exclaimed, and then added, in a broken voice, &lsquo;I need a
+      friend.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then in a hurried, impassioned, and somewhat incoherent strain, leaning on
+      Oswald&rsquo;s arm, as they walked on together, he poured forth all that had
+      occurred, all of which he had dreamed; his baffled bliss, his actual
+      despair. Alas! there was little room for solace, and yet all that earnest
+      affection could inspire, and a sagacious brain and a brave spirit, were
+      offered for his support, if not his consolation, by the friend who was
+      devoted to him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the midst of this deep communion, teeming with every thought and
+      sentiment that could enchain and absorb the spirit of man, they came to
+      one of the park-gates of Coningsby. Millbank stopped. The command of his
+      father was peremptory, that no member of his family, under any
+      circumstances, or for any consideration, should set his foot on that
+      domain. Lady Wallinger had once wished to have seen the Castle, and
+      Coningsby was only too happy in the prospect of escorting her and Edith
+      over the place; but Oswald had then at once put his veto on the project,
+      as a thing forbidden; and which, if put in practice, his father would
+      never pardon. So it passed off, and now Oswald himself was at the gates of
+      that very domain with his friend who was about to enter them, his friend
+      whom he might never see again; that Coningsby who, from their boyish days,
+      had been the idol of his life; whom he had lived to see appeal to his
+      affections and his sympathy, and whom Oswald was now going to desert in
+      the midst of his lonely and unsolaced woe.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I ought not to enter here,&rsquo; said Oswald, holding the hand of Coningsby as
+      he hesitated to advance; &lsquo;and yet there are duties more sacred even than
+      obedience to a father. I cannot leave you thus, friend of my best heart!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The morning passed away in unceasing yet fruitless speculation on the
+      future. One moment something was to happen, the next nothing could occur.
+      Sometimes a beam of hope flashed over the fancy of Coningsby, and jumping
+      up from the turf, on which they were reclining, he seemed to exult in his
+      renovated energies; and then this sanguine paroxysm was succeeded by a fit
+      of depression so dark and dejected that nothing but the presence of Oswald
+      seemed to prevent Coningsby from flinging himself into the waters of the
+      Darl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The day was fast declining, and the inevitable moment of separation was at
+      hand. Oswald wished to appear at the dinner-table of Hellingsley, that no
+      suspicion might arise in the mind of his father of his having accompanied
+      Coningsby home. But just as he was beginning to mention the necessity of
+      his departure, a flash of lightning seemed to transfix the heavens. The
+      sky was very dark; though studded here and there with dingy spots. The
+      young men sprang up at the same time.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We had better get out of these trees,&rsquo; said Oswald.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We had better get to the Castle,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A clap of thunder that seemed to make the park quake broke over their
+      heads, followed by some thick drops. The Castle was close at hand; Oswald
+      had avoided entering it; but the impending storm was so menacing that,
+      hurried on by Coningsby, he could make no resistance; and, in a few
+      minutes, the companions were watching the tempest from the windows of a
+      room in Coningsby Castle.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The fork-lightning flashed and scintillated from every quarter of the
+      horizon: the thunder broke over the Castle, as if the keep were rocking
+      with artillery: amid the momentary pauses of the explosion, the rain was
+      heard descending like dissolving water-spouts.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Nor was this one of those transient tempests that often agitate the
+      summer. Time advanced, and its fierceness was little mitigated. Sometimes
+      there was a lull, though the violence of the rain never appeared to
+      diminish; but then, as in some pitched fight between contending hosts,
+      when the fervour of the field seems for a moment to allay, fresh squadrons
+      arrive and renew the hottest strife, so a low moaning wind that was now at
+      intervals faintly heard bore up a great reserve of electric vapour, that
+      formed, as it were, into field in the space between the Castle and
+      Hellingsley, and then discharged its violence on that fated district.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby and Oswald exchanged looks. &lsquo;You must not think of going home at
+      present, my dear fellow,&rsquo; said the first. &lsquo;I am sure your father would not
+      be displeased. There is not a being here who even knows you, and if they
+      did, what then?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The servant entered the room, and inquired whether the gentlemen were
+      ready for dinner.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By all means; come, my dear Millbank, I feel reckless as the tempest; let
+      us drown our cares in wine!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby, in fact, was exhausted by all the agitation of the day, and all
+      the harassing spectres of the future. He found wine a momentary solace. He
+      ordered the servants away, and for a moment felt a degree of wild
+      satisfaction in the company of the brother of Edith.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Thus they sat for a long time, talking only of one subject, and repeating
+      almost the same things, yet both felt happier in being together. Oswald
+      had risen, and opening the window, examined the approaching night. The
+      storm had lulled, though the rain still fell; in the west was a streak of
+      light. In a quarter of an hour, he calculated on departing. As he was
+      watching the wind he thought he heard the sound of wheels, which reminded
+      him of Coningsby&rsquo;s promise to lend him a light carriage for his return.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They sat down once more; they had filled their glasses for the last time;
+      to pledge to their faithful friendship, and the happiness of Coningsby and
+      Edith; when the door of the room opened, and there appeared, MR. RIGBY!
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      END OF BOOK VII.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0075" id="link2H_4_0075"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      BOOK VIII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0064" id="link2HCH0064"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER I.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      It was the heart of the London season, nearly four years ago, twelve
+      months having almost elapsed since the occurrence of those painful
+      passages at Hellingsley which closed the last book of this history, and
+      long lines of carriages an hour before midnight, up the classic mount of
+      St. James and along Piccadilly, intimated that the world were received at
+      some grand entertainment in Arlington Street.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was the town mansion of the noble family beneath whose roof at
+      Beaumanoir we have more than once introduced the reader, to gain whose
+      courtyard was at this moment the object of emulous coachmen, and to enter
+      whose saloons was to reward the martyr-like patience of their lords and
+      ladies.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Among the fortunate who had already succeeded in bowing to their hostess
+      were two gentlemen, who, ensconced in a good position, surveyed the scene,
+      and made their observations on the passing guests. They were gentlemen
+      who, to judge from their general air and the great consideration with
+      which they were treated by those who were occasionally in their vicinity,
+      were personages whose criticism bore authority.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I say, Jemmy,&rsquo; said the eldest, a dandy who had dined with the Regent,
+      but who was still a dandy, and who enjoyed life almost as much as in the
+      days when Carlton House occupied the terrace which still bears its name.
+      &lsquo;I say, Jemmy, what a load of young fellows there are! Don&rsquo;t know their
+      names at all. Begin to think fellows are younger than they used to be.
+      Amazing load of young fellows, indeed!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this moment an individual who came under the fortunate designation of a
+      young fellow, but whose assured carriage hardly intimated that this was
+      his first season in London, came up to the junior of the two critics, and
+      said, &lsquo;A pretty turn you played us yesterday at White&rsquo;s, Melton. We waited
+      dinner nearly an hour.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My dear fellow, I am infinitely sorry; but I was obliged to go down to
+      Windsor, and I missed the return train. A good dinner? Who had you?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A capital party, only you were wanted. We had Beaumanoir and Vere, and
+      Jack Tufton and Spraggs.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Was Spraggs rich?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Wasn&rsquo;t he! I have not done laughing yet. He told us a story about the
+      little Biron who was over here last year; I knew her at Paris; and an
+      Indian screen. Killing! Get him to tell it you. The richest thing you ever
+      heard!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Who&rsquo;s your friend?&rsquo; inquired Mr. Melton&rsquo;s companion, as the young man
+      moved away.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Sir Charles Buckhurst.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A&mdash;h! That is Sir Charles Buckhurst. Glad to have seen him. They say
+      he is going it.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He knows what he is about.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Egad! so they all do. A young fellow now of two or three and twenty knows
+      the world as men used to do after as many years of scrapes. I wonder where
+      there is such a thing as a greenhorn. Effie Crabbs says the reason he
+      gives up his house is, that he has cleaned out the old generation, and
+      that the new generation would clean him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Buckhurst is not in that sort of way: he swears by Henry Sydney, a
+      younger son of the Duke, whom you don&rsquo;t know; and young Coningsby; a sort
+      of new set; new ideas and all that sort of thing. Beau tells me a good
+      deal about it; and when I was staying with the Everinghams, at Easter,
+      they were full of it. Coningsby had just returned from his travels, and
+      they were quite on the <i>qui vive</i>. Lady Everingham is one of their
+      set. I don&rsquo;t know what it is exactly; but I think we shall hear more of
+      it.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A sort of animal magnetism, or unknown tongues, I take it from your
+      description,&rsquo; said his companion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, I don&rsquo;t know what it is,&rsquo; said Mr. Melton; &lsquo;but it has got hold of
+      all the young fellows who have just come out. Beau is a little bit
+      himself. I had some idea of giving my mind to it, they made such a fuss
+      about it at Everingham; but it requires a devilish deal of history, I
+      believe, and all that sort of thing.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! that&rsquo;s a bore,&rsquo; said his companion. &lsquo;It is difficult to turn to with
+      a new thing when you are not in the habit of it. I never could manage
+      charades.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Ormsby, passing by, stopped. &lsquo;They told me you had the gout,
+      Cassilis?&rsquo; he said to Mr. Melton&rsquo;s companion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;So I had; but I have found out a fellow who cures the gout instanter. Tom
+      Needham sent him to me. A German fellow. Pumicestone pills; sort of a
+      charm, I believe, and all that kind of thing: they say it rubs the gout
+      out of you. I sent him to Luxborough, who was very bad; cured him
+      directly. Luxborough swears by him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Luxborough believes in the Millennium,&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But here&rsquo;s a new thing that Melton has been telling me of, that all the
+      world is going to believe in,&rsquo; said Mr. Cassilis, &lsquo;something patronised by
+      Lady Everingham.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A very good patroness,&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Have you heard anything about it?&rsquo; continued Mr. Cassilis. &lsquo;Young
+      Coningsby brought it from abroad; didn&rsquo;t you you say so, Jemmy?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No, no, my dear fellow; it is not at all that sort of thing.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But they say it requires a deuced deal of history,&rsquo; continued Mr.
+      Cassilis. &lsquo;One must brush up one&rsquo;s Goldsmith. Canterton used to be the
+      fellow for history at White&rsquo;s. He was always boring one with William the
+      Conqueror, Julius Caesar, and all that sort of thing.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I tell you what,&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby, looking both sly and solemn, &lsquo;I should
+      not be surprised if, some day or another, we have a history about Lady
+      Everingham and young Coningsby.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Poh!&rsquo; said Mr. Melton; &lsquo;he is engaged to be married to her sister, Lady
+      Theresa.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The deuce!&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby; &lsquo;well, you are a friend of the family, and I
+      suppose you know.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He is a devilish good-looking fellow, that young Coningsby,&rsquo; said Mr.
+      Cassilis. &lsquo;All the women are in love with him, they say. Lady Eleanor
+      Ducie quite raves about him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By-the-bye, his grandfather has been very unwell,&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby,
+      looking mysteriously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I saw Lady Monmouth here just now,&rsquo; said Mr. Melton.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! he is quite well again,&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Got an odd story at White&rsquo;s that Lord Monmouth was going to separate from
+      her,&rsquo; said Mr. Cassilis.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No foundation,&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby, shaking his head.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;They are not going to separate, I believe,&rsquo; said Mr. Melton; &lsquo;but I
+      rather think there was a foundation for the rumour.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Ormsby still shook his head.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well,&rsquo; continued Mr. Melton, &lsquo;all I know is, that it was looked upon last
+      winter at Paris as a settled thing.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There was some story about some Hungarian,&rsquo; said Mr. Cassilis.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No, that blew over,&rsquo; said Mr. Melton; &lsquo;it was Trautsmansdorff the row was
+      about.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All this time Mr. Ormsby, as the friend of Lord and Lady Monmouth,
+      remained shaking his head; but as a member of society, and therefore
+      delighting in small scandal, appropriating the gossip with the greatest
+      avidity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I should think old Monmouth was not the sort of fellow to blow up a
+      woman,&rsquo; said Mr. Cassilis.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Provided she would leave him quietly,&rsquo; said Mr. Melton.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes, Lord Monmouth never could live with a woman more than two years,&rsquo;
+      said Mr. Ormsby, pensively. &lsquo;And that I thought at the time rather an
+      objection to his marriage.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      We must now briefly revert to what befell our hero after those unhappy
+      occurrences in the midst of whose first woe we left him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The day after the arrival of Mr. Rigby at the Castle, Coningsby quitted it
+      for London, and before a week had elapsed had embarked for Cadiz. He felt
+      a romantic interest in visiting the land to which Edith owed some blood,
+      and in acquiring the language which he had often admired as she spoke it.
+      A favourable opportunity permitted him in the autumn to visit Athens and
+      the AEgean, which he much desired. In the pensive beauties of that
+      delicate land, where perpetual autumn seems to reign, Coningsby found
+      solace. There is something in the character of Grecian scenery which
+      blends with the humour of the melancholy and the feelings of the
+      sorrowful. Coningsby passed his winter at Rome. The wish of his
+      grandfather had rendered it necessary for him to return to England
+      somewhat abruptly. Lord Monmouth had not visited his native country since
+      his marriage; but the period that had elapsed since that event had
+      considerably improved the prospects of his party. The majority of the Whig
+      Cabinet in the House of Commons by 1840 had become little more than
+      nominal; and though it was circulated among their friends, as if from the
+      highest authority, that &lsquo;one was enough,&rsquo; there seemed daily a better
+      chance of their being deprived even of that magical unit. For the first
+      time in the history of this country since the introduction of the system
+      of parliamentary sovereignty, the Government of England depended on the
+      fate of single elections; and indeed, by a single vote, it is remarkable
+      to observe, the fate of the Whig Government was ultimately decided.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This critical state of affairs, duly reported to Lord Monmouth, revived
+      his political passions, and offered him that excitement which he was ever
+      seeking, and yet for which he had often sighed. The Marquess, too, was
+      weary of Paris. Every day he found it more difficult to be amused.
+      Lucretia had lost her charm. He, from whom nothing could be concealed,
+      perceived that often, while she elaborately attempted to divert him, her
+      mind was wandering elsewhere. Lord Monmouth was quite superior to all
+      petty jealousy and the vulgar feelings of inferior mortals, but his
+      sublime selfishness required devotion. He had calculated that a wife or a
+      mistress who might be in love with another man, however powerfully their
+      interests might prompt them, could not be so agreeable or amusing to their
+      friends and husbands as if they had no such distracting hold upon their
+      hearts or their fancy. Latterly at Paris, while Lucretia became each day
+      more involved in the vortex of society, where all admired and some adored
+      her, Lord Monmouth fell into the easy habit of dining in his private
+      rooms, sometimes tête-à-tête with Villebecque, whose inexhaustible tales
+      and adventures about a kind of society which Lord Monmouth had always
+      preferred infinitely to the polished and somewhat insipid circles in which
+      he was born, had rendered him the prime favourite of his great patron.
+      Sometimes Villebecque, too, brought a friend, male or otherwise, whom he
+      thought invested with the rare faculty of distraction: Lord Monmouth cared
+      not who or what they were, provided they were diverting.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Villebecque had written to Coningsby at Rome, by his grandfather&rsquo;s desire,
+      to beg him to return to England and meet Lord Monmouth there. The letter
+      was couched with all the respect and good feeling which Villebecque really
+      entertained for him whom he addressed; still a letter on such a subject
+      from such a person was not agreeable to Coningsby, and his reply to it was
+      direct to his grandfather; Lord Monmouth, however, had entirely given over
+      writing letters.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby had met at Paris, on his way to England, Lord and Lady
+      Everingham, and he had returned with them. This revival of an old
+      acquaintance was both agreeable and fortunate for our hero. The vivacity
+      of a clever and charming woman pleasantly disturbed the brooding memory of
+      Coningsby. There is no mortification however keen, no misery however
+      desperate, which the spirit of woman cannot in some degree lighten or
+      alleviate. About, too, to make his formal entrance into the great world,
+      he could not have secured a more valuable and accomplished female friend.
+      She gave him every instruction, every intimation that was necessary;
+      cleared the social difficulties which in some degree are experienced on
+      their entrance into the world even by the most highly connected, unless
+      they have this benign assistance; planted him immediately in the position
+      which was expedient; took care that he was invited at once to the right
+      houses; and, with the aid of her husband, that he should become a member
+      of the right clubs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And who is to have the blue ribbon, Lord Eskdale?&rsquo; said the Duchess to
+      that nobleman, as he entered and approached to pay his respects.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If I were Melbourne, I would keep it open,&rsquo; replied his Lordship. &lsquo;It is
+      a mistake to give away too quickly.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But suppose they go out,&rsquo; said her Grace.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! there is always a last day to clear the House. But they will be in
+      another year. The cliff will not be sapped before then. We made a mistake
+      last year about the ladies.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I know you always thought so.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Quarrels about women are always a mistake. One should make it a rule to
+      give up to them, and then they are sure to give up to us.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have no great faith in our firmness?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Male firmness is very often obstinacy: women have always something
+      better, worth all qualities; they have tact.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A compliment to the sex from so finished a critic as Lord Eskdale is
+      appreciated.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But at this moment the arrival of some guests terminated the conversation,
+      and Lord Eskdale moved away, and approached a group which Lady Everingham
+      was enlightening.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My dear Lord Fitz-booby,&rsquo; her Ladyship observed, &lsquo;in politics we require
+      faith as well as in all other things.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Fitz-booby looked rather perplexed; but, possessed of considerable
+      official experience, having held high posts, some in the cabinet, for
+      nearly a quarter of a century, he was too versed to acknowledge that he
+      had not understood a single word that had been addressed to him for the
+      last ten minutes. He looked on with the same grave, attentive stolidity,
+      occasionally nodding his head, as he was wont of yore when he received a
+      deputation on sugar duties or joint-stock banks, and when he made, as was
+      his custom when particularly perplexed, an occasional note on a sheet of
+      foolscap paper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;An Opposition in an age of revolution,&rsquo; continued Lady Everingham, &lsquo;must
+      be founded on principles. It cannot depend on mere personal ability and
+      party address taking advantage of circumstances. You have not enunciated a
+      principle for the last ten years; and when you seemed on the point of
+      acceding to power, it was not on a great question of national interest,
+      but a technical dispute respecting the constitution of an exhausted sugar
+      colony.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If you are a Conservative party, we wish to know what you want to
+      conserve,&rsquo; said Lord Vere.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If it had not been for the Whig abolition of slavery,&rsquo; said Lord
+      Fitz-booby, goaded into repartee, &lsquo;Jamaica would not have been an
+      exhausted sugar colony.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Then what you do want to conserve is slavery?&rsquo; said Lord Vere.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No,&rsquo; said Lord Fitz-booby, &lsquo;I am never for retracing our steps.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But will you advance, will you move? And where will you advance, and how
+      will you move?&rsquo; said Lady Everingham.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think we have had quite enough of advancing,&rsquo; said his Lordship. &lsquo;I had
+      no idea your Ladyship was a member of the Movement party,&rsquo; he added, with
+      a sarcastic grin.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But if it were bad, Lord Fitz-booby, to move where we are, as you and
+      your friends have always maintained, how can you reconcile it to principle
+      to remain there?&rsquo; said Lord Vere.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I would make the best of a bad bargain,&rsquo; said Lord Fitz-booby. &lsquo;With a
+      Conservative government, a reformed Constitution would be less dangerous.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why?&rsquo; said Lady Everingham. &lsquo;What are your distinctive principles that
+      render the peril less?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I appeal to Lord Eskdale,&rsquo; said Lord Fitz-booby; &lsquo;there is Lady
+      Everingham turned quite a Radical, I declare. Is not your Lordship of
+      opinion that the country must be safer with a Conservative government than
+      with a Liberal?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think the country is always tolerably secure,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lady Theresa, leaning on the arm of Mr. Lyle, came up at this moment, and
+      unconsciously made a diversion in favour of Lord Fitz-booby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Pray, Theresa,&rsquo; said Lady Everingham, &lsquo;where is Mr. Coningsby?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Let us endeavour to ascertain. It so happened that on this day Coningsby
+      and Henry Sydney dined at Grillion&rsquo;s, at an university club, where, among
+      many friends whom Coningsby had not met for a long time, and among
+      delightful reminiscences, the unconscious hours stole on. It was late when
+      they quitted Grillion&rsquo;s, and Coningsby&rsquo;s brougham was detained for a
+      considerable time before its driver could insinuate himself into the line,
+      which indeed he would never have succeeded in doing had not he fortunately
+      come across the coachman of the Duke of Agincourt, who being of the same
+      politics as himself, belonging to the same club, and always black-balling
+      the same men, let him in from a legitimate party feeling; so they arrived
+      in Arlington Street at a very late hour.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby was springing up the staircase, now not so crowded as it had
+      been, and met a retiring party; he was about to say a passing word to a
+      gentleman as he went by, when, suddenly, Coningsby turned deadly pale. The
+      gentleman could hardly be the cause, for it was the gracious and handsome
+      presence of Lord Beaumanoir: the lady resting on his arm was Edith. They
+      moved on while he was motionless; yet Edith and himself had exchanged
+      glances. His was one of astonishment; but what was the expression of hers?
+      She must have recognised him before he had observed her. She was
+      collected, and she expressed the purpose of her mind in a distant and
+      haughty recognition. Coningsby remained for a moment stupefied; then
+      suddenly turning back, he bounded downstairs and hurried into the
+      cloak-room. He met Lady Wallinger; he spoke rapidly, he held her hand, did
+      not listen to her answers, his eyes wandered about. There were many
+      persons present, at length he recognised Edith enveloped in her mantle. He
+      went forward, he looked at her, as if he would have read her soul; he said
+      something. She changed colour as he addressed her, but seemed instantly by
+      an effort to rally and regain her equanimity; replied to his inquiries
+      with extreme brevity, and Lady Wallinger&rsquo;s carriage being announced, moved
+      away with the same slight haughty salute as before, on the arm of Lord
+      Beaumanoir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0065" id="link2HCH0065"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER II.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Sadness fell over the once happy family of Millbank after the departure of
+      Coningsby from Hellingsley. When the first pang was over, Edith had found
+      some solace in the sympathy of her aunt, who had always appreciated and
+      admired Coningsby; but it was a sympathy which aspired only to soften
+      sorrow, and not to create hope. But Lady Wallinger, though she lengthened
+      her visit for the sake of her niece, in time quitted them; and then the
+      name of Coningsby was never heard by Edith. Her brother, shortly after the
+      sorrowful and abrupt departure of his friend, had gone to the factories,
+      where he remained, and of which, in future, it was intended that he should
+      assume the principal direction. Mr. Millbank himself, sustained at first
+      by the society of his friend Sir Joseph, to whom he was attached, and
+      occupied with daily reports from his establishment and the transaction of
+      the affairs with his numerous and busy constituents, was for a while
+      scarcely conscious of the alteration which had taken place in the
+      demeanour of his daughter. But when they were once more alone together, it
+      was impossible any longer to be blind to the great change. That happy and
+      equable gaiety of spirit, which seemed to spring from an innocent
+      enjoyment of existence, and which had ever distinguished Edith, was
+      wanting. Her sunny glance was gone. She was not indeed always moody and
+      dispirited, but she was fitful, unequal in her tone. That temper whose
+      sweetness had been a domestic proverb had become a little uncertain. Not
+      that her affection for her father was diminished, but there were snatches
+      of unusual irritability which momentarily escaped her, followed by bursts
+      of tenderness that were the creatures of compunction. And often, after
+      some hasty word, she would throw her arms round her father&rsquo;s neck with the
+      fondness of remorse. She pursued her usual avocations, for she had really
+      too well-regulated a mind, she was in truth a person of too strong an
+      intellect, to neglect any source of occupation and distraction. Her
+      flowers, her pencil, and her books supplied her with these; and music
+      soothed, and at times beguiled, her agitated thoughts. But there was no
+      joy in the house, and in time Mr. Millbank felt it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Millbank was vexed, irritated, grieved. Edith, his Edith, the pride
+      and delight of his existence, who had been to him only a source of
+      exultation and felicity, was no longer happy, was perhaps pining away; and
+      there was the appearance, the unjust appearance that he, her fond father,
+      was the cause and occasion of all this wretchedness. It would appear that
+      the name of Coningsby, to which he now owed a great debt of gratitude, was
+      still doomed to bear him mortification and misery. Truly had the young man
+      said that there was a curse upon their two families. And yet, on
+      reflection, it still seemed to Mr. Millbank that he had acted with as much
+      wisdom and real kindness as decision. How otherwise was he to have acted?
+      The union was impossible; the speedier their separation, therefore,
+      clearly the better. Unfortunate, indeed, had been his absence from
+      Hellingsley; unquestionably his presence might have prevented the
+      catastrophe. Oswald should have hindered all this. And yet Mr. Millbank
+      could not shut his eyes to the devotion of his son to Coningsby. He felt
+      he could count on no assistance in this respect from that quarter. Yet how
+      hard upon him that he should seem to figure as a despot or a tyrant to his
+      own children, whom he loved, when he had absolutely acted in an inevitable
+      manner! Edith seemed sad, Oswald sullen; all was changed. All the objects
+      for which this clear-headed, strong-minded, kind-hearted man had been
+      working all his life, seemed to be frustrated. And why? Because a young
+      man had made love to his daughter, who was really in no manner entitled to
+      do so.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As the autumn drew on, Mr. Millbank found Hellingsley, under existing
+      circumstances, extremely wearisome; and he proposed to his daughter that
+      they should pay a visit to their earlier home. Edith assented without
+      difficulty, but without interest. And yet, as Mr. Millbank immediately
+      perceived, the change was a judicious one; for certainly the spirits of
+      Edith seemed to improve after her return to their valley. There were more
+      objects of interest: change, too, is always beneficial. If Mr. Millbank
+      had been aware that Oswald had received a letter from Coningsby, written
+      before he quitted Spain, perhaps he might have recognised a more
+      satisfactory reason for the transient liveliness of his daughter which had
+      so greatly gratified him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      About a month after Christmas, the meeting of Parliament summoned Mr.
+      Millbank up to London; and he had wished Edith to accompany him. But
+      London in February to Edith, without friends or connections, her father
+      always occupied and absent from her day and night, seemed to them all, on
+      reflection, to be a life not very conducive to health or cheerfulness, and
+      therefore she remained with her brother. Oswald had heard from Coningsby
+      again from Rome; but at the period he wrote he did not anticipate his
+      return to England. His tone was affectionate, but dispirited.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lady Wallinger went up to London after Easter for the season, and Mr.
+      Millbank, now that there was a constant companion for his daughter, took a
+      house and carried Edith back with him to London. Lady Wallinger, who had
+      great wealth and great tact, had obtained by degrees a not inconsiderable
+      position in society. She had a fine house in a fashionable situation, and
+      gave profuse entertainments. The Whigs were under obligations to her
+      husband, and the great Whig ladies were gratified to find in his wife a
+      polished and pleasing person, to whom they could be courteous without any
+      annoyance. So that Edith, under the auspices of her aunt, found herself at
+      once in circles which otherwise she might not easily have entered, but
+      which her beauty, grace, and experience of the most refined society of the
+      Continent, qualified her to shine in. One evening they met the Marquis of
+      Beaumanoir, their friend of Rome and Paris, and admirer of Edith, who from
+      that time was seldom from their side. His mother, the Duchess, immediately
+      called both on the Millbanks and the Wallingers; glad, not only to please
+      her son, but to express that consideration for Mr. Millbank which the Duke
+      always wished to show. It was, however, of no use; nothing would induce
+      Mr. Millbank ever to enter what he called aristocratic society. He liked
+      the House of Commons; never paired off; never missed a moment of it;
+      worked at committees all the morning, listened attentively to debates all
+      the night; always dined at Bellamy&rsquo;s when there was a house; and when
+      there was not, liked dining at the Fishmongers&rsquo; Company, the Russia
+      Company, great Emigration banquets, and other joint-stock festivities.
+      That was his idea of rational society; business and pleasure combined; a
+      good dinner, and good speeches afterwards.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Edith was aware that Coningsby had returned to England, for her brother
+      had heard from him on his arrival; but Oswald had not heard since. A
+      season in London only represented in the mind of Edith the chance, perhaps
+      the certainty, of meeting Coningsby again; of communing together over the
+      catastrophe of last summer; of soothing and solacing each other&rsquo;s
+      unhappiness, and perhaps, with the sanguine imagination of youth,
+      foreseeing a more felicitous future. She had been nearly a fortnight in
+      town, and though moving frequently in the same circles as Coningsby, they
+      had not yet met. It was one of those results which could rarely occur; but
+      even chance enters too frequently in the league against lovers. The
+      invitation to the assembly at &mdash;&mdash; House was therefore
+      peculiarly gratifying to Edith, since she could scarcely doubt that if
+      Coningsby were in town, which her casual inquiries of Lord Beaumanoir
+      induced her to believe was the case, he would be present. Never,
+      therefore, had she repaired to an assembly with such a flattering spirit;
+      and yet there was a fascinating anxiety about it that bewilders the young
+      heart.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In vain Edith surveyed the rooms to catch the form of that being, whom for
+      a moment she had never ceased to cherish and muse over. He was not there;
+      and at the very moment when, disappointed and mortified, she most required
+      solace, she learned from Mr. Melton that Lady Theresa Sydney, whom she
+      chanced to admire, was going to be married, and to Mr. Coningsby!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      What a revelation! His silence, perhaps his shunning of her were no longer
+      inexplicable. What a return for all her romantic devotion in her sad
+      solitude at Hellingsley. Was this the end of their twilight rambles, and
+      the sweet pathos of their mutual loves? There seemed to be no truth in
+      man, no joy in life! All the feelings that she had so generously lavished,
+      all returned upon herself. She could have burst into a passion of tears
+      and buried herself in a cloister.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Instead of that, civilisation made her listen with a serene though
+      tortured countenance; but as soon as it was in her power, pleading a
+      headache to Lady Wallinger, she effected, or thought she had effected, her
+      escape from a scene which harrowed her heart.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As for Coningsby, he passed a sleepless night, agitated by the unexpected
+      presence of Edith and distracted by the manner in which she had received
+      him. To say that her appearance had revived all his passionate affection
+      for her would convey an unjust impression of the nature of his feelings.
+      His affection had never for a moment swerved; it was profound and firm.
+      But unquestionably this sudden vision had brought before him, in startling
+      and more vivid colours, the relations that subsisted between them. There
+      was the being whom he loved and who loved him; and whatever were the
+      barriers which the circumstances of life placed against their union, they
+      were partakers of the solemn sacrament of an unpolluted heart.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby, as we have mentioned, had signified to Oswald his return to
+      England: he had hitherto omitted to write again; not because his spirit
+      faltered, but he was wearied of whispering hope without foundation, and
+      mourning over his chagrined fortunes. Once more in England, once more
+      placed in communication with his grandfather, he felt with increased
+      conviction the difficulties which surrounded him. The society of Lady
+      Everingham and her sister, who had been at the same time her visitor, had
+      been a relaxation, and a beneficial one, to a mind suffering too much from
+      the tension of one idea. But Coningsby had treated the matrimonial project
+      of his gay-minded hostess with the courteous levity in which he believed
+      it had first half originated. He admired and liked Lady Theresa; but there
+      was a reason why he should not marry her, even had his own heart not been
+      absorbed by one of those passions from which men of deep and earnest
+      character never emancipate themselves.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After musing and meditating again and again over everything that had
+      occurred, Coningsby fell asleep when the morning had far advanced,
+      resolved to rise when a little refreshed and find out Lady Wallinger, who,
+      he felt sure, would receive him with kindness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Yet it was fated that this step should not be taken, for while he was at
+      breakfast, his servant brought him a letter from Monmouth House, apprising
+      him that his grandfather wished to see him as soon as possible on urgent
+      business.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0066" id="link2HCH0066"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER III.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth was sitting in the same dressing-room in which he was first
+      introduced to the reader; on the table were several packets of papers that
+      were open and in course of reference; and he dictated his observations to
+      Monsieur Villebecque, who was writing at his left hand.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Thus were they occupied when Coningsby was ushered into the room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You see, Harry,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth, &lsquo;that I am much occupied to-day, yet
+      the business on which I wish to communicate with you is so pressing that
+      it could not be postponed.&rsquo; He made a sign to Villebecque, and his
+      secretary instantly retired.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I was right in pressing your return to England,&rsquo; continued Lord Monmouth
+      to his grandson, who was a little anxious as to the impending
+      communication, which he could not in any way anticipate. &lsquo;These are not
+      times when young men should be out of sight. Your public career will
+      commence immediately. The Government have resolved on a dissolution. My
+      information is from the highest quarter. You may be astonished, but it is
+      a fact. They are going to dissolve their own House of Commons.
+      Notwithstanding this and the Queen&rsquo;s name, we can beat them; but the race
+      requires the finest jockeying. We can&rsquo;t give a point. Tadpole has been
+      here to me about Darlford; he came specially with a message, I may say an
+      appeal, from one to whom I can refuse nothing; the Government count on the
+      seat, though with the new Registration &lsquo;tis nearly a tie. If we had a good
+      candidate we could win. But Rigby won&rsquo;t do. He is too much of the old
+      clique; used up; a hack; besides, a beaten horse. We are assured the name
+      of Coningsby would be a host; there is a considerable section who support
+      the present fellow who will not vote against a Coningsby. They have
+      thought of you as a fit person, and I have approved of the suggestion. You
+      will, therefore, be the candidate for Darlford with my entire sanction and
+      support, and I have no doubt you will be successful. You may be sure I
+      shall spare nothing: and it will be very gratifying to me, after being
+      robbed of all our boroughs, that the only Coningsby who cares to enter
+      Parliament, should nevertheless be able to do so as early as I could
+      fairly desire.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby the rival of Mr. Millbank on the hustings of Darlford!
+      Vanquished or victorious, equally a catastrophe! The fierce passions, the
+      gross insults, the hot blood and the cool lies, the ruffianism and the
+      ribaldry, perhaps the domestic discomfiture and mortification, which he
+      was about to be the means of bringing on the roof he loved best in the
+      world, occurred to him with anguish. The countenance of Edith, haughty and
+      mournful last night, rose to him again. He saw her canvassing for her
+      father, and against him. Madness! And for what was he to make this
+      terrible and costly sacrifice For his ambition? Not even for that Divinity
+      or Daemon for which we all immolate so much! Mighty ambition, forsooth, to
+      succeed to the Rigbys! To enter the House of Commons a slave and a tool;
+      to move according to instructions, and to labour for the low designs of
+      petty spirits, without even the consolation of being a dupe. What sympathy
+      could there exist between Coningsby and the &lsquo;great Conservative party,&rsquo;
+      that for ten years in an age of revolution had never promulgated a
+      principle; whose only intelligible and consistent policy seemed to be an
+      attempt, very grateful of course to the feelings of an English Royalist,
+      to revive Irish Puritanism; who when in power in 1835 had used that power
+      only to evince their utter ignorance of Church principles; and who were at
+      this moment, when Coningsby was formally solicited to join their ranks, in
+      open insurrection against the prerogatives of the English Monarchy?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Do you anticipate then an immediate dissolution, sir?&rsquo; inquired Coningsby
+      after a moment&rsquo;s pause.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We must anticipate it; though I think it doubtful. It may be next month;
+      it may be in the autumn; they may tide over another year, as Lord Eskdale
+      thinks, and his opinion always weighs with me. He is very safe. Tadpole
+      believes they will dissolve at once. But whether they dissolve now, or in
+      a month&rsquo;s time, or in the autumn, or next year, our course is clear. We
+      must declare our intentions immediately. We must hoist our flag. Monday
+      next, there is a great Conservative dinner at Darlford. You must attend
+      it; that will be the finest opportunity in the world for you to announce
+      yourself.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Don&rsquo;t you think, sir,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;that such an announcement would
+      be rather premature? It is, in fact, embarking in a contest which may last
+      a year; perhaps more.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What you say is very true,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth; &lsquo;no doubt it is very
+      troublesome; very disgusting; any canvassing is. But we must take things
+      as we find them. You cannot get into Parliament now in the good old
+      gentlemanlike way; and we ought to be thankful that this interest has been
+      fostered for our purpose.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby looked on the carpet, cleared his throat as if about to speak,
+      and then gave something like a sigh.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think you had better be off the day after to-morrow,&rsquo; said Lord
+      Monmouth. &lsquo;I have sent instructions to the steward to do all he can in so
+      short a time, for I wish you to entertain the principal people.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You are most kind, you are always most kind to me, dear sir,&rsquo; said
+      Coningsby, in a hesitating tone, and with an air of great embarrassment,
+      &lsquo;but, in truth, I have no wish to enter Parliament.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What?&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I feel that I am not sufficiently prepared for so great a responsibility
+      as a seat in the House of Commons,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Responsibility!&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth, smiling. &lsquo;What responsibility is
+      there? How can any one have a more agreeable seat? The only person to whom
+      you are responsible is your own relation, who brings you in. And I don&rsquo;t
+      suppose there can be any difference on any point between us. You are
+      certainly still young; but I was younger by nearly two years when I first
+      went in; and I found no difficulty. There can be no difficulty. All you
+      have got to do is to vote with your party. As for speaking, if you have a
+      talent that way, take my advice; don&rsquo;t be in a hurry. Learn to know the
+      House; learn the House to know you. If a man be discreet, he cannot enter
+      Parliament too soon.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is not exactly that, sir,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Then what is it, my dear Harry? You see to-day I have much to do; yet as
+      your business is pressing, I would not postpone seeing you an hour. I
+      thought you would have been very much gratified.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You mentioned that I had nothing to do but to vote with my party, sir,&rsquo;
+      replied Coningsby. &lsquo;You mean, of course, by that term what is understood
+      by the Conservative party.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Of course; our friends.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sorry,&rsquo; said Coningsby, rather pale, but speaking with firmness, &lsquo;I
+      am sorry that I could not support the Conservative party.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By &mdash;&mdash;!&rsquo; exclaimed Lord Monmouth, starting in his seat, &lsquo;some
+      woman has got hold of him, and made him a Whig!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No, my dear grandfather,&rsquo; said Coningsby, scarcely able to repress a
+      smile, serious as the interview was becoming, &lsquo;nothing of the kind, I
+      assure you. No person can be more anti-Whig.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I don&rsquo;t know what you are driving at, sir,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth, in a
+      hard, dry tone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wish to be frank, sir,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;and am very sensible of your
+      goodness in permitting me to speak to you on the subject. What I mean to
+      say is, that I have for a long time looked upon the Conservative party as
+      a body who have betrayed their trust; more from ignorance, I admit, than
+      from design; yet clearly a body of individuals totally unequal to the
+      exigencies of the epoch, and indeed unconscious of its real character.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You mean giving up those Irish corporations?&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth. &lsquo;Well,
+      between ourselves, I am quite of the same opinion. But we must mount
+      higher; we must go to &lsquo;28 for the real mischief. But what is the use of
+      lamenting the past? Peel is the only man; suited to the times and all
+      that; at least we must say so, and try to believe so; we can&rsquo;t go back.
+      And it is our own fault that we have let the chief power out of the hands
+      of our own order. It was never thought of in the time of your
+      great-grandfather, sir. And if a commoner were for a season permitted to
+      be the nominal Premier to do the detail, there was always a secret
+      committee of great 1688 nobles to give him his instructions.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I should be very sorry to see secret committees of great 1688 nobles
+      again,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Then what the devil do you want to see?&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Political faith,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;instead of political infidelity.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Hem!&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Before I support Conservative principles,&rsquo; continued Coningsby, &lsquo;I merely
+      wish to be informed what those principles aim to conserve. It would not
+      appear to be the prerogative of the Crown, since the principal portion of
+      a Conservative oration now is an invective against a late royal act which
+      they describe as a Bed-chamber plot. Is it the Church which they wish to
+      conserve? What is a threatened Appropriation Clause against an actual
+      Church Commission in the hands of Parliamentary Laymen? Could the Long
+      Parliament have done worse? Well, then, if it is neither the Crown nor the
+      Church, whose rights and privileges this Conservative party propose to
+      vindicate, is it your House, the House of Lords, whose powers they are
+      prepared to uphold? Is it not notorious that the very man whom you have
+      elected as your leader in that House, declares among his Conservative
+      adherents, that henceforth the assembly that used to furnish those very
+      Committees of great revolution nobles that you mention, is to initiate
+      nothing; and, without a struggle, is to subside into that undisturbed
+      repose which resembles the Imperial tranquillity that secured the
+      frontiers by paying tribute?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;All this is vastly fine,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth; &lsquo;but I see no means by
+      which I can attain my object but by supporting Peel. After all, what is
+      the end of all parties and all politics? To gain your object. I want to
+      turn our coronet into a ducal one, and to get your grandmother&rsquo;s barony
+      called out of abeyance in your favour. It is impossible that Peel can
+      refuse me. I have already purchased an ample estate with the view of
+      entailing it on you and your issue. You will make a considerable alliance;
+      you may marry, if you please, Lady Theresa Sydney. I hear the report with
+      pleasure. Count on my at once entering into any arrangement conducive to
+      your happiness.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My dear grandfather, you have ever been to me only too kind and
+      generous.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;To whom should I be kind but to you, my own blood, that has never crossed
+      me, and of whom I have reason to be proud? Yes, Harry, it gratifies me to
+      hear you admired and to learn your success. All I want now is to see you
+      in Parliament. A man should be in Parliament early. There is a sort of
+      stiffness about every man, no matter what may be his talents, who enters
+      Parliament late in life; and now, fortunately, the occasion offers. You
+      will go down on Friday; feed the notabilities well; speak out; praise
+      Peel; abuse O&rsquo;Connell and the ladies of the Bed-chamber; anathematise all
+      waverers; say a good deal about Ireland; stick to the Irish Registration
+      Bill, that&rsquo;s a good card; and, above all, my dear Harry, don&rsquo;t spare that
+      fellow Millbank. Remember, in turning him out you not only gain a vote for
+      the Conservative cause and our coronet, but you crush my foe. Spare
+      nothing for that object; I count on you, boy.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I should grieve to be backward in anything that concerned your interest
+      or your honour, sir,&rsquo; said Coningsby, with an air of great embarrassment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sure you would, I am sure you would,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth, in a tone
+      of some kindness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And I feel at this moment,&rsquo; continued Coningsby, &lsquo;that there is no
+      personal sacrifice which I am not prepared to make for them, except one.
+      My interests, my affections, they should not be placed in the balance, if
+      yours, sir, were at stake, though there are circumstances which might
+      involve me in a position of as much mental distress as a man could well
+      endure; but I claim for my convictions, my dear grandfather, a generous
+      tolerance.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I can&rsquo;t follow you, sir,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth, again in his hard tone.
+      &lsquo;Our interests are inseparable, and therefore there can never be any
+      sacrifice of conduct on your part. What you mean by sacrifice of
+      affections, I don&rsquo;t comprehend; but as for your opinions, you have no
+      business to have any other than those I uphold. You are too young to form
+      opinions.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sure I wish to express them with no unbecoming confidence,&rsquo; replied
+      Coningsby; &lsquo;I have never intruded them on your ear before; but this being
+      an occasion when you yourself said, sir, I was about to commence my public
+      career, I confess I thought it was my duty to be frank; I would not entail
+      on myself long years of mortification by one of those ill-considered
+      entrances into political life which so many public men have cause to
+      deplore.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You go with your family, sir, like a gentleman; you are not to consider
+      your opinions, like a philosopher or a political adventurer.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes, sir,&rsquo; said Coningsby, with animation, &lsquo;but men going with their
+      families like gentlemen, and losing sight of every principle on which the
+      society of this country ought to be established, produced the Reform
+      Bill.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;D&mdash;&mdash; the Reform Bill!&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth; &lsquo;if the Duke had
+      not quarrelled with Lord Grey on a Coal Committee, we should never have
+      had the Reform Bill. And Grey would have gone to Ireland.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You are in as great peril now as you were in 1830,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No, no, no,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth; &lsquo;the Tory party is organised now; they
+      will not catch us napping again: these Conservative Associations have done
+      the business.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But what are they organised for?&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;At the best to turn
+      out the Whigs. And when you have turned out the Whigs, what then? You may
+      get your ducal coronet, sir. But a duke now is not so great a man as a
+      baron was but a century back. We cannot struggle against the irresistible
+      stream of circumstances. Power has left our order; this is not an age for
+      factitious aristocracy. As for my grandmother&rsquo;s barony, I should look upon
+      the termination of its abeyance in my favour as the act of my political
+      extinction. What we want, sir, is not to fashion new dukes and furbish up
+      old baronies, but to establish great principles which may maintain the
+      realm and secure the happiness of the people. Let me see authority once
+      more honoured; a solemn reverence again the habit of our lives; let me see
+      property acknowledging, as in the old days of faith, that labour is his
+      twin brother, and that the essence of all tenure is the performance of
+      duty; let results such as these be brought about, and let me participate,
+      however feebly, in the great fulfilment, and public life then indeed
+      becomes a noble career, and a seat in Parliament an enviable distinction.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I tell you what it is, Harry,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth, very drily, &lsquo;members
+      of this family may think as they like, but they must act as I please. You
+      must go down on Friday to Darlford and declare yourself a candidate for
+      the town, or I shall reconsider our mutual positions. I would say, you
+      must go to-morrow; but it is only courteous to Rigby to give him a
+      previous intimation of your movement. And that cannot be done to-day. I
+      sent for Rigby this morning on other business which now occupies me, and
+      find he is out of town. He will return to-morrow; and will be here at
+      three o&rsquo;clock, when you can meet him. You will meet him, I doubt not, like
+      a man of sense,&rsquo; added Lord Monmouth, looking at Coningsby with a glance
+      such as he had never before encountered, &lsquo;who is not prepared to sacrifice
+      all the objects of life for the pursuit of some fantastical puerilities.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His Lordship rang a bell on his table for Villebecque; and to prevent any
+      further conversation, resumed his papers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0067" id="link2HCH0067"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER IV.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      It would have been difficult for any person, unconscious of crime, to have
+      felt more dejected than Coningsby when he rode out of the court-yard of
+      Monmouth House. The love of Edith would have consoled him for the
+      destruction of his prosperity; the proud fulfilment of his ambition might
+      in time have proved some compensation for his crushed affections; but his
+      present position seemed to offer no single source of solace. There came
+      over him that irresistible conviction that is at times the dark doom of
+      all of us, that the bright period of our life is past; that a future
+      awaits us only of anxiety, failure, mortification, despair; that none of
+      our resplendent visions can ever be realised: and that we add but one more
+      victim to the long and dreary catalogue of baffled aspirations.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Nor could he indeed by any combination see the means to extricate himself
+      from the perils that were encompassing him. There was something about his
+      grandfather that defied persuasion. Prone as eloquent youth generally is
+      to believe in the resistless power of its appeals, Coningsby despaired at
+      once of ever moving Lord Monmouth. There had been a callous dryness in his
+      manner, an unswerving purpose in his spirit, that at once baffled all
+      attempts at influence. Nor could Coningsby forget the look he received
+      when he quitted the room. There was no possibility of mistaking it; it
+      said at once, without periphrasis, &lsquo;Cross my purpose, and I will crush
+      you!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This was the moment when the sympathy, if not the counsels, of friendship
+      might have been grateful. A clever woman might have afforded even more
+      than sympathy; some happy device that might have even released him from
+      the mesh in which he was involved. And once Coningsby had turned his
+      horse&rsquo;s head to Park Lane to call on Lady Everingham. But surely if there
+      were a sacred secret in the world, it was the one which subsisted between
+      himself and Edith. No, that must never be violated. Then there was Lady
+      Wallinger; he could at least speak with freedom to her. He resolved to
+      tell her all. He looked in for a moment at a club to take up the &lsquo;Court
+      Guide&rsquo; and find her direction. A few men were standing in a bow window. He
+      heard Mr. Cassilis say,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;So Beau, they say, is booked at last; the new beauty, have you heard?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I saw him very sweet on her last night,&rsquo; rejoined his companion. &lsquo;Has she
+      any tin?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Deuced deal, they say,&rsquo; replied Mr. Cassilis.&rsquo; The father is a cotton
+      lord, and they all have loads of tin, you know. Nothing like them now.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He is in Parliament, is not he?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;&rsquo;Gad, I believe he is,&rsquo; said Mr. Cassilis; &lsquo;I never know who is in
+      Parliament in these days. I remember when there were only ten men in the
+      House of Commons who were not either members of Brookes&rsquo; or this place.
+      Everything is so deuced changed.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I hear &lsquo;tis an old affair of Beau,&rsquo; said another gentleman. &lsquo;It was all
+      done a year ago at Rome or Paris.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;They say she refused him then,&rsquo; said Mr. Cassilis.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, that is tolerably cool for a manufacturer&rsquo;s daughter,&rsquo; said his
+      friend. &lsquo;What next?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wonder how the Duke likes it?&rsquo; said Mr. Cassilis.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Or the Duchess?&rsquo; added one of his friends.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Or the Everinghams?&rsquo; added the other.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The Duke will be deuced glad to see Beau settled, I take it,&rsquo; said Mr.
+      Cassilis.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A good deal depends on the tin,&rsquo; said his friend.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby threw down the &lsquo;Court Guide&rsquo; with a sinking heart. In spite of
+      every insuperable difficulty, hitherto the end and object of all his
+      aspirations and all his exploits, sometimes even almost unconsciously to
+      himself, was Edith. It was over. The strange manner of last night was
+      fatally explained. The heart that once had been his was now another&rsquo;s. To
+      the man who still loves there is in that conviction the most profound and
+      desolate sorrow of which our nature is capable. All the recollection of
+      the past, all the once-cherished prospects of the future, blend into one
+      bewildering anguish. Coningsby quitted the club, and mounting his horse,
+      rode rapidly out of town, almost unconscious of his direction. He found
+      himself at length in a green lane near Willesden, silent and undisturbed;
+      he pulled up his horse, and summoned all his mind to the contemplation of
+      his prospects.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Edith was lost. Now, should he return to his grandfather, accept his
+      mission, and go down to Darlford on Friday? Favour and fortune, power,
+      prosperity, rank, distinction would be the consequence of this step; might
+      not he add even vengeance? Was there to be no term to his endurance? Might
+      not he teach this proud, prejudiced manufacturer, with all his virulence
+      and despotic caprices, a memorable lesson? And his daughter, too, this
+      betrothed, after all, of a young noble, with her flush futurity of
+      splendour and enjoyment, was she to hear of him only, if indeed she heard
+      of him at all, as of one toiling or trifling in the humbler positions of
+      existence; and wonder, with a blush, that he ever could have been the hero
+      of her romantic girlhood? What degradation in the idea? His cheek burnt at
+      the possibility of such ignominy!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was a conjuncture in his life that required decision. He thought of his
+      companions who looked up to him with such ardent anticipations of his
+      fame, of delight in his career, and confidence in his leading; were all
+      these high and fond fancies to be balked? On the very threshold of life
+      was he to blunder? &lsquo;Tis the first step that leads to all, and his was to
+      be a wilful error. He remembered his first visit to his grandfather, and
+      the delight of his friends at Eton at his report on his return. After
+      eight years of initiation was he to lose that favour then so highly
+      prized, when the results which they had so long counted on were on the
+      very eve of accomplishment? Parliament and riches, and rank and power;
+      these were facts, realities, substances, that none could mistake. Was he
+      to sacrifice them for speculations, theories, shadows, perhaps the vapours
+      of a green and conceited brain? No, by heaven, no! He was like Caesar by
+      the starry river&rsquo;s side, watching the image of the planets on its fatal
+      waters. The die was cast.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The sun set; the twilight spell fell upon his soul; the exaltation of his
+      spirit died away. Beautiful thoughts, full of sweetness and tranquillity
+      and consolation, came clustering round his heart like seraphs. He thought
+      of Edith in her hours of fondness; he thought of the pure and solemn
+      moments when to mingle his name with the heroes of humanity was his
+      aspiration, and to achieve immortal fame the inspiring purpose of his
+      life. What were the tawdry accidents of vulgar ambition to him? No
+      domestic despot could deprive him of his intellect, his knowledge, the
+      sustaining power of an unpolluted conscience. If he possessed the
+      intelligence in which he had confidence, the world would recognise his
+      voice even if not placed upon a pedestal. If the principles of his
+      philosophy were true, the great heart of the nation would respond to their
+      expression. Coningsby felt at this moment a profound conviction which
+      never again deserted him, that the conduct which would violate the
+      affections of the heart, or the dictates of the conscience, however it may
+      lead to immediate success, is a fatal error. Conscious that he was perhaps
+      verging on some painful vicissitude of his life, he devoted himself to a
+      love that seemed hopeless, and to a fame that was perhaps a dream.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was under the influence of these solemn resolutions that he wrote, on
+      his return home, a letter to Lord Monmouth, in which he expressed all that
+      affection which he really felt for his grandfather, and all the pangs
+      which it cost him to adhere to the conclusions he had already announced.
+      In terms of tenderness, and even humility, he declined to become a
+      candidate for Darlford, or even to enter Parliament, except as the master
+      of his own conduct.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0068" id="link2HCH0068"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER V.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Lady Monmouth was reclining on a sofa in that beautiful boudoir which had
+      been fitted up under the superintendence of Mr. Rigby, but as he then
+      believed for the Princess Colonna. The walls were hung with amber satin,
+      painted by Delaroche with such subjects as might be expected from his
+      brilliant and picturesque pencil. Fair forms, heroes and heroines in
+      dazzling costume, the offspring of chivalry merging into what is commonly
+      styled civilisation, moved in graceful or fantastic groups amid palaces
+      and gardens. The ceiling, carved in the deep honeycomb fashion of the
+      Saracens, was richly gilt and picked out in violet. Upon a violet carpet
+      of velvet was represented the marriage of Cupid and Psyche.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was about two hours after Coningsby had quitted Monmouth House, and
+      Flora came in, sent for by Lady Monmouth as was her custom, to read to her
+      as she was employed with some light work.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;&rsquo;Tis a new book of Sue,&rsquo; said Lucretia. &lsquo;They say it is good.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Flora, seated by her side, began to read. Reading was an accomplishment
+      which distinguished Flora; but to-day her voice faltered, her expression
+      was uncertain; she seemed but imperfectly to comprehend her page. More
+      than once Lady Monmouth looked round at her with an inquisitive glance.
+      Suddenly Flora stopped and burst into tears.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;O! madam,&rsquo; she at last exclaimed, &lsquo;if you would but speak to Mr.
+      Coningsby, all might be right!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What is this?&rsquo; said Lady Monmouth, turning quickly on the sofa; then,
+      collecting herself in an instant, she continued with less abruptness, and
+      more suavity than usual, &lsquo;Tell me, Flora, what is it; what is the matter?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My Lord,&rsquo; sobbed Flora, &lsquo;has quarrelled with Mr. Coningsby.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      An expression of eager interest came over the countenance of Lucretia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why have they quarrelled?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I do not know they have quarrelled; it is not, perhaps, a right term; but
+      my Lord is very angry with Mr. Coningsby.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Not very angry, I should think, Flora; and about what?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! very angry, madam,&rsquo; said Flora, shaking her head mournfully. &lsquo;My Lord
+      told M. Villebecque that perhaps Mr. Coningsby would never enter the house
+      again.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Was it to-day?&rsquo; asked Lucretia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;This morning. Mr. Coningsby has only left this hour or two. He will not
+      do what my Lord wishes, about some seat in the Chamber. I do not know
+      exactly what it is; but my Lord is in one of his moods of terror: my
+      father is frightened even to go into his room when he is so.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Has Mr. Rigby been here to-day?&rsquo; asked Lucretia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Mr. Rigby is not in town. My father went for Mr. Rigby this morning
+      before Mr. Coningsby came, and he found that Mr. Rigby was not in town.
+      That is why I know it.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lady Monmouth rose from her sofa, and walked once or twice up and down the
+      room. Then turning to Flora, she said, &lsquo;Go away now: the book is stupid;
+      it does not amuse me. Stop: find out all you can for me about the quarrel
+      before I speak to Mr. Coningsby.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Flora quitted the room. Lucretia remained for some time in meditation;
+      then she wrote a few lines, which she despatched at once to Mr. Rigby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0069" id="link2HCH0069"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VI.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      What a great man was the Right Honourable Nicholas Rigby! Here was one of
+      the first peers of England, and one of the finest ladies in London, both
+      waiting with equal anxiety his return to town; and unable to transact two
+      affairs of vast importance, yet wholly unconnected, without his
+      interposition! What was the secret of the influence of this man, confided
+      in by everybody, trusted by none? His counsels were not deep, his
+      expedients were not felicitous; he had no feeling, and he could create no
+      sympathy. It is that, in most of the transactions of life, there is some
+      portion which no one cares to accomplish, and which everybody wishes to be
+      achieved. This was always the portion of Mr. Rigby. In the eye of the
+      world he had constantly the appearance of being mixed up with high
+      dealings, and negotiations and arrangements of fine management, whereas in
+      truth, notwithstanding his splendid livery and the airs he gave himself in
+      the servants&rsquo; hall, his real business in life had ever been, to do the
+      dirty work.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Rigby had been shut up much at his villa of late. He was concocting,
+      you could not term it composing, an article, a &lsquo;very slashing article,&rsquo;
+      which was to prove that the penny postage must be the destruction of the
+      aristocracy. It was a grand subject, treated in his highest style. His
+      parallel portraits of Rowland Hill the conqueror of Almarez and Rowland
+      Hill the deviser of the cheap postage were enormously fine. It was full of
+      passages in italics, little words in great capitals, and almost drew
+      tears. The statistical details also were highly interesting and novel.
+      Several of the old postmen, both twopenny and general, who had been in
+      office with himself, and who were inspired with an equal zeal against that
+      spirit of reform of which they had alike been victims, supplied him with
+      information which nothing but a breach of ministerial duty could have
+      furnished. The prophetic peroration as to the irresistible progress of
+      democracy was almost as powerful as one of Rigby&rsquo;s speeches on Aldborough
+      or Amersham. There never was a fellow for giving a good hearty kick to the
+      people like Rigby. Himself sprung from the dregs of the populace, this was
+      disinterested. What could be more patriotic and magnanimous than his
+      Jeremiads over the fall of the Montmorencis and the Crillons, or the
+      possible catastrophe of the Percys and the Manners! The truth of all this
+      hullabaloo was that Rigby had a sly pension which, by an inevitable
+      association of ideas, he always connected with the maintenance of an
+      aristocracy. All his rigmarole dissertations on the French revolution were
+      impelled by this secret influence; and when he wailed over &lsquo;la guerre aux
+      châteaux,&rsquo; and moaned like a mandrake over Nottingham Castle in flames,
+      the rogue had an eye all the while to quarter-day!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Arriving in town the day after Coningsby&rsquo;s interview with his grandfather,
+      Mr. Rigby found a summons to Monmouth House waiting him, and an urgent
+      note from Lucretia begging that he would permit nothing to prevent him
+      seeing her for a few minutes before he called on the Marquess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lucretia, acting on the unconscious intimation of Flora, had in the course
+      of four-and-twenty hours obtained pretty ample and accurate details of the
+      cause of contention between Coningsby and her husband. She could inform
+      Mr. Rigby not only that Lord Monmouth was highly incensed against his
+      grandson, but that the cause of their misunderstanding arose about a seat
+      in the House of Commons, and that seat too the one which Mr. Rigby had
+      long appropriated to himself, and over whose registration he had watched
+      with such affectionate solicitude.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lady Monmouth arranged this information like a firstrate artist, and gave
+      it a grouping and a colour which produced the liveliest effect upon her
+      confederate. The countenance of Rigby was almost ghastly as he received
+      the intelligence; a grin, half of malice, half of terror, played over his
+      features.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I told you to beware of him long ago,&rsquo; said Lady Monmouth. &lsquo;He is, he has
+      ever been, in the way of both of us.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He is in my power,&rsquo; said Rigby. &lsquo;We can crush him!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;How?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He is in love with the daughter of Millbank, the man who bought
+      Hellingsley.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Hah!&rsquo; exclaimed Lady Monmouth, in a prolonged tone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He was at Coningsby all last summer, hanging about her. I found the
+      younger Millbank quite domiciliated at the Castle; a fact which, of
+      itself, if known to Lord Monmouth, would ensure the lad&rsquo;s annihilation.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And you kept this fine news for a winter campaign, my good Mr. Rigby,&rsquo;
+      said Lady Monmouth, with a subtle smile. &lsquo;It was a weapon of service. I
+      give you my compliments.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The time is not always ripe,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But it is now most mature. Let us not conceal it from ourselves that,
+      since his first visit to Coningsby, we have neither of us really been in
+      the same position which we then occupied, or believed we should occupy. My
+      Lord, though you would scarcely believe it, has a weakness for this boy;
+      and though I by my marriage, and you by your zealous ability, have
+      apparently secured a permanent hold upon his habits, I have never doubted
+      that when the crisis comes we shall find that the golden fruit is plucked
+      by one who has not watched the garden. You take me? There is no reason why
+      we two should clash together: we can both of us find what we want, and
+      more securely if we work in company.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I trust my devotion to you has never been doubted, dear madam.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Nor to yourself, dear Mr. Rigby. Go now: the game is before you. Rid me
+      of this Coningsby, and I will secure you all that you want. Doubt not me.
+      There is no reason. I want a firm ally. There must be two.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It shall be done,&rsquo; said Rigby; &lsquo;it must be done. If once the notion gets
+      wind that one of the Castle family may perchance stand for Darlford, all
+      the present combinations will be disorganised. It must be done at once. I
+      know that the Government will dissolve.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;So I hear for certain,&rsquo; said Lucretia. &lsquo;Be sure there is no time to lose.
+      What does he want with you to-day?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I know not: there are so many things.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;To be sure; and yet I cannot doubt he will speak of this quarrel. Let not
+      the occasion be lost. Whatever his mood, the subject may be introduced. If
+      good, you will guide him more easily; if dark, the love for the
+      Hellingsley girl, the fact of the brother being in his castle, drinking
+      his wine, riding his horses, ordering about his servants; you will omit no
+      details: a Millbank quite at home at Coningsby will lash him to madness!
+      &lsquo;Tis quite ripe. Not a word that you have seen me. Go, go, or he may hear
+      that you have arrived. I shall be at home all the morning. It will be but
+      gallant that you should pay me a little visit when you have transacted
+      your business. You understand. <i>Au revoir!</i>&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lady Monmouth took up again her French novel; but her eyes soon glanced
+      over the page, unattached by its contents. Her own existence was too
+      interesting to find any excitement in fiction. It was nearly three years
+      since her marriage; that great step which she ever had a conviction was to
+      lead to results still greater. Of late she had often been filled with a
+      presentiment that they were near at hand; never more so than on this day.
+      Irresistible was the current of associations that led her to meditate on
+      freedom, wealth, power; on a career which should at the same time dazzle
+      the imagination and gratify her heart. Notwithstanding the gossip of
+      Paris, founded on no authentic knowledge of her husband&rsquo;s character or
+      information, based on the haphazard observations of the floating
+      multitude, Lucretia herself had no reason to fear that her influence over
+      Lord Monmouth, if exerted, was materially diminished. But satisfied that
+      he had formed no other tie, with her ever the test of her position, she
+      had not thought it expedient, and certainly would have found it irksome,
+      to maintain that influence by any ostentatious means. She knew that Lord
+      Monmouth was capricious, easily wearied, soon palled; and that on men who
+      have no affections, affection has no hold. Their passions or their
+      fancies, on the contrary, as it seemed to her, are rather stimulated by
+      neglect or indifference, provided that they are not systematic; and the
+      circumstance of a wife being admired by one who is not her husband
+      sometimes wonderfully revives the passion or renovates the respect of him
+      who should be devoted to her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The health of Lord Monmouth was the subject which never was long absent
+      from the vigilance or meditation of Lucretia. She was well assured that
+      his life was no longer secure. She knew that after their marriage he had
+      made a will, which secured to her a large portion of his great wealth in
+      case of their having no issue, and after the accident at Paris all hope in
+      that respect was over. Recently the extreme anxiety which Lord Monmouth
+      had evinced about terminating the abeyance of the barony to which his
+      first wife was a co-heiress in favour of his grandson, had alarmed
+      Lucretia. To establish in the land another branch of the house of
+      Coningsby was evidently the last excitement of Lord Monmouth, and perhaps
+      a permanent one. If the idea were once accepted, notwithstanding the limit
+      to its endowment which Lord Monmouth might at the first start contemplate,
+      Lucretia had sufficiently studied his temperament to be convinced that all
+      his energies and all his resources would ultimately be devoted to its
+      practical fulfilment. Her original prejudice against Coningsby and
+      jealousy of his influence had therefore of late been considerably
+      aggravated; and the intelligence that for the first time there was a
+      misunderstanding between Coningsby and her husband filled her with
+      excitement and hope. She knew her Lord well enough to feel assured that
+      the cause for displeasure in the present instance could not be a light
+      one; she resolved instantly to labour that it should not be transient; and
+      it so happened that she had applied for aid in this endeavour to the very
+      individual in whose power it rested to accomplish all her desire, while in
+      doing so he felt at the same time he was defending his own position and
+      advancing his own interests.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lady Monmouth was now waiting with some excitement the return of Mr.
+      Rigby. His interview with his patron was of unusual length. An hour, and
+      more than an hour, had elapsed. Lady Monmouth again threw aside the book
+      which more than once she had discarded. She paced the room, restless
+      rather than disquieted. She had complete confidence in Rigby&rsquo;s ability for
+      the occasion; and with her knowledge of Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s character, she
+      could not contemplate the possibility of failure, if the circumstances
+      were adroitly introduced to his consideration. Still time stole on: the
+      harassing and exhausting process of suspense was acting on her nervous
+      system. She began to think that Rigby had not found the occasion
+      favourable for the catastrophe; that Lord Monmouth, from apprehension of
+      disturbing Rigby and entailing explanations on himself, had avoided the
+      necessary communication; that her skilful combination for the moment had
+      missed. Two hours had now elapsed, and Lucretia, in a state of
+      considerable irritation, was about to inquire whether Mr. Rigby were with
+      his Lordship when the door of her boudoir opened, and that gentleman
+      appeared.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;How long you have been!&rsquo; exclaimed Lady Monmouth. &lsquo;Now sit down and tell
+      me what has passed.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lady Monmouth pointed to the seat which Flora had occupied.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I thank your Ladyship,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, with a somewhat grave and yet
+      perplexed expression of countenance, and seating himself at some little
+      distance from his companion, &lsquo;but I am very well here.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a pause. Instead of responding to the invitation of Lady
+      Monmouth to communicate with his usual readiness and volubility, Mr. Rigby
+      was silent, and, if it were possible to use such an expression with regard
+      to such a gentleman, apparently embarrassed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well,&rsquo; said Lady Monmouth, &lsquo;does he know about the Millbanks?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Everything,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And what did he say?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;His Lordship was greatly shocked,&rsquo; replied Mr. Rigby, with a pious
+      expression of features. &lsquo;Such monstrous ingratitude! As his Lordship very
+      justly observed, &ldquo;It is impossible to say what is going on under my own
+      roof, or to what I can trust.&rdquo;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But he made an exception in your favour, I dare say, my dear Mr. Rigby,&rsquo;
+      said Lady Monmouth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Lord Monmouth was pleased to say that I possessed his entire confidence,&rsquo;
+      said Mr. Rigby, &lsquo;and that he looked to me in his difficulties.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Very sensible of him. And what is to become of Mr. Coningsby?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The steps which his Lordship is about to take with reference to the
+      establishment generally,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, &lsquo;will allow the connection that
+      at present subsists between that gentleman and his noble relative, now
+      that Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s eyes are open to his real character, to terminate
+      naturally, without the necessity of any formal explanation.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But what do you mean by the steps he is going to take in his
+      establishment generally?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Lord Monmouth thinks he requires change of scene.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! is he going to drag me abroad again?&rsquo; exclaimed Lady Monmouth, with
+      great impatience.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why, not exactly,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, rather demurely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I hope he is not going again to that dreadful castle in Lancashire.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+‘Lord Monmouth was thinking that, as you were tired of Paris, you might
+find some of the German Baths agreeable.&rsquo;
+
+ &lsquo;Why, there is nothing that Lord Monmouth dislikes so much as a German
+bathing-place!&rsquo;
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Exactly,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Then how capricious in him wanting to go to them?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He does not want to go to them!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What do you mean, Mr. Rigby?&rsquo; said Lady Monmouth, in a lower voice, and
+      looking him full in the face with a glance seldom bestowed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a churlish and unusual look about Rigby. It was as if malignant,
+      and yet at the same time a little frightened, he had screwed himself into
+      doggedness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I mean what Lord Monmouth means. He suggests that if your Ladyship were
+      to pass the summer at Kissengen, for example, and a paragraph in the <i>Morning
+      Post</i> were to announce that his Lordship was about to join you there,
+      all awkwardness would be removed; and no one could for a moment take the
+      liberty of supposing, even if his Lordship did not ultimately reach you,
+      that anything like a separation had occurred.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A separation!&rsquo; said Lady Monmouth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Quite amicable,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby. &lsquo;I would never have consented to
+      interfere in the affair, but to secure that most desirable point.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I will see Lord Monmouth at once,&rsquo; said Lucretia, rising, her natural
+      pallor aggravated into a ghoul-like tint.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;His Lordship has gone out,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, rather stubbornly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Our conversation, sir, then finishes; I wait his return.&rsquo; She bowed
+      haughtily.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;His Lordship will never return to Monmouth House again.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lucretia sprang from the sofa.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Miserable craven!&rsquo; she exclaimed. &lsquo;Has the cowardly tyrant fled? And he
+      really thinks that I am to be crushed by such an instrument as this! Pah!
+      He may leave Monmouth House, but I shall not. Begone, sir!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Still anxious to secure an amicable separation,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, &lsquo;your
+      Ladyship must allow me to place the circumstances of the case fairly
+      before your excellent judgment. Lord Monmouth has decided upon a course:
+      you know as well as I that he never swerves from his resolutions. He has
+      left peremptory instructions, and he will listen to no appeal. He has
+      empowered me to represent to your Ladyship that he wishes in every way to
+      consider your convenience. He suggests that everything, in short, should
+      be arranged as if his Lordship were himself unhappily no more; that your
+      Ladyship should at once enter into your jointure, which shall be made
+      payable quarterly to your order, provided you can find it convenient to
+      live upon the Continent,&rsquo; added Mr. Rigby, with some hesitation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And suppose I cannot?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why, then, we will leave your Ladyship to the assertion of your rights.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I beg your Ladyship&rsquo;s pardon. I speak as the friend of the family, the
+      trustee of your marriage settlement, well known also as Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s
+      executor,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, his countenance gradually regaining its usual
+      callous confidence, and some degree of self-complacency, as he remembered
+      the good things which he enumerated.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have decided,&rsquo; said Lady Monmouth. &lsquo;I will assert my rights. Your
+      master has mistaken my character and his own position. He shall rue the
+      day that he assailed me.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I should be sorry if there were any violence,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby,
+      &lsquo;especially as everything is left to my management and control. An office,
+      indeed, which I only accepted for your mutual advantage. I think, upon
+      reflection, I might put before your Ladyship some considerations which
+      might induce you, on the whole, to be of opinion that it will be better
+      for us to draw together in this business, as we have hitherto, indeed,
+      throughout an acquaintance now of some years.&rsquo; Rigby was assuming all his
+      usual tone of brazen familiarity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Your self-confidence exceeds even Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s estimate of it,&rsquo; said
+      Lucretia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Now, now, you are unkind. Your Ladyship mistakes my position. I am
+      interfering in this business for your sake. I might have refused the
+      office. It would have fallen to another, who would have fulfilled it
+      without any delicacy and consideration for your feelings. View my
+      interposition in that light, my dear Lady Monmouth, and circumstances will
+      assume altogether a new colour.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I beg that you will quit the house, sir.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Rigby shook his head. &lsquo;I would with pleasure, to oblige you, were it
+      in my power; but Lord Monmouth has particularly desired that I should take
+      up my residence here permanently. The servants are now my servants. It is
+      useless to ring the bell. For your Ladyship&rsquo;s sake, I wish everything to
+      be accomplished with tranquillity, and, if possible, friendliness and good
+      feeling. You can have even a week for the preparations for your departure,
+      if necessary. I will take that upon myself. Any carriages, too, that you
+      desire; your jewels, at least all those that are not at the bankers&rsquo;. The
+      arrangement about your jointure, your letters of credit, even your
+      passport, I will attend to myself; only too happy if, by this painful
+      interference, I have in any way contributed to soften the annoyance which,
+      at the first blush, you may naturally experience, but which, like
+      everything else, take my word, will wear off.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I shall send for Lord Eskdale,&rsquo; said Lady Monmouth. &lsquo;He is a gentleman.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am quite sure,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, &lsquo;that Lord Eskdale will give you the
+      same advice as myself, if he only reads your Ladyship&rsquo;s letters,&rsquo; he added
+      slowly, &lsquo;to Prince Trautsmansdorff.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My letters?&rsquo; said Lady Monmouth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Pardon me,&rsquo; said Rigby, putting his hand in his pocket, as if to guard
+      some treasure, &lsquo;I have no wish to revive painful associations; but I have
+      them, and I must act upon them, if you persist in treating me as a foe,
+      who am in reality your best friend; which indeed I ought to be, having the
+      honour of acting as trustee under your marriage settlement, and having
+      known you so many years.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Leave me for the present alone,&rsquo; said Lady Monmouth. &lsquo;Send me my servant,
+      if I have one. I shall not remain here the week which you mention, but
+      quit at once this house, which I wish I had never entered. Adieu! Mr.
+      Rigby, you are now lord of Monmouth House, and yet I cannot help feeling
+      you too will be discharged before he dies.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Rigby made Lady Monmouth a bow such as became the master of the house,
+      and then withdrew.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0070" id="link2HCH0070"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      A paragraph in the <i>Morning Post</i>, a few days after his interview
+      with his grandfather, announcing that Lord and Lady Monmouth had quitted
+      town for the baths of Kissengen, startled Coningsby, who called the same
+      day at Monmouth House in consequence. There he learnt more authentic
+      details of their unexpected movements. It appeared that Lady Monmouth had
+      certainly departed; and the porter, with a rather sceptical visage,
+      informed Coningsby that Lord Monmouth was to follow; but when, he could
+      not tell. At present his Lordship was at Brighton, and in a few days was
+      about to take possession of a villa at Richmond, which had for some time
+      been fitting up for him under the superintendence of Mr. Rigby, who, as
+      Coningsby also learnt, now permanently resided at Monmouth House. All this
+      intelligence made Coningsby ponder. He was sufficiently acquainted with
+      the parties concerned to feel assured that he had not learnt the whole
+      truth. What had really taken place, and what was the real cause of the
+      occurrences, were equally mystical to him: all he was convinced of was,
+      that some great domestic revolution had been suddenly effected.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby entertained for his grandfather a sincere affection. With the
+      exception of their last unfortunate interview, he had experienced from
+      Lord Monmouth nothing but kindness both in phrase and deed. There was also
+      something in Lord Monmouth, when he pleased it, rather fascinating to
+      young men; and as Coningsby had never occasioned him any feelings but
+      pleasurable ones, he was always disposed to make himself delightful to his
+      grandson. The experience of a consummate man of the world, advanced in
+      life, detailed without rigidity to youth, with frankness and facility, is
+      bewitching. Lord Monmouth was never garrulous: he was always pithy, and
+      could be picturesque. He revealed a character in a sentence, and detected
+      the ruling passion with the hand of a master. Besides, he had seen
+      everybody and had done everything; and though, on the whole, too indolent
+      for conversation, and loving to be talked to, these were circumstances
+      which made his too rare communications the more precious.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With these feelings, Coningsby resolved, the moment that he learned that
+      his grandfather was established at Richmond, to pay him a visit. He was
+      informed that Lord Monmouth was at home, and he was shown into a
+      drawing-room, where he found two French ladies in their bonnets, whom he
+      soon discovered to be actresses. They also had come down to pay a visit to
+      his grandfather, and were by no means displeased to pass the interval that
+      must elapse before they had that pleasure in chatting with his grandson.
+      Coningsby found them extremely amusing; with the finest spirits in the
+      world, imperturbable good temper, and an unconscious practical philosophy
+      that defied the devil Care and all his works. And well it was that he
+      found such agreeable companions, for time flowed on, and no summons
+      arrived to call him to his grandfather&rsquo;s presence, and no herald to
+      announce his grandfather&rsquo;s advent. The ladies and Coningsby had exhausted
+      badinage; they had examined and criticised all the furniture, had rifled
+      the vases of their prettiest flowers; and Clotilde, who had already sung
+      several times, was proposing a duet to Ermengarde, when a servant entered,
+      and told the ladies that a carriage was in attendance to give them an
+      airing, and after that Lord Monmouth hoped they would return and dine with
+      him; then turning to Coningsby, he informed him, with his lord&rsquo;s
+      compliments, that Lord Monmouth was sorry he was too much engaged to see
+      him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Nothing was to be done but to put a tolerably good face upon it. &lsquo;Embrace
+      Lord Monmouth for me,&rsquo; said Coningsby to his fair friends, &lsquo;and tell him I
+      think it very unkind that he did not ask me to dinner with you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby said this with a gay air, but really with a depressed spirit. He
+      felt convinced that his grandfather was deeply displeased with him; and as
+      he rode away from the villa, he could not resist the strong impression
+      that he was destined never to re-enter it. Yet it was decreed otherwise.
+      It so happened that the idle message which Coningsby had left for his
+      grandfather, and which he never seriously supposed for a moment that his
+      late companions would have given their host, operated entirely in his
+      favour. Whatever were the feelings with respect to Coningsby at the bottom
+      of Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s heart, he was actuated in his refusal to see him not
+      more from displeasure than from an anticipatory horror of something like a
+      scene. Even a surrender from Coningsby without terms, and an offer to
+      declare himself a candidate for Darlford, or to do anything else that his
+      grandfather wished, would have been disagreeable to Lord Monmouth in his
+      present mood. As in politics a revolution is often followed by a season of
+      torpor, so in the case of Lord Monmouth the separation from his wife,
+      which had for a long period occupied his meditation, was succeeded by a
+      vein of mental dissipation. He did not wish to be reminded by anything or
+      any person that he had still in some degree the misfortune of being a
+      responsible member of society. He wanted to be surrounded by individuals
+      who were above or below the conventional interests of what is called &lsquo;the
+      World.&rsquo; He wanted to hear nothing of those painful and embarrassing
+      influences which from our contracted experience and want of enlightenment
+      we magnify into such undue importance. For this purpose he wished to have
+      about him persons whose knowledge of the cares of life concerned only the
+      means of existence, and whose sense of its objects referred only to the
+      sources of enjoyment; persons who had not been educated in the idolatry of
+      Respectability; that is to say, of realising such an amount of what is
+      termed character by a hypocritical deference to the prejudices of the
+      community as may enable them, at suitable times, and under convenient
+      circumstances and disguises, to plunder the public. This was the Monmouth
+      Philosophy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With these feelings, Lord Monmouth recoiled at this moment from grandsons
+      and relations and ties of all kinds. He did not wish to be reminded of his
+      identity, but to swim unmolested and undisturbed in his Epicurean dream.
+      When, therefore, his fair visitors; Clotilde, who opened her mouth only to
+      breathe roses and diamonds, and Ermengarde, who was so good-natured that
+      she sacrificed even her lovers to her friends; saw him merely to exclaim
+      at the same moment, and with the same voices of thrilling joyousness,&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why did not you ask him to dinner?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And then, without waiting for his reply, entered with that rapidity of
+      elocution which Frenchwomen can alone command into the catalogue of his
+      charms and accomplishments, Lord Monmouth began to regret that he really
+      had not seen Coningsby, who, it appeared, might have greatly contributed
+      to the pleasure of the day. The message, which was duly given, however,
+      settled the business. Lord Monmouth felt that any chance of explanations,
+      or even allusions to the past, was out of the question; and to defend
+      himself from the accusations of his animated guests, he said,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, he shall come to dine with you next time.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There is no end to the influence of woman on our life. It is at the bottom
+      of everything that happens to us. And so it was, that, in spite of all the
+      combinations of Lucretia and Mr. Rigby, and the mortification and
+      resentment of Lord Monmouth, the favourable impression he casually made on
+      a couple of French actresses occasioned Coningsby, before a month had
+      elapsed since his memorable interview at Monmouth House, to receive an
+      invitation again to dine with his grandfather.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The party was agreeable. Clotilde and Ermengarde had wits as sparkling as
+      their eyes. There was a manager of the Opera, a great friend of
+      Villebecque, and his wife, a splendid lady, who had been a prima donna of
+      celebrity, and still had a commanding voice for a chamber; a Carlist
+      nobleman who lived upon his traditions, and who, though without a sou,
+      could tell of a festival given by his family, before the revolution, which
+      had cost a million of francs; and a Neapolitan physician, in whom Lord
+      Monmouth had great confidence, and who himself believed in the elixir
+      vitae, made up the party, with Lucian Gay, Coningsby, and Mr. Rigby. Our
+      hero remarked that Villebecque on this occasion sat at the bottom of the
+      table, but Flora did not appear.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the meantime, the month which brought about this satisfactory and at
+      one time unexpected result was fruitful also in other circumstances still
+      more interesting. Coningsby and Edith met frequently, if to breathe the
+      same atmosphere in the same crowded saloons can be described as meeting;
+      ever watching each other&rsquo;s movements, and yet studious never to encounter
+      each other&rsquo;s glance. The charms of Miss Millbank had become an universal
+      topic, they were celebrated in ball-rooms, they were discussed at clubs:
+      Edith was the beauty of the season. All admired her, many sighed even to
+      express their admiration; but the devotion of Lord Beaumanoir, who always
+      hovered about her, deterred them from a rivalry which might have made the
+      boldest despair. As for Coningsby, he passed his life principally with the
+      various members of the Sydney family, and was almost daily riding with
+      Lady Everingham and her sister, generally accompanied by Lord Henry and
+      his friend Eustace Lyle, between whom, indeed, and Coningsby there were
+      relations of intimacy scarcely less inseparable. Coningsby had spoken to
+      Lady Everingham of the rumoured marriage of her elder brother, and found,
+      although the family had not yet been formally apprised of it, she
+      entertained little doubt of its ultimate occurrence. She admired Miss
+      Millbank, with whom her acquaintance continued slight; and she wished, of
+      course, that her brother should marry and be happy. &lsquo;But Percy is often in
+      love,&rsquo; she would add, &lsquo;and never likes us to be very intimate with his
+      inamoratas. He thinks it destroys the romance; and that domestic
+      familiarity may compromise his heroic character. However,&rsquo; she added, &lsquo;I
+      really believe that will be a match.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On the whole, though he bore a serene aspect to the world, Coningsby
+      passed this month in a state of restless misery. His soul was brooding on
+      one subject, and he had no confidant: he could not resist the spell that
+      impelled him to the society where Edith might at least be seen, and the
+      circle in which he lived was one in which her name was frequently
+      mentioned. Alone, in his solitary rooms in the Albany, he felt all his
+      desolation; and often a few minutes before he figured in the world,
+      apparently followed and courted by all, he had been plunged in the darkest
+      fits of irremediable wretchedness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He had, of course, frequently met Lady Wallinger, but their salutations,
+      though never omitted, and on each side cordial, were brief. There seemed
+      to be a tacit understanding between them not to refer to a subject
+      fruitful in painful reminiscences.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The season waned. In the fulfilment of a project originally formed in the
+      playing-fields of Eton, often recurred to at Cambridge, and cherished with
+      the fondness with which men cling to a scheme of early youth, Coningsby,
+      Henry Sydney, Vere, and Buckhurst had engaged some moors together this
+      year; and in a few days they were about to quit town for Scotland. They
+      had pressed Eustace Lyle to accompany them, but he, who in general seemed
+      to have no pleasure greater than their society, had surprised them by
+      declining their invitation, with some vague mention that he rather thought
+      he should go abroad.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was the last day of July, and all the world were at a breakfast given,
+      at a fanciful cottage situate in beautiful gardens on the banks of the
+      Thames, by Lady Everingham. The weather was as bright as the romances of
+      Boccaccio; there were pyramids of strawberries, in bowls colossal enough
+      to hold orange-trees; and the choicest band filled the air with enchanting
+      strains, while a brilliant multitude sauntered on turf like velvet, or
+      roamed in desultory existence amid the quivering shades of winding walks.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My fête was prophetic,&rsquo; said Lady Everingham, when she saw Coningsby. &lsquo;I
+      am glad it is connected with an incident. It gives it a point.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You are mystical as well as prophetic. Tell me what we are to celebrate.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Theresa is going to be married.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Then I, too, will prophesy, and name the hero of the romance, Eustace
+      Lyle.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have been more prescient than I,&rsquo; said Lady Everingham, &lsquo;perhaps
+      because I was thinking too much of some one else.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It seems to me an union which all must acknowledge perfect. I hardly know
+      which I love best. I have had my suspicions a long time; and when Eustace
+      refused to go to the moors with us, though I said nothing, I was
+      convinced.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;At any rate,&rsquo; said Lady Everingham, sighing, with a rather smiling face,
+      &lsquo;we are kinsfolk, Mr. Coningsby; though I would gladly have wished to have
+      been more.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Were those your thoughts, dear lady? Ever kind to me! Happiness,&rsquo; he
+      added, in a mournful tone, &lsquo;I fear can never be mine.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And why?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! &lsquo;tis a tale too strange and sorrowful for a day when, like Seged, we
+      must all determine to be happy.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have already made me miserable.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Here comes a group that will make you gay,&rsquo; said Coningsby as he moved
+      on. Edith and the Wallingers, accompanied by Lord Beaumanoir, Mr. Melton,
+      and Sir Charles Buckhurst, formed the party. They seemed profuse in their
+      congratulations to Lady Everingham, having already learnt the intelligence
+      from her brother.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby stopped to speak to Lady St. Julians, who had still a daughter
+      to marry. Both Augustina, who was at Coningsby Castle, and Clara Isabella,
+      who ought to have been there, had each secured the right man. But Adelaide
+      Victoria had now appeared, and Lady St. Julians had a great regard for the
+      favourite grandson of Lord Monmouth, and also for the influential friend
+      of Lord Vere and Sir Charles Buckhurst. In case Coningsby did not
+      determine to become her son-in-law himself, he might counsel either of his
+      friends to a judicious decision on an inevitable act.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Strawberries and cream?&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale to Mr. Ormsby, who seemed
+      occupied with some delicacies.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Egad! no, no, no; those days are passed. I think there is a little
+      easterly wind with all this fine appearance.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am for in-door nature myself,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale. &lsquo;Do you know, I do
+      not half like the way Monmouth is going on? He never gets out of that
+      villa of his. He should change his air more. Tell him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is no use telling him anything. Have you heard anything of Miladi?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I had a letter from her to-day: she writes in good spirits. I am sorry it
+      broke up, and yet I never thought it would last so long.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I gave them two years,&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby. &lsquo;Lord Monmouth lived with his
+      first wife two years. And afterwards with the Mirandola at Milan, at least
+      nearly two years; it was a year and ten months. I must know, for he called
+      me in to settle affairs. I took the lady to the baths at Lucca, on the
+      pretence that Monmouth would meet us there. He went to Paris. All his
+      great affairs have been two years. I remember I wanted to bet Cassilis, at
+      White&rsquo;s, on it when he married; but I thought, being his intimate friend;
+      the oldest friend he has, indeed, and one of his trustees; it was perhaps
+      as well not to do it.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You should have made the bet with himself,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale, &lsquo;and then
+      there never would have been a separation.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Hah, hah, hah! Do you know, I feel the wind?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      About an hour after this, Coningsby, who had just quitted the Duchess,
+      met, on a terrace by the river, Lady Wallinger, walking with Mrs. Guy
+      Flouncey and a Russian Prince, whom that lady was enchanting. Coningsby
+      was about to pass with some slight courtesy, but Lady Wallinger stopped
+      and would speak to him, on slight subjects, the weather and the fête, but
+      yet adroitly enough managed to make him turn and join her. Mrs. Guy
+      Flouncey walked on a little before with her Russian admirer. Lady
+      Wallinger followed with Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The match that has been proclaimed to-day has greatly surprised me,&rsquo; said
+      Lady Wallinger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Indeed!&rsquo; said Coningsby: &lsquo;I confess I was long prepared for it. And it
+      seems to me the most natural alliance conceivable, and one that every one
+      must approve.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Lady Everingham seems much surprised at it.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! Lady Everingham is a brilliant personage, and cannot deign to observe
+      obvious circumstances.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Do you know, Mr. Coningsby, that I always thought you were engaged to
+      Lady Theresa?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      &lsquo;I!&rsquo;
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Indeed, we were informed more than a month ago that you were positively
+      going to be married to her.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am not one of those who can shift their affections with such rapidity,
+      Lady Wallinger.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lady Wallinger looked distressed. &lsquo;You remember our meeting you on the
+      stairs at &mdash;&mdash; House, Mr. Coningsby?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Painfully. It is deeply graven on my brain.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Edith had just been informed that you were going to be married to Lady
+      Theresa.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Not surely by him to whom she is herself going to be married?&rsquo; said
+      Coningsby, reddening.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am not aware that she is going to be married to any one. Lord
+      Beaumanoir admires her, has always admired her. But Edith has given him no
+      encouragement, at least gave him no encouragement as long as she believed;
+      but why dwell on such an unhappy subject, Mr. Coningsby? I am to blame; I
+      have been to blame perhaps before, but indeed I think it cruel, very
+      cruel, that Edith and you are kept asunder.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have always been my best, my dearest friend, and are the most amiable
+      and admirable of women. But tell me, is it indeed true that Edith is not
+      going to be married?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this moment Mrs. Guy Flouncey turned round, and assuring Lady Wallinger
+      that the Prince and herself had agreed to refer some point to her about
+      the most transcendental ethics of flirtation, this deeply interesting
+      conversation was arrested, and Lady Wallinger, with becoming suavity, was
+      obliged to listen to the lady&rsquo;s lively appeal of exaggerated nonsense and
+      the Prince&rsquo;s affected protests, while Coningsby walked by her side, pale
+      and agitated, and then offered his arm to Lady Wallinger, which she
+      accepted with an affectionate pressure. At the end of the terrace they met
+      some other guests, and soon were immersed in the multitude that thronged
+      the lawn.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There is Sir Joseph,&rsquo; said Lady Wallinger, and Coningsby looked up, and
+      saw Edith on his arm. They were unconsciously approaching them. Lord
+      Beaumanoir was there, but he seemed to shrink into nothing to-day before
+      Buckhurst, who was captivated for the moment by Edith, and hearing that no
+      knight was resolute enough to try a fall with the Marquess, was impelled
+      by his talent for action to enter the lists. He had talked down everybody,
+      unhorsed every cavalier. Nobody had a chance against him: he answered all
+      your questions before you asked them; contradicted everybody with the
+      intrepidity of a Rigby; annihilated your anecdotes by historiettes
+      infinitely more piquant; and if anybody chanced to make a joke which he
+      could not excel, declared immediately that it was a Joe Miller. He was
+      absurd, extravagant, grotesque, noisy; but he was young, rattling, and
+      interesting, from his health and spirits. Edith was extremely amused by
+      him, and was encouraging by her smile his spiritual excesses, when they
+      all suddenly met Lady Wallinger and Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The eyes of Edith and Coningsby met for the first time since they so
+      cruelly encountered on the staircase of &mdash;&mdash; House. A deep,
+      quick blush suffused her face, her eyes gleamed with a sudden coruscation;
+      suddenly and quickly she put forth her hand.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Yes! he presses once more that hand which permanently to retain is the
+      passion of his life, yet which may never be his! It seemed that for the
+      ravishing delight of that moment he could have borne with cheerfulness all
+      the dark and harrowing misery of the year that had passed away since he
+      embraced her in the woods of Hellingsley, and pledged his faith by the
+      waters of the rushing Darl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He seized the occasion which offered itself, a moment to walk by her side,
+      and to snatch some brief instants of unreserved communion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Forgive me!&rsquo; she said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! how could you ever doubt me?&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I was unhappy.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And now we are to each other as before?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And will be, come what come may.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      END OF BOOK VIII.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0083" id="link2H_4_0083"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      BOOK IX.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0071" id="link2HCH0071"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER I.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      It was merry Christmas at St. Geneviève. There was a yule log blazing on
+      every hearth in that wide domain, from the hall of the squire to the
+      peasant&rsquo;s roof. The Buttery Hatch was open for the whole week from noon to
+      sunset; all comers might take their fill, and each carry away as much bold
+      beef, white bread, and jolly ale as a strong man could bear in a basket
+      with one hand. For every woman a red cloak, and a coat of broadcloth for
+      every man. All day long, carts laden with fuel and warm raiment were
+      traversing the various districts, distributing comfort and dispensing
+      cheer. For a Christian gentleman of high degree was Eustace Lyle.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Within his hall, too, he holds his revel, and his beauteous bride welcomes
+      their guests, from her noble parents to the faithful tenants of the house.
+      All classes are mingled in the joyous equality that becomes the season, at
+      once sacred and merry. There are carols for the eventful eve, and mummers
+      for the festive day.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Duke and Duchess, and every member of the family, had consented this
+      year to keep their Christmas with the newly-married couple. Coningsby,
+      too, was there, and all his friends. The party was numerous, gay, hearty,
+      and happy; for they were all united by sympathy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They were planning that Henry Sydney should be appointed Lord of Misrule,
+      or ordained Abbot of Unreason at the least, so successful had been his
+      revival of the Mummers, the Hobby-horse not forgotten. Their host had
+      entrusted to Lord Henry the restoration of many old observances; and the
+      joyous feeling which this celebration of Christmas had diffused throughout
+      an extensive district was a fresh argument in favour of Lord Henry&rsquo;s
+      principle, that a mere mechanical mitigation of the material necessities
+      of the humbler classes, a mitigation which must inevitably be limited, can
+      never alone avail sufficiently to ameliorate their condition; that their
+      condition is not merely &lsquo;a knife and fork question,&rsquo; to use the coarse and
+      shallow phrase of the Utilitarian school; that a simple satisfaction of
+      the grosser necessities of our nature will not make a happy people; that
+      you must cultivate the heart as well as seek to content the belly; and
+      that the surest means to elevate the character of the people is to appeal
+      to their affections.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There is nothing more interesting than to trace predisposition. An
+      indefinite, yet strong sympathy with the peasantry of the realm had been
+      one of the characteristic sensibilities of Lord Henry at Eton. Yet a
+      schoolboy, he had busied himself with their pastimes and the details of
+      their cottage economy. As he advanced in life the horizon of his views
+      expanded with his intelligence and his experience; and the son of one of
+      the noblest of our houses, to whom the delights of life are offered with
+      fatal facility, on the very threshold of his career he devoted his time
+      and thought, labour and life, to one vast and noble purpose, the elevation
+      of the condition of the great body of the people.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I vote for Buckhurst being Lord of Misrule,&rsquo; said Lord Henry: &lsquo;I will be
+      content with being his gentleman usher.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It shall be put to the vote,&rsquo; said Lord Vere.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No one has a chance against Buckhurst,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Now, Sir Charles,&rsquo; said Lady Everingham, &lsquo;your absolute sway is about to
+      commence. And what is your will?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The first thing must be my formal installation,&rsquo; said Buckhurst. &lsquo;I vote
+      the Boar&rsquo;s head be carried in procession thrice round the hall, and Beau
+      shall be the champion to challenge all who may question my right. Duke,
+      you shall be my chief butler, the Duchess my herb-woman. She is to walk
+      before me, and scatter rosemary. Coningsby shall carry the Boar&rsquo;s head;
+      Lady Theresa and Lady Everingham shall sing the canticle; Lord Everingham
+      shall be marshal of the lists, and put all in the stocks who are found
+      sober and decorous; Lyle shall be the palmer from the Holy Land, and Vere
+      shall ride the Hobby-horse. Some must carry cups of Hippocras, some
+      lighted tapers; all must join in chorus.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He ceased his instructions, and all hurried away to carry them into
+      effect. Some hastily arrayed themselves in fanciful dresses, the ladies in
+      robes of white, with garlands of flowers; some drew pieces of armour from
+      the wall, and decked themselves with helm and hauberk; others waved
+      ancient banners. They brought in the Boar&rsquo;s head on a large silver dish,
+      and Coningsby raised it aloft. They formed into procession, the Duchess
+      distributing rosemary; Buckhurst swaggering with all the majesty of
+      Tamerlane, his mock court irresistibly humorous with their servility; and
+      the sweet voice of Lady Everingham chanting the first verse of the
+      canticle, followed in the second by the rich tones of Lady Theresa:
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+  I.
+        Caput Apri defero
+        Reddens laudes Domino.
+  The Boar&rsquo;s heade in hande bring I,
+  With garlandes gay and rosemary:
+  I pray you all singe merrily,
+        Qui estis in convivio.
+
+  II.
+        Caput Apri defero
+        Reddens laudes Domino.
+  The Boar&rsquo;s heade I understande
+  Is the chief servyce in this lande
+  Loke whereever it be fande,
+        Servite cum cantico.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      The procession thrice paraded the hall. Then they stopped; and the Lord of
+      Misrule ascended his throne, and his courtiers formed round him in circle.
+      Behind him they held the ancient banners and waved their glittering arms,
+      and placed on a lofty and illuminated pedestal the Boar&rsquo;s head covered
+      with garlands. It was a good picture, and the Lord of Misrule sustained
+      his part with untiring energy. He was addressing his court in a pompous
+      rhapsody of merry nonsense, when a servant approached Coningsby, and told
+      him that he was wanted without.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Our hero retired unperceived. A despatch had arrived for him from London.
+      Without any prescience of its purpose, he nevertheless broke the seal with
+      a trembling hand. His presence was immediately desired in town: Lord
+      Monmouth was dead.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0072" id="link2HCH0072"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER II.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      This was a crisis in the life of Coningsby; yet, like many critical
+      epochs, the person most interested in it was not sufficiently aware of its
+      character. The first feeling which he experienced at the intelligence was
+      sincere affliction. He was fond of his grandfather; had received great
+      kindness from him, and at a period of life when it was most welcome. The
+      neglect and hardships of his early years, instead of leaving a prejudice
+      against one who, by some, might be esteemed their author, had by their
+      contrast only rendered Coningsby more keenly sensible of the solicitude
+      and enjoyment which had been lavished on his happy youth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The next impression on his mind was undoubtedly a natural and reasonable
+      speculation on the effect of this bereavement on his fortunes. Lord
+      Monmouth had more than once assured Coningsby that he had provided for him
+      as became a near relative to whom he was attached, and in a manner which
+      ought to satisfy the wants and wishes of an English gentleman. The
+      allowance which Lord Monmouth had made him, as considerable as usually
+      accorded to the eldest sons of wealthy peers, might justify him in
+      estimating his future patrimony as extremely ample. He was aware, indeed,
+      that at a subsequent period his grandfather had projected for him fortunes
+      of a still more elevated character. He looked to Coningsby as the future
+      representative of an ancient barony, and had been purchasing territory
+      with the view of supporting the title. But Coningsby did not by any means
+      firmly reckon on these views being realised. He had a suspicion that in
+      thwarting the wishes of his grandfather in not becoming a candidate for
+      Darlford, he had at the moment arrested arrangements which, from the tone
+      of Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s communication, he believed were then in progress for
+      that purpose; and he thought it improbable, with his knowledge of his
+      grandfather&rsquo;s habits, that Lord Monmouth had found either time or
+      inclination to resume before his decease the completion of these plans.
+      Indeed there was a period when, in adopting the course which he pursued
+      with respect to Darlford, Coningsby was well aware that he perilled more
+      than the large fortune which was to accompany the barony. Had not a
+      separation between Lord Monmouth and his wife taken place simultaneously
+      with Coningsby&rsquo;s difference with his grandfather, he was conscious that
+      the consequences might have been even altogether fatal to his prospects;
+      but the absence of her evil influence at such a conjuncture, its permanent
+      removal, indeed, from the scene, coupled with his fortunate though not
+      formal reconciliation with Lord Monmouth, had long ago banished from his
+      memory all those apprehensions to which he had felt it impossible at the
+      time to shut his eyes. Before he left town for Scotland he had made a
+      farewell visit to his grandfather, who, though not as cordial as in old
+      days, had been gracious; and Coningsby, during his excursion to the moors,
+      and his various visits to the country, had continued at intervals to write
+      to his grandfather, as had been for some years his custom. On the whole,
+      with an indefinite feeling which, in spite of many a rational effort, did
+      nevertheless haunt his mind, that this great and sudden event might
+      exercise a vast and beneficial influence on his worldly position,
+      Coningsby could not but feel some consolation in the affliction which he
+      sincerely experienced, in the hope that he might at all events now offer
+      to Edith a home worthy of her charms, her virtues, and her love.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Although he had not seen her since their hurried yet sweet reconciliation
+      in the gardens of Lady Everingham, Coningsby was never long without
+      indirect intelligence of the incidents of her life; and the correspondence
+      between Lady Everingham and Henry Sydney, while they were at the moors,
+      had apprised him that Lord Beaumanoir&rsquo;s suit had terminated unsuccessfully
+      almost immediately after his brother had quitted London.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was late in the evening when Coningsby arrived in town: he called at
+      once on Lord Eskdale, who was one of Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s executors; and he
+      persuaded Coningsby, whom he saw depressed, to dine with him alone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You should not be seen at a club,&rsquo; said the good-natured peer; &lsquo;and I
+      remember myself in old days what was the wealth of an Albanian larder.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Eskdale, at dinner, talked frankly of the disposition of Lord
+      Monmouth&rsquo;s property. He spoke as a matter of course that Coningsby was his
+      grandfather&rsquo;s principal heir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I don&rsquo;t know whether you will be happier with a large fortune?&rsquo; said Lord
+      Eskdale. &lsquo;It is a troublesome thing: nobody is satisfied with what you do
+      with it; very often not yourself. To maintain an equable expenditure; not
+      to spend too much on one thing, too little on another, is an art. There
+      must be a harmony, a keeping, in disbursement, which very few men have.
+      Great wealth wearies. The thing to have is about ten thousand a year, and
+      the world to think you have only five. There is some enjoyment then; one
+      is let alone. But the instant you have a large fortune, duties commence.
+      And then impudent fellows borrow your money; and if you ask them for it
+      again, they go about town saying you are a screw.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth had died suddenly at his Richmond villa, which latterly he
+      never quitted, at a little supper, with no persons near him but those who
+      were amusing. He suddenly found he could not lift his glass to his lips,
+      and being extremely polite, waited a few minutes before he asked Clotilde,
+      who was singing a sparkling drinking-song, to do him that service. When,
+      in accordance with his request, she reached him, it was too late. The
+      ladies shrieked, being frightened: at first they were in despair, but,
+      after reflection, they evinced some intention of plundering the house.
+      Villebecque, who was absent at the moment, arrived in time; and everybody
+      became orderly and broken-hearted.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The body had been removed to Monmouth House, where it had been embalmed
+      and laid in state. The funeral was not numerously attended. There was
+      nobody in town; some distinguished connections, however, came up from the
+      country, though it was a period inconvenient for such movements. After the
+      funeral, the will was to be read in the principal saloon of Monmouth
+      House, one of those gorgeous apartments that had excited the boyish wonder
+      of Coningsby on his first visit to that paternal roof, and now hung in
+      black, adorned with the escutcheon of the deceased peer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The testamentary dispositions of the late lord were still unknown, though
+      the names of his executors had been announced by his family solicitor, in
+      whose custody the will and codicils had always remained. The executors
+      under the will were Lord Eskdale, Mr. Ormsby, and Mr. Rigby. By a
+      subsequent appointment Sidonia had been added. All these individuals were
+      now present. Coningsby, who had been chief mourner, stood on the right
+      hand of the solicitor, who sat at the end of a long table, round which, in
+      groups, were ranged all who had attended the funeral, including several of
+      the superior members of the household, among them M. Villebecque.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The solicitor rose and explained that though Lord Monmouth had been in the
+      habit of very frequently adding codicils to his will, the original will,
+      however changed or modified, had never been revoked; it was therefore
+      necessary to commence by reading that instrument. So saying, he sat down,
+      and breaking the seals of a large packet, he produced the will of Philip
+      Augustus, Marquess of Monmouth, which had been retained in his custody
+      since its execution.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      By this will, of the date of 1829, the sum of 10,000<i>l.</i> was left to
+      Coningsby, then unknown to his grandfather; the same sum to Mr. Rigby.
+      There was a great number of legacies, none of superior amount, most of
+      them of less: these were chiefly left to old male companions, and women in
+      various countries. There was an almost inconceivable number of small
+      annuities to faithful servants, decayed actors, and obscure foreigners.
+      The residue of his personal estate was left to four gentlemen, three of
+      whom had quitted this world before the legator; the bequests, therefore,
+      had lapsed. The fourth residuary legatee, in whom, according to the terms
+      of the will, all would have consequently centred, was Mr. Rigby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There followed several codicils which did not materially affect the
+      previous disposition; one of them leaving a legacy of 20,000<i>l.</i> to
+      the Princess Colonna; until they arrived at the latter part of the year
+      1832, when a codicil increased the 10,000<i>l.</i> left under the will to
+      Coningsby to 50,000<i>l.</i>.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After Coningsby&rsquo;s visit to the Castle in 1836 a very important change
+      occurred in the disposition of Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s estate. The legacy of
+      50,000<i>l.</i> in his favour was revoked, and the same sum left to the
+      Princess Lucretia. A similar amount was bequeathed to Mr. Rigby; and
+      Coningsby was left sole residuary legatee.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The marriage led to a considerable modification. An estate of about nine
+      thousand a year, which Lord Monmouth had himself purchased, and was
+      therefore in his own disposition, was left to Coningsby. The legacy to Mr.
+      Rigby was reduced to 20,000<i>l.</i>, and the whole of his residue left to
+      his issue by Lady Monmouth. In case he died without issue, the estate
+      bequeathed to Coningsby to be taken into account, and the residue then to
+      be divided equally between Lady Monmouth and his grandson. It was under
+      this instrument that Sidonia had been appointed an executor and to whom
+      Lord Monmouth left, among others, the celebrated picture of the Holy
+      Family by Murillo, as his friend had often admired it. To Lord Eskdale he
+      left all his female miniatures, and to Mr. Ormsby his rare and splendid
+      collection of French novels, and all his wines, except his Tokay, which he
+      left, with his library, to Sir Robert Peel; though this legacy was
+      afterwards revoked, in consequence of Sir Robert&rsquo;s conduct about the Irish
+      corporations.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The solicitor paused and begged permission to send for a glass of water.
+      While this was arranging there was a murmur at the lower part of the room,
+      but little disposition to conversation among those in the vicinity of the
+      lawyer. Coningsby was silent, his brow a little knit. Mr. Rigby was pale
+      and restless, but said nothing. Mr. Ormsby took a pinch of snuff, and
+      offered his box to Lord Eskdale, who was next to him. They exchanged
+      glances, and made some observation about the weather. Sidonia stood apart,
+      with his arms folded. He had not, of course attended the funeral, nor had
+      he as yet exchanged any recognition with Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Now, gentlemen,&rsquo; said the solicitor, &lsquo;if you please, I will proceed.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They came to the year 1839, the year Coningsby was at Hellingsley. This
+      appeared to be a critical period in the fortunes of Lady Monmouth; while
+      Coningsby&rsquo;s reached to the culminating point. Mr. Rigby was reduced to his
+      original legacy under the will of 10,000<i>l.</i>; a sum of equal amount
+      was bequeathed to Armand Villebecque, in acknowledgment of faithful
+      services; all the dispositions in favour of Lady Monmouth were revoked,
+      and she was limited to her moderate jointure of 3,000<i>l.</i> per annum,
+      under the marriage settlement; while everything, without reserve, was left
+      absolutely to Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A subsequent codicil determined that the 10,000<i>l.</i> left to Mr. Rigby
+      should be equally divided between him and Lucian Gay; but as some
+      compensation Lord Monmouth left to the Right Honourable Nicholas Rigby the
+      bust of that gentleman, which he had himself presented to his Lordship,
+      and which, at his desire, had been placed in the vestibule at Coningsby
+      Castle, from the amiable motive that after Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s decease Mr.
+      Rigby might wish, perhaps, to present it to some other friend.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Eskdale and Mr. Ormsby took care not to catch the eye of Mr. Rigby.
+      As for Coningsby, he saw nobody. He maintained, during the extraordinary
+      situation in which he was placed, a firm demeanour; but serene and
+      regulated as he appeared to the spectators, his nerves were really strung
+      to a high pitch.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was yet another codicil. It bore the date of June 1840, and was made
+      at Brighton, immediately after the separation with Lady Monmouth. It was
+      the sight of this instrument that sustained Rigby at this great emergency.
+      He had a wild conviction that, after all, it must set all right. He felt
+      assured that, as Lady Monmouth had already been disposed of, it must
+      principally refer to the disinheritance of Coningsby, secured by Rigby&rsquo;s
+      well-timed and malignant misrepresentations of what had occurred in
+      Lancashire during the preceding summer. And then to whom could Lord
+      Monmouth leave his money? However he might cut and carve up his fortunes,
+      Rigby, and especially at a moment when he had so served him, must come in
+      for a considerable slice.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His prescient mind was right. All the dispositions in favour of &lsquo;my
+      grandson Harry Coningsby&rsquo; were revoked; and he inherited from his
+      grandfather only the interest of the sum of 10,000<i>l.</i> which had been
+      originally bequeathed to him in his orphan boyhood. The executors had the
+      power of investing the principal in any way they thought proper for his
+      advancement in life, provided always it was not placed in &lsquo;the capital
+      stock of any manufactory.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby turned pale; he lost his abstracted look; he caught the eye of
+      Rigby; he read the latent malice of that nevertheless anxious countenance.
+      What passed through the mind and being of Coningsby was thought and
+      sensation enough for a year; but it was as the flash that reveals a whole
+      country, yet ceases to be ere one can say it lightens. There was a
+      revelation to him of an inward power that should baffle these conventional
+      calamities, a natural and sacred confidence in his youth and health, and
+      knowledge and convictions. Even the recollection of Edith was not
+      unaccompanied with some sustaining associations. At least the mightiest
+      foe to their union was departed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All this was the impression of an instant, simultaneous with the reading
+      of the words of form with which the last testamentary disposition of the
+      Marquess of Monmouth left the sum of 30,000<i>l.</i> to Armand
+      Villebecque; and all the rest, residue, and remainder of his unentailed
+      property, wheresoever and whatsoever it might be, amounting in value to
+      nearly a million sterling, was given, devised, and bequeathed to Flora,
+      commonly called Flora Villebecque, the step-child of the said Armand
+      Villebecque, &lsquo;but who is my natural daughter by Marie Estelle Matteau, an
+      actress at the Théâtre Français in the years 1811-15, by the name of
+      Stella.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0073" id="link2HCH0073"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER III.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;This is a crash!&rsquo; said Coningsby, with a grave rather than agitated
+      countenance, to Sidonia, as his friend came up to greet him, without,
+      however, any expression of condolence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;This time next year you will not think so,&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby shrugged his shoulders.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The principal annoyance of this sort of miscarriage,&rsquo; said Sidonia, &lsquo;is
+      the condolence of the gentle world. I think we may now depart. I am going
+      home to dine. Come, and discuss your position. For the present we will not
+      speak of it.&rsquo; So saying, Sidonia good-naturedly got Coningsby out of the
+      room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They walked together to Sidonia&rsquo;s house in Carlton Gardens, neither of
+      them making the slightest allusion to the catastrophe; Sidonia inquiring
+      where he had been, what he had been doing, since they last met, and
+      himself conversing in his usual vein, though with a little more feeling in
+      his manner than was his custom. When they had arrived there, Sidonia
+      ordered their dinner instantly, and during the interval between the
+      command and its appearance, he called Coningsby&rsquo;s attention to an old
+      German painting he had just received, its brilliant colouring and quaint
+      costumes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Eat, and an appetite will come,&rsquo; said Sidonia, when he observed Coningsby
+      somewhat reluctant. &lsquo;Take some of that Chablis: it will put you right; you
+      will find it delicious.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In this way some twenty minutes passed; their meal was over, and they were
+      alone together.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have been thinking all this time of your position,&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A sorry one, I fear,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I really cannot see that,&rsquo; said his friend. &lsquo;You have experienced this
+      morning a disappointment, but not a calamity. If you had lost your eye it
+      would have been a calamity: no combination of circumstances could have
+      given you another. There are really no miseries except natural miseries;
+      conventional misfortunes are mere illusions. What seems conventionally, in
+      a limited view, a great misfortune, if subsequently viewed in its results,
+      is often the happiest incident in one&rsquo;s life.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I hope the day may come when I may feel this.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Now is the moment when philosophy is of use; that is to say, now is the
+      moment when you should clearly comprehend the circumstances which surround
+      you. Holiday philosophy is mere idleness. You think, for example, that you
+      have just experienced a great calamity, because you have lost the fortune
+      on which you counted?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I must say I do.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I ask you again, which would you have rather lost, your grandfather&rsquo;s
+      inheritance or your right leg?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Most certainly my inheritance,&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Or your left arm?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Still the inheritance.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Would you have received the inheritance on condition that your front
+      teeth should be knocked out?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Would you have given up a year of your life for that fortune trebled?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Even at twenty-three I would have refused the terms.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Come, come, Coningsby, the calamity cannot be very great.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why, you have put it in an ingenious point of view; and yet it is not so
+      easy to convince a man, that he should be content who has lost
+      everything.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have a great many things at this moment that you separately prefer to
+      the fortune that you have forfeited. How then can you be said to have lost
+      everything?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What have I?&rsquo; said Coningsby, despondingly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have health, youth, good looks, great abilities, considerable
+      knowledge, a fine courage, a lofty spirit, and no contemptible experience.
+      With each of these qualities one might make a fortune; the combination
+      ought to command the highest.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You console me,&rsquo; said Coningsby, with a faint blush and a fainter smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I teach you the truth. That is always solacing. I think you are a most
+      fortunate young man; I should not have thought you more fortunate if you
+      had been your grandfather&rsquo;s heir; perhaps less so. But I wish you to
+      comprehend your position: if you understand it you will cease to lament.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But what should I do?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Bring your intelligence to bear on the right object. I make you no offers
+      of fortune, because I know you would not accept them, and indeed I have no
+      wish to see you a lounger in life. If you had inherited a great patrimony,
+      it is possible your natural character and previous culture might have
+      saved you from its paralysing influence; but it is a question, even with
+      you. Now you are free; that is to say, you are free, if you are not in
+      debt. A man who has not seen the world, whose fancy is harassed with
+      glittering images of pleasures he has never experienced, cannot live on
+      300<i>l.</i> per annum; but you can. You have nothing to haunt your
+      thoughts, or disturb the abstraction of your studies. You have seen the
+      most beautiful women; you have banqueted in palaces; you know what heroes,
+      and wits, and statesmen are made of: and you can draw on your memory
+      instead of your imagination for all those dazzling and interesting objects
+      that make the inexperienced restless, and are the cause of what are called
+      scrapes. But you can do nothing if you be in debt. You must be free.
+      Before, therefore, we proceed, I must beg you to be frank on this head. If
+      you have any absolute or contingent incumbrances, tell me of them without
+      reserve, and permit me to clear them at once to any amount. You will
+      sensibly oblige me in so doing: because I am interested in watching your
+      career, and if the racer start with a clog my psychological observations
+      will be imperfect.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You are, indeed, a friend; and had I debts I would ask you to pay them. I
+      have nothing of the kind. My grandfather was so lavish in his allowance to
+      me that I never got into difficulties. Besides, there are horses and
+      things without end which I must sell, and money at Drummonds&rsquo;.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;That will produce your outfit, whatever the course you adopt. I conceive
+      there are two careers which deserve your consideration. In the first place
+      there is Diplomacy. If you decide upon that, I can assist you. There exist
+      between me and the Minister such relations that I can at once secure you
+      that first step which is so difficult to obtain. After that, much, if not
+      all, depends on yourself. But I could advance you, provided you were
+      capable. You should, at least, not languish for want of preferment. In an
+      important post, I could throw in your way advantages which would soon
+      permit you to control cabinets. Information commands the world. I doubt
+      not your success, and for such a career, speedy. Let us assume it as a
+      fact. Is it a result satisfactory? Suppose yourself in a dozen years a
+      Plenipotentiary at a chief court, or at a critical post, with a red ribbon
+      and the Privy Council in immediate perspective; and, after a lengthened
+      career, a pension and a peerage. Would that satisfy you? You don&rsquo;t look
+      excited. I am hardly surprised. In your position it would not satisfy me.
+      A Diplomatist is, after all, a phantom. There is a want of nationality
+      about his being. I always look upon Diplomatists as the Hebrews of
+      politics; without country, political creeds, popular convictions, that
+      strong reality of existence which pervades the career of an eminent
+      citizen in a free and great country.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You read my thoughts,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;I should be sorry to sever myself
+      from England.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There remains then the other, the greater, the nobler career,&rsquo; said
+      Sidonia, &lsquo;which in England may give you all, the Bar. I am absolutely
+      persuaded that with the requisite qualifications, and with perseverance,
+      success at the Bar is certain. It may be retarded or precipitated by
+      circumstances, but cannot be ultimately affected. You have a right to
+      count with your friends on no lack of opportunities when you are ripe for
+      them. You appear to me to have all the qualities necessary for the Bar;
+      and you may count on that perseverance which is indispensable, for the
+      reason I have before mentioned, because it will be sustained by your
+      experience.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have resolved,&rsquo; said Coningsby; &lsquo;I will try for the Great Seal.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0074" id="link2HCH0074"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER IV.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Alone in his chambers, no longer under the sustaining influence of
+      Sidonia&rsquo;s converse and counsel, the shades of night descending and bearing
+      gloom to the gloomy, all the excitement of his spirit evaporated, the
+      heart of Coningsby sank. All now depended on himself, and in that self he
+      had no trust. Why should he succeed? Success was the most rare of results.
+      Thousands fail; units triumph. And even success could only be conducted to
+      him by the course of many years. His career, even if prosperous, was now
+      to commence by the greatest sacrifice which the heart of man could be
+      called upon to sustain. Upon the stern altar of his fortunes he must
+      immolate his first and enduring love. Before, he had a perilous position
+      to offer Edith; now he had none. The future might then have aided them;
+      there was no combination which could improve his present. Under any
+      circumstances he must, after all his thoughts and studies, commence a new
+      novitiate, and before he could enter the arena must pass years of silent
+      and obscure preparation. &lsquo;Twas very bitter. He looked up, his eye caught
+      that drawing of the towers of Hellingsley which she had given him in the
+      days of their happy hearts. That was all that was to remain of their
+      loves. He was to bear it to the future scene of his labours, to remind him
+      through revolving years of toil and routine, that he too had had his
+      romance, had roamed in fair gardens, and whispered in willing ears the
+      secrets of his passion. That drawing was to become the altar-piece of his
+      life.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby passed an agitated night of broken sleep, waking often with a
+      consciousness of having experienced some great misfortune, yet with an
+      indefinite conception of its nature. He woke exhausted and dispirited. It
+      was a gloomy day, a raw north-easter blowing up the cloisters of the
+      Albany, in which the fog was lingering, the newspaper on his
+      breakfast-table, full of rumoured particulars of his grandfather&rsquo;s will,
+      which had of course been duly digested by all who knew him. What a
+      contrast to St. Geneviève! To the bright, bracing morn of that merry
+      Christmas! That radiant and cheerful scene, and those gracious and beaming
+      personages, seemed another world and order of beings to the one he now
+      inhabited, and the people with whom he must now commune. The Great Seal
+      indeed! It was the wild excitement of despair, the frenzied hope that
+      blends inevitably with absolute ruin, that could alone have inspired such
+      a hallucination! His unstrung heart deserted him. His energies could rally
+      no more. He gave orders that he was at home to no one; and in his morning
+      gown and slippers, with his feet resting on the fireplace, the once
+      high-souled and noble-hearted Coningsby delivered himself up to despair.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The day passed in a dark trance rather than a reverie. Nothing rose to his
+      consciousness. He was like a particle of chaos; at the best, a glimmering
+      entity of some shadowy Hades. Towards evening the wind changed, the fog
+      dispersed, there came a clear starry night, brisk and bright. Coningsby
+      roused himself, dressed, and wrapping his cloak around him, sallied forth.
+      Once more in the mighty streets, surrounded by millions, his petty griefs
+      and personal fortunes assumed their proper position. Well had Sidonia
+      taught him, view everything in its relation to the rest. &lsquo;Tis the secret
+      of all wisdom. Here was the mightiest of modern cities; the rival even of
+      the most celebrated of the ancient. Whether he inherited or forfeited
+      fortunes, what was it to the passing throng? They would not share his
+      splendour, or his luxury, or his comfort. But a word from his lip, a
+      thought from his brain, expressed at the right time, at the right place,
+      might turn their hearts, might influence their passions, might change
+      their opinions, might affect their destiny. Nothing is great but the
+      personal. As civilisation advances, the accidents of life become each day
+      less important. The power of man, his greatness and his glory, depend on
+      essential qualities. Brains every day become more precious than blood. You
+      must give men new ideas, you must teach them new words, you must modify
+      their manners, you must change their laws, you must root out prejudices,
+      subvert convictions, if you wish to be great. Greatness no longer depends
+      on rentals, the world is too rich; nor on pedigrees, the world is too
+      knowing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The greatness of this city destroys my misery,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;and my
+      genius shall conquer its greatness.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This conviction of power in the midst of despair was a revelation of
+      intrinsic strength. It is indeed the test of a creative spirit. From that
+      moment all petty fears for an ordinary future quitted him. He felt that he
+      must be prepared for great sacrifices, for infinite suffering; that there
+      must devolve on him a bitter inheritance of obscurity, struggle, envy, and
+      hatred, vulgar prejudice, base criticism, petty hostilities, but the dawn
+      would break, and the hour arrive, when the welcome morning hymn of his
+      success and his fame would sound and be re-echoed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He returned to his rooms; calm, resolute. He slept the deep sleep of a man
+      void of anxiety, that has neither hope nor fear to haunt his visions, but
+      is prepared to rise on the morrow collected for the great human struggle.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And the morning came. Fresh, vigorous, not rash or precipitate, yet
+      determined to lose no time in idle meditation, Coningsby already resolved
+      at once to quit his present residence, was projecting a visit to some
+      legal quarter, where he intended in future to reside, when his servant
+      brought him a note. The handwriting was feminine. The note was from Flora.
+      The contents were brief. She begged Mr. Coningsby, with great earnestness,
+      to do her the honour and the kindness of calling on her at his earliest
+      convenience, at the hotel in Brook Street where she now resided.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was an interview which Coningsby would rather have avoided; yet it
+      seemed to him, after a moment&rsquo;s reflection, neither just, nor kind, nor
+      manly, to refuse her request. Flora had not injured him. She was, after
+      all, his kin. Was it for a moment to be supposed that he was envious of
+      her lot? He replied, therefore, that in an hour he would wait upon her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In an hour, then, two individuals are to be brought together whose first
+      meeting was held under circumstances most strangely different. Then
+      Coningsby was the patron, a generous and spontaneous one, of a being
+      obscure, almost friendless, and sinking under bitter mortification. His
+      favour could not be the less appreciated because he was the chosen
+      relative of a powerful noble. That noble was no more; his vast inheritance
+      had devolved on the disregarded, even despised actress, whose suffering
+      emotions Coningsby had then soothed, and whose fortune had risen on the
+      destruction of all his prospects, and the balk of all his aspirations.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Flora was alone when Coningsby was ushered into the room. The extreme
+      delicacy of her appearance was increased by her deep mourning; and seated
+      in a cushioned chair, from which she seemed to rise with an effort, she
+      certainly presented little of the character of a fortunate and prosperous
+      heiress.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You are very good to come to me,&rsquo; she said, faintly smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby extended his hand to her affectionately, in which she placed her
+      own, looking down much embarrassed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have an agreeable situation here,&rsquo; said Coningsby, trying to break
+      the first awkwardness of their meeting.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes; but I hope not to stop here long?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You are going abroad?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No; I hope never to leave England!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a slight pause; and then Flora sighed and said,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wish to speak to you on a subject that gives me pain; yet of which I
+      must speak. You think I have injured you?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sure,&rsquo; said Coningsby, in a tone of great kindness, &lsquo;that you could
+      injure no one.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have robbed you of your inheritance.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It was not mine by any right, legal or moral. There were others who might
+      have urged an equal claim to it; and there are many who will now think
+      that you might have preferred a superior one.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You had enemies; I was not one. They sought to benefit themselves by
+      injuring you. They have not benefited themselves; let them not say that
+      they have at least injured you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We will not care what they say,&rsquo; said Coningsby; &lsquo;I can sustain my lot.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Would that I could mine!&rsquo; said Flora. She sighed again with a downcast
+      glance. Then looking up embarrassed and blushing deeply, she added, &lsquo;I
+      wish to restore to you that fortune of which I have unconsciously and
+      unwillingly deprived you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The fortune is yours, dear Flora, by every right,&rsquo; said Coningsby, much
+      moved; &lsquo;and there is no one who wishes more fervently that it may
+      contribute to your happiness than I do.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is killing me,&rsquo; said Flora, mournfully; then speaking with unusual
+      animation, with a degree of excitement, she continued, &lsquo;I must tell what I
+      feel. This fortune is yours. I am happy in the inheritance, if you
+      generously receive it from me, because Providence has made me the means of
+      baffling your enemies. I never thought to be so happy as I shall be if you
+      will generously accept this fortune, always intended for you. I have lived
+      then for a purpose; I have not lived in vain; I have returned to you some
+      service, however humble, for all your goodness to me in my unhappiness.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You are, as I have ever thought you, the kindest and most tender-hearted
+      of beings. But you misconceive our mutual positions, my gentle Flora. The
+      custom of the world does not permit such acts to either of us as you
+      contemplate. The fortune is yours. It is left you by one on whose
+      affections you had the highest claim. I will not say that so large an
+      inheritance does not bring with it an alarming responsibility; but you are
+      not unequal to it. Have confidence in yourself. You have a good heart; you
+      have good sense; you have a well-principled being. Your spirit will mount
+      with your fortunes, and blend with them. You will be happy.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And you?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I shall soon learn to find content, if not happiness, from other
+      sources,&rsquo; said Coningsby; &lsquo;and mere riches, however vast, could at no time
+      have secured my felicity.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But they may secure that which brings felicity,&rsquo; said Flora, speaking in
+      a choking voice, and not meeting the glance of Coningsby. &lsquo;You had some
+      views in life which displeased him who has done all this; they may be,
+      they must be, affected by this fatal caprice. Speak to me, for I cannot
+      speak, dear Mr. Coningsby; do not let me believe that I, who would
+      sacrifice my life for your happiness, am the cause of such calamities!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Whatever be my lot, I repeat I can sustain it,&rsquo; said Coningsby, with a
+      cheek of scarlet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! he is angry with me,&rsquo; exclaimed Flora; &lsquo;he is angry with me!&rsquo; and the
+      tears stole down her pale cheek.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No, no, no! dear Flora; I have no other feelings to you than those of
+      affection and respect,&rsquo; and Coningsby, much agitated, drew his chair
+      nearer to her, and took her hand. &lsquo;I am gratified by these kind wishes,
+      though they are utterly impracticable; but they are the witnesses of your
+      sweet disposition and your noble spirit. There never shall exist between
+      us, under any circumstances, other feelings than those of kin and
+      kindness.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He rose as if to depart. When she saw that, she started, and seemed to
+      summon all her energies.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You are going,&rsquo; she exclaimed, &lsquo;and I have said nothing, I have said
+      nothing; and I shall never see you again. Let me tell you what I mean.
+      This fortune is yours; it must be yours. It is an arrow in my heart. Do
+      not think I am speaking from a momentary impulse. I know myself. I have
+      lived so much alone, I have had so little to deceive or to delude me, that
+      I know myself. If you will not let me do justice you declare my doom. I
+      cannot live if my existence is the cause of all your prospects being
+      blasted, and the sweetest dreams of your life being defeated. When I die,
+      these riches will be yours; that you cannot prevent. Refuse my present
+      offer, and you seal the fate of that unhappy Flora whose fragile life has
+      hung for years on the memory of your kindness.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You must not say these words, dear Flora; you must not indulge in these
+      gloomy feelings. You must live, and you must live happily. You have every
+      charm and virtue which should secure happiness. The duties and the
+      affections of existence will fall to your lot. It is one that will always
+      interest me, for I shall ever be your friend. You have conferred on me one
+      of the most delightful of feelings, gratitude, and for that I bless you. I
+      will soon see you again.&rsquo; Mournfully he bade her farewell.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0075" id="link2HCH0075"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER V.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      About a week after this interview with Flora, as Coningsby one morning was
+      about to sally forth from the Albany to visit some chambers in the Temple,
+      to which his notice had been attracted, there was a loud ring, a bustle in
+      the hall, and Henry Sydney and Buckhurst were ushered in.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There never was such a cordial meeting; and yet the faces of his friends
+      were serious. The truth is, the paragraphs in the newspapers had
+      circulated in the country, they had written to Coningsby, and after a
+      brief delay he had confirmed their worst apprehensions. Immediately they
+      came up to town. Henry Sydney, a younger son, could offer little but
+      sympathy, but he declared it was his intention also to study for the bar,
+      so that they should not be divided. Buckhurst, after many embraces and
+      some ordinary talk, took Coningsby aside, and said, &lsquo;My dear fellow, I
+      have no objection to Henry Sydney hearing everything I say, but still
+      these are subjects which men like to be discussed in private. Of course I
+      expect you to share my fortune. There is enough for both. We will have an
+      exact division.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was something in Buckhurst&rsquo;s fervent resolution very lovable and a
+      little humorous, just enough to put one in good temper with human nature
+      and life. If there were any fellow&rsquo;s fortune in the world that Coningsby
+      would share, Buckhurst&rsquo;s would have had the preference; but while he
+      pressed his hand, and with a glance in which a tear and a smile seemed to
+      contend for mastery, he gently indicated why such arrangements were, with
+      our present manners, impossible.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I see,&rsquo; said Buckhurst, after a moment&rsquo;s thought, &lsquo;I quite agree with
+      you. The thing cannot be done; and, to tell you the truth, a fortune is a
+      bore. What I vote that we three do at once is, to take plenty of
+      ready-money, and enter the Austrian service. By Jove! it is the only thing
+      to do.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There is something in that,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;In the meantime, suppose
+      you two fellows walk with me to the Temple, for I have an appointment to
+      look at some chambers.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was a fine day, and it was by no means a gloomy walk. Though the two
+      friends had arrived full of indignation against Lord Monmouth, and
+      miserable about their companion, once more in his society, and finding
+      little difference in his carriage, they assumed unconsciously their
+      habitual tone. As for Buckhurst, he was delighted with the Temple, which
+      he visited for the first time. The name enchanted him. The tombs in the
+      church convinced him that the Crusades were the only career. He would have
+      himself become a law student if he might have prosecuted his studies in
+      chain armour. The calmer Henry Sydney was consoled for the misfortunes of
+      Coningsby by a fanciful project himself to pass a portion of his life amid
+      these halls and courts, gardens and terraces, that maintain in the heart
+      of a great city in the nineteenth century, so much of the grave romance
+      and picturesque decorum of our past manners. Henry Sydney was sanguine; he
+      was reconciled to the disinheritance of Coningsby by the conviction that
+      it was a providential dispensation to make him a Lord Chancellor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These faithful friends remained in town with Coningsby until he was
+      established in Paper Buildings, and had become a pupil of a celebrated
+      special pleader. They would have remained longer had not he himself
+      suggested that it was better that they should part. It seemed a terrible
+      catastrophe after all the visions of their boyish days, their college
+      dreams, and their dazzling adventures in the world.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And this is the end of Coningsby, the brilliant Coningsby, that we all
+      loved, that was to be our leader!&rsquo; said Buckhurst to Lord Henry as they
+      quitted him. &lsquo;Well, come what may, life has lost something of its bloom.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The great thing now,&rsquo; said Lord Henry, &lsquo;is to keep up the chain of our
+      friendship. We must write to him very often, and contrive to be frequently
+      together. It is dreadful to think that in the ways of life our hearts may
+      become estranged. I never felt more wretched than I do at this moment, and
+      yet I have faith that we shall not lose him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Amen!&rsquo; said Buckhurst; &lsquo;but I feel my plan about the Austrian service
+      was, after all, the only thing. The Continent offers a career. He might
+      have been prime minister; several strangers have been; and as for war,
+      look at Brown and Laudohn, and half a hundred others. I had a much better
+      chance of being a field-marshal than he has of being a Lord Chancellor.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I feel quite convinced that Coningsby will be Lord Chancellor,&rsquo; said
+      Henry Sydney, gravely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This change of life for Coningsby was a great social revolution. It was
+      sudden and complete. Within a month after the death of his grandfather his
+      name had been erased from all his fashionable clubs, and his horses and
+      carriages sold, and he had become a student of the Temple. He entirely
+      devoted himself to his new pursuit. His being was completely absorbed in
+      it. There was nothing to haunt his mind; no unexperienced scene or
+      sensation of life to distract his intelligence. One sacred thought alone
+      indeed there remained, shrined in the innermost sanctuary of his heart and
+      consciousness. But it was a tradition, no longer a hope. The moment that
+      he had fairly recovered from the first shock of his grandfather&rsquo;s will;
+      had clearly ascertained the consequences to himself, and had resolved on
+      the course to pursue; he had communicated unreservedly with Oswald
+      Millbank, and had renounced those pretensions to the hand of his sister
+      which it ill became the destitute to prefer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His letter was answered in person. Millbank met Henry Sydney and Buckhurst
+      at the chambers of Coningsby. Once more they were all four together; but
+      under what different circumstances, and with what different prospects from
+      those which attended their separation at Eton! Alone with Coningsby,
+      Millbank spoke to him things which letters could not convey. He bore to
+      him all the sympathy and devotion of Edith; but they would not conceal
+      from themselves that, at this moment, and in the present state of affairs,
+      all was hopeless. In no way did Coningsby ever permit himself to intimate
+      to Oswald the cause of his disinheritance. He was, of course, silent on it
+      to his other friends; as any communication of the kind must have touched
+      on a subject that was consecrated in his inmost soul.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0076" id="link2HCH0076"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VI.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The state of political parties in England in the spring of 1841 offered a
+      most remarkable contrast to their condition at the period commemorated in
+      the first chapter of this work. The banners of the Conservative camp at
+      this moment lowered on the Whig forces, as the gathering host of the
+      Norman invader frowned on the coast of Sussex. The Whigs were not yet
+      conquered, but they were doomed; and they themselves knew it. The mistake
+      which was made by the Conservative leaders in not retaining office in
+      1839; and, whether we consider their conduct in a national and
+      constitutional light, or as a mere question of political tactics and party
+      prudence, it was unquestionably a great mistake; had infused into the
+      corps of Whig authority a kind of galvanic action, which only the
+      superficial could mistake for vitality. Even to form a basis for their
+      future operations, after the conjuncture of &lsquo;39, the Whigs were obliged to
+      make a fresh inroad on the revenue, the daily increasing debility of which
+      was now arresting attention and exciting public alarm. It was clear that
+      the catastrophe of the government would be financial.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Under all the circumstances of the case, the conduct of the Whig Cabinet,
+      in their final propositions, cannot be described as deficient either in
+      boldness or prudence. The policy which they recommended was in itself a
+      sagacious and spirited policy; but they erred in supposing that, at the
+      period it was brought forward, any measure promoted by the Whigs could
+      have obtained general favour in the country. The Whigs were known to be
+      feeble; they were looked upon as tricksters. The country knew they were
+      opposed by a powerful party; and though there certainly never was any
+      authority for the belief, the country did believe that that powerful party
+      were influenced by great principles; had in their view a definite and
+      national policy; and would secure to England, instead of a feeble
+      administration and fluctuating opinions, energy and a creed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The future effect of the Whig propositions of &lsquo;41 will not be detrimental
+      to that party, even if in the interval they be appropriated piecemeal, as
+      will probably be the case, by their Conservative successors. But for the
+      moment, and in the plight in which the Whig party found themselves, it was
+      impossible to have devised measures more conducive to their precipitate
+      fall. Great interests were menaced by a weak government. The consequence
+      was inevitable. Tadpole and Taper saw it in a moment. They snuffed the
+      factious air, and felt the coming storm. Notwithstanding the extreme
+      congeniality of these worthies, there was a little latent jealousy between
+      them. Tadpole worshipped Registration: Taper, adored a Cry. Tadpole always
+      maintained that it was the winnowing of the electoral lists that could
+      alone gain the day; Taper, on the contrary, faithful to ancient
+      traditions, was ever of opinion that the game must ultimately be won by
+      popular clamour. It always seemed so impossible that the Conservative
+      party could ever be popular; the extreme graciousness and personal
+      popularity of the leaders not being sufficiently apparent to be esteemed
+      an adequate set-off against the inveterate odium that attached to their
+      opinions; that the Tadpole philosophy was the favoured tenet in high
+      places; and Taper had had his knuckles well rapped more than once for
+      manoeuvring too actively against the New Poor-law, and for hiring several
+      link-boys to bawl a much-wronged lady&rsquo;s name in the Park when the Court
+      prorogued Parliament.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And now, after all, in 1841, it seemed that Taper was right. There was a
+      great clamour in every quarter, and the clamour was against the Whigs and
+      in favour of Conservative principles. What Canadian timber-merchants meant
+      by Conservative principles, it is not difficult to conjecture; or West
+      Indian planters. It was tolerably clear on the hustings what squires and
+      farmers, and their followers, meant by Conservative principles. What they
+      mean by Conservative principles now is another question: and whether
+      Conservative principles mean something higher than a perpetuation of
+      fiscal arrangements, some of them impolitic, none of them important. But
+      no matter what different bodies of men understood by the cry in which they
+      all joined, the Cry existed. Taper beat Tadpole; and the great
+      Conservative party beat the shattered and exhausted Whigs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Notwithstanding the abstraction of his legal studies, Coningsby could not
+      be altogether insensible to the political crisis. In the political world
+      of course he never mixed, but the friends of his boyhood were deeply
+      interested in affairs, and they lost no opportunity which he would permit
+      them, of cultivating his society. Their occasional fellowship, a visit now
+      and then to Sidonia, and a call sometimes on Flora, who lived at Richmond,
+      comprised his social relations. His general acquaintance did not desert
+      him, but he was out of sight, and did not wish to be remembered. Mr.
+      Ormsby asked him to dinner, and occasionally mourned over his fate in the
+      bow window of White&rsquo;s; while Lord Eskdale even went to see him in the
+      Temple, was interested in his progress, and said, with an encouraging
+      look, that, when he was called to the bar, all his friends must join and
+      get up the steam. Coningsby had once met Mr. Rigby, who was walking with
+      the Duke of Agincourt, which was probably the reason he could not notice a
+      lawyer. Mr. Rigby cut Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Eskdale had obtained from Villebecque accurate details as to the
+      cause of Coningsby being disinherited. Our hero, if one in such fallen
+      fortunes may still be described as a hero, had mentioned to Lord Eskdale
+      his sorrow that his grandfather had died in anger with him; but Lord
+      Eskdale, without dwelling on the subject, had assured him that he had
+      reason to believe that if Lord Monmouth had lived, affairs would have been
+      different. He had altered the disposition of his property at a moment of
+      great and general irritation and excitement; and had been too indolent,
+      perhaps really too indisposed, which he was unwilling ever to acknowledge,
+      to recur to a calmer and more equitable settlement. Lord Eskdale had been
+      more frank with Sidonia, and had told him all about the refusal to become
+      a candidate for Darlford against Mr. Millbank; the communication of Rigby
+      to Lord Monmouth, as to the presence of Oswald Millbank at the castle, and
+      the love of Coningsby for his sister; all these details, furnished by
+      Villebecque to Lord Eskdale, had been truly transferred by that nobleman
+      to his co-executor; and Sidonia, when he had sufficiently digested them,
+      had made Lady Wallinger acquainted with the whole history.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The dissolution of the Whig Parliament by the Whigs, the project of which
+      had reached Lord Monmouth a year before, and yet in which nobody believed
+      to the last moment, at length took place. All the world was dispersed in
+      the heart of the season, and our solitary student of the Temple, in his
+      lonely chambers, notwithstanding all his efforts, found his eye rather
+      wander over the pages of Tidd and Chitty as he remembered that the great
+      event to which he had so looked forward was now occurring, and he, after
+      all, was no actor in the mighty drama. It was to have been the epoch of
+      his life; when he was to have found himself in that proud position for
+      which all the studies, and meditations, and higher impulses of his nature
+      had been preparing him. It was a keen trial of a man. Every one of his
+      friends and old companions were candidates, and with sanguine prospects.
+      Lord Henry was certain for a division of his county; Buckhurst harangued a
+      large agricultural borough in his vicinity; Eustace Lyle and Vere stood in
+      coalition for a Yorkshire town; and Oswald Millbank solicited the
+      suffrages of an important manufacturing constituency. They sent their
+      addresses to Coningsby. He was deeply interested as he traced in them the
+      influence of his own mind; often recognised the very expressions to which
+      he had habituated them. Amid the confusion of a general election, no
+      unimpassioned critic had time to canvass the language of an address to an
+      isolated constituency; yet an intelligent speculator on the movements of
+      political parties might have detected in these public declarations some
+      intimation of new views, and of a tone of political feeling that has
+      unfortunately been too long absent from the public life of this country.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was the end of a sultry July day, the last ray of the sun shooting down
+      Pall Mall sweltering with dust; there was a crowd round the doors of the
+      Carlton and the Reform Clubs, and every now and then an express arrived
+      with the agitating bulletin of a fresh defeat or a new triumph. Coningsby
+      was walking up Pall Mall. He was going to dine at the Oxford and Cambridge
+      Club, the only club on whose list he had retained his name, that he might
+      occasionally have the pleasure of meeting an Eton or Cambridge friend
+      without the annoyance of encountering any of his former fashionable
+      acquaintances. He lighted in his walk on Mr. Tadpole and Mr. Taper, both
+      of whom he knew. The latter did not notice him, but Mr. Tadpole, more
+      good-natured, bestowed on him a rough nod, not unmarked by a slight
+      expression of coarse pity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby ordered his dinner, and then took up the evening papers, where
+      he learnt the return of Vere and Lyle; and read a speech of Buckhurst
+      denouncing the Venetian Constitution, to the amazement of several thousand
+      persons, apparently not a little terrified by this unknown danger, now
+      first introduced to their notice. Being true Englishmen, they were all
+      against Buckhurst&rsquo;s opponent, who was of the Venetian party, and who ended
+      by calling out Buckhurst for his personalities.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby had dined, and was reading in the library, when a waiter brought
+      up a third edition of the <i>Sun</i>, with electioneering bulletins from
+      the manufacturing districts to the very latest hour. Some large letters
+      which expressed the name of Darlford caught his eye. There seemed great
+      excitement in that borough; strange proceedings had happened. The column
+      was headed, &lsquo;Extraordinary Affair! Withdrawal of the Liberal Candidate!
+      Two Tory Candidates in the field!!!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His eye glanced over an animated speech of Mr. Millbank, his countenance
+      changed, his heart palpitated. Mr. Millbank had resigned the
+      representation of the town, but not from weakness; his avocations demanded
+      his presence; he had been requested to let his son supply his place, but
+      his son was otherwise provided for; he should always take a deep interest
+      in the town and trade of Darlford; he hoped that the link between the
+      borough and Hellingsley would be ever cherished; loud cheering; he wished
+      in parting from them to take a step which should conciliate all parties,
+      put an end to local heats and factious contentions, and secure the town an
+      able and worthy representative. For these reasons he begged to propose to
+      them a gentleman who bore a name which many of them greatly honoured; for
+      himself, he knew the individual, and it was his firm opinion that whether
+      they considered his talents, his character, or the ancient connection of
+      his family with the district, he could not propose a candidate more worthy
+      of their confidence than HARRY CONINGSBY, ESQ.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This proposition was received with that wild enthusiasm which occasionally
+      bursts out in the most civilised communities. The contest between Millbank
+      and Rigby was equally balanced, neither party was over-confident. The
+      Conservatives were not particularly zealous in behalf of their champion;
+      there was no Marquess of Monmouth and no Coningsby Castle now to back him;
+      he was fighting on his own resources, and he was a beaten horse. The
+      Liberals did not like the prospect of a defeat, and dreaded the
+      mortification of Rigby&rsquo;s triumph. The Moderate men, who thought more of
+      local than political circumstances, liked the name of Coningsby. Mr.
+      Millbank had dexterously prepared his leading supporters for the
+      substitution. Some traits of the character and conduct of Coningsby had
+      been cleverly circulated. Thus there was a combination of many favourable
+      causes in his favour. In half an hour&rsquo;s time his image was stamped on the
+      brain of every inhabitant of the borough as an interesting and
+      accomplished youth, who had been wronged, and who deserved to be rewarded.
+      It was whispered that Rigby was his enemy. Magog Wrath and his mob offered
+      Mr. Millbank&rsquo;s committee to throw Mr. Rigby into the river, or to burn
+      down his hotel, in case he was prudent enough not to show. Mr. Rigby
+      determined to fight to the last. All his hopes were now staked on the
+      successful result of this contest. It were impossible if he were returned
+      that his friends could refuse him high office. The whole of Lord
+      Monmouth&rsquo;s reduced legacy was devoted to this end. The third edition of
+      the <i>Sun</i> left Mr. Rigby in vain attempting to address an infuriated
+      populace.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Here was a revolution in the fortunes of our forlorn Coningsby! When his
+      grandfather first sent for him to Monmouth House, his destiny was not
+      verging on greater vicissitudes. He rose from his seat, and was surprised
+      that all the silent gentlemen who were about him did not mark his
+      agitation. Not an individual there that he knew. It was now an hour to
+      midnight, and to-morrow the almost unconscious candidate was to go to the
+      poll. In a tumult of suppressed emotion, Coningsby returned to his
+      chambers. He found a letter in his box from Oswald Millbank, who had been
+      twice at the Temple. Oswald had been returned without a contest, and had
+      reached Darlford in time to hear Coningsby nominated. He set off instantly
+      to London, and left at his friend&rsquo;s chambers a rapid narrative of what had
+      happened, with information that he should call on him again on the morrow
+      at nine o&rsquo;clock, when they were to repair together immediately to Darlford
+      in time for Coningsby to be chaired, for no one entertained a doubt of his
+      triumph.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby did not sleep a wink that night, and yet when he rose early felt
+      fresh enough for any exploit, however difficult or hazardous. He felt as
+      an Egyptian does when the Nile rises after its elevation had been
+      despaired of. At the very lowest ebb of his fortunes, an event had
+      occurred which seemed to restore all. He dared not contemplate the
+      ultimate result of all these wonderful changes. Enough for him, that when
+      all seemed dark, he was about to be returned to Parliament by the father
+      of Edith, and his vanquished rival who was to bite the dust before him was
+      the author of all his misfortunes. Love, Vengeance, Justice, the glorious
+      pride of having acted rightly, the triumphant sense of complete and
+      absolute success, here were chaotic materials from which order was at
+      length evolved; and all subsided in an overwhelming feeling of gratitude
+      to that Providence that had so signally protected him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a knock at the door. It was Oswald. They embraced. It seemed
+      that Oswald was as excited as Coningsby. His eye sparkled, his manner was
+      energetic.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We must talk it all over during our journey. We have not a minute to
+      spare.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      During that journey Coningsby learned something of the course of affairs
+      which gradually had brought about so singular a revolution in his favour.
+      We mentioned that Sidonia had acquired a thorough knowledge of the
+      circumstances which had occasioned and attended the disinheritance of
+      Coningsby. These he had told to Lady Wallinger, first by letter,
+      afterwards in more detail on her arrival in London. Lady Wallinger had
+      conferred with her husband. She was not surprised at the goodness of
+      Coningsby, and she sympathised with all his calamities. He had ever been
+      the favourite of her judgment, and her romance had always consisted in
+      blending his destinies with those of her beloved Edith. Sir Joseph was a
+      judicious man, who never cared to commit himself; a little selfish, but
+      good, just, and honourable, with some impulses, only a little afraid of
+      them; but then his wife stepped in like an angel, and gave them the right
+      direction. They were both absolutely impressed with Coningsby&rsquo;s admirable
+      conduct, and Lady Wallinger was determined that her husband should express
+      to others the convictions which he acknowledged in unison with herself.
+      Sir Joseph spoke to Mr. Millbank, who stared; but Sir Joseph spoke feebly.
+      Lady Wallinger conveyed all this intelligence, and all her impressions, to
+      Oswald and Edith. The younger Millbank talked with his father, who, making
+      no admissions, listened with interest, inveighed against Lord Monmouth,
+      and condemned his will.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After some time, Mr. Millbank made inquiries about Coningsby, took an
+      interest in his career, and, like Lord Eskdale, declared that when he was
+      called to the bar, his friends would have an opportunity to evince their
+      sincerity. Affairs remained in this state, until Oswald thought that
+      circumstances were sufficiently ripe to urge his father on the subject.
+      The position which Oswald had assumed at Millbank had necessarily made him
+      acquainted with the affairs and fortune of his father. When he computed
+      the vast wealth which he knew was at his parent&rsquo;s command, and recalled
+      Coningsby in his humble chambers, toiling after all his noble efforts
+      without any results, and his sister pining in a provincial solitude,
+      Oswald began to curse wealth, and to ask himself what was the use of all
+      their marvellous industry and supernatural skill? He addressed his father
+      with that irresistible frankness which a strong faith can alone inspire.
+      What are the objects of wealth, if not to bless those who possess our
+      hearts? The only daughter, the friend to whom the only son was indebted
+      for his life, here are two beings surely whom one would care to bless, and
+      both are unhappy. Mr. Millbank listened without prejudice, for he was
+      already convinced. But he felt some interest in the present conduct of
+      Coningsby. A Coningsby working for his bread was a novel incident for him.
+      He wished to be assured of its authenticity. He was resolved to convince
+      himself of the fact. And perhaps he would have gone on yet for a little
+      time, and watched the progress of the experiment, already interested and
+      delighted by what had reached him, had not the dissolution brought affairs
+      to a crisis. The misery of Oswald at the position of Coningsby, the silent
+      sadness of Edith, his own conviction, which assured him that he could do
+      nothing wiser or better than take this young man to his heart, so ordained
+      it that Mr. Millbank, who was after all the creature of impulse, decided
+      suddenly, and decided rightly. Never making a single admission to all the
+      representations of his son, Mr. Millbank in a moment did all that his son
+      could have dared to desire.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This is a very imperfect and crude intimation of what had occurred at
+      Millbank and Hellingsley; yet it conveys a faint sketch of the enchanting
+      intelligence that Oswald conveyed to Coningsby during their rapid travel.
+      When they arrived at Birmingham, they found a messenger and a despatch,
+      informing Coningsby, that at mid-day, at Darlford, he was at the head of
+      the poll by an overwhelming majority, and that Mr. Rigby had resigned. He
+      was, however, requested to remain at Birmingham, as they did not wish him
+      to enter Darlford, except to be chaired, so he was to arrive there in the
+      morning. At Birmingham, therefore, they remained.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was Oswald&rsquo;s election to talk of as well as Coningsby&rsquo;s. They had
+      hardly had time for this. Now they were both Members of Parliament. Men
+      must have been at school together, to enjoy the real fun of meeting thus,
+      and realising boyish dreams. Often, years ago, they had talked of these
+      things, and assumed these results; but those were words and dreams, these
+      were positive facts; after some doubts and struggles, in the freshness of
+      their youth, Oswald Millbank and Harry Coningsby were members of the
+      British Parliament; public characters, responsible agents, with a career.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This afternoon, at Birmingham, was as happy an afternoon as usually falls
+      to the lot of man. Both of these companions were labouring under that
+      degree of excitement which is necessary to felicity. They had enough to
+      talk about. Edith was no longer a forbidden or a sorrowful subject. There
+      was rapture in their again meeting under such circumstances. Then there
+      were their friends; that dear Buckhurst, who had just been called out for
+      styling his opponent a Venetian, and all their companions of early days.
+      What a sudden and marvellous change in all their destinies! Life was a
+      pantomime; the wand was waved, and it seemed that the schoolfellows had of
+      a sudden become elements of power, springs of the great machine.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A train arrived; restless they sallied forth, to seek diversion in the
+      dispersion of the passengers. Coningsby and Millbank, with that glance, a
+      little inquisitive, even impertinent, if we must confess it, with which
+      one greets a stranger when he emerges from a public conveyance, were
+      lounging on the platform. The train arrived; stopped; the doors were
+      thrown open, and from one of them emerged Mr. Rigby! Coningsby, who had
+      dined, was greatly tempted to take off his hat and make him a bow, but he
+      refrained. Their eyes met. Rigby was dead beat. He was evidently used up;
+      a man without a resource; the sight of Coningsby his last blow; he had met
+      his fate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My dear fellow,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;I remember I wanted you to dine with my
+      grandfather at Montem, and that fellow would not ask you. Such is life!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      About eleven o&rsquo;clock the next morning they arrived at the Darlford
+      station. Here they were met by an anxious deputation, who received
+      Coningsby as if he were a prophet, and ushered him into a car covered with
+      satin and blue ribbons, and drawn by six beautiful grey horses,
+      caparisoned in his colours, and riden by postilions, whose very whips were
+      blue and white. Triumphant music sounded; banners waved; the multitude
+      were marshalled; the Freemasons, at the first opportunity, fell into the
+      procession; the Odd Fellows joined it at the nearest corner. Preceded and
+      followed by thousands, with colours flying, trumpets sounding, and endless
+      huzzas, flags and handkerchiefs waving from every window, and every
+      balcony filled with dames and maidens bedecked with his colours, Coningsby
+      was borne through enthusiastic Darlford like Paulus Emilius returning from
+      Macedon. Uncovered, still in deep mourning, his fine figure, and graceful
+      bearing, and his intelligent brow, at once won every female heart.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The singularity was, that all were of the same opinion: everybody cheered
+      him, every house was adorned with his colours. His triumphal return was no
+      party question. Magog Wrath and Bully Bluck walked together like lambs at
+      the head of his procession.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The car stopped before the principal hotel in the High Street. It was Mr.
+      Millbank&rsquo;s committee. The broad street was so crowded, that, as every one
+      declared, you might have walked on the heads of the people. Every window
+      was full; the very roofs were peopled. The car stopped, and the populace
+      gave three cheers for Mr. Millbank. Their late member, surrounded by his
+      friends, stood in the balcony, which was fitted up with Coningsby&rsquo;s
+      colours, and bore his name on the hangings in gigantic letters formed of
+      dahlias. The flashing and inquiring eye of Coningsby caught the form of
+      Edith, who was leaning on her father&rsquo;s arm.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The hustings were opposite the hotel, and here, after a while, Coningsby
+      was carried, and, stepping from his car, took up his post to address, for
+      the first time, a public assembly. Anxious as the people were to hear him,
+      it was long before their enthusiasm could subside into silence. At length
+      that silence was deep and absolute. He spoke; his powerful and rich tones
+      reached every ear. In five minutes&rsquo; time every one looked at his
+      neighbour, and without speaking they agreed that there never was anything
+      like this heard in Darlford before.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He addressed them for a considerable time, for he had a great deal to say;
+      not only to express his gratitude for the unprecedented manner in which he
+      had become their representative, and for the spirit in which they had
+      greeted him, but he had to offer them no niggard exposition of the views
+      and opinions of the member whom they had so confidingly chosen, without
+      even a formal declaration of his sentiments.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He did this with so much clearness, and in a manner so pointed and
+      popular, that the deep attention of the multitude never wavered. His
+      lively illustrations kept them often in continued merriment. But when,
+      towards his close, he drew some picture of what he hoped might be the
+      character of his future and lasting connection with the town, the vast
+      throng was singularly affected. There were a great many present at that
+      moment who, though they had never seen Coningsby before, would willingly
+      have then died for him. Coningsby had touched their hearts, for he had
+      spoken from his own. His spirit had entirely magnetised them. Darlford
+      believed in Coningsby: and a very good creed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And now Coningsby was conducted to the opposite hotel. He walked through
+      the crowd. The progress was slow, as every one wished to shake hands with
+      him. His friends, however, at last safely landed him. He sprang up the
+      stairs; he was met by Mr. Millbank, who welcomed him with the greatest
+      warmth, and offered his hearty congratulations.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is to you, dear sir, that I am indebted for all this,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No,&rsquo; said Mr. Millbank, &lsquo;it is to your own high principles, great
+      talents, and good heart.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After he had been presented by the late member to the principal personages
+      in the borough, Mr. Millbank said,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think we must now give Mr. Coningsby a little rest. Come with me,&rsquo; he
+      added, &lsquo;here is some one who will be very glad to see you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Speaking thus, he led our hero a little away, and placing his arm in
+      Coningsby&rsquo;s with great affection opened the door of an apartment. There
+      was Edith, radiant with loveliness and beaming with love. Their agitated
+      hearts told at a glance the tumult of their joy. The father joined their
+      hands, and blessed them with words of tenderness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0077" id="link2HCH0077"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The marriage of Coningsby and Edith took place early in the autumn. It was
+      solemnised at Millbank, and they passed their first moon at Hellingsley,
+      which place was in future to be the residence of the member for Darlford.
+      The estate was to devolve to Coningsby after the death of Mr. Millbank,
+      who in the meantime made arrangements which permitted the newly-married
+      couple to reside at the Hall in a manner becoming its occupants. All these
+      settlements, as Mr. Millbank assured Coningsby, were effected not only
+      with the sanction, but at the express instance, of his son.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      An event, however, occurred not very long after the marriage of Coningsby,
+      which rendered this generous conduct of his father-in-law no longer
+      necessary to his fortunes, though he never forgot its exercise. The gentle
+      and unhappy daughter of Lord Monmouth quitted a scene with which her
+      spirit had never greatly sympathised. Perhaps she might have lingered in
+      life for yet a little while, had it not been for that fatal inheritance
+      which disturbed her peace and embittered her days, haunting her heart with
+      the recollection that she had been the unconscious instrument of injuring
+      the only being whom she loved, and embarrassing and encumbering her with
+      duties foreign to her experience and her nature. The marriage of Coningsby
+      had greatly affected her, and from that day she seemed gradually to
+      decline. She died towards the end of the autumn, and, subject to an ample
+      annuity to Villebecque, she bequeathed the whole of her fortune to the
+      husband of Edith. Gratifying as it was to him to present such an
+      inheritance to his wife, it was not without a pang that he received the
+      intelligence of the death of Flora. Edith sympathised in his affectionate
+      feelings, and they raised a monument to her memory in the gardens of
+      Hellingsley.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby passed his next Christmas in his own hall with his beautiful and
+      gifted wife by his side, and surrounded by the friends of his heart and
+      his youth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They stand now on the threshold of public life. They are in the leash, but
+      in a moment they will be slipped. What will be their fate? Will they
+      maintain in august assemblies and high places the great truths which, in
+      study and in solitude, they have embraced? Or will their courage exhaust
+      itself in the struggle, their enthusiasm evaporate before hollow-hearted
+      ridicule, their generous impulses yield with a vulgar catastrophe to the
+      tawdry temptations of a low ambition? Will their skilled intelligence
+      subside into being the adroit tool of a corrupt party? Will Vanity
+      confound their fortunes, or Jealousy wither their sympathies? Or will they
+      remain brave, single, and true; refuse to bow before shadows and worship
+      phrases; sensible of the greatness of their position, recognise the
+      greatness of their duties; denounce to a perplexed and disheartened world
+      the frigid theories of a generalising age that have destroyed the
+      individuality of man, and restore the happiness of their country by
+      believing in their own energies, and daring to be great?
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 6em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Coningsby, by Benjamin Disraeli
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #7412 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/7412)
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+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+
+<!DOCTYPE html
+   PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN"
+   "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" >
+
+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en">
+  <head>
+    <title>
+      Coningsby, by Benjamin Disraeli
+    </title>
+    <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve">
+
+    body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify}
+    P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; }
+    H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; }
+    hr  { width: 50%; text-align: center;}
+    .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; }
+    blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;}
+    .mynote    {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;}
+    .toc       { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;}
+    .toc2      { margin-left: 20%;}
+    div.fig    { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; }
+    div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; }
+    .figleft   {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;}
+    .figright  {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;}
+    .pagenum   {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal;
+               margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%;
+               text-align: right;}
+    .side      { float: right; font-size: 75%; width: 25%; padding-left: 0.8em;
+               border-left: dashed thin; margin-left: 0.8em; text-align: left;
+               text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;
+               font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;}
+    pre        { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;}
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+  <body>
+
+
+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Coningsby, by Benjamin Disraeli
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Coningsby
+
+Author: Benjamin Disraeli
+
+
+Release Date: February, 2005  [EBook #7412]
+This file was first posted on April 25, 2003
+Last Updated: September 30, 2017
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CONINGSBY ***
+
+
+
+
+Text file produced by Anne Soulard, Tiffany Vergon, and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+HTML file produced by David Widger
+
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+
+
+</pre>
+
+    <div style="height: 8em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h1>
+      CONINGSBY
+    </h1>
+    <h3>
+      OR THE NEW GENERATION
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      By Benjamin Disraeli
+    </h2>
+    <h4>
+      Earl Of Beaconsfield
+    </h4>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CONTENTS</b>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> PUBLISHERS&rsquo; NOTE </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> TO HENRY HOPE </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE </a>
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> <b>CONINGSBY</b> </a>
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> <b>BOOK I.</b> </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> <b>BOOK II.</b> </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER I. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER II. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER III. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER IV. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER V. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER VI. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER VII. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0025"> <b>BOOK III.</b> </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER I. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER II. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER III. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER IV. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER V. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0031"> BOOK IV </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER I. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER II. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER III. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER IV. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER V. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER VI. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER VII. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER VIII. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER IX. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER X. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XI. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XII. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER XIII. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER XIV. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER XV. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER XVI. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0048"> <b>BOOK V.</b> </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER I. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0041"> CHAPTER II. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0042"> CHAPTER III. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0043"> CHAPTER IV. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0044"> CHAPTER V. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0045"> CHAPTER VI. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0046"> CHAPTER VII. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0047"> CHAPTER VIII. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0057"> <b>BOOK VI.</b> </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0048"> CHAPTER I. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0049"> CHAPTER II. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0050"> CHAPTER III. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0051"> CHAPTER IV. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0052"> CHAPTER V. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0053"> CHAPTER VI. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0054"> CHAPTER VII. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0055"> CHAPTER VIII. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0066"> <b>BOOK VII.</b> </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0056"> CHAPTER I. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0057"> CHAPTER II. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0058"> CHAPTER III. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0059"> CHAPTER IV. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0060"> CHAPTER V. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0061"> CHAPTER VI. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0062"> CHAPTER VII. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0063"> CHAPTER VIII </a>
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0075"> <b>BOOK VIII.</b> </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0064"> CHAPTER I. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0065"> CHAPTER II. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0066"> CHAPTER III. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0067"> CHAPTER IV. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0068"> CHAPTER V. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0069"> CHAPTER VI. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0070"> CHAPTER VII. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0083"> <b>BOOK IX.</b> </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0071"> CHAPTER I. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0072"> CHAPTER II. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0073"> CHAPTER III. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0074"> CHAPTER IV. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0075"> CHAPTER V. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0076"> CHAPTER VI. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0077"> CHAPTER VII. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      PUBLISHERS&rsquo; NOTE
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      As a novelist, Benjamin Disraeli belongs to the early part of the
+      nineteenth century. &ldquo;Vivian Grey&rdquo; (1826-27) and &ldquo;Sybil&rdquo; (1845) mark the
+      beginning and the end of his truly creative period; for the two
+      productions of his latest years, &ldquo;Lothair&rdquo; (1870) and &ldquo;Endymion&rdquo; (1880),
+      add nothing to the characteristics of his earlier volumes except the
+      changes of feeling and power which accompany old age. His period, thus, is
+      that of Bulwer, Dickens, and Thackeray, and of the later years of Sir
+      Walter Scott&mdash;a fact which his prominence as a statesman during the
+      last decade of his life, as well as the vogue of &ldquo;Lothair&rdquo; and &ldquo;Endymion,&rdquo;
+       has tended to obscure. His style, his material, and his views of English
+      character and life all date from that earlier time. He was born in 1804
+      and died in 1881.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Coningsby; or, The New Generation,&rdquo; published in 1844, is the best of his
+      novels, not as a story, but as a study of men, manners, and principles.
+      The plot is slight&mdash;little better than a device for stringing
+      together sketches of character and statements of political and economic
+      opinions; but these are always interesting and often brilliant. The motive
+      which underlies the book is political. It is, in brief, an attempt to show
+      that the political salvation of England was to be sought in its
+      aristocracy, but that this aristocracy was morally weak and socially
+      ineffective, and that it must mend its ways before its duty to the state
+      could be fulfilled. Interest in this aspect of the book has, of course, to
+      a large extent passed away with the political conditions which it
+      reflected. As a picture of aristocratic life in England in the first part
+      of the nineteenth century it has, however, enduring significance and
+      charm. Disraeli does not rank with the great writers of English realistic
+      fiction, but in this special field none of them has surpassed him. From
+      this point of view, accordingly, &ldquo;Coningsby&rdquo; is appropriately included in
+      this series.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      TO HENRY HOPE
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      It is not because this work was conceived and partly executed amid the
+      glades and galleries of the DEEPDENE that I have inscribed it with your
+      name. Nor merely because I was desirous to avail myself of the most
+      graceful privilege of an author, and dedicate my work to the friend whose
+      talents I have always appreciated, and whose virtues I have ever admired.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But because in these pages I have endeavoured to picture something of that
+      development of the new and, as I believe, better mind of England, that has
+      often been the subject of our converse and speculation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In this volume you will find many a thought illustrated and many a
+      principle attempted to be established that we have often together
+      partially discussed and canvassed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Doubtless you may encounter some opinions with which you may not agree,
+      and some conclusions the accuracy of which you may find cause to question.
+      But if I have generally succeeded in my object, to scatter some
+      suggestions that may tend to elevate the tone of public life, ascertain
+      the true character of political parties, and induce us for the future more
+      carefully to distinguish between facts and phrases, realities and
+      phantoms, I believe that I shall gain your sympathy, for I shall find a
+      reflex to their efforts in your own generous spirit and enlightened mind.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      GROSVENOR GATE: May Day 1844.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      PREFACE
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;CONINGSBY&rsquo; was published in the year 1844. The main purpose of its writer
+      was to vindicate the just claims of the Tory party to be the popular
+      political confederation of the country; a purpose which he had, more or
+      less, pursued from a very early period of life. The occasion was
+      favourable to the attempt. The youthful mind of England had just recovered
+      from the inebriation of the great Conservative triumph of 1841, and was
+      beginning to inquire what, after all, they had conquered to preserve. It
+      was opportune, therefore, to show that Toryism was not a phrase, but a
+      fact; and that our political institutions were the embodiment of our
+      popular necessities. This the writer endeavoured to do without prejudice,
+      and to treat of events and characters of which he had some personal
+      experience, not altogether without the impartiality of the future.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was not originally the intention of the writer to adopt the form of
+      fiction as the instrument to scatter his suggestions, but, after
+      reflection, he resolved to avail himself of a method which, in the temper
+      of the times, offered the best chance of influencing opinion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In considering the Tory scheme, the author recognised in the CHURCH the
+      most powerful agent in the previous development of England, and the most
+      efficient means of that renovation of the national spirit at which he
+      aimed. The Church is a sacred corporation for the promulgation and
+      maintenance in Europe of certain Asian principles, which, although local
+      in their birth, are of divine origin, and of universal and eternal
+      application.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In asserting the paramount character of the ecclesiastical polity and the
+      majesty of the theocratic principle, it became necessary to ascend to the
+      origin of the Christian Church, and to meet in a spirit worthy of a
+      critical and comparatively enlightened age, the position of the
+      descendants of that race who were the founders of Christianity. The modern
+      Jews had long laboured under the odium and stigma of mediaeval
+      malevolence. In the dark ages, when history was unknown, the passions of
+      societies, undisturbed by traditionary experience, were strong, and their
+      convictions, unmitigated by criticism, were necessarily fanatical. The
+      Jews were looked upon in the middle ages as an accursed race, the enemies
+      of God and man, the especial foes of Christianity. No one in those days
+      paused to reflect that Christianity was founded by the Jews; that its
+      Divine Author, in his human capacity, was a descendant of King David; that
+      his doctrines avowedly were the completion, not the change, of Judaism;
+      that the Apostles and the Evangelists, whose names men daily invoked, and
+      whose volumes they embraced with reverence, were all Jews; that the
+      infallible throne of Rome itself was established by a Jew; and that a Jew
+      was the founder of the Christian Churches of Asia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The European nations, relatively speaking, were then only recently
+      converted to a belief in Moses and in Christ; and, as it were, still
+      ashamed of the wild deities whom they had deserted, they thought they
+      atoned for their past idolatry by wreaking their vengeance on a race to
+      whom, and to whom alone, they were indebted for the Gospel they adored.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In vindicating the sovereign right of the Church of Christ to be the
+      perpetual regenerator of man, the writer thought the time had arrived when
+      some attempt should be made to do justice to the race which had founded
+      Christianity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The writer has developed in another work (&lsquo;Tancred&rsquo;) the views respecting
+      the great house of Israel which he first intimated in &lsquo;Coningsby.&rsquo; No one
+      has attempted to refute them, nor is refutation possible; since all he has
+      done is to examine certain facts in the truth of which all agree, and to
+      draw from them irresistible conclusions which prejudice for a moment may
+      shrink from, but which reason cannot refuse to admit.
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      D.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      GROSVENOR GATE: May 1894.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CONINGSBY
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      BOOK I.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER I.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      It was a bright May morning some twelve years ago, when a youth of still
+      tender age, for he had certainly not entered his teens by more than two
+      years, was ushered into the waiting-room of a house in the vicinity of St.
+      James&rsquo;s Square, which, though with the general appearance of a private
+      residence, and that too of no very ambitious character, exhibited at this
+      period symptoms of being occupied for some public purpose.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The house-door was constantly open, and frequent guests even at this early
+      hour crossed the threshold. The hall-table was covered with sealed
+      letters; and the hall-porter inscribed in a book the name of every
+      individual who entered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The young gentleman we have mentioned found himself in a room which
+      offered few resources for his amusement. A large table amply covered with
+      writing materials, and a few chairs, were its sole furniture, except the
+      grey drugget that covered the floor, and a muddy mezzotinto of the Duke of
+      Wellington that adorned its cold walls. There was not even a newspaper;
+      and the only books were the Court Guide and the London Directory. For some
+      time he remained with patient endurance planted against the wall, with his
+      feet resting on the rail of his chair; but at length in his shifting
+      posture he gave evidence of his restlessness, rose from his seat, looked
+      out of the window into a small side court of the house surrounded with
+      dead walls, paced the room, took up the Court Guide, changed it for the
+      London Directory, then wrote his name over several sheets of foolscap
+      paper, drew various landscapes and faces of his friends; and then,
+      splitting up a pen or two, delivered himself of a yawn which seemed the
+      climax of his weariness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And yet the youth&rsquo;s appearance did not betoken a character that, if the
+      opportunity had offered, could not have found amusement and even
+      instruction. His countenance, radiant with health and the lustre of
+      innocence, was at the same time thoughtful and resolute. The expression of
+      his deep blue eyes was serious. Without extreme regularity of features,
+      the face was one that would never have passed unobserved. His short upper
+      lip indicated a good breed; and his chestnut curls clustered over his open
+      brow, while his shirt-collar thrown over his shoulders was unrestrained by
+      handkerchief or ribbon. Add to this, a limber and graceful figure, which
+      the jacket of his boyish dress exhibited to great advantage.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Just as the youth, mounted on a chair, was adjusting the portrait of the
+      Duke, which he had observed to be awry, the gentleman for whom he had been
+      all this time waiting entered the room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Floreat Etona!&rsquo; hastily exclaimed the gentleman, in a sharp voice; &lsquo;you
+      are setting the Duke to rights. I have left you a long time a prisoner;
+      but I found them so busy here, that I made my escape with some
+      difficulty.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He who uttered these words was a man of middle size and age, originally in
+      all probability of a spare habit, but now a little inclined to corpulency.
+      Baldness, perhaps, contributed to the spiritual expression of a brow,
+      which was, however, essentially intellectual, and gave some character of
+      openness to a countenance which, though not ill-favoured, was unhappily
+      stamped by a sinister cast that was not to be mistaken. His manner was
+      easy, but rather audacious than well-bred. Indeed, while a visage which
+      might otherwise be described as handsome was spoilt by a dishonest glance,
+      so a demeanour that was by no means deficient in self-possession and
+      facility, was tainted by an innate vulgarity, which in the long run,
+      though seldom, yet surely developed itself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The youth had jumped off his chair on the entrance of the gentleman, and
+      then taking up his hat, said:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Shall we go to grandpapa now, sir?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By all means, my dear boy,&rsquo; said the gentleman, putting his arm within
+      that of the youth; and they were just on the point of leaving the
+      waiting-room, when the door was suddenly thrown open, and two individuals,
+      in a state of great excitement, rushed into the apartment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Rigby! Rigby!&rsquo; they both exclaimed at the same moment. &lsquo;By G&mdash;&mdash;
+      they&rsquo;re out!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Who told you?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The best authority; one of themselves.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Who? who?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Paul Evelyn; I met him as I passed Brookes&rsquo;, and he told me that Lord
+      Grey had resigned, and the King had accepted his resignation.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But Mr. Rigby, who, though very fond of news, and much interested in the
+      present, was extremely jealous of any one giving him information, was
+      sceptical. He declared that Paul Evelyn was always wrong; that it was
+      morally impossible that Paul Evelyn ever could be right; that he knew,
+      from the highest authority, that Lord Grey had been twice yesterday with
+      the King; that on the last visit nothing was settled; that if he had been
+      at the palace again to-day, he could not have been there before twelve
+      o&rsquo;clock; that it was only now a quarter to one; that Lord Grey would have
+      called his colleagues together on his return; that at least an hour must
+      have elapsed before anything could possibly have transpired. Then he
+      compared and criticised the dates of every rumoured incident of the last
+      twenty-four hours, and nobody was stronger in dates than Mr. Rigby;
+      counted even the number of stairs which the minister had to ascend and
+      descend in his visit to the palace, and the time their mountings and
+      dismountings must have consumed, detail was Mr. Rigby&rsquo;s forte; and
+      finally, what with his dates, his private information, his knowledge of
+      palace localities, his contempt for Paul Evelyn, and his confidence in
+      himself, he succeeded in persuading his downcast and disheartened friends
+      that their comfortable intelligence had not the slightest foundation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They all left the room together; they were in the hall; the gentlemen who
+      brought the news looked somewhat depressed, but Mr. Rigby gay, even amid
+      the prostration of his party, from the consciousness that he had most
+      critically demolished a piece of political gossip and conveyed a certain
+      degree of mortification to a couple of his companions; when a travelling
+      carriage and four with a ducal coronet drove up to the house. The door was
+      thrown open, the steps dashed down, and a youthful noble sprang from his
+      chariot into the hall.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Good morning, Rigby,&rsquo; said the Duke.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I see your Grace well, I am sure,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, with a softened
+      manner.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have heard the news, gentlemen?&rsquo; the Duke continued.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What news? Yes; no; that is to say, Mr. Rigby thinks&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You know, of course, that Lord Lyndhurst is with the King?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is impossible,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I don&rsquo;t think I can be mistaken,&rsquo; said the Duke, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I will show your Grace that it is impossible,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, &lsquo;Lord
+      Lyndhurst slept at Wimbledon. Lord Grey could not have seen the King until
+      twelve o&rsquo;clock; it is now five minutes to one. It is impossible,
+      therefore, that any message from the King could have reached Lord
+      Lyndhurst in time for his Lordship to be at the palace at this moment.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But my authority is a high one,&rsquo; said the Duke.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Authority is a phrase,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby; &lsquo;we must look to time and place,
+      dates and localities, to discover the truth.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Your Grace was saying that your authority&mdash;&rsquo; ventured to observe Mr.
+      Tadpole, emboldened by the presence of a duke, his patron, to struggle
+      against the despotism of a Rigby, his tyrant.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Was the highest,&rsquo; rejoined the Duke, smiling, &lsquo;for it was Lord Lyndhurst
+      himself. I came up from Nuneham this morning, passed his Lordship&rsquo;s house
+      in Hyde Park Place as he was getting into his carriage in full dress,
+      stopped my own, and learned in a breath that the Whigs were out, and that
+      the King had sent for the Chief Baron. So I came on here at once.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I always thought the country was sound at bottom,&rsquo; exclaimed Mr. Taper,
+      who, under the old system, had sneaked into the Treasury Board.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tadpole and Taper were great friends. Neither of them ever despaired of
+      the Commonwealth. Even if the Reform Bill were passed, Taper was convinced
+      that the Whigs would never prove men of business; and when his friends
+      confessed among themselves that a Tory Government was for the future
+      impossible, Taper would remark, in a confidential whisper, that for his
+      part he believed before the year was over the Whigs would be turned out by
+      the clerks.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There is no doubt that there is considerable reaction,&rsquo; said Mr. Tadpole.
+      The infamous conduct of the Whigs in the Amersham case has opened the
+      public mind more than anything.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Aldborough was worse,&rsquo; said Mr. Taper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Terrible,&rsquo; said Tadpole. &lsquo;They said there was no use discussing the
+      Reform Bill in our House. I believe Rigby&rsquo;s great speech on Aldborough has
+      done more towards the reaction than all the violence of the Political
+      Unions put together.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Let us hope for the best,&rsquo; said the Duke, mildly. &lsquo;&rsquo;Tis a bold step on
+      the part of the Sovereign, and I am free to say I could have wished it
+      postponed; but we must support the King like men. What say you, Rigby? You
+      are silent.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am thinking how very unfortunate it was that I did not breakfast with
+      Lyndhurst this morning, as I was nearly doing, instead of going down to
+      Eton.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;To Eton! and why to Eton?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;For the sake of my young friend here, Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s grandson. By the
+      bye, you are kinsmen. Let me present to your Grace, MR. CONINGSBY.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER II.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The political agitation which for a year and a half had shaken England to
+      its centre, received, if possible, an increase to its intensity and
+      virulence, when it was known, in the early part of the month of May, 1832,
+      that the Prime Minister had tendered his resignation to the King, which
+      resignation had been graciously accepted.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The amendment carried by the Opposition in the House of Lords on the
+      evening of the 7th of May, that the enfranchising clauses of the Reform
+      Bill should be considered before entering into the question of
+      disfranchisement, was the immediate cause of this startling event. The
+      Lords had previously consented to the second reading of the Bill with the
+      view of preventing that large increase of their numbers with which they
+      had been long menaced; rather, indeed, by mysterious rumours than by any
+      official declaration; but, nevertheless, in a manner which had carried
+      conviction to no inconsiderable portion of the Opposition that the threat
+      was not without foundation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      During the progress of the Bill through the Lower House, the journals
+      which were looked upon as the organs of the ministry had announced with
+      unhesitating confidence, that Lord Grey was armed with what was then
+      called a &lsquo;carte blanche&rsquo; to create any number of peers necessary to insure
+      its success. But public journalists who were under the control of the
+      ministry, and whose statements were never contradicted, were not the sole
+      authorities for this prevailing belief. Members of the House of Commons,
+      who were strong supporters of the cabinet, though not connected with it by
+      any official tie, had unequivocally stated in their places that the
+      Sovereign had not resisted the advice of his counsellors to create peers,
+      if such creation were required to carry into effect what was then styled
+      &lsquo;the great national measure.&rsquo; In more than one instance, ministers had
+      been warned, that if they did not exercise that power with prompt energy,
+      they might deserve impeachment. And these intimations and announcements
+      had been made in the presence of leading members of the Government, and
+      had received from them, at least, the sanction of their silence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It did not subsequently appear that the Reform ministers had been invested
+      with any such power; but a conviction of the reverse, fostered by these
+      circumstances, had successfully acted upon the nervous temperament, or the
+      statesman-like prudence, of a certain section of the peers, who
+      consequently hesitated in their course; were known as being no longer
+      inclined to pursue their policy of the preceding session; had thus
+      obtained a title at that moment in everybody&rsquo;s mouth, the title of &lsquo;THE
+      WAVERERS.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Notwithstanding, therefore, the opposition of the Duke of Wellington and
+      of Lord Lyndhurst, the Waverers carried the second reading of the Reform
+      Bill; and then, scared at the consequences of their own headstrong
+      timidity, they went in a fright to the Duke and his able adviser to
+      extricate them from the inevitable result of their own conduct. The
+      ultimate device of these distracted counsels, where daring and
+      poltroonery, principle and expediency, public spirit and private intrigue,
+      each threw an ingredient into the turbulent spell, was the celebrated and
+      successful amendment to which we have referred.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But the Whig ministers, who, whatever may have been their faults, were at
+      least men of intellect and courage, were not to be beaten by &lsquo;the
+      Waverers.&rsquo; They might have made terms with an audacious foe; they trampled
+      on a hesitating opponent. Lord Grey hastened to the palace.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Before the result of this appeal to the Sovereign was known, for its
+      effects were not immediate, on the second morning after the vote in the
+      House of Lords, Mr. Rigby had made that visit to Eton which had summoned
+      very unexpectedly the youthful Coningsby to London. He was the orphan
+      child of the youngest of the two sons of the Marquess of Monmouth. It was
+      a family famous for its hatreds. The eldest son hated his father; and, it
+      was said, in spite had married a lady to whom that father was attached,
+      and with whom Lord Monmouth then meditated a second alliance. This eldest
+      son lived at Naples, and had several children, but maintained no
+      connection either with his parent or his native country. On the other
+      hand, Lord Monmouth hated his younger son, who had married, against his
+      consent, a woman to whom that son was devoted. A system of domestic
+      persecution, sustained by the hand of a master, had eventually broken up
+      the health of its victim, who died of a fever in a foreign country, where
+      he had sought some refuge from his creditors.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His widow returned to England with her child; and, not having a relation,
+      and scarcely an acquaintance in the world, made an appeal to her husband&rsquo;s
+      father, the wealthiest noble in England and a man who was often prodigal,
+      and occasionally generous. After some time, and more trouble, after urgent
+      and repeated, and what would have seemed heart-rending, solicitations, the
+      attorney of Lord Monmouth called upon the widow of his client&rsquo;s son, and
+      informed her of his Lordship&rsquo;s decision. Provided she gave up her child,
+      and permanently resided in one of the remotest counties, he was authorised
+      to make her, in four quarterly payments, the yearly allowance of three
+      hundred pounds, that being the income that Lord Monmouth, who was the
+      shrewdest accountant in the country, had calculated a lone woman might
+      very decently exist upon in a small market town in the county of
+      Westmoreland.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Desperate necessity, the sense of her own forlornness, the utter
+      impossibility to struggle with an omnipotent foe, who, her husband had
+      taught her, was above all scruples, prejudices, and fears, and who, though
+      he respected law, despised opinion, made the victim yield. But her
+      sufferings were not long; the separation from her child, the bleak clime,
+      the strange faces around her, sharp memory, and the dull routine of an
+      unimpassioned life, all combined to wear out a constitution originally
+      frail, and since shattered by many sorrows. Mrs. Coningsby died the same
+      day that her father-in-law was made a Marquess. He deserved his honours.
+      The four votes he had inherited in the House of Commons had been
+      increased, by his intense volition and unsparing means, to ten; and the
+      very day he was raised to his Marquisate, he commenced sapping fresh
+      corporations, and was working for the strawberry leaf. His honours were
+      proclaimed in the London Gazette, and her decease was not even noticed in
+      the County Chronicle; but the altars of Nemesis are beneath every outraged
+      roof, and the death of this unhappy lady, apparently without an earthly
+      friend or an earthly hope, desolate and deserted, and dying in obscure
+      poverty, was not forgotten.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby was not more than nine years of age when he lost his last
+      parent; and he had then been separated from her for nearly three years.
+      But he remembered the sweetness of his nursery days. His mother, too, had
+      written to him frequently since he quitted her, and her fond expressions
+      had cherished the tenderness of his heart. He wept bitterly when his
+      schoolmaster broke to him the news of his mother&rsquo;s death. True it was they
+      had been long parted, and their prospect of again meeting was vague and
+      dim; but his mother seemed to him his only link to human society. It was
+      something to have a mother, even if he never saw her. Other boys went to
+      see their mothers! he, at least, could talk of his. Now he was alone. His
+      grandfather was to him only a name. Lord Monmouth resided almost
+      constantly abroad, and during his rare visits to England had found no time
+      or inclination to see the orphan, with whom he felt no sympathy. Even the
+      death of the boy&rsquo;s mother, and the consequent arrangements, were notified
+      to his master by a stranger. The letter which brought the sad intelligence
+      was from Mr. Rigby. It was the first time that name had been known to
+      Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Rigby was member for one of Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s boroughs. He was the
+      manager of Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s parliamentary influence, and the auditor of his
+      vast estates. He was more; he was Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s companion when in
+      England, his correspondent when abroad; hardly his counsellor, for Lord
+      Monmouth never required advice; but Mr. Rigby could instruct him in
+      matters of detail, which Mr. Rigby made amusing. Rigby was not a
+      professional man; indeed, his origin, education, early pursuits, and
+      studies, were equally obscure; but he had contrived in good time to
+      squeeze himself into parliament, by means which no one could ever
+      comprehend, and then set up to be a perfect man of business. The world
+      took him at his word, for he was bold, acute, and voluble; with no
+      thought, but a good deal of desultory information; and though destitute of
+      all imagination and noble sentiment, was blessed with a vigorous,
+      mendacious fancy, fruitful in small expedients, and never happier than
+      when devising shifts for great men&rsquo;s scrapes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They say that all of us have one chance in this life, and so it was with
+      Rigby. After a struggle of many years, after a long series of the usual
+      alternatives of small successes and small failures, after a few cleverish
+      speeches and a good many cleverish pamphlets, with a considerable
+      reputation, indeed, for pasquinades, most of which he never wrote, and
+      articles in reviews to which it was whispered he had contributed, Rigby,
+      who had already intrigued himself into a subordinate office, met with Lord
+      Monmouth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He was just the animal that Lord Monmouth wanted, for Lord Monmouth always
+      looked upon human nature with the callous eye of a jockey. He surveyed
+      Rigby; and he determined to buy him. He bought him; with his clear head,
+      his indefatigable industry, his audacious tongue, and his ready and
+      unscrupulous pen; with all his dates, all his lampoons; all his private
+      memoirs, and all his political intrigues. It was a good purchase. Rigby
+      became a great personage, and Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Rigby, who liked to be doing a great many things at the same time, and
+      to astonish the Tadpoles and Tapers with his energetic versatility,
+      determined to superintend the education of Coningsby. It was a relation
+      which identified him with the noble house of his pupil, or, properly
+      speaking, his charge: for Mr. Rigby affected rather the graceful dignity
+      of the governor than the duties of a tutor. The boy was recalled from his
+      homely, rural school, where he had been well grounded by a hard-working
+      curate, and affectionately tended by the curate&rsquo;s unsophisticated wife. He
+      was sent to a fashionable school preparatory to Eton, where he found about
+      two hundred youths of noble families and connections, lodged in a
+      magnificent villa, that had once been the retreat of a minister,
+      superintended by a sycophantic Doctor of Divinity, already well beneficed,
+      and not despairing of a bishopric by favouring the children of the great
+      nobles. The doctor&rsquo;s lady, clothed in cashmeres, sometimes inquired after
+      their health, and occasionally received a report as to their linen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Rigby had a classical retreat, not distant from this establishment,
+      which he esteemed a Tusculum. There, surrounded by his busts and books, he
+      wrote his lampoons and articles; massacred a she liberal (it was thought
+      that no one could lash a woman like Rigby), cut up a rising genius whose
+      politics were different from his own, or scarified some unhappy wretch who
+      had brought his claims before parliament, proving, by garbled extracts
+      from official correspondence that no one could refer to, that the
+      malcontent instead of being a victim, was, on the contrary, a defaulter.
+      Tadpole and Taper would back Rigby for a &lsquo;slashing reply&rsquo; against the
+      field. Here, too, at the end of a busy week, he found it occasionally
+      convenient to entertain a clever friend or two of equivocal reputation,
+      with whom he had become acquainted in former days of equal brotherhood. No
+      one was more faithful to his early friends than Mr. Rigby, particularly if
+      they could write a squib.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was in this refined retirement that Mr. Rigby found time enough,
+      snatched from the toils of official life and parliamentary struggles, to
+      compose a letter on the study of History, addressed to Coningsby. The
+      style was as much like that of Lord Bolingbroke as if it had been written
+      by the authors of the &lsquo;Rejected Addresses,&rsquo; and it began, &lsquo;My dear young
+      friend.&rsquo; This polished composition, so full of good feeling and
+      comprehensive views, and all in the best taste, was not published. It was
+      only privately printed, and a few thousand copies were distributed among
+      select personages as an especial favour and mark of high consideration.
+      Each copy given away seemed to Rigby like a certificate of character; a
+      property which, like all men of dubious repute, he thoroughly appreciated.
+      Rigby intrigued very much that the headmaster of Eton should adopt his
+      discourse as a class-book. For this purpose he dined with the Doctor, told
+      him several anecdotes of the King, which intimated personal influence at
+      Windsor; but the headmaster was inflexible, and so Mr. Rigby was obliged
+      to be content with having his Letter on History canonized as a classic in
+      the Preparatory Seminary, where the individual to whom it was addressed
+      was a scholar.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This change in the life of Coningsby contributed to his happiness. The
+      various characters which a large school exhibited interested a young mind
+      whose active energies were beginning to stir. His previous acquirements
+      made his studies light; and he was fond of sports, in which he was
+      qualified to excel. He did not particularly like Mr. Rigby. There was
+      something jarring and grating in that gentleman&rsquo;s voice and modes, from
+      which the chords of the young heart shrank. He was not tender, though
+      perhaps he wished to be; scarcely kind: but he was good-natured, at least
+      to children. However, this connection was, on the whole, an agreeable one
+      for Coningsby. He seemed suddenly to have friends: he never passed his
+      holydays again at school. Mr. Rigby was so clever that he contrived always
+      to quarter Coningsby on the father of one of his school-fellows, for Mr.
+      Rigby knew all his school-fellows and all their fathers. Mr. Rigby also
+      called to see him, not unfrequently would give him a dinner at the Star
+      and Garter, or even have him up to town for a week to Whitehall. Compared
+      with his former forlorn existence, these were happy days, when he was
+      placed under the gallery as a member&rsquo;s son, or went to the play with the
+      butler!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Coningsby had attained his twelfth year, an order was received from
+      Lord Monmouth, who was at Rome, that he should go at once to Eton. This
+      was the first great epoch of his life. There never was a youth who entered
+      into that wonderful little world with more eager zest than Coningsby. Nor
+      was it marvellous.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      That delicious plain, studded with every creation of graceful culture;
+      hamlet and hall and grange; garden and grove and park; that castle-palace,
+      grey with glorious ages; those antique spires, hoar with faith and wisdom,
+      the chapel and the college; that river winding through the shady meads;
+      the sunny glade and the solemn avenue; the room in the Dame&rsquo;s house where
+      we first order our own breakfast and first feel we are free; the stirring
+      multitude, the energetic groups, the individual mind that leads, conquers,
+      controls; the emulation and the affection; the noble strife and the tender
+      sentiment; the daring exploit and the dashing scrape; the passion that
+      pervades our life, and breathes in everything, from the aspiring study to
+      the inspiring sport: oh! what hereafter can spur the brain and touch the
+      heart like this; can give us a world so deeply and variously interesting;
+      a life so full of quick and bright excitement, passed in a scene so fair?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER III.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth, who detested popular tumults as much as he despised public
+      opinion, had remained during the agitating year of 1831 in his luxurious
+      retirement in Italy, contenting himself with opposing the Reform Bill by
+      proxy. But when his correspondent, Mr. Rigby, had informed him, in the
+      early part of the spring of 1832, of the probability of a change in the
+      tactics of the Tory party, and that an opinion was becoming prevalent
+      among their friends, that the great scheme must be defeated in detail
+      rather than again withstood on principle, his Lordship, who was never
+      wanting in energy when his own interests were concerned, immediately
+      crossed the Alps, and travelled rapidly to England. He indulged a hope
+      that the weight of his presence and the influence of his strong character,
+      which was at once shrewd and courageous, might induce his friends to
+      relinquish their half measure, a course to which his nature was repugnant.
+      At all events, if they persisted in their intention, and the Bill went
+      into committee, his presence was indispensable, for in that stage of a
+      parliamentary proceeding proxies become ineffective.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The counsels of Lord Monmouth, though they coincided with those of the
+      Duke of Wellington, did not prevail with the Waverers. Several of these
+      high-minded personages had had their windows broken, and they were of
+      opinion that a man who lived at Naples was not a competent judge of the
+      state of public feeling in England. Besides, the days are gone by for
+      senates to have their beards plucked in the forum. We live in an age of
+      prudence. The leaders of the people, now, generally follow. The truth is,
+      the peers were in a fright. &lsquo;Twas a pity; there is scarcely a less
+      dignified entity than a patrician in a panic.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Among the most intimate companions of Coningsby at Eton, was Lord Henry
+      Sydney, his kinsman. Coningsby had frequently passed his holydays of late
+      at Beaumanoir, the seat of the Duke, Lord Henry&rsquo;s father. The Duke sat
+      next to Lord Monmouth during the debate on the enfranchising question, and
+      to while away the time, and from kindness of disposition, spoke, and spoke
+      with warmth and favour, of his grandson. The polished Lord Monmouth bowed
+      as if he were much gratified by this notice of one so dear to him. He had
+      too much tact to admit that he had never yet seen his grandchild; but he
+      asked some questions as to his progress and pursuits, his tastes and
+      habits, which intimated the interest of an affectionate relative.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Nothing, however, was ever lost upon Lord Monmouth. No one had a more
+      retentive memory, or a more observant mind. And the next day, when he
+      received Mr. Rigby at his morning levee, Lord Monmouth performed this
+      ceremony in the high style of the old court, and welcomed his visitors in
+      bed, he said with imperturbable calmness, and as if he had been talking of
+      trying a new horse, &lsquo;Rigby, I should like to see the boy at Eton.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There might be some objection to grant leave to Coningsby at this moment;
+      but it was a rule with Mr. Rigby never to make difficulties, or at least
+      to persuade his patron that he, and he only, could remove them. He
+      immediately undertook that the boy should be forthcoming, and
+      notwithstanding the excitement of the moment, he went off next morning to
+      fetch him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They arrived in town rather early; and Rigby, wishing to know how affairs
+      were going on, ordered the servant to drive immediately to the
+      head-quarters of the party; where a permanent committee watched every
+      phasis of the impending revolution; and where every member of the
+      Opposition, of note and trust, was instantly admitted to receive or to
+      impart intelligence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was certainly not without emotion that Coningsby contemplated his first
+      interview with his grandfather. All his experience of the ties of
+      relationship, however limited, was full of tenderness and rapture. His
+      memory often dwelt on his mother&rsquo;s sweet embrace; and ever and anon a
+      fitful phantom of some past passage of domestic love haunted his gushing
+      heart. The image of his father was less fresh in his mind; but still it
+      was associated with a vague sentiment of kindness and joy; and the
+      allusions to her husband in his mother&rsquo;s letters had cherished these
+      impressions. To notice lesser sources of influence in his estimate of the
+      domestic tie, he had witnessed under the roof of Beaumanoir the existence
+      of a family bound together by the most beautiful affections. He could not
+      forget how Henry Sydney was embraced by his sisters when he returned home;
+      what frank and fraternal love existed between his kinsman and his elder
+      brother; how affectionately the kind Duke had welcomed his son once more
+      to the house where they had both been born; and the dim eyes, and saddened
+      brows, and tones of tenderness, which rather looked than said farewell,
+      when they went back to Eton.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And these rapturous meetings and these mournful adieus were occasioned
+      only by a separation at the most of a few months, softened by constant
+      correspondence and the communication of mutual sympathy. But Coningsby was
+      to meet a relation, his near, almost his only, relation, for the first
+      time; the relation, too, to whom he owed maintenance, education; it might
+      be said, existence. It was a great incident for a great drama; something
+      tragical in the depth and stir of its emotions. Even the imagination of
+      the boy could not be insensible to its materials; and Coningsby was
+      picturing to himself a beneficent and venerable gentleman pressing to his
+      breast an agitated youth, when his reverie was broken by the carriage
+      stopping before the gates of Monmouth House.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The gates were opened by a gigantic Swiss, and the carriage rolled into a
+      huge court-yard. At its end Coningsby beheld a Palladian palace, with
+      wings and colonnades encircling the court.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A double flight of steps led into a circular and marble hall, adorned with
+      colossal busts of the Caesars; the staircase in fresco by Sir James
+      Thornhill, breathed with the loves and wars of gods and heroes. It led
+      into a vestibule, painted in arabesques, hung with Venetian girandoles,
+      and looking into gardens. Opening a door in this chamber, and proceeding
+      some little way down a corridor, Mr. Rigby and his companion arrived at
+      the base of a private staircase. Ascending a few steps, they reached a
+      landing-place hung with tapestry. Drawing this aside, Mr. Rigby opened a
+      door, and ushered Coningsby through an ante-chamber into a small saloon,
+      of beautiful proportions, and furnished in a brilliant and delicate taste.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You will find more to amuse you here than where you were before,&rsquo; said
+      Mr. Rigby, &lsquo;and I shall not be nearly so long absent.&rsquo; So saying, he
+      entered into an inner apartment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The walls of the saloon, which were covered with light blue satin, held,
+      in silver panels, portraits of beautiful women, painted by Boucher.
+      Couches and easy chairs of every shape invited in every quarter to
+      luxurious repose; while amusement was afforded by tables covered with
+      caricatures, French novels, and endless miniatures of foreign dancers,
+      princesses, and sovereigns.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But Coningsby was so impressed with the impending interview with his
+      grandfather, that he neither sought nor required diversion. Now that the
+      crisis was at hand, he felt agitated and nervous, and wished that he was
+      again at Eton. The suspense was sickening, yet he dreaded still more the
+      summons. He was not long alone; the door opened; he started, grew pale; he
+      thought it was his grandfather; it was not even Mr. Rigby. It was Lord
+      Monmouth&rsquo;s valet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Monsieur Konigby?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My name is Coningsby,&rsquo; said the boy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Milor is ready to receive you,&rsquo; said the valet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby sprang forward with that desperation which the scaffold
+      requires. His face was pale; his hand was moist; his heart beat with
+      tumult. He had occasionally been summoned by Dr. Keate; that, too, was
+      awful work, but compared with the present, a morning visit. Music,
+      artillery, the roar of cannon, and the blare of trumpets, may urge a man
+      on to a forlorn hope; ambition, one&rsquo;s constituents, the hell of previous
+      failure, may prevail on us to do a more desperate thing; speak in the
+      House of Commons; but there are some situations in life, such, for
+      instance, as entering the room of a dentist, in which the prostration of
+      the nervous system is absolute.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The moment had at length arrived when the desolate was to find a
+      benefactor, the forlorn a friend, the orphan a parent; when the youth,
+      after a childhood of adversity, was to be formally received into the bosom
+      of the noble house from which he had been so long estranged, and at length
+      to assume that social position to which his lineage entitled him.
+      Manliness might support, affection might soothe, the happy anguish of such
+      a meeting; but it was undoubtedly one of those situations which stir up
+      the deep fountains of our nature, and before which the conventional
+      proprieties of our ordinary manners instantaneously vanish.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby with an uncertain step followed his guide through a bed-chamber,
+      the sumptuousness of which he could not notice, into the dressing-room of
+      Lord Monmouth. Mr. Rigby, facing Coningsby as he entered, was leaning over
+      the back of a large chair, from which as Coningsby was announced by the
+      valet, the Lord of the house slowly rose, for he was suffering slightly
+      from the gout, his left hand resting on an ivory stick. Lord Monmouth was
+      in height above the middle size, but somewhat portly and corpulent. His
+      countenance was strongly marked; sagacity on the brow, sensuality in the
+      mouth and jaw. His head was bald, but there were remains of the rich brown
+      locks on which he once prided himself. His large deep blue eye, madid and
+      yet piercing, showed that the secretions of his brain were apportioned,
+      half to voluptuousness, half to common sense. But his general mien was
+      truly grand; full of a natural nobility, of which no one was more sensible
+      than himself. Lord Monmouth was not in dishabille; on the contrary, his
+      costume was exact, and even careful. Rising as we have mentioned when his
+      grandson entered, and leaning with his left hand on his ivory cane, he
+      made Coningsby such a bow as Louis Quatorze might have bestowed on the
+      ambassador of the United Provinces. Then extending his right hand, which
+      the boy tremblingly touched, Lord Monmouth said:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;How do you like Eton?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This contrast to the reception which he had imagined, hoped, feared,
+      paralysed the reviving energies of young Coningsby. He felt stupefied; he
+      looked almost aghast. In the chaotic tumult of his mind, his memory
+      suddenly seemed to receive some miraculous inspiration. Mysterious phrases
+      heard in his earliest boyhood, unnoticed then, long since forgotten, rose
+      to his ear. Who was this grandfather, seen not before, seen now for the
+      first time? Where was the intervening link of blood between him and this
+      superb and icy being? The boy sank into the chair which had been placed
+      for him, and leaning on the table burst into tears.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Here was a business! If there were one thing which would have made Lord
+      Monmouth travel from London to Naples at four-and-twenty hours&rsquo; notice, it
+      was to avoid a scene. He hated scenes. He hated feelings. He saw instantly
+      the mistake he had made in sending for his grandchild. He was afraid that
+      Coningsby was tender-hearted like his father. Another tender-hearted
+      Coningsby! Unfortunate family! Degenerate race! He decided in his mind
+      that Coningsby must be provided for in the Church, and looked at Mr.
+      Rigby, whose principal business it always was to disembarrass his patron
+      from the disagreeable.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Rigby instantly came forward and adroitly led the boy into the
+      adjoining apartment, Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s bedchamber, closing the door of the
+      dressing-room behind him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My dear young friend,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, &lsquo;what is all this?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A sob the only answer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What can be the matter?&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I was thinking,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;of poor mamma!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Hush!&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby; &lsquo;Lord Monmouth never likes to hear of people who
+      are dead; so you must take care never to mention your mother or your
+      father.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the meantime Lord Monmouth had decided on the fate of Coningsby. The
+      Marquis thought he could read characters by a glance, and in general he
+      was successful, for his natural sagacity had been nurtured by great
+      experience. His grandson was not to his taste; amiable no doubt, but
+      spooney.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      We are too apt to believe that the character of a boy is easily read. &lsquo;Tis
+      a mystery the most profound. Mark what blunders parents constantly make as
+      to the nature of their own offspring, bred, too, under their eyes, and
+      displaying every hour their characteristics. How often in the nursery does
+      the genius count as a dunce because he is pensive; while a rattling urchin
+      is invested with almost supernatural qualities because his animal spirits
+      make him impudent and flippant! The school-boy, above all others, is not
+      the simple being the world imagines. In that young bosom are often
+      stirring passions as strong as our own, desires not less violent, a
+      volition not less supreme. In that young bosom what burning love, what
+      intense ambition, what avarice, what lust of power; envy that fiends might
+      emulate, hate that man might fear!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER IV.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Come,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, when Coningsby was somewhat composed, &lsquo;come with
+      me and we will see the house.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So they descended once more the private staircase, and again entered the
+      vestibule.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If you had seen these gardens when they were illuminated for a fête to
+      George IV.,&rsquo; said Rigby, as crossing the chamber he ushered his charge
+      into the state apartments. The splendour and variety of the surrounding
+      objects soon distracted the attention of the boy, for the first time in
+      the palace of his fathers. He traversed saloon after saloon hung with rare
+      tapestry and the gorgeous products of foreign looms; filled with choice
+      pictures and creations of curious art; cabinets that sovereigns might
+      envy, and colossal vases of malachite presented by emperors. Coningsby
+      alternately gazed up to ceilings glowing with color and with gold, and
+      down upon carpets bright with the fancies and vivid with the tints of
+      Aubusson and of Axminster.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;This grandfather of mine is a great prince,&rsquo; thought Coningsby, as musing
+      he stood before a portrait in which he recognised the features of the
+      being from whom he had so recently and so strangely parted. There he
+      stood, Philip Augustus, Marquess of Monmouth, in his robes of state, with
+      his new coronet on a table near him, a despatch lying at hand that
+      indicated the special mission of high ceremony of which he had been the
+      illustrious envoy, and the garter beneath his knee.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You will have plenty of opportunities to look at the pictures,&rsquo; said
+      Rigby, observing that the boy had now quite recovered himself. &lsquo;Some
+      luncheon will do you no harm after our drive;&rsquo; and he opened the door of
+      another apartment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was a pretty room adorned with a fine picture of the chase; at a round
+      table in the centre sat two ladies interested in the meal to which Rigby
+      had alluded.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah, Mr. Rigby!&rsquo; said the eldest, yet young and beautiful, and speaking,
+      though with fluency, in a foreign accent, &lsquo;come and tell me some news.
+      Have you seen Milor?&rsquo; and then she threw a scrutinizing glance from a dark
+      flashing eye at his companion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Let me present to your Highness,&rsquo; said Rigby, with an air of some
+      ceremony, &lsquo;Mr. Coningsby.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My dear young friend,&rsquo; said the lady, extending her white hand with an
+      air of joyous welcome, &lsquo;this is Lucretia, my daughter. We love you
+      already. Lord Monmouth will be so charmed to see you. What beautiful eyes
+      he has, Mr. Rigby. Quite like Milor.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The young lady, who was really more youthful than Coningsby, but of a form
+      and stature so developed that she appeared almost a woman, bowed to the
+      guest with some ceremony, and a faint sullen smile, and then proceeded
+      with her Perigord pie.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You must be so hungry after your drive,&rsquo; said the elder lady, placing
+      Coningsby at her side, and herself filling his plate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This was true enough; and while Mr. Rigby and the lady talked an infinite
+      deal about things which he did not understand, and persons of whom he had
+      never heard, our little hero made his first meal in his paternal house
+      with no ordinary zest; and renovated by the pasty and a glass of sherry,
+      felt altogether a different being from what he was, when he had undergone
+      the terrible interview in which he began to reflect he had considerably
+      exposed himself. His courage revived, his senses rallied, he replied to
+      the interrogations of the lady with calmness, but with promptness and
+      propriety. It was evident that he had made a favourable impression on her
+      Highness, for ever and anon she put a truffle or some delicacy in his
+      plate, and insisted upon his taking some particular confectionery, because
+      it was a favourite of her own. When she rose, she said,&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;In ten minutes the carriage will be at the door; and if you like, my dear
+      young friend, you shall be our beau.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There is nothing I should like so much,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah!&rsquo; said the lady, with the sweetest smile, &lsquo;he is frank.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The ladies bowed and retired; Mr. Rigby returned to the Marquess, and the
+      groom of the chambers led Coningsby to his room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This lady, so courteous to Coningsby, was the Princess Colonna, a Roman
+      dame, the second wife of Prince Paul Colonna. The prince had first married
+      when a boy, and into a family not inferior to his own. Of this union, in
+      every respect unhappy, the Princess Lucretia was the sole offspring. He
+      was a man dissolute and devoted to play; and cared for nothing much but
+      his pleasures and billiards, in which latter he was esteemed unrivalled.
+      According to some, in a freak of passion, according to others, to cancel a
+      gambling debt, he had united himself to his present wife, whose origin was
+      obscure; but with whom he contrived to live on terms of apparent
+      cordiality, for she was much admired, and made the society of her husband
+      sought by those who contributed to his enjoyment. Among these especially
+      figured the Marquess of Monmouth, between whom and Prince Colonna the
+      world recognised as existing the most intimate and entire friendship, so
+      that his Highness and his family were frequent guests under the roof of
+      the English nobleman, and now accompanied him on a visit to England.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER V.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      In the meantime, while ladies are luncheoning on Perigord pie, or coursing
+      in whirling britskas, performing all the singular ceremonies of a London
+      morning in the heart of the season; making visits where nobody is seen,
+      and making purchases which are not wanted; the world is in agitation and
+      uproar. At present the world and the confusion are limited to St. James&rsquo;s
+      Street and Pall Mall; but soon the boundaries and the tumult will be
+      extended to the intended metropolitan boroughs; to-morrow they will spread
+      over the manufacturing districts. It is perfectly evident, that before
+      eight-and-forty hours have passed, the country will be in a state of
+      fearful crisis. And how can it be otherwise? Is it not a truth that the
+      subtle Chief Baron has been closeted one whole hour with the King; that
+      shortly after, with thoughtful brow and compressed lip, he was marked in
+      his daring chariot entering the courtyard of Apsley House? Great was the
+      panic at Brookes&rsquo;, wild the hopes of Carlton Terrace; all the gentlemen
+      who expected to have been made peers perceived that the country was going
+      to be given over to a rapacious oligarchy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the meantime Tadpole and Taper, who had never quitted for an instant
+      the mysterious head-quarters of the late Opposition, were full of hopes
+      and fears, and asked many questions, which they chiefly answered
+      themselves.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wonder what Lord Lyndhurst will say to the king,&rsquo; said Taper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He has plenty of pluck,&rsquo; said Tadpole.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I almost wish now that Rigby had breakfasted with him this morning,&rsquo; said
+      Taper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If the King be firm, and the country sound,&rsquo; said Tadpole, &lsquo;and Lord
+      Monmouth keep his boroughs, I should not wonder to see Rigby made a privy
+      councillor.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There is no precedent for an under-secretary being a privy councillor,&rsquo;
+      said Taper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But we live in revolutionary times,&rsquo; said Tadpole.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Gentlemen,&rsquo; said the groom of the chambers, in a loud voice, entering the
+      room, &lsquo;I am desired to state that the Duke of Wellington is with the
+      King.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There <i>is</i> a Providence!&rsquo; exclaimed an agitated gentleman, the
+      patent of whose intended peerage had not been signed the day that the Duke
+      had quited office in 1830.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I always thought the King would be firm,&rsquo; said Mr. Tadpole.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wonder who will have the India Board,&rsquo; said Taper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this moment three or four gentlemen entered the room in a state of
+      great bustle and excitement; they were immediately surrounded.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Is it true?&rsquo; &lsquo;Quite true; not the slightest doubt. Saw him myself. Not at
+      all hissed; certainly not hooted. Perhaps a little hissed. One fellow
+      really cheered him. Saw him myself. Say what they like, there is
+      reaction.&rsquo; &lsquo;But Constitution Hill, they say?&rsquo; &lsquo;Well, there was a sort of
+      inclination to a row on Constitution Hill; but the Duke quite firm;
+      pistols, and carriage doors bolted.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Such may give a faint idea of the anxious inquiries and the satisfactory
+      replies that were occasioned by the entrance of this group.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Up, guards, and at them!&rsquo; exclaimed Tadpole, rubbing his hands in a fit
+      of patriotic enthusiasm.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Later in the afternoon, about five o&rsquo;clock, the high change of political
+      gossip, when the room was crowded, and every one had his rumour, Mr. Rigby
+      looked in again to throw his eye over the evening papers, and catch in
+      various chit-chat the tone of public or party feeling on the &lsquo;crisis.&rsquo;
+      Then it was known that the Duke had returned from the King, having
+      accepted the charge of forming an administration. An administration to do
+      what? Portentous question! Were concessions to be made? And if so, what?
+      Was it altogether impossible, and too late, &lsquo;stare super vias antiquas?&rsquo;
+      Questions altogether above your Tadpoles and your Tapers, whose idea of
+      the necessities of the age was that they themselves should be in office.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Eskdale came up to Mr. Rigby. This peer was a noble Croesus,
+      acquainted with all the gradations of life; a voluptuary who could be a
+      Spartan; clear-sighted, unprejudiced, sagacious; the best judge in the
+      world of a horse or a man; he was the universal referee; a quarrel about a
+      bet or a mistress was solved by him in a moment, and in a manner which
+      satisfied both parties. He patronised and appreciated the fine arts,
+      though a jockey; respected literary men, though he only read French
+      novels; and without any affectation of tastes which he did not possess,
+      was looked upon by every singer and dancer in Europe as their natural
+      champion. The secret of his strong character and great influence was his
+      self-composure, which an earthquake or a Reform Bill could not disturb,
+      and which in him was the result of temperament and experience. He was an
+      intimate acquaintance of Lord Monmouth, for they had many tastes in
+      common; were both men of considerable, and in some degree similar
+      abilities; and were the two greatest proprietors of close boroughs in the
+      country.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Do you dine at Monmouth House to-day?&rsquo; inquired Lord Eskdale of Mr.
+      Rigby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Where I hope to meet your lordship. The Whig papers are very subdued,&rsquo;
+      continued Mr. Rigby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! they have not the cue yet,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And what do you think of affairs?&rsquo; inquired his companion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think the hounds are too hot to hark off now,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There is one combination,&rsquo; said Rigby, who seemed meditating an attack on
+      Lord Eskdale&rsquo;s button.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Give it us at dinner,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale, who knew his man, and made an
+      adroit movement forwards, as if he were very anxious to see the <i>Globe</i>
+      newspaper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the course of two or three hours these gentlemen met again in the green
+      drawing-room of Monmouth House. Mr. Rigby was sitting on a sofa by Lord
+      Monmouth, detailing in whispers all his gossip of the morn: Lord Eskdale
+      murmuring quaint inquiries into the ear of the Princess Lucretia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Madame Colonna made remarks alternately to two gentlemen, who paid her
+      assiduous court. One of these was Mr. Ormsby; the school, the college, and
+      the club crony of Lord Monmouth, who had been his shadow through life;
+      travelled with him in early days, won money with him at play, had been his
+      colleague in the House of Commons; and was still one of his nominees. Mr.
+      Ormsby was a millionaire, which Lord Monmouth liked. He liked his
+      companions to be very rich or very poor; be his equals, able to play with
+      him at high stakes, or join him in a great speculation; or to be his
+      tools, and to amuse and serve him. There was nothing which he despised and
+      disliked so much as a moderate fortune.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The other gentleman was of a different class and character. Nature had
+      intended Lucian Gay for a scholar and a wit; necessity had made him a
+      scribbler and a buffoon. He had distinguished himself at the University;
+      but he had no patrimony, nor those powers of perseverance which success in
+      any learned profession requires. He was good-looking, had great animal
+      spirits, and a keen sense of enjoyment, and could not drudge. Moreover he
+      had a fine voice, and sang his own songs with considerable taste;
+      accomplishments which made his fortune in society and completed his ruin.
+      In due time he extricated himself from the bench and merged into
+      journalism, by means of which he chanced to become acquainted with Mr.
+      Rigby. That worthy individual was not slow in detecting the treasure he
+      had lighted on; a wit, a ready and happy writer, a joyous and tractable
+      being, with the education, and still the feelings and manners, of a
+      gentleman. Frequent were the Sunday dinners which found Gay a guest at Mr.
+      Rigby&rsquo;s villa; numerous the airy pasquinades which he left behind, and
+      which made the fortune of his patron. Flattered by the familiar
+      acquaintance of a man of station, and sanguine that he had found the link
+      which would sooner or later restore him to the polished world that he had
+      forfeited, Gay laboured in his vocation with enthusiasm and success.
+      Willingly would Rigby have kept his treasure to himself; and truly he
+      hoarded it for a long time, but it oozed out. Rigby loved the reputation
+      of possessing the complete art of society. His dinners were celebrated at
+      least for their guests. Great intellectual illustrations were found there
+      blended with rank and high station. Rigby loved to patronise; to play the
+      minister unbending and seeking relief from the cares of council in the
+      society of authors, artists, and men of science. He liked dukes to dine
+      with him and hear him scatter his audacious criticisms to Sir Thomas or
+      Sir Humphry. They went away astounded by the powers of their host, who,
+      had he not fortunately devoted those powers to their party, must
+      apparently have rivalled Vandyke, or discovered the safety-lamp.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now in these dinners, Lucian Gay, who had brilliant conversational powers,
+      and who possessed all the resources of boon companionship, would be an
+      invaluable ally. He was therefore admitted, and inspired both by the
+      present enjoyment, and the future to which it might lead, his exertions
+      were untiring, various, most successful. Rigby&rsquo;s dinners became still,
+      more celebrated. It, however, necessarily followed that the guests who
+      were charmed by Gay, wished Gay also to be their guest. Rigby was very
+      jealous of this, but it was inevitable; still by constant manoeuvre, by
+      intimations of some exercise, some day or other, of substantial patronage
+      in his behalf, by a thousand little arts by which he carved out work for
+      Gay which often prevented him accepting invitations to great houses in the
+      country, by judicious loans of small sums on Lucian&rsquo;s notes of hand and
+      other analogous devices, Rigby contrived to keep the wit in a fair state
+      of bondage and dependence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One thing Rigby was resolved on: Gay should never get into Monmouth House.
+      That was an empyrean too high for his wing to soar in. Rigby kept that
+      social monopoly distinctively to mark the relation that subsisted between
+      them as patron and client. It was something to swagger about when they
+      were together after their second bottle of claret. Rigby kept his
+      resolution for some years, which the frequent and prolonged absence of the
+      Marquess rendered not very difficult. But we are the creatures of
+      circumstances; at least the Rigby race particularly. Lord Monmouth
+      returned to England one year, and wanted to be amused. He wanted a jester:
+      a man about him who would make him, not laugh, for that was impossible,
+      but smile more frequently, tell good stories, say good things, and sing
+      now and then, especially French songs. Early in life Rigby would have
+      attempted all this, though he had neither fun, voice, nor ear. But his
+      hold on Lord Monmouth no longer depended on the mere exercise of agreeable
+      qualities, he had become indispensable to his lordship, by more serious if
+      not higher considerations. And what with auditing his accounts, guarding
+      his boroughs, writing him, when absent, gossip by every post and when in
+      England deciding on every question and arranging every matter which might
+      otherwise have ruffled the sublime repose of his patron&rsquo;s existence, Rigby
+      might be excused if he shrank a little from the minor part of table wit,
+      particularly when we remember all his subterranean journalism, his acid
+      squibs, and his malicious paragraphs, and, what Tadpole called, his
+      &lsquo;slashing articles.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These &lsquo;slashing articles&rsquo; were, indeed, things which, had they appeared as
+      anonymous pamphlets, would have obtained the contemptuous reception which
+      in an intellectual view no compositions more surely deserved; but
+      whispered as the productions of one behind the scenes, and appearing in
+      the pages of a party review, they were passed off as genuine coin, and
+      took in great numbers of the lieges, especially in the country. They were
+      written in a style apparently modelled on the briefs of those sharp
+      attorneys who weary advocates with their clever commonplace; teasing with
+      obvious comment, and torturing with inevitable inference. The affectation
+      of order in the statement of facts had all the lucid method of an adroit
+      pettifogger. They dealt much in extracts from newspapers, quotations from
+      the <i>Annual Register</i>, parallel passages in forgotten speeches,
+      arranged with a formidable array of dates rarely accurate. When the writer
+      was of opinion he had made a point, you may be sure the hit was in
+      italics, that last resource of the Forcible Feebles. He handled a
+      particular in chronology as if he were proving an alibi at the Criminal
+      Court. The censure was coarse without being strong, and vindictive when it
+      would have been sarcastic. Now and then there was a passage which aimed at
+      a higher flight, and nothing can be conceived more unlike genuine feeling,
+      or more offensive to pure taste. And yet, perhaps, the most ludicrous
+      characteristic of these facetious gallimaufreys was an occasional
+      assumption of the high moral and admonitory tone, which when we recurred
+      to the general spirit of the discourse, and were apt to recall the
+      character of its writer, irresistibly reminded one of Mrs. Cole and her
+      prayer-book.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To return to Lucian Gay. It was a rule with Rigby that no one, if
+      possible, should do anything for Lord Monmouth but himself; and as a
+      jester must be found, he was determined that his Lordship should have the
+      best in the market, and that he should have the credit of furnishing the
+      article. As a reward, therefore, for many past services, and a fresh claim
+      to his future exertions, Rigby one day broke to Gay that the hour had at
+      length arrived when the highest object of reasonable ambition on his part,
+      and the fulfilment of one of Rigby&rsquo;s long-cherished and dearest hopes,
+      were alike to be realised. Gay was to be presented to Lord Monmouth and
+      dine at Monmouth House.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The acquaintance was a successful one; very agreeable to both parties. Gay
+      became an habitual guest of Lord Monmouth when his patron was in England;
+      and in his absence received frequent and substantial marks of his kind
+      recollection, for Lord Monmouth was generous to those who amused him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the meantime the hour of dinner is at hand. Coningsby, who had lost the
+      key of his carpet-bag, which he finally cut open with a penknife that he
+      found on his writing-table, and the blade of which he broke in the
+      operation, only reached the drawing-room as the figure of his grandfather,
+      leaning on his ivory cane, and following his guests, was just visible in
+      the distance. He was soon overtaken. Perceiving Coningsby, Lord Monmouth
+      made him a bow, not so formal a one as in the morning, but still a bow,
+      and said, &lsquo;I hope you liked your drive.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VI.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      A little dinner, not more than the Muses, with all the guests clever, and
+      some pretty, offers human life and human nature under very favourable
+      circumstances. In the present instance, too, every one was anxious to
+      please, for the host was entirely well-bred, never selfish in little
+      things, and always contributed his quota to the general fund of polished
+      sociability.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Although there was really only one thought in every male mind present,
+      still, regard for the ladies, and some little apprehension of the
+      servants, banished politics from discourse during the greater part of the
+      dinner, with the occasional exception of some rapid and flying allusion
+      which the initiated understood, but which remained a mystery to the rest.
+      Nevertheless an old story now and then well told by Mr. Ormsby, a new joke
+      now and then well introduced by Mr. Gay, some dashing assertion by Mr.
+      Rigby, which, though wrong, was startling; this agreeable blending of
+      anecdote, jest, and paradox, kept everything fluent, and produced that
+      degree of mild excitation which is desirable. Lord Monmouth sometimes
+      summed up with an epigrammatic sentence, and turned the conversation by a
+      question, in case it dwelt too much on the same topic. Lord Eskdale
+      addressed himself principally to the ladies; inquired after their morning
+      drive and doings, spoke of new fashions, and quoted a letter from Paris.
+      Madame Colonna was not witty, but she had that sweet Roman frankness which
+      is so charming. The presence of a beautiful woman, natural and
+      good-tempered, even if she be not a L&rsquo;Espinasse or a De Stael, is
+      animating.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Nevertheless, owing probably to the absorbing powers of the forbidden
+      subject, there were moments when it seemed that a pause was impending, and
+      Mr. Ormsby, an old hand, seized one of these critical instants to address
+      a good-natured question to Coningsby, whose acquaintance he had already
+      cultivated by taking wine with him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And how do you like Eton?&rsquo; asked Mr. Ormsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was the identical question which had been presented to Coningsby in the
+      memorable interview of the morning, and which had received no reply; or
+      rather had produced on his part a sentimental ebullition that had
+      absolutely destined or doomed him to the Church.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I should like to see the fellow who did not like Eton,&rsquo; said Coningsby,
+      briskly, determined this time to be very brave.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Gad I must go down and see the old place,&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby, touched by a
+      pensive reminiscence. &lsquo;One can get a good bed and bottle of port at the
+      Christopher, still?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You had better come and try, sir,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;If you will come some
+      day and dine with me at the Christopher, I will give you such a bottle of
+      champagne as you never tasted yet.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Marquess looked at him, but said nothing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! I liked a dinner at the Christopher,&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby; &lsquo;after mutton,
+      mutton, mutton, every day, it was not a bad thing.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We had venison for dinner every week last season,&rsquo; said Coningsby;
+      &lsquo;Buckhurst had it sent up from his park. But I don&rsquo;t care for dinner.
+      Breakfast is my lounge.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! those little rolls and pats of butter!&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby. &lsquo;Short
+      commons, though. What do you think we did in my time? We used to send over
+      the way to get a mutton-chop.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wish you could see Buckhurst and me at breakfast,&rsquo; said Coningsby,
+      &lsquo;with a pound of Castle&rsquo;s sausages!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What Buckhurst is that, Harry?&rsquo; inquired Lord Monmouth, in a tone of some
+      interest, and for the first time calling him by his Christian name.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Sir Charles Buckhurst, sir, a Berkshire man: Shirley Park is his place.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why, that must be Charley&rsquo;s son, Eskdale,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth; &lsquo;I had no
+      idea he could be so young.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He married late, you know, and had nothing but daughters for a long
+      time.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, I hope there will be no Reform Bill for Eton,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth,
+      musingly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The servants had now retired.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think, Lord Monmouth,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, &lsquo;we must ask permission to drink
+      one toast to-day.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Nay, I will myself give it,&rsquo; he replied. &lsquo;Madame Colonna, you will, I am
+      sure, join us when we drink, THE DUKE!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! what a man!&rsquo; exclaimed the Princess. &lsquo;What a pity it is you have a
+      House of Commons here! England would be the greatest country in the world
+      if it were not for that House of Commons. It makes so much confusion!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Don&rsquo;t abuse our property,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale; &lsquo;Lord Monmouth and I have
+      still twenty votes of that same body between us.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And there is a combination,&rsquo; said Rigby, &lsquo;by which you may still keep
+      them.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! now for Rigby&rsquo;s combination,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The only thing that can save this country,&rsquo; said Rigby, &lsquo;is a coalition
+      on a sliding scale.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You had better buy up the Birmingham Union and the other bodies,&rsquo; said
+      Lord Monmouth; &lsquo;I believe it might all be done for two or three hundred
+      thousand pounds; and the newspapers too. Pitt would have settled this
+      business long ago.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, at any rate, we are in,&rsquo; said Rigby, &lsquo;and we must do something.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I should like to see Grey&rsquo;s list of new peers,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale. &lsquo;They
+      say there are several members of our club in it.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And the claims to the honour are so opposite,&rsquo; said Lucian Gay; &lsquo;one, on
+      account of his large estate; another, because he has none; one, because he
+      has a well-grown family to perpetuate the title; another, because he has
+      no heir, and no power of ever obtaining one.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wonder how he will form his cabinet,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth; &lsquo;the old
+      story won&rsquo;t do.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I hear that Baring is to be one of the new cards; they say it will please
+      the city,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale. &lsquo;I suppose they will pick out of hedge and
+      ditch everything that has ever had the semblance of liberalism.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Affairs in my time were never so complicated,&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Nay, it appears to me to lie in a nutshell,&rsquo; said Lucian Gay; &lsquo;one party
+      wishes to keep their old boroughs, and the other to get their new peers.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The future historian of the country will be perplexed to ascertain what
+      was the distinct object which the Duke of Wellington proposed to himself
+      in the political manoeuvres of May, 1832. It was known that the passing of
+      the Reform Bill was a condition absolute with the King; it was
+      unquestionable, that the first general election under the new law must
+      ignominiously expel the Anti-Reform Ministry from power; who would then
+      resume their seats on the Opposition benches in both Houses with the loss
+      not only of their boroughs, but of that reputation for political
+      consistency, which might have been some compensation for the parliamentary
+      influence of which they had been deprived. It is difficult to recognise in
+      this premature effort of the Anti-Reform leader to thrust himself again
+      into the conduct of public affairs, any indications of the prescient
+      judgment which might have been expected from such a quarter. It savoured
+      rather of restlessness than of energy; and, while it proved in its
+      progress not only an ignorance on his part of the public mind, but of the
+      feelings of his own party, it terminated under circumstances which were
+      humiliating to the Crown, and painfully significant of the future position
+      of the House of Lords in the new constitutional scheme.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Duke of Wellington has ever been the votary of circumstances. He cares
+      little for causes. He watches events rather than seeks to produce them. It
+      is a characteristic of the military mind. Rapid combinations, the result
+      of quick, vigilant, and comprehensive glance, are generally triumphant in
+      the field: but in civil affairs, where results are not immediate; in
+      diplomacy and in the management of deliberative assemblies, where there is
+      much intervening time and many counteracting causes, this velocity of
+      decision, this fitful and precipitate action, are often productive of
+      considerable embarrassment, and sometimes of terrible discomfiture. It is
+      remarkable that men celebrated for military prudence are often found to be
+      headstrong statesmen. In civil life a great general is frequently and
+      strangely the creature of impulse; influenced in his political movements
+      by the last snatch of information; and often the creature of the last
+      aide-de-camp who has his ear.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      We shall endeavour to trace in another chapter the reasons which on this
+      as on previous and subsequent occasions, induced Sir Robert Peel to stand
+      aloof, if possible, from official life, and made him reluctant to re-enter
+      the service of his Sovereign. In the present instance, even temporary
+      success could only have been secured by the utmost decision, promptness,
+      and energy. These were all wanting: some were afraid to follow the bold
+      example of their leader; many were disinclined. In eight-and-forty hours
+      it was known there was a &lsquo;hitch.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Reform party, who had been rather stupefied than appalled by the
+      accepted mission of the Duke of Wellington, collected their scattered
+      senses, and rallied their forces. The agitators harangued, the mobs
+      hooted. The City of London, as if the King had again tried to seize the
+      five members, appointed a permanent committee of the Common Council to
+      watch the fortunes of the &lsquo;great national measure,&rsquo; and to report daily.
+      Brookes&rsquo;, which was the only place that at first was really frightened and
+      talked of compromise, grew valiant again; while young Whig heroes jumped
+      upon club-room tables, and delivered fiery invectives. Emboldened by these
+      demonstrations, the House of Commons met in great force, and passed a vote
+      which struck, without disguise, at all rival powers in the State;
+      virtually announced its supremacy; revealed the forlorn position of the
+      House of Lords under the new arrangement; and seemed to lay for ever the
+      fluttering phantom of regal prerogative.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was on the 9th of May that Lord Lyndhurst was with the King, and on the
+      15th all was over. Nothing in parliamentary history so humiliating as the
+      funeral oration delivered that day by the Duke of Wellington over the old
+      constitution, that, modelled on the Venetian, had governed England since
+      the accession of the House of Hanover. He described his Sovereign, when
+      his Grace first repaired to his Majesty, as in a state of the greatest
+      &lsquo;difficulty and distress,&rsquo; appealing to his never-failing loyalty to
+      extricate him from his trouble and vexation. The Duke of Wellington,
+      representing the House of Lords, sympathises with the King, and pledges
+      his utmost efforts for his Majesty&rsquo;s relief. But after five days&rsquo;
+      exertion, this man of indomitable will and invincible fortunes, resigns
+      the task in discomfiture and despair, and alleges as the only and
+      sufficient reason for his utter and hopeless defeat, that the House of
+      Commons had come to a vote which ran counter to the contemplated exercise
+      of the prerogative.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      From that moment power passed from the House of Lords to another assembly.
+      But if the peers have ceased to be magnificoes, may it not also happen
+      that the Sovereign may cease to be a Doge? It is not impossible that the
+      political movements of our time, which seem on the surface to have a
+      tendency to democracy, may have in reality a monarchical bias.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In less than a fortnight&rsquo;s time the House of Lords, like James II., having
+      abdicated their functions by absence, the Reform Bill passed; the ardent
+      monarch, who a few months before had expressed his readiness to go down to
+      Parliament, in a hackney coach if necessary, to assist its progress, now
+      declining personally to give his assent to its provisions.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the protracted discussions to which this celebrated measure gave rise,
+      nothing is more remarkable than the perplexities into which the speakers
+      of both sides are thrown, when they touch upon the nature of the
+      representative principle. On one hand it was maintained, that, under the
+      old system, the people were virtually represented; while on the other, it
+      was triumphantly urged, that if the principle be conceded, the people
+      should not be virtually, but actually, represented. But who are the
+      people? And where are you to draw a line? And why should there be any? It
+      was urged that a contribution to the taxes was the constitutional
+      qualification for the suffrage. But we have established a system of
+      taxation in this country of so remarkable a nature, that the beggar who
+      chews his quid as he sweeps a crossing, is contributing to the imposts! Is
+      he to have a vote? He is one of the people, and he yields his quota to the
+      public burthens.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Amid these conflicting statements, and these confounding conclusions, it
+      is singular that no member of either House should have recurred to the
+      original character of these popular assemblies, which have always
+      prevailed among the northern nations. We still retain in the antique
+      phraseology of our statutes the term which might have beneficially guided
+      a modern Reformer in his reconstructive labours.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the crowned Northman consulted on the welfare of his kingdom, he
+      assembled the ESTATES of his realm. Now an estate is a class of the nation
+      invested with political rights. There appeared the estate of the clergy,
+      of the barons, of other classes. In the Scandinavian kingdoms to this day,
+      the estate of the peasants sends its representatives to the Diet. In
+      England, under the Normans, the Church and the Baronage were convoked,
+      together with the estate of the Community, a term which then probably
+      described the inferior holders of land, whose tenure was not immediate of
+      the Crown. This Third Estate was so numerous, that convenience suggested
+      its appearance by representation; while the others, more limited,
+      appeared, and still appear, personally. The Third Estate was reconstructed
+      as circumstances developed themselves. It was a Reform of Parliament when
+      the towns were summoned.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In treating the House of the Third Estate as the House of the People, and
+      not as the House of a privileged class, the Ministry and Parliament of
+      1831 virtually conceded the principle of Universal Suffrage. In this point
+      of view the ten-pound franchise was an arbitrary, irrational, and
+      impolitic qualification. It had, indeed, the merit of simplicity, and so
+      had the constitutions of Abbé Siéyès. But its immediate and inevitable
+      result was Chartism.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But if the Ministry and Parliament of 1831 had announced that the time had
+      arrived when the Third Estate should be enlarged and reconstructed, they
+      would have occupied an intelligible position; and if, instead of
+      simplicity of elements in its reconstruction, they had sought, on the
+      contrary, various and varying materials which would have neutralised the
+      painful predominance of any particular interest in the new scheme, and
+      prevented those banded jealousies which have been its consequences, the
+      nation would have found itself in a secure condition. Another class not
+      less numerous than the existing one, and invested with privileges not less
+      important, would have been added to the public estates of the realm; and
+      the bewildering phrase &lsquo;the People&rsquo; would have remained, what it really
+      is, a term of natural philosophy, and not of political science.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      During this eventful week of May, 1832, when an important revolution was
+      effected in the most considerable of modern kingdoms, in a manner so
+      tranquil, that the victims themselves were scarcely conscious at the time
+      of the catastrophe, Coningsby passed his hours in unaccustomed pleasures,
+      and in novel excitement. Although he heard daily from the lips of Mr.
+      Rigby and his friends that England was for ever lost, the assembled guests
+      still contrived to do justice to his grandfather&rsquo;s excellent dinners; nor
+      did the impending ruin that awaited them prevent the Princess Colonna from
+      going to the Opera, whither she very good-naturedly took Coningsby. Madame
+      Colonna, indeed, gave such gratifying accounts of her dear young friend,
+      that Coningsby became daily a greater favourite with Lord Monmouth, who
+      cherished the idea that his grandson had inherited not merely the colour
+      of his eyes, but something of his shrewd and fearless spirit.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With Lucretia, Coningsby did not much advance. She remained silent and
+      sullen. She was not beautiful; pallid, with a lowering brow, and an eye
+      that avoided meeting another&rsquo;s. Madame Colonna, though good-natured, felt
+      for her something of the affection for which step-mothers are celebrated.
+      Lucretia, indeed, did not encourage her kindness, which irritated her
+      step-mother, who seemed seldom to address her but to rate and chide;
+      Lucretia never replied, but looked dogged. Her father, the Prince, did not
+      compensate for this treatment. The memory of her mother, whom he had
+      greatly disliked, did not soften his heart. He was a man still young;
+      slender, not tall; very handsome, but worn; a haggard Antinous; his
+      beautiful hair daily thinning; his dress rich and effeminate; many jewels,
+      much lace. He seldom spoke, but was polished, though moody.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At the end of the week, Coningsby returned to Eton. On the eve of his
+      departure, Lord Monmouth desired his grandson to meet him in his
+      apartments on the morrow, before quitting his roof. This farewell visit
+      was as kind and gracious as the first one had been repulsive. Lord
+      Monmouth gave Coningsby his blessing and ten pounds; desired that he would
+      order a dress, anything he liked, for the approaching Montem, which Lord
+      Monmouth meant to attend; and informed his grandson that he should order
+      that in future a proper supply of game and venison should be forwarded to
+      Eton for the use of himself and his friends.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VIII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      After eight o&rsquo;clock school, the day following the return of Coningsby,
+      according to custom, he repaired to Buckhurst&rsquo;s room, where Henry Sydney,
+      Lord Vere, and our hero held with him their breakfast mess. They were all
+      in the fifth form, and habitual companions, on the river or on the Fives&rsquo;
+      Wall, at cricket or at foot-ball. The return of Coningsby, their leader
+      alike in sport and study, inspired them to-day with unusual spirits,
+      which, to say the truth, were never particularly depressed. Where he had
+      been, what he had seen, what he had done, what sort of fellow his
+      grandfather was, whether the visit had been a success; here were materials
+      for almost endless inquiry. And, indeed, to do them justice, the last
+      question was not the least exciting to them; for the deep and cordial
+      interest which all felt in Coningsby&rsquo;s welfare far outweighed the
+      curiosity which, under ordinary circumstances, they would have experienced
+      on the return of one of their companions from an unusual visit to London.
+      The report of their friend imparted to them unbounded satisfaction, when
+      they learned that his relative was a splendid fellow; that he had been
+      loaded with kindness and favours; that Monmouth House, the wonders of
+      which he rapidly sketched, was hereafter to be his home; that Lord
+      Monmouth was coming down to Montem; that Coningsby was to order any dress
+      he liked, build a new boat if he chose; and, finally, had been pouched in
+      a manner worthy of a Marquess and a grandfather.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By the bye,&rsquo; said Buckhurst, when the hubbub had a little subsided, &lsquo;I am
+      afraid you will not half like it, Coningsby; but, old fellow, I had no
+      idea you would be back this morning; I have asked Millbank to breakfast
+      here.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A cloud stole over the clear brow of Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It was my fault,&rsquo; said the amiable Henry Sydney; &lsquo;but I really wanted to
+      be civil to Millbank, and as you were not here, I put Buckhurst up to ask
+      him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well,&rsquo; said Coningsby, as if sullenly resigned, &lsquo;never mind; but why
+      should you ask an infernal manufacturer?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why, the Duke always wished me to pay him some attention,&rsquo; said Lord
+      Henry, mildly. &lsquo;His family were so civil to us when we were at
+      Manchester.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Manchester, indeed!&rsquo; said Coningsby; &lsquo;if you knew what I do about
+      Manchester! A pretty state we have been in in London this week past with
+      your Manchesters and Birminghams!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Come, come, Coningsby,&rsquo; said Lord Vere, the son of a Whig minister; &lsquo;I am
+      all for Manchester and Birmingham.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is all up with the country, I can tell you,&rsquo; said Coningsby, with the
+      air of one who was in the secret.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My father says it will all go right now,&rsquo; rejoined Lord Vere. &lsquo;I had a
+      letter from my sister yesterday.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;They say we shall all lose our estates, though,&rsquo; said Buckhurst; &lsquo;I know
+      I shall not give up mine without a fight. Shirley was besieged, you know,
+      in the civil wars; and the rebels got infernally licked.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think that all the people about Beaumanoir would stand by the Duke,&rsquo;
+      said Lord Henry, pensively.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, you may depend upon it you will have it very soon,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+      &lsquo;I know it from the best authority.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It depends on whether my father remains in,&rsquo; said Lord Vere. &lsquo;He is the
+      only man who can govern the country now. All say that.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this moment Millbank entered. He was a good looking boy, somewhat shy,
+      and yet with a sincere expression in his countenance. He was evidently not
+      extremely intimate with those who were now his companions. Buckhurst, and
+      Henry Sydney, and Vere, welcomed him cordially. He looked at Coningsby
+      with some constraint, and then said:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have been in London, Coningsby?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes, I have been there during all the row.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You must have had a rare lark.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes, if having your windows broken by a mob be a rare lark. They could
+      not break my grandfather&rsquo;s, though. Monmouth House is in a court-yard. All
+      noblemen&rsquo;s houses should be in court-yards.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I was glad to see it all ended very well,&rsquo; said Millbank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It has not begun yet,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What?&rsquo; said Millbank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why, the revolution.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The Reform Bill will prevent a revolution, my father says,&rsquo; said
+      Millbank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By Jove! here&rsquo;s the goose,&rsquo; said Buckhurst.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this moment there entered the room a little boy, the scion of a noble
+      house, bearing a roasted goose, which he had carried from the kitchen of
+      the opposite inn, the Christopher. The lower boy or fag, depositing his
+      burthen, asked his master whether he had further need of him; and
+      Buckhurst, after looking round the table, and ascertaining that he had
+      not, gave him permission to retire; but he had scarcely disappeared, when
+      his master singing out, &lsquo;Lower boy, St. John!&rsquo; he immediately re-entered,
+      and demanded his master&rsquo;s pleasure, which was, that he should pour some
+      water in the teapot. This being accomplished, St. John really made his
+      escape, and retired to a pupil-room, where the bullying of a tutor,
+      because he had no derivations, exceeded in all probability the bullying of
+      his master, had he contrived in his passage from the Christopher to have
+      upset the goose or dropped the sausages.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In their merry meal, the Reform Bill was forgotten. Their thoughts were
+      soon concentrated in their little world, though it must be owned that
+      visions of palaces and beautiful ladies did occasionally flit over the
+      brain of one of the company. But for him especially there was much of
+      interest and novelty. So much had happened in his absence! There was a
+      week&rsquo;s arrears for him of Eton annals. They were recounted in so fresh a
+      spirit, and in such vivid colours, that Coningsby lost nothing by his
+      London visit. All the bold feats that had been done, and all the bright
+      things that had been said; all the triumphs, and all the failures, and all
+      the scrapes; how popular one master had made himself, and how ridiculous
+      another; all was detailed with a liveliness, a candour, and a picturesque
+      ingenuousness, which would have made the fortune of a Herodotus or a
+      Froissart.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I&rsquo;ll tell you what,&rsquo; said Buckhurst, &lsquo;I move that after twelve we five go
+      up to Maidenhead.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Agreed; agreed!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER IX.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Millbank was the son of one of the wealthiest manufacturers in Lancashire.
+      His father, whose opinions were of a very democratic bent, sent his son to
+      Eton, though he disapproved of the system of education pursued there, to
+      show that he had as much right to do so as any duke in the land. He had,
+      however, brought up his only boy with a due prejudice against every
+      sentiment or institution of an aristocratic character, and had especially
+      impressed upon him in his school career, to avoid the slightest semblance
+      of courting the affections or society of any member of the falsely-held
+      superior class.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The character of the son as much as the influence of the father, tended to
+      the fulfilment of these injunctions. Oswald Millbank was of a proud and
+      independent nature; reserved, a little stern. The early and
+      constantly-reiterated dogma of his father, that he belonged to a class
+      debarred from its just position in the social system, had aggravated the
+      grave and somewhat discontented humour of his blood. His talents were
+      considerable, though invested with no dazzling quality. He had not that
+      quick and brilliant apprehension, which, combined with a memory of rare
+      retentiveness, had already advanced Coningsby far beyond his age, and made
+      him already looked to as the future hero of the school. But Millbank
+      possessed one of those strong, industrious volitions whose perseverance
+      amounts almost to genius, and nearly attains its results. Though Coningsby
+      was by a year his junior, they were rivals. This circumstance had no
+      tendency to remove the prejudice which Coningsby entertained against him,
+      but its bias on the part of Millbank had a contrary effect.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The influence of the individual is nowhere so sensible as at school. There
+      the personal qualities strike without any intervening and counteracting
+      causes. A gracious presence, noble sentiments, or a happy talent, make
+      their way there at once, without preliminary inquiries as to what set they
+      are in, or what family they are of, how much they have a-year, or where
+      they live. Now, on no spirit had the influence of Coningsby, already the
+      favourite, and soon probably to become the idol, of the school, fallen
+      more effectually than on that of Millbank, though it was an influence that
+      no one could suspect except its votary or its victim.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At school, friendship is a passion. It entrances the being; it tears the
+      soul. All loves of after-life can never bring its rapture, or its
+      wretchedness; no bliss so absorbing, no pangs of jealousy or despair so
+      crushing and so keen! What tenderness and what devotion; what illimitable
+      confidence; infinite revelations of inmost thoughts; what ecstatic present
+      and romantic future; what bitter estrangements and what melting
+      reconciliations; what scenes of wild recrimination, agitating
+      explanations, passionate correspondence; what insane sensitiveness, and
+      what frantic sensibility; what earthquakes of the heart and whirlwinds of
+      the soul are confined in that simple phrase, a schoolboy&rsquo;s friendship! Tis
+      some indefinite recollection of these mystic passages of their young
+      emotion that makes grey-haired men mourn over the memory of their
+      schoolboy days. It is a spell that can soften the acerbity of political
+      warfare, and with its witchery can call forth a sigh even amid the callous
+      bustle of fashionable saloons.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The secret of Millbank&rsquo;s life was a passionate admiration and affection
+      for Coningsby. Pride, his natural reserve, and his father&rsquo;s injunctions,
+      had, however, hitherto successfully combined to restrain the slightest
+      demonstration of these sentiments. Indeed, Coningsby and himself were
+      never companions, except in school, or in some public game. The demeanour
+      of Coningsby gave no encouragement to intimacy to one, who, under any
+      circumstances, would have required considerable invitation to open
+      himself. So Millbank fed in silence on a cherished idea. It was his
+      happiness to be in the same form, to join in the same sport, with
+      Coningsby; occasionally to be thrown in unusual contact with him, to
+      exchange slight and not unkind words. In their division they were rivals;
+      Millbank sometimes triumphed, but to be vanquished by Coningsby was for
+      him not without a degree of mild satisfaction. Not a gesture, not a phrase
+      from Coningsby, that he did not watch and ponder over and treasure up.
+      Coningsby was his model, alike in studies, in manners, or in pastimes; the
+      aptest scholar, the gayest wit, the most graceful associate, the most
+      accomplished playmate: his standard of excellent. Yet Millbank was the
+      very last boy in the school who would have had credit given him by his
+      companions for profound and ardent feeling. He was not indeed unpopular.
+      The favourite of the school like Coningsby, he could, under no
+      circumstances, ever have become; nor was he qualified to obtain that
+      general graciousness among the multitude, which the sweet disposition of
+      Henry Sydney, or the gay profusion of Buckhurst, acquired without any
+      effort. Millbank was not blessed with the charm of manner. He seemed close
+      and cold; but he was courageous, just, and inflexible; never bullied, and
+      to his utmost would prevent tyranny. The little boys looked up to him as a
+      stern protector; and his word, too, throughout the school was a proverb:
+      and truth ranks a great quality among boys. In a word, Millbank was
+      respected by those among whom he lived; and school-boys scan character
+      more nicely than men suppose.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A brother of Henry Sydney, quartered in Lancashire, had been wounded
+      recently in a riot, and had received great kindness from the Millbank
+      family, in whose immediate neighbourhood the disturbance had occurred. The
+      kind Duke had impressed on Henry Sydney to acknowledge with cordiality to
+      the younger Millbank at Eton, the sense which his family entertained of
+      these benefits; but though Henry lost neither time nor opportunity in
+      obeying an injunction, which was grateful to his own heart, he failed in
+      cherishing, or indeed creating, any intimacy with the object of his
+      solicitude. A companionship with one who was Coningsby&rsquo;s relative and most
+      familiar friend, would at the first glance have appeared, independently of
+      all other considerations, a most desirable result for Millbank to
+      accomplish. But, perhaps, this very circumstance afforded additional
+      reasons for the absence of all encouragement with which he received the
+      overtures of Lord Henry. Millbank suspected that Coningsby was not
+      affected in his favour, and his pride recoiled from gaining, by any
+      indirect means, an intimacy which to have obtained in a plain and express
+      manner would have deeply gratified him. However, the urgent invitation of
+      Buckhurst and Henry Sydney, and the fear that a persistence in refusal
+      might be misinterpreted into churlishness, had at length brought Millbank
+      to their breakfast-mess, though, when he accepted their invitation, he did
+      not apprehend that Coningsby would have been present.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was about an hour before sunset, the day of this very breakfast, and a
+      good number of boys, in lounging groups, were collected in the Long Walk.
+      The sports and matches of the day were over. Criticism had succeeded to
+      action in sculling and in cricket. They talked over the exploits of the
+      morning; canvassed the merits of the competitors, marked the fellow whose
+      play or whose stroke was improving; glanced at another, whose promise had
+      not been fulfilled; discussed the pretensions, and adjudged the palm. Thus
+      public opinion is formed. Some, too, might be seen with their books and
+      exercises, intent on the inevitable and impending tasks. Among these, some
+      unhappy wight in the remove, wandering about with his hat, after parochial
+      fashion, seeking relief in the shape of a verse. A hard lot this, to know
+      that you must be delivered of fourteen verses at least in the twenty-four
+      hours, and to be conscious that you are pregnant of none. The lesser boys,
+      urchins of tender years, clustered like flies round the baskets of certain
+      vendors of sugary delicacies that rested on the Long Walk wall. The pallid
+      countenance, the lacklustre eye, the hoarse voice clogged with accumulated
+      phlegm, indicated too surely the irreclaimable and hopeless votary of
+      lollypop, the opium-eater of schoolboys.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is settled, the match to-morrow shall be between Aquatics and
+      Drybobs,&rsquo; said a senior boy; who was arranging a future match at cricket.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But what is to be done about Fielding major?&rsquo; inquired another. &lsquo;He has
+      not paid his boating money, and I say he has no right to play among the
+      Aquatics before he has paid his money.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! but we must have Fielding major, he is such a devil of a swipe.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I declare he shall not play among the Aquatics if he does not pay his
+      boating money. It is an infernal shame.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Let us ask Buckhurst. Where is Buckhurst?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Have you got any toffy?&rsquo; inquired a dull looking little boy, in a hoarse
+      voice, of one of the vendors of scholastic confectionery.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Tom Trot, sir.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No; I want toffy.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Very nice Tom Trot, sir.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No, I want toffy; I have been eating Tom Trot all day.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Where is Buckhurst? We must settle about the Aquatics.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, I for one will not play if Fielding major plays amongst the
+      Aquatics. That is settled.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! nonsense; he will pay his money if you ask him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I shall not ask him again. The captain duns us every day. It is an
+      infernal shame.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I say, Burnham, where can one get some toffy? This fellow never has any.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I will tell you; at Barnes&rsquo; on the bridge. The best toffy in the world.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I will go at once. I must have some toffy.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Just help me with this verse, Collins,&rsquo; said one boy to another, in an
+      imploring tone, &lsquo;that&rsquo;s a good fellow.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, give it us: first syllable in <i>fabri</i> is short; three false
+      quantities in the two first lines! You&rsquo;re a pretty one. There, I have done
+      it for you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;That&rsquo;s a good fellow.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Any fellow seen Buckhurst?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Gone up the river with Coningsby and Henry Sydney.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But he must be back by this time. I want him to make the list for the
+      match to-morrow. Where the deuce can Buckhurst be?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And now, as rumours rise in society we know not how, so there was suddenly
+      a flying report in this multitude, the origin of which no one in his alarm
+      stopped to ascertain, that a boy was drowned.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Every heart was agitated.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      What boy? When, where, how? Who was absent? Who had been on the river
+      to-day? Buckhurst. The report ran that Buckhurst was drowned. Great were
+      the trouble and consternation. Buckhurst was ever much liked; and now no
+      one remembered anything but his good qualities.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Who heard it was Buckhurst?&rsquo; said Sedgwick, captain of the school, coming
+      forward.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I heard Bradford tell Palmer it was Buckhurst,&rsquo; said a little boy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Where is Bradford?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Here.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What do you know about Buckhurst?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Wentworth told me that he was afraid Buckhurst was drowned. He heard it
+      at the Brocas; a bargeman told him about a quarter of an hour ago.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Here is Wentworth! Here is Wentworth!&rsquo; a hundred voices exclaimed, and
+      they formed a circle round him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, what did you hear, Wentworth?&rsquo; asked Sedgwick.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I was at the Brocas, and a bargee told me that an Eton fellow had been
+      drowned above Surley, and the only Eton boat above Surley to-day, as I can
+      learn, is Buckhurst&rsquo;s four-oar. That is all.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a murmur of hope.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! come, come,&rsquo; said Sedgwick, &lsquo;there is come chance. Who is with
+      Buckhurst; who knows?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I saw him walk down to the Brocas with Vere,&rsquo; said a boy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I hope it is not Vere,&rsquo; said a little boy, with a tearful eye; &lsquo;he never
+      lets any fellow bully me.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Here is Maltravers,&rsquo; halloed out a boy; &lsquo;he knows something.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, what do you know, Maltravers?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I heard Boots at the Christopher say that an Eton fellow was drowned, and
+      that he had seen a person who was there.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Bring Boots here,&rsquo; said Sedgwick.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Instantly a band of boys rushed over the way, and in a moment the witness
+      was produced.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What have you heard, Sam, about this accident?&rsquo; said Sedgwick.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, sir, I heard a young gentleman was drowned above Monkey Island,&rsquo;
+      said Boots.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And no name mentioned?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, sir, I believe it was Mr. Coningsby.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A general groan of horror.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Coningsby, Coningsby! By Heavens I hope not,&rsquo; said Sedgwick.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I very much fear so,&rsquo; said Boots; &lsquo;as how the bargeman who told me saw
+      Mr. Coningsby in the Lock House laid out in flannels.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I had sooner any fellow had been drowned than Coningsby,&rsquo; whispered one
+      boy to another.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I liked him, the best fellow at Eton,&rsquo; responded his companion, in a
+      smothered tone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What a clever fellow he was!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And so deuced generous!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He would have got the medal if he had lived.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And how came he to be drowned? for he was such a fine swimmer!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I heerd Mr. Coningsby was saving another&rsquo;s life,&rsquo; continued Boots in his
+      evidence, &lsquo;which makes it in a manner more sorrowful.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Poor Coningsby!&rsquo; exclaimed a boy, bursting into tears: &lsquo;I move the whole
+      school goes into mourning.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wish we could get hold of this bargeman,&rsquo; said Sedgwick. &lsquo;Now stop,
+      stop, don&rsquo;t all run away in that mad manner; you frighten the people.
+      Charles Herbert and Palmer, you two go down to the Brocas and inquire.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But just at this moment, an increased stir and excitement were evident in
+      the Long Walk; the circle round Sedgwick opened, and there appeared Henry
+      Sydney and Buckhurst.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a dead silence. It was impossible that suspense could be
+      strained to a higher pitch. The air and countenance of Sydney and
+      Buckhurst were rather excited than mournful or alarmed. They needed no
+      inquiries, for before they had penetrated the circle they had become aware
+      of its cause.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Buckhurst, the most energetic of beings, was of course the first to speak.
+      Henry Sydney indeed looked pale and nervous; but his companion, flushed
+      and resolute, knew exactly how to hit a popular assembly, and at once came
+      to the point.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is all a false report, an infernal lie; Coningsby is quite safe, and
+      nobody is drowned.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a cheer that might have been heard at Windsor Castle. Then,
+      turning to Sedgwick, in an undertone Buckhurst added,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It <i>is</i> all right, but, by Jove! we have had a shaver. I will tell
+      you all in a moment, but we want to keep the thing quiet, and so let the
+      fellows disperse, and we will talk afterwards.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In a few moments the Long Walk had resumed its usual character; but
+      Sedgwick, Herbert, and one or two others turned into the playing fields,
+      where, undisturbed and unnoticed by the multitude, they listened to the
+      promised communication of Buckhurst and Henry Sydney.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You know we went up the river together,&rsquo; said Buckhurst. &lsquo;Myself, Henry
+      Sydney, Coningsby, Vere, and Millbank. We had breakfasted together, and
+      after twelve agreed to go up to Maidenhead. Well, we went up much higher
+      than we had intended. About a quarter of a mile before we had got to the
+      Lock we pulled up; Coningsby was then steering. Well, we fastened the boat
+      to, and were all of us stretched out on the meadow, when Millbank and Vere
+      said they should go and bathe in the Lock Pool. The rest of us were
+      opposed; but after Millbank and Vere had gone about ten minutes,
+      Coningsby, who was very fresh, said he had changed his mind and should go
+      and bathe too. So he left us. He had scarcely got to the pool when he
+      heard a cry. There was a fellow drowning. He threw off his clothes and was
+      in in a moment. The fact is this, Millbank had plunged in the pool and
+      found himself in some eddies, caused by the meeting of two currents. He
+      called out to Vere not to come, and tried to swim off. But he was beat,
+      and seeing he was in danger, Vere jumped in. But the stream was so strong,
+      from the great fall of water from the lasher above, that Vere was
+      exhausted before he could reach Millbank, and nearly sank himself. Well,
+      he just saved himself; but Millbank sank as Coningsby jumped in. What do
+      you think of that?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By Jove!&rsquo; exclaimed Sedgwick, Herbert, and all. The favourite oath of
+      schoolboys perpetuates the divinity of Olympus.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And now comes the worst. Coningsby caught Millbank when he rose, but he
+      found himself in the midst of the same strong current that had before
+      nearly swamped Vere. What a lucky thing that he had taken into his head
+      not to pull to-day! Fresher than Vere, he just managed to land Millbank
+      and himself. The shouts of Vere called us, and we arrived to find the
+      bodies of Millbank and Coningsby apparently lifeless, for Millbank was
+      quite gone, and Coningsby had swooned on landing.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If Coningsby had been lost,&rsquo; said Henry Sydney, &lsquo;I never would have shown
+      my face at Eton again.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Can you conceive a position more terrible?&rsquo; said Buckhurst. &lsquo;I declare I
+      shall never forget it as long as I live. However, there was the Lock House
+      at hand; and we got blankets and brandy. Coningsby was soon all right; but
+      Millbank, I can tell you, gave us some trouble. I thought it was all up.
+      Didn&rsquo;t you, Henry Sydney?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The most fishy thing I ever saw,&rsquo; said Henry Sydney.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, we were fairly frightened here,&rsquo; said Sedgwick. &lsquo;The first report
+      was, that you had gone, but that seemed without foundation; but Coningsby
+      was quite given up. Where are they now?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;They are both at their tutors&rsquo;. I thought they had better keep quiet.
+      Vere is with Millbank, and we are going back to Coningsby directly; but we
+      thought it best to show, finding on our arrival that there were all sorts
+      of rumours about. I think it will be best to report at once to my tutor,
+      for he will be sure to hear something.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I would if I were you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER X.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      What wonderful things are events! The least are of greater importance than
+      the most sublime and comprehensive speculations! In what fanciful schemes
+      to obtain the friendship of Coningsby had Millbank in his reveries often
+      indulged! What combinations that were to extend over years and influence
+      their lives! But the moment that he entered the world of action, his pride
+      recoiled from the plans and hopes which his sympathy had inspired. His
+      sensibility and his inordinate self-respect were always at variance. And
+      he seldom exchanged a word with the being whose idea engrossed his
+      affection.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And now, suddenly, an event had occurred, like all events, unforeseen,
+      which in a few, brief, agitating, tumultuous moments had singularly and
+      utterly changed the relations that previously subsisted between him and
+      the former object of his concealed tenderness. Millbank now stood with
+      respect to Coningsby in the position of one who owes to another the
+      greatest conceivable obligation; a favour which time could permit him
+      neither to forget nor to repay. Pride was a sentiment that could no longer
+      subsist before the preserver of his life. Devotion to that being, open,
+      almost ostentatious, was now a duty, a paramount and absorbing tie. The
+      sense of past peril, the rapture of escape, a renewed relish for the life
+      so nearly forfeited, a deep sentiment of devout gratitude to the
+      providence that had guarded over him, for Millbank was an eminently
+      religious boy, a thought of home, and the anguish that might have
+      overwhelmed his hearth; all these were powerful and exciting emotions for
+      a young and fervent mind, in addition to the peculiar source of
+      sensibility on which we have already touched. Lord Vere, who lodged in the
+      same house as Millbank, and was sitting by his bedside, observed, as night
+      fell, that his mind wandered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The illness of Millbank, the character of which soon transpired, and was
+      soon exaggerated, attracted the public attention with increased interest
+      to the circumstances out of which it had arisen, and from which the
+      parties principally concerned had wished to have diverted notice. The
+      sufferer, indeed, had transgressed the rules of the school by bathing at
+      an unlicensed spot, where there were no expert swimmers in attendance, as
+      is customary, to instruct the practice and to guard over the lives of the
+      young adventurers. But the circumstances with which this violation of
+      rules had been accompanied, and the assurance of several of the party that
+      they had not themselves infringed the regulations, combined with the high
+      character of Millbank, made the authorities not over anxious to visit with
+      penalties a breach of observance which, in the case of the only proved
+      offender, had been attended with such impressive consequences. The feat of
+      Coningsby was extolled by all as an act of high gallantry and skill. It
+      confirmed and increased the great reputation which he already enjoyed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Millbank is getting quite well,&rsquo; said Buckhurst to Coningsby a few days
+      after the accident. &lsquo;Henry Sydney and I are going to see him. Will you
+      come?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think we shall be too many. I will go another day,&rsquo; replied Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So they went without him. They found Millbank up and reading.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, old fellow,&rsquo; said Buckhurst, &lsquo;how are you? We should have come up
+      before, but they would not let us. And you are quite right now, eh?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Quite. Has there been any row about it?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;All blown over,&rsquo; said Henry Sydney; &lsquo;C*******y behaved like a trump.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have seen nobody yet,&rsquo; said Millbank; &lsquo;they would not let me till
+      to-day. Vere looked in this morning and left me this book, but I was
+      asleep. I hope they will let me out in a day or two. I want to thank
+      Coningsby; I never shall rest till I have thanked Coningsby.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh, he will come to see you,&rsquo; said Henry Sydney; &lsquo;I asked him just now to
+      come with us.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes!&rsquo; said Millbank, eagerly; &lsquo;and what did he say?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He thought we should be too many.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I hope I shall see him soon,&rsquo; said Millbank, &lsquo;somehow or other.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I will tell him to come,&rsquo; said Buckhurst.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! no, no, don&rsquo;t tell him to come,&rsquo; said Millbank. &lsquo;Don&rsquo;t bore him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I know he is going to play a match at fives this afternoon,&rsquo; said
+      Buckhurst, &lsquo;for I am one.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And who are the others?&rsquo; inquired Millbank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Herbert and Campbell.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Herbert is no match for Coningsby,&rsquo; said Millbank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And then they talked over all that had happened since his absence; and
+      Buckhurst gave him a graphic report of the excitement on the afternoon of
+      the accident; at last they were obliged to leave him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, good-bye, old fellow; we will come and see you every day. What can
+      we do for you? Any books, or anything?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If any fellow asks after me,&rsquo; said Millbank, &lsquo;tell him I shall be glad to
+      see him. It is very dull being alone. But do not tell any fellow to come
+      if he does not ask after me.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Notwithstanding the kind suggestions of Buckhurst and Henry Sydney,
+      Coningsby could not easily bring himself to call on Millbank. He felt a
+      constraint. It seemed as if he went to receive thanks. He would rather
+      have met Millbank again in school, or in the playing fields. Without being
+      able then to analyse his feelings, he shrank unconsciously from that
+      ebullition of sentiment, which in more artificial circles is described as
+      a scene. Not that any dislike of Millbank prompted him to this reserve. On
+      the contrary, since he had conferred a great obligation on Millbank, his
+      prejudice against him had sensibly decreased. How it would have been had
+      Millbank saved Coningsby&rsquo;s life, is quite another affair. Probably, as
+      Coningsby was by nature generous, his sense of justice might have
+      struggled successfully with his painful sense of the overwhelming
+      obligation. But in the present case there was no element to disturb his
+      fair self-satisfaction. He had greatly distinguished himself; he had
+      conferred on his rival an essential service; and the whole world rang with
+      his applause. He began rather to like Millbank; we will not say because
+      Millbank was the unintentional cause of his pleasurable sensations. Really
+      it was that the unusual circumstances had prompted him to a more impartial
+      judgment of his rival&rsquo;s character. In this mood, the day after the visit
+      of Buckhurst and Henry Sydney, Coningsby called on Millbank, but finding
+      his medical attendant with him, Coningsby availed himself of that excuse
+      for going away without seeing him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The next day he left Millbank a newspaper on his way to school, time not
+      permitting a visit. Two days after, going into his room, he found on his
+      table a letter addressed to &lsquo;Harry Coningsby, Esq.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      ETON, May&mdash;, 1832.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;DEAR CONINGSBY, I very much fear that you must think me a very ungrateful
+      fellow, because you have not heard from me before; but I was in hopes that
+      I might get out and say to you what I feel; but whether I speak or write,
+      it is quite impossible for me to make you understand the feelings of my
+      heart to you. Now, I will say at once, that I have always liked you better
+      than any fellow in the school, and always thought you the cleverest;
+      indeed, I always thought that there was no one like you; but I never would
+      say this or show this, because you never seemed to care for me, and
+      because I was afraid you would think I merely wanted to con with you, as
+      they used to say of some other fellows, whose names I will not mention,
+      because they always tried to do so with Henry Sydney and you. I do not
+      want this at all; but I want, though we may not speak to each other more
+      than before, that we may be friends; and that you will always know that
+      there is nothing I will not do for you, and that I like you better than
+      any fellow at Eton. And I do not mean that this shall be only at Eton, but
+      afterwards, wherever we may be, that you will always remember that there
+      is nothing I will not do for you. Not because you saved my life, though
+      that is a great thing, but because before that I would have done anything
+      for you; only, for the cause above mentioned, I would not show it. I do
+      not expect that we shall be more together than before; nor can I ever
+      suppose that you could like me as you like Henry Sydney and Buckhurst, or
+      even as you like Vere; but still I hope you will always think of me with
+      kindness now, and let me sign myself, if ever I do write to you, &lsquo;Your
+      most attached, affectionate, and devoted friend,
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      &lsquo;OSWALD MILLBANK.&rsquo;
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XI.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      About a fortnight after this nearly fatal adventure on the river, it was
+      Montem. One need hardly remind the reader that this celebrated ceremony,
+      of which the origin is lost in obscurity, and which now occurs
+      triennially, is the tenure by which Eton College holds some of its
+      domains. It consists in the waving of a flag by one of the scholars, on a
+      mount near the village of Salt Hill, which, without doubt, derives its
+      name from the circumstance that on this day every visitor to Eton, and
+      every traveller in its vicinity, from the monarch to the peasant, are
+      stopped on the road by youthful brigands in picturesque costume, and
+      summoned to contribute &lsquo;salt,&rsquo; in the shape of coin of the realm, to the
+      purse collecting for the Captain of Eton, the senior scholar on the
+      Foundation, who is about to repair to King&rsquo;s College, Cambridge.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On this day the Captain of Eton appears in a dress as martial as his
+      title: indeed, each sixth-form boy represents in his uniform, though not
+      perhaps according to the exact rules of the Horse Guards, an officer of
+      the army. One is a marshal, another an ensign. There is a lieutenant, too;
+      and the remainder are sergeants. Each of those who are intrusted with
+      these ephemeral commissions has one or more attendants, the number of
+      these varying according to his rank. These servitors are selected
+      according to the wishes of the several members of the sixth form, out of
+      the ranks of the lower boys, that is, those boys who are below the fifth
+      form; and all these attendants are arrayed in a variety of fancy dresses.
+      The Captain of the Oppidans and the senior Colleger next to the Captain of
+      the school, figure also in fancy costume, and are called &lsquo;Saltbearers.&rsquo; It
+      is their business, together with the twelve senior Collegers of the fifth
+      form, who are called &lsquo;Runners,&rsquo; and whose costume is also determined by
+      the taste of the wearers, to levy the contributions. And all the Oppidans
+      of the fifth form, among whom ranked Coningsby, class as &lsquo;Corporals;&rsquo; and
+      are severally followed by one or more lower boys, who are denominated
+      &lsquo;Polemen,&rsquo; but who appear in their ordinary dress.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was a fine, bright morning; the bells of Eton and Windsor rang merrily;
+      everybody was astir, and every moment some gay equipage drove into the
+      town. Gaily clustering in the thronged precincts of the College, might be
+      observed many a glistening form: airy Greek or sumptuous Ottoman, heroes
+      of the Holy Sepulchre, Spanish Hidalgos who had fought at Pavia, Highland
+      Chiefs who had charged at Culloden, gay in the tartan of Prince Charlie.
+      The Long Walk was full of busy groups in scarlet coats or fanciful
+      uniforms; some in earnest conversation, some criticising the arriving
+      guests; others encircling some magnificent hero, who astounded them with
+      his slashed doublet or flowing plume.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A knot of boys, sitting on the Long Walk wall, with their feet swinging in
+      the air, watched the arriving guests of the Provost.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I say, Townshend,&rsquo; said one, &lsquo;there&rsquo;s Grobbleton; he <i>was</i> a bully.
+      I wonder if that&rsquo;s his wife? Who&rsquo;s this? The Duke of Agincourt. He wasn&rsquo;t
+      an Eton fellow? Yes, he was. He was called Poictiers then. Oh! ah! his
+      name is in the upper school, very large, under Charles Fox. I say,
+      Townshend, did you see Saville&rsquo;s turban? What was it made of? He says his
+      mother brought it from Grand Cairo. Didn&rsquo;t he just look like the Saracen&rsquo;s
+      Head? Here are some Dons. That&rsquo;s Hallam! We&rsquo;ll give him a cheer. I say,
+      Townshend, look at this fellow. He doesn&rsquo;t think small beer of himself. I
+      wonder who he is? The Duke of Wellington&rsquo;s valet come to say his master is
+      engaged. Oh! by Jove, he heard you! I wonder if the Duke will come? Won&rsquo;t
+      we give him a cheer!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By Jove! who is this?&rsquo; exclaimed Townshend, and he jumped from the wall,
+      and, followed by his companions, rushed towards the road.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Two britskas, each drawn by four grey horses of mettle, and each
+      accompanied by outriders as well mounted, were advancing at a rapid pace
+      along the road that leads from Slough to the College. But they were
+      destined to an irresistible check. About fifty yards before they had
+      reached the gate that leads into Weston&rsquo;s Yard, a ruthless but splendid
+      Albanian, in crimson and gold embroidered jacket, and snowy camise,
+      started forward, and holding out his silver-sheathed yataghan commanded
+      the postilions to stop. A Peruvian Inca on the other side of the road gave
+      a simultaneous command, and would infallibly have transfixed the outriders
+      with an arrow from his unerring bow, had they for an instant hesitated.
+      The Albanian Chief then advanced to the door of the carriage, which he
+      opened, and in a tone of great courtesy, announced that he was under the
+      necessity of troubling its inmates for &lsquo;salt.&rsquo; There was no delay. The
+      Lord of the equipage, with the amiable condescension of a &lsquo;grand
+      monarque,&rsquo; expressed his hope that the collection would be an ample one,
+      and as an old Etonian, placed in the hands of the Albanian his
+      contribution, a magnificent purse, furnished for the occasion, and heavy
+      with gold.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Don&rsquo;t be alarmed, ladies,&rsquo; said a very handsome young officer, laughing,
+      and taking off his cocked hat.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah!&rsquo; exclaimed one of the ladies, turning at the voice, and starting a
+      little. &lsquo;Ah! it is Mr. Coningsby.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Eskdale paid the salt for the next carriage. &lsquo;Do they come down
+      pretty stiff?&rsquo; he inquired, and then, pulling forth a roll of bank-notes
+      from the pocket of his pea-jacket, he wished them good morning.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The courtly Provost, then the benignant Goodall, a man who, though his
+      experience of life was confined to the colleges in which he had passed his
+      days, was naturally gifted with the rarest of all endowments, the talent
+      of reception; and whose happy bearing and gracious manner, a smile ever in
+      his eye and a lively word ever on his lip, must be recalled by all with
+      pleasant recollections, welcomed Lord Monmouth and his friends to an
+      assemblage of the noble, the beautiful, and the celebrated gathered
+      together in rooms not unworthy of them, as you looked upon their
+      interesting walls, breathing with the portraits of the heroes whom Eton
+      boasts, from Wotton to Wellesley. Music sounded in the quadrangle of the
+      College, in which the boys were already quickly assembling. The Duke of
+      Wellington had arrived, and the boys were cheering a hero, who was an Eton
+      field-marshal. From an oriel window in one of the Provost&rsquo;s rooms, Lord
+      Monmouth, surrounded by every circumstance that could make life
+      delightful, watched with some intentness the scene in the quadrangle
+      beneath.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I would give his fame,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth, &lsquo;if I had it, and my wealth,
+      to be sixteen.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Five hundred of the youth of England, sparkling with health, high spirits,
+      and fancy dresses, were now assembled in the quadrangle. They formed into
+      rank, and headed by a band of the Guards, thrice they marched round the
+      court. Then quitting the College, they commenced their progress &lsquo;ad
+      Montem.&rsquo; It was a brilliant spectacle to see them defiling through the
+      playing fields, those bowery meads; the river sparkling in the sun, the
+      castled heights of Windsor, their glorious landscape; behind them, the
+      pinnacles of their College.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The road from Eton to Salt Hill was clogged with carriages; the broad
+      fields as far as eye could range were covered with human beings. Amid the
+      burst of martial music and the shouts of the multitude, the band of
+      heroes, as if they were marching from Athens, or Thebes, or Sparta, to
+      some heroic deed, encircled the mount; the ensign reaches its summit, and
+      then, amid a deafening cry of &lsquo;Floreat Etona!&rsquo; he unfurls, and thrice
+      waves the consecrated standard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Lord Monmouth,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby to Coningsby, &lsquo;wishes that you should beg
+      your friends to dine with him. Of course you will ask Lord Henry and your
+      friend Sir Charles Buckhurst; and is there any one else that you would
+      like to invite?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why, there is Vere,&rsquo; said Coningsby, hesitating, &lsquo;and&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Vere! What Lord Vere?&rsquo; said Rigby. &lsquo;Hum! He is one of your friends, is
+      he? His father has done a great deal of mischief, but still he is Lord
+      Vere. Well, of course, you can invite Vere.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There is another fellow I should like to ask very much,&rsquo; said Coningsby,
+      &lsquo;if Lord Monmouth would not think I was asking too many.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Never fear that; he sent me particularly to tell you to invite as many as
+      you liked.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, then, I should like to ask Millbank.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Millbank!&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, a little excited, and then he added, &lsquo;Is that
+      a son of Lady Albinia Millbank?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No; his mother is not a Lady Albinia, but he is a great friend of mine.
+      His father is a Lancashire manufacturer.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By no means,&rsquo; exclaimed Mr. Rigby, quite agitated. &lsquo;There is nothing in
+      the world that Lord Monmouth dislikes so much as Manchester manufacturers,
+      and particularly if they bear the name of Millbank. It must not be thought
+      of, my dear Harry. I hope you have not spoken to the young man on the
+      subject. I assure you it is out of the question. It would make Lord
+      Monmouth quite ill. It would spoil everything, quite upset him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was, of course, impossible for Coningsby to urge his wishes against
+      such representations. He was disappointed, rather amazed; but Madame
+      Colonna having sent for him to introduce her to some of the scenes and
+      details of Eton life, his vexation was soon absorbed in the pride of
+      acting in the face of his companions as the cavalier of a beautiful lady,
+      and becoming the cicerone of the most brilliant party that had attended
+      Montem. He presented his friends, too, to Lord Monmouth, who gave them a
+      cordial invitation to dine with him at his hotel at Windsor, which they
+      warmly accepted. Buckhurst delighted the Marquess by his reckless genius.
+      Even Lucretia deigned to appear amused; especially when, on visiting the
+      upper school, the name of CARDIFF, the title Lord Monmouth bore in his
+      youthful days, was pointed out to her by Coningsby, cut with his
+      grandfather&rsquo;s own knife on the classic panels of that memorable wall in
+      which scarcely a name that has flourished in our history, since the
+      commencement of the eighteenth century, may not be observed with curious
+      admiration.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was the humour of Lord Monmouth that the boys should be entertained
+      with the most various and delicious banquet that luxury could devise or
+      money could command. For some days beforehand orders had been given for
+      the preparation of this festival. Our friends did full justice to their
+      Lucullus; Buckhurst especially, who gave his opinion on the most refined
+      dishes with all the intrepidity of saucy ignorance, and occasionally shook
+      his head over a glass of Hermitage or Côte Rôtie with a dissatisfaction
+      which a satiated Sybarite could not have exceeded. Considering all things,
+      Coningsby and his friends exhibited a great deal of self-command; but they
+      were gay, even to the verge of frolic. But then the occasion justified it,
+      as much as their youth. All were in high spirits. Madame Colonna declared
+      that she had met nothing in England equal to Montem; that it was a
+      Protestant Carnival; and that its only fault was that it did not last
+      forty days. The Prince himself was all animation, and took wine with every
+      one of the Etonians several times. All went on flowingly until Mr. Rigby
+      contradicted Buckhurst on some point of Eton discipline, which Buckhurst
+      would not stand. He rallied Mr. Rigby roundly, and Coningsby, full of
+      champagne, and owing Rigby several years of contradiction, followed up the
+      assault. Lord Monmouth, who liked a butt, and had a weakness for
+      boisterous gaiety, slily encouraged the boys, till Rigby began to lose his
+      temper and get noisy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The lads had the best of it; they said a great many funny things, and
+      delivered themselves of several sharp retorts; whereas there was something
+      ridiculous in Rigby putting forth his &lsquo;slashing&rsquo; talents against such
+      younkers. However, he brought the infliction on himself by his strange
+      habit of deciding on subjects of which he knew nothing, and of always
+      contradicting persons on the very subjects of which they were necessarily
+      masters.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To see Rigby baited was more amusement to Lord Monmouth even than Montem.
+      Lucian Gay, however, when the affair was getting troublesome, came forward
+      as a diversion. He sang an extemporaneous song on the ceremony of the day,
+      and introduced the names of all the guests at the dinner, and of a great
+      many other persons besides. This was capital! The boys were in raptures,
+      but when the singer threw forth a verse about Dr. Keate, the applause
+      became uproarious.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Good-bye, my dear Harry,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth, when he bade his grandson
+      farewell. &lsquo;I am going abroad again; I cannot remain in this Radical-ridden
+      country. Remember, though I am away, Monmouth House is your home, at least
+      so long as it belongs to me. I understand my tailor has turned Liberal,
+      and is going to stand for one of the metropolitan districts, a friend of
+      Lord Durham; perhaps I shall find him in it when I return. I fear there
+      are evil days for the NEW GENERATION!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      END OF BOOK I.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      BOOK II.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER I.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      It was early in November, 1834, and a large shooting party was assembled
+      at Beaumanoir, the seat of that great nobleman, who was the father of
+      Henry Sydney. England is unrivalled for two things, sporting and politics.
+      They were combined at Beaumanoir; for the guests came not merely to
+      slaughter the Duke&rsquo;s pheasants, but to hold council on the prospects of
+      the party, which it was supposed by the initiated, began at this time to
+      indicate some symptoms of brightening.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The success of the Reform Ministry on their first appeal to the new
+      constituency which they had created, had been fatally complete. But the
+      triumph was as destructive to the victors as to the vanquished.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We are too strong,&rsquo; prophetically exclaimed one of the fortunate cabinet,
+      which found itself supported by an inconceivable majority of three
+      hundred. It is to be hoped that some future publisher of private memoirs
+      may have preserved some of the traits of that crude and short-lived
+      parliament, when old Cobbett insolently thrust Sir Robert from the
+      prescriptive seat of the chief of opposition, and treasury understrappers
+      sneered at the &lsquo;queer lot&rsquo; that had arrived from Ireland, little
+      foreseeing what a high bidding that &lsquo;queer lot&rsquo; would eventually command.
+      Gratitude to Lord Grey was the hustings-cry at the end of 1832, the
+      pretext that was to return to the new-modelled House of Commons none but
+      men devoted to the Whig cause. The successful simulation, like everything
+      that is false, carried within it the seeds of its own dissolution.
+      Ingratitude to Lord Grey was more the fashion at the commencement of 1834,
+      and before the close of that eventful year, the once popular Reform
+      Ministry was upset, and the eagerly-sought Reformed Parliament dissolved!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It can scarcely be alleged that the public was altogether unprepared for
+      this catastrophe. Many deemed it inevitable; few thought it imminent. The
+      career of the Ministry, and the existence of the Parliament, had indeed
+      from the first been turbulent and fitful. It was known, from authority,
+      that there were dissensions in the cabinet, while a House of Commons which
+      passed votes on subjects not less important than the repeal of a tax, or
+      the impeachment of a judge, on one night, and rescinded its resolutions on
+      the following, certainly established no increased claims to the confidence
+      of its constituents in its discretion. Nevertheless, there existed at this
+      period a prevalent conviction that the Whig party, by a great stroke of
+      state, similar in magnitude and effect to that which in the preceding
+      century had changed the dynasty, had secured to themselves the government
+      of this country for, at least, the lives of the present generation. And
+      even the well-informed in such matters were inclined to look upon the
+      perplexing circumstances to which we have alluded rather as symptoms of a
+      want of discipline in a new system of tactics, than as evidences of any
+      essential and deeply-rooted disorder.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The startling rapidity, however, of the strange incidents of 1834; the
+      indignant, soon to become vituperative, secession of a considerable
+      section of the cabinet, some of them esteemed too at that time among its
+      most efficient members; the piteous deprecation of &lsquo;pressure from
+      without,&rsquo; from lips hitherto deemed too stately for entreaty, followed by
+      the Trades&rsquo; Union, thirty thousand strong, parading in procession to
+      Downing-street; the Irish negotiations of Lord Hatherton, strange blending
+      of complex intrigue and almost infantile ingenuousness; the still
+      inexplicable resignation of Lord Althorp, hurriedly followed by his still
+      more mysterious resumption of power, the only result of his precipitate
+      movements being the fall of Lord Grey himself, attended by circumstances
+      which even a friendly historian could scarcely describe as honourable to
+      his party or dignified to himself; latterly, the extemporaneous address of
+      King William to the Bishops; the vagrant and grotesque apocalypse of the
+      Lord Chancellor; and the fierce recrimination and memorable defiance of
+      the Edinburgh banquet, all these impressive instances of public affairs
+      and public conduct had combined to create a predominant opinion that,
+      whatever might be the consequences, the prolonged continuance of the
+      present party in power was a clear impossibility.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It is evident that the suicidal career of what was then styled the Liberal
+      party had been occasioned and stimulated by its unnatural excess of
+      strength. The apoplectic plethora of 1834 was not less fatal than the
+      paralytic tenuity of 1841. It was not feasible to gratify so many
+      ambitions, or to satisfy so many expectations. Every man had his double;
+      the heels of every placeman were dogged by friendly rivals ready to trip
+      them up. There were even two cabinets; the one that met in council, and
+      the one that met in cabal. The consequence of destroying the legitimate
+      Opposition of the country was, that a moiety of the supporters of
+      Government had to discharge the duties of Opposition.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Herein, then, we detect the real cause of all that irregular and unsettled
+      carriage of public men which so perplexed the nation after the passing of
+      the Reform Act. No government can be long secure without a formidable
+      Opposition. It reduces their supporters to that tractable number which can
+      be managed by the joint influences of fruition and of hope. It offers
+      vengeance to the discontented, and distinction to the ambitious; and
+      employs the energies of aspiring spirits, who otherwise may prove traitors
+      in a division or assassins in a debate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The general election of 1832 abrogated the Parliamentary Opposition of
+      England, which had practically existed for more than a century and a half.
+      And what a series of equivocal transactions and mortifying adventures did
+      the withdrawal of this salutary restraint entail on the party which then
+      so loudly congratulated themselves and the country that they were at
+      length relieved from its odious repression! In the hurry of existence one
+      is apt too generally to pass over the political history of the times in
+      which we ourselves live. The two years that followed the Reform of the
+      House of Commons are full of instruction, on which a young man would do
+      well to ponder. It is hardly possible that he could rise from the study of
+      these annals without a confirmed disgust for political intrigue; a
+      dazzling practice, apt at first to fascinate youth, for it appeals at once
+      to our invention and our courage, but one which really should only be the
+      resource of the second-rate. Great minds must trust to great truths and
+      great talents for their rise, and nothing else.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      While, however, as the autumn of 1834 advanced, the people of this country
+      became gradually sensible of the necessity of some change in the councils
+      of their Sovereign, no man felt capable of predicting by what means it was
+      to be accomplished, or from what quarry the new materials were to be
+      extracted. The Tory party, according to those perverted views of Toryism
+      unhappily too long prevalent in this country, was held to be literally
+      defunct, except by a few old battered crones of office, crouched round the
+      embers of faction which they were fanning, and muttering &lsquo;reaction&rsquo; in
+      mystic whispers. It cannot be supposed indeed for a moment, that the
+      distinguished personage who had led that party in the House of Commons
+      previously to the passing of the act of 1832, ever despaired in
+      consequence of his own career. His then time of life, the perfection,
+      almost the prime, of manhood; his parliamentary practice, doubly estimable
+      in an inexperienced assembly; his political knowledge; his fair character
+      and reputable position; his talents and tone as a public speaker, which he
+      had always aimed to adapt to the habits and culture of that middle class
+      from which it was concluded the benches of the new Parliament were mainly
+      to be recruited, all these were qualities the possession of which must
+      have assured a mind not apt to be disturbed in its calculations by any
+      intemperate heats, that with time and patience the game was yet for him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Unquestionably, whatever may have been insinuated, this distinguished
+      person had no inkling that his services in 1834 might be claimed by his
+      Sovereign. At the close of the session of that year he had quitted England
+      with his family, and had arrived at Rome, where it was his intention to
+      pass the winter. The party charges that have imputed to him a previous and
+      sinister knowledge of the intentions of the Court, appear to have been
+      made not only in ignorance of the personal character, but of the real
+      position, of the future minister.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It had been the misfortune of this eminent gentleman when he first entered
+      public life, to become identified with a political connection which,
+      having arrogated to itself the name of an illustrious historical party,
+      pursued a policy which was either founded on no principle whatever, or on
+      principles exactly contrary to those which had always guided the conduct
+      of the great Tory leaders. The chief members of this official confederacy
+      were men distinguished by none of the conspicuous qualities of statesmen.
+      They had none of the divine gifts that govern senates and guide councils.
+      They were not orators; they were not men of deep thought or happy
+      resource, or of penetrative and sagacious minds. Their political ken was
+      essentially dull and contracted. They expended some energy in obtaining a
+      defective, blundering acquaintance with foreign affairs; they knew as
+      little of the real state of their own country as savages of an approaching
+      eclipse. This factious league had shuffled themselves into power by
+      clinging to the skirts of a great minister, the last of Tory statesmen,
+      but who, in the unparalleled and confounding emergencies of his latter
+      years, had been forced, unfortunately for England, to relinquish Toryism.
+      His successors inherited all his errors without the latent genius, which
+      in him might have still rallied and extricated him from the consequences
+      of his disasters. His successors did not merely inherit his errors; they
+      exaggerated, they caricatured them. They rode into power on a springtide
+      of all the rampant prejudices and rancorous passions of their time. From
+      the King to the boor their policy was a mere pandering to public
+      ignorance. Impudently usurping the name of that party of which
+      nationality, and therefore universality, is the essence, these
+      pseudo-Tories made Exclusion the principle of their political
+      constitution, and Restriction the genius of their commercial code.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The blind goddess that plays with human fortunes has mixed up the memory
+      of these men with traditions of national glory. They conducted to a
+      prosperous conclusion the most renowned war in which England has ever been
+      engaged. Yet every military conception that emanated from their cabinet
+      was branded by their characteristic want of grandeur. Chance, however,
+      sent them a great military genius, whom they treated for a long time with
+      indifference, and whom they never heartily supported until his career had
+      made him their master. His transcendent exploits, and European events even
+      greater than his achievements, placed in the manikin grasp of the English
+      ministry, the settlement of Europe.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The act of the Congress of Vienna remains the eternal monument of their
+      diplomatic knowledge and political sagacity. Their capital feats were the
+      creation of two kingdoms, both of which are already erased from the map of
+      Europe. They made no single preparation for the inevitable, almost
+      impending, conjunctures of the East. All that remains of the pragmatic
+      arrangements of the mighty Congress of Vienna is the mediatisation of the
+      petty German princes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But the settlement of Europe by the pseudo-Tories was the dictate of
+      inspiration compared with their settlement of England. The peace of Paris
+      found the government of this country in the hands of a body of men of whom
+      it is no exaggeration to say that they were ignorant of every principle of
+      every branch of political science. So long as our domestic administration
+      was confined merely to the raising of a revenue, they levied taxes with
+      gross facility from the industry of a country too busy to criticise or
+      complain. But when the excitement and distraction of war had ceased, and
+      they were forced to survey the social elements that surrounded them, they
+      seemed, for the first time, to have become conscious of their own
+      incapacity. These men, indeed, were the mere children of routine. They
+      prided themselves on being practical men. In the language of this defunct
+      school of statesmen, a practical man is a man who practises the blunders
+      of his predecessors.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now commenced that Condition-of-England Question of which our generation
+      hears so much. During five-and-twenty years every influence that can
+      develop the energies and resources of a nation had been acting with
+      concentrated stimulation on the British Isles. National peril and national
+      glory; the perpetual menace of invasion, the continual triumph of
+      conquest; the most extensive foreign commerce that was ever conducted by a
+      single nation; an illimitable currency; an internal trade supported by
+      swarming millions whom manufacturers and inclosure-bills summoned into
+      existence; above all, the supreme control obtained by man over mechanic
+      power, these are some of the causes of that rapid advance of material
+      civilisation in England, to which the annals of the world can afford no
+      parallel. But there was no proportionate advance in our moral
+      civilisation. In the hurry-skurry of money-making, men-making, and
+      machine-making, we had altogether outgrown, not the spirit, but the
+      organisation, of our institutions.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The peace came; the stimulating influences suddenly ceased; the people, in
+      a novel and painful position, found themselves without guides. They went
+      to the ministry; they asked to be guided; they asked to be governed.
+      Commerce requested a code; trade required a currency; the unfranchised
+      subject solicited his equal privilege; suffering labour clamoured for its
+      rights; a new race demanded education. What did the ministry do?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They fell into a panic. Having fulfilled during their lives the duties of
+      administration, they were frightened because they were called upon, for
+      the first time, to perform the functions of government. Like all weak men,
+      they had recourse to what they called strong measures. They determined to
+      put down the multitude. They thought they were imitating Mr. Pitt, because
+      they mistook disorganisation for sedition.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Their projects of relief were as ridiculous as their system of coercion
+      was ruthless; both were alike founded in intense ignorance. When we recall
+      Mr. Vansittart with his currency resolutions; Lord Castlereagh with his
+      plans for the employment of labour; and Lord Sidmouth with his plots for
+      ensnaring the laborious; we are tempted to imagine that the present epoch
+      has been one of peculiar advances in political ability, and marvel how
+      England could have attained her present pitch under a series of such
+      governors.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      We should, however, be labouring under a very erroneous impression. Run
+      over the statesmen that have figured in England since the accession of the
+      present family, and we may doubt whether there be one, with the exception
+      perhaps of the Duke of Newcastle, who would have been a worthy colleague
+      of the council of Mr. Perceval, or the early cabinet of Lord Liverpool.
+      Assuredly the genius of Bolingbroke and the sagacity of Walpole would have
+      alike recoiled from such men and such measures. And if we take the
+      individuals who were governing England immediately before the French
+      Revolution, one need only refer to the speeches of Mr. Pitt, and
+      especially to those of that profound statesman and most instructed man,
+      Lord Shelburne, to find that we can boast no remarkable superiority either
+      in political justice or in political economy. One must attribute this
+      degeneracy, therefore, to the long war and our insular position, acting
+      upon men naturally of inferior abilities, and unfortunately, in addition,
+      of illiterate habits.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the meantime, notwithstanding all the efforts of the political
+      Panglosses who, in evening Journals and Quarterly Reviews were continually
+      proving that this was the best of all possible governments, it was evident
+      to the ministry itself that the machine must stop. The class of Rigbys
+      indeed at this period, one eminently favourable to that fungous tribe,
+      greatly distinguished themselves. They demonstrated in a manner absolutely
+      convincing, that it was impossible for any person to possess any ability,
+      knowledge, or virtue, any capacity of reasoning, any ray of fancy or
+      faculty of imagination, who was not a supporter of the existing
+      administration. If any one impeached the management of a department, the
+      public was assured that the accuser had embezzled; if any one complained
+      of the conduct of a colonial governor, the complainant was announced as a
+      returned convict. An amelioration of the criminal code was discountenanced
+      because a search in the parish register of an obscure village proved that
+      the proposer had not been born in wedlock. A relaxation of the commercial
+      system was denounced because one of its principal advocates was a
+      Socinian. The inutility of Parliamentary Reform was ever obvious since Mr.
+      Rigby was a member of the House of Commons.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To us, with our <i>Times</i> newspaper every morning on our
+      breakfast-table, bringing, on every subject which can interest the public
+      mind, a degree of information and intelligence which must form a security
+      against any prolonged public misconception, it seems incredible that only
+      five-and-twenty years ago the English mind could have been so ridden and
+      hoodwinked, and that, too, by men of mean attainments and moderate
+      abilities. But the war had directed the energies of the English people
+      into channels by no means favourable to political education. Conquerors of
+      the world, with their ports filled with the shipping of every clime, and
+      their manufactories supplying the European continent, in the art of
+      self-government, that art in which their fathers excelled, they had become
+      literally children; and Rigby and his brother hirelings were the nurses
+      that frightened them with hideous fables and ugly words.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Notwithstanding, however, all this successful mystification, the
+      Arch-Mediocrity who presided, rather than ruled, over this Cabinet of
+      Mediocrities, became hourly more conscious that the inevitable transition
+      from fulfilling the duties of an administration to performing the
+      functions of a government could not be conducted without talents and
+      knowledge. The Arch-Mediocrity had himself some glimmering traditions of
+      political science. He was sprung from a laborious stock, had received some
+      training, and though not a statesman, might be classed among those whom
+      the Lord Keeper Williams used to call &lsquo;statemongers.&rsquo; In a subordinate
+      position his meagre diligence and his frigid method might not have been
+      without value; but the qualities that he possessed were misplaced; nor can
+      any character be conceived less invested with the happy properties of a
+      leader. In the conduct of public affairs his disposition was exactly the
+      reverse of that which is the characteristic of great men. He was
+      peremptory in little questions, and great ones he left open.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the natural course of events, in 1819 there ought to have been a change
+      of government, and another party in the state should have entered into
+      office; but the Whigs, though they counted in their ranks at that period
+      an unusual number of men of great ability, and formed, indeed, a compact
+      and spirited opposition, were unable to contend against the new adjustment
+      of borough influence which had occurred during the war, and under the
+      protracted administration by which that war had been conducted. New
+      families had arisen on the Tory side that almost rivalled old Newcastle
+      himself in their electioneering management; and it was evident that,
+      unless some reconstruction of the House of Commons could be effected, the
+      Whig party could never obtain a permanent hold of official power. Hence,
+      from that period, the Whigs became Parliamentary Reformers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was inevitable, therefore, that the country should be governed by the
+      same party; indispensable that the ministry should be renovated by new
+      brains and blood. Accordingly, a Mediocrity, not without repugnance, was
+      induced to withdraw, and the great name of Wellington supplied his place
+      in council. The talents of the Duke, as they were then understood, were
+      not exactly of the kind most required by the cabinet, and his colleagues
+      were careful that he should not occupy too prominent a post; but still it
+      was an impressive acquisition, and imparted to the ministry a semblance of
+      renown.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was an individual who had not long entered public life, but who had
+      already filled considerable, though still subordinate offices. Having
+      acquired a certain experience of the duties of administration, and
+      distinction for his mode of fulfilling them, he had withdrawn from his
+      public charge; perhaps because he found it a barrier to the attainment of
+      that parliamentary reputation for which he had already shown both a desire
+      and a capacity; perhaps because, being young and independent, he was not
+      over-anxious irremediably to identify his career with a school of politics
+      of the infallibility of which his experience might have already made him a
+      little sceptical. But he possessed the talents that were absolutely
+      wanted, and the terms were at his own dictation. Another, and a very
+      distinguished Mediocrity, who would not resign, was thrust out, and Mr.
+      Peel became Secretary of State.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      From this moment dates that intimate connection between the Duke of
+      Wellington and the present First Minister, which has exercised a
+      considerable influence over the career of individuals and the course of
+      affairs. It was the sympathetic result of superior minds placed among
+      inferior intelligences, and was, doubtless, assisted by a then mutual
+      conviction, that the difference of age, the circumstance of sitting in
+      different houses, and the general contrast of their previous pursuits and
+      accomplishments, rendered personal rivalry out of the question. From this
+      moment, too, the domestic government of the country assumed a new
+      character, and one universally admitted to have been distinguished by a
+      spirit of enlightened progress and comprehensive amelioration.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A short time after this, a third and most distinguished Mediocrity died;
+      and Canning, whom they had twice worried out of the cabinet, where they
+      had tolerated him some time in an obscure and ambiguous position, was
+      recalled just in time from his impending banishment, installed in the
+      first post in the Lower House, and intrusted with the seals of the Foreign
+      Office. The Duke of Wellington had coveted them, nor could Lord Liverpool
+      have been insensible to his Grace&rsquo;s peculiar fitness for such duties; but
+      strength was required in the House of Commons, where they had only one
+      Secretary of State, a young man already distinguished, yet untried as a
+      leader, and surrounded by colleagues notoriously incapable to assist him
+      in debate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The accession of Mr. Canning to the cabinet, in a position, too, of
+      surpassing influence, soon led to a further weeding of the Mediocrities,
+      and, among other introductions, to the memorable entrance of Mr.
+      Huskisson. In this wise did that cabinet, once notable only for the
+      absence of all those qualities which authorise the possession of power,
+      come to be generally esteemed as a body of men, who, for parliamentary
+      eloquence, official practice, political information, sagacity in council,
+      and a due understanding of their epoch, were inferior to none that had
+      directed the policy of the empire since the Revolution.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      If we survey the tenor of the policy of the Liverpool Cabinet during the
+      latter moiety of its continuance, we shall find its characteristic to be a
+      partial recurrence to those frank principles of government which Mr. Pitt
+      had revived during the latter part of the last century from precedents
+      that had been set us, either in practice or in dogma, during its earlier
+      period, by statesmen who then not only bore the title, but professed the
+      opinions, of Tories. Exclusive principles in the constitution, and
+      restrictive principles in commerce, have grown up together; and have
+      really nothing in common with the ancient character of our political
+      settlement, or the manners and customs of the English people. Confidence
+      in the loyalty of the nation, testified by munificent grants of rights and
+      franchises, and favour to an expansive system of traffic, were distinctive
+      qualities of the English sovereignty, until the House of Commons usurped
+      the better portion of its prerogatives. A widening of our electoral
+      scheme, great facilities to commerce, and the rescue of our Roman Catholic
+      fellow-subjects from the Puritanic yoke, from fetters which have been
+      fastened on them by English Parliaments in spite of the protests and
+      exertions of English Sovereigns; these were the three great elements and
+      fundamental truths of the real Pitt system, a system founded on the
+      traditions of our monarchy, and caught from the writings, the speeches,
+      the councils of those who, for the sake of these and analogous benefits,
+      had ever been anxious that the Sovereign of England should never be
+      degraded into the position of a Venetian Doge.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It is in the plunder of the Church that we must seek for the primary cause
+      of our political exclusion, and our commercial restraint. That unhallowed
+      booty created a factitious aristocracy, ever fearful that they might be
+      called upon to regorge their sacrilegious spoil. To prevent this they took
+      refuge in political religionism, and paltering with the disturbed
+      consciences, or the pious fantasies, of a portion of the people, they
+      organised them into religious sects. These became the unconscious
+      Praetorians of their ill-gotten domains. At the head of these
+      religionists, they have continued ever since to govern, or powerfully to
+      influence this country. They have in that time pulled down thrones and
+      churches, changed dynasties, abrogated and remodelled parliaments; they
+      have disfranchised Scotland and confiscated Ireland. One may admire the
+      vigour and consistency of the Whig party, and recognise in their career
+      that unity of purpose that can only spring from a great principle; but the
+      Whigs introduced sectarian religion, sectarian religion led to political
+      exclusion, and political exclusion was soon accompanied by commercial
+      restraint.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It would be fanciful to assume that the Liverpool Cabinet, in their
+      ameliorating career, was directed by any desire to recur to the primordial
+      tenets of the Tory party. That was not an epoch when statesmen cared to
+      prosecute the investigation of principles. It was a period of happy and
+      enlightened practice. A profounder policy is the offspring of a time like
+      the present, when the original postulates of institutions are called in
+      question. The Liverpool Cabinet unconsciously approximated to these
+      opinions, because from careful experiment they were convinced of their
+      beneficial tendency, and they thus bore an unintentional and impartial
+      testimony to their truth. Like many men, who think they are inventors,
+      they were only reproducing ancient wisdom.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But one must ever deplore that this ministry, with all their talents and
+      generous ardour, did not advance to principles. It is always perilous to
+      adopt expediency as a guide; but the choice may be sometimes imperative.
+      These statesmen, however, took expediency for their director, when
+      principle would have given them all that expediency ensured, and much
+      more.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This ministry, strong in the confidence of the sovereign, the parliament,
+      and the people, might, by the courageous promulgation of great historical
+      truths, have gradually formed a public opinion, that would have permitted
+      them to organise the Tory party on a broad, a permanent, and national
+      basis. They might have nobly effected a complete settlement of Ireland,
+      which a shattered section of this very cabinet was forced a few years
+      after to do partially, and in an equivocating and equivocal manner. They
+      might have concluded a satisfactory reconstruction of the third estate,
+      without producing that convulsion with which, from its violent
+      fabrication, our social system still vibrates. Lastly, they might have
+      adjusted the rights and properties of our national industries in a manner
+      which would have prevented that fierce and fatal rivalry that is now
+      disturbing every hearth of the United Kingdom.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      We may, therefore, visit on the <i>laches</i> of this ministry the
+      introduction of that new principle and power into our constitution which
+      ultimately may absorb all, AGITATION. This cabinet, then, with so much
+      brilliancy on its surface, is the real parent of the Roman Catholic
+      Association, the Political Unions, the Anti-Corn-Law League.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There is no influence at the same time so powerful and so singular as that
+      of individual character. It arises as often from the weakness of the
+      character as from its strength. The dispersion of this clever and showy
+      ministry is a fine illustration of this truth. One morning the
+      Arch-Mediocrity himself died. At the first blush, it would seem that
+      little difficulties could be experienced in finding his substitute. His
+      long occupation of the post proved, at any rate, that the qualification
+      was not excessive. But this cabinet, with its serene and blooming visage,
+      had been all this time charged with fierce and emulous ambitions. They
+      waited the signal, but they waited in grim repose. The death of the
+      nominal leader, whose formal superiority, wounding no vanity, and
+      offending no pride, secured in their councils equality among the able, was
+      the tocsin of their anarchy. There existed in this cabinet two men, who
+      were resolved immediately to be prime ministers; a third who was resolved
+      eventually to be prime minister, but would at any rate occupy no
+      ministerial post without the lead of a House of Parliament; and a fourth,
+      who felt himself capable of being prime minister, but despaired of the
+      revolution which could alone make him one; and who found an untimely end
+      when that revolution had arrived.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Had Mr. Secretary Canning remained leader of the House of Commons under
+      the Duke of Wellington, all that he would have gained by the death of Lord
+      Liverpool was a master. Had the Duke of Wellington become Secretary of
+      State under Mr. Canning he would have materially advanced his political
+      position, not only by holding the seals of a high department in which he
+      was calculated to excel, but by becoming leader of the House of Lords. But
+      his Grace was induced by certain court intriguers to believe that the King
+      would send for him, and he was also aware that Mr. Peel would no longer
+      serve under any ministry in the House of Commons. Under any circumstances
+      it would have been impossible to keep the Liverpool Cabinet together. The
+      struggle, therefore, between the Duke of Wellington and &lsquo;my dear Mr.
+      Canning&rsquo; was internecine, and ended somewhat unexpectedly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And here we must stop to do justice to our friend Mr. Rigby, whose conduct
+      on this occasion was distinguished by a bustling dexterity which was quite
+      charming. He had, as we have before intimated, on the credit of some
+      clever lampoons written during the Queen&rsquo;s trial, which were, in fact, the
+      effusions of Lucian Gay, wriggled himself into a sort of occasional
+      unworthy favour at the palace, where he was half butt and half buffoon.
+      Here, during the interregnum occasioned by the death, or rather inevitable
+      retirement, of Lord Liverpool, Mr. Rigby contrived to scrape up a
+      conviction that the Duke was the winning horse, and in consequence there
+      appeared a series of leading articles in a notorious evening newspaper, in
+      which it was, as Tadpole and Taper declared, most &lsquo;slashingly&rsquo; shown, that
+      the son of an actress could never be tolerated as a Prime Minister of
+      England. Not content with this, and never doubting for a moment the
+      authentic basis of his persuasion, Mr. Rigby poured forth his coarse
+      volubility on the subject at several of the new clubs which he was getting
+      up in order to revenge himself for having been black-balled at White&rsquo;s.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      What with arrangements about Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s boroughs, and the lucky
+      bottling of some claret which the Duke had imported on Mr. Rigby&rsquo;s
+      recommendation, this distinguished gentleman contrived to pay almost
+      hourly visits at Apsley House, and so bullied Tadpole and Taper that they
+      scarcely dared address him. About four-and-twenty hours before the result,
+      and when it was generally supposed that the Duke was in, Mr. Rigby, who
+      had gone down to Windsor to ask his Majesty the date of some obscure
+      historical incident, which Rigby, of course, very well knew, found that
+      audiences were impossible, that Majesty was agitated, and learned, from an
+      humble but secure authority, that in spite of all his slashing articles,
+      and Lucian Gay&rsquo;s parodies of the Irish melodies, Canning was to be Prime
+      Minister.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This would seem something of a predicament! To common minds; there are no
+      such things as scrapes for gentlemen with Mr. Rigby&rsquo;s talents for action.
+      He had indeed, in the world, the credit of being an adept in machinations,
+      and was supposed ever to be involved in profound and complicated
+      contrivances. This was quite a mistake. There was nothing profound about
+      Mr. Rigby; and his intellect was totally incapable of devising or
+      sustaining an intricate or continuous scheme. He was, in short, a man who
+      neither felt nor thought; but who possessed, in a very remarkable degree,
+      a restless instinct for adroit baseness. On the present occasion he got
+      into his carriage, and drove at the utmost speed from Windsor to the
+      Foreign Office. The Secretary of State was engaged when he arrived; but
+      Mr. Rigby would listen to no difficulties. He rushed upstairs, flung open
+      the door, and with agitated countenance, and eyes suffused with tears,
+      threw himself into the arms of the astonished Mr. Canning.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;All is right,&rsquo; exclaimed the devoted Rigby, in broken tones; &lsquo;I have
+      convinced the King that the First Minister must be in the House of
+      Commons. No one knows it but myself; but it is certain.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      We have seen that at an early period of his career, Mr. Peel withdrew from
+      official life. His course had been one of unbroken prosperity; the hero of
+      the University had become the favourite of the House of Commons. His
+      retreat, therefore, was not prompted by chagrin. Nor need it have been
+      suggested by a calculating ambition, for the ordinary course of events was
+      fast bearing to him all to which man could aspire. One might rather
+      suppose, that he had already gained sufficient experience, perhaps in his
+      Irish Secretaryship, to make him pause in that career of superficial
+      success which education and custom had hitherto chalked out for him,
+      rather than the creative energies of his own mind. A thoughtful intellect
+      may have already detected elements in our social system which required a
+      finer observation, and a more unbroken study, than the gyves and trammels
+      of office would permit. He may have discovered that the representation of
+      the University, looked upon in those days as the blue ribbon of the House
+      of Commons, was a sufficient fetter without unnecessarily adding to its
+      restraint. He may have wished to reserve himself for a happier occasion,
+      and a more progressive period. He may have felt the strong necessity of
+      arresting himself in his rapid career of felicitous routine, to survey his
+      position in calmness, and to comprehend the stirring age that was
+      approaching.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      For that, he could not but be conscious that the education which he had
+      consummated, however ornate and refined, was not sufficient. That age of
+      economical statesmanship which Lord Shelburne had predicted in 1787, when
+      he demolished, in the House of Lords, Bishop Watson and the Balance of
+      Trade, which Mr. Pitt had comprehended; and for which he was preparing the
+      nation when the French Revolution diverted the public mind into a stronger
+      and more turbulent current, was again impending, while the intervening
+      history of the country had been prolific in events which had aggravated
+      the necessity of investigating the sources of the wealth of nations. The
+      time had arrived when parliamentary preeminence could no longer be
+      achieved or maintained by gorgeous abstractions borrowed from Burke, or
+      shallow systems purloined from De Lolme, adorned with Horatian points, or
+      varied with Virgilian passages. It was to be an age of abstruse
+      disquisition, that required a compact and sinewy intellect, nurtured in a
+      class of learning not yet honoured in colleges, and which might arrive at
+      conclusions conflicting with predominant prejudices.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Adopting this view of the position of Mr. Peel, strengthened as it is by
+      his early withdrawal for a while from the direction of public affairs, it
+      may not only be a charitable but a true estimate of the motives which
+      influenced him in his conduct towards Mr. Canning, to conclude that he was
+      not guided in that transaction by the disingenuous rivalry usually imputed
+      to him. His statement in Parliament of the determining circumstances of
+      his conduct, coupled with his subsequent and almost immediate policy, may
+      perhaps always leave this a painful and ambiguous passage in his career;
+      but in passing judgment on public men, it behoves us ever to take large
+      and extended views of their conduct; and previous incidents will often
+      satisfactorily explain subsequent events, which, without their
+      illustrating aid, are involved in misapprehension or mystery.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It would seem, therefore, that Sir Robert Peel, from an early period,
+      meditated his emancipation from the political confederacy in which he was
+      implicated, and that he has been continually baffled in this project. He
+      broke loose from Lord Liverpool; he retired from Mr. Canning. Forced again
+      into becoming the subordinate leader of the weakest government in
+      parliamentary annals, he believed he had at length achieved his
+      emancipation, when he declared to his late colleagues, after the overthrow
+      of 1830, that he would never again accept a secondary position in office.
+      But the Duke of Wellington was too old a tactician to lose so valuable an
+      ally. So his Grace declared after the Reform Bill was passed, as its
+      inevitable result, that thenceforth the Prime Minister must be a member of
+      the House of Commons; and this aphorism, cited as usual by the Duke&rsquo;s
+      parasites as demonstration of his supreme sagacity, was a graceful mode of
+      resigning the preeminence which had been productive of such great party
+      disasters. It is remarkable that the party who devised and passed the
+      Reform Bill, and who, in consequence, governed the nation for ten years,
+      never once had their Prime Minister in the House of Commons: but that does
+      not signify; the Duke&rsquo;s maxim is still quoted as an oracle almost equal in
+      prescience to his famous query, &lsquo;How is the King&rsquo;s government to be
+      carried on?&rsquo; a question to which his Grace by this time has contrived to
+      give a tolerably practical answer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sir Robert Peel, who had escaped from Lord Liverpool, escaped from Mr.
+      Canning, escaped even from the Duke of Wellington in 1832, was at length
+      caught in 1834; the victim of ceaseless intriguers, who neither
+      comprehended his position, nor that of their country.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER II.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Beaumanoir was one of those Palladian palaces, vast and ornate, such as
+      the genius of Kent and Campbell delighted in at the beginning of the
+      eighteenth century. Placed on a noble elevation, yet screened from the
+      northern blast, its sumptuous front, connected with its far-spreading
+      wings by Corinthian colonnades, was the boast and pride of the midland
+      counties. The surrounding gardens, equalling in extent the size of
+      ordinary parks, were crowded with temples dedicated to abstract virtues
+      and to departed friends. Occasionally a triumphal arch celebrated a
+      general whom the family still esteemed a hero; and sometimes a votive
+      column commemorated the great statesman who had advanced the family a step
+      in the peerage. Beyond the limits of this pleasance the hart and hind
+      wandered in a wilderness abounding in ferny coverts and green and stately
+      trees.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The noble proprietor of this demesne had many of the virtues of his class;
+      a few of their failings. He had that public spirit which became his
+      station. He was not one of those who avoided the exertions and the
+      sacrifices which should be inseparable from high position, by the hollow
+      pretext of a taste for privacy, and a devotion to domestic joys. He was
+      munificent, tender, and bounteous to the poor, and loved a flowing
+      hospitality. A keen sportsman, he was not untinctured by letters, and had
+      indeed a cultivated taste for the fine arts. Though an ardent politician,
+      he was tolerant to adverse opinions, and full of amenity to his opponents.
+      A firm supporter of the corn-laws, he never refused a lease.
+      Notwithstanding there ran through his whole demeanour and the habit of his
+      mind, a vein of native simplicity that was full of charm, his manner was
+      finished. He never offended any one&rsquo;s self-love. His good breeding,
+      indeed, sprang from the only sure source of gentle manners, a kind heart.
+      To have pained others would have pained himself. Perhaps, too, this noble
+      sympathy may have been in some degree prompted by the ancient blood in his
+      veins, an accident of lineage rather rare with the English nobility. One
+      could hardly praise him for the strong affections that bound him to his
+      hearth, for fortune had given him the most pleasing family in the world;
+      but, above all, a peerless wife.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Duchess was one of those women who are the delight of existence. She
+      was sprung from a house not inferior to that with which she had blended,
+      and was gifted with that rare beauty which time ever spares, so that she
+      seemed now only the elder sister of her own beautiful daughters. She, too,
+      was distinguished by that perfect good breeding which is the result of
+      nature and not of education: for it may be found in a cottage, and may be
+      missed in a palace. &lsquo;Tis a genial regard for the feelings of others that
+      springs from an absence of selfishness. The Duchess, indeed, was in every
+      sense a fine lady; her manners were refined and full of dignity; but
+      nothing in the world could have induced her to appear bored when another
+      was addressing or attempting to amuse her. She was not one of those vulgar
+      fine ladies who meet you one day with a vacant stare, as if unconscious of
+      your existence, and address you on another in a tone of impertinent
+      familiarity. Her temper, perhaps, was somewhat quick, which made this
+      consideration for the feelings of others still more admirable, for it was
+      the result of a strict moral discipline acting on a good heart. Although
+      the best of wives and mothers, she had some charity for her neighbours.
+      Needing herself no indulgence, she could be indulgent; and would by no
+      means favour that strait-laced morality that would constrain the innocent
+      play of the social body. She was accomplished, well read, and had a lively
+      fancy. Add to this that sunbeam of a happy home, a gay and cheerful spirit
+      in its mistress, and one might form some faint idea of this gracious
+      personage.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The eldest son of this house was now on the continent; of his two younger
+      brothers, one was with his regiment and the other was Coningsby&rsquo;s friend
+      at Eton, our Henry Sydney. The two eldest daughters had just married, on
+      the same day, and at the same altar; and the remaining one, Theresa, was
+      still a child.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Duke had occupied a chief post in the Household under the late
+      administration, and his present guests chiefly consisted of his former
+      colleagues in office. There were several members of the late cabinet,
+      several members for his Grace&rsquo;s late boroughs, looking very much like
+      martyrs, full of suffering and of hope. Mr. Tadpole and Mr. Taper were
+      also there; they too had lost their seats since 1832; but being men of
+      business, and accustomed from early life to look about them, they had
+      already commenced the combinations which on a future occasion were to bear
+      them back to the assembly where they were so missed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Taper had his eye on a small constituency which had escaped the fatal
+      schedules, and where he had what they called a &lsquo;connection;&rsquo; that is to
+      say, a section of the suffrages who had a lively remembrance of Treasury
+      favours once bestowed by Mr. Taper, and who had not been so liberally
+      dealt with by the existing powers. This connection of Taper was in time to
+      leaven the whole mass of the constituent body, and make it rise in full
+      rebellion against its present liberal representative, who being one of a
+      majority of three hundred, could get nothing when he called at Whitehall
+      or Downing Street.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tadpole, on the contrary, who was of a larger grasp of mind than Taper,
+      with more of imagination and device but not so safe a man, was coquetting
+      with a manufacturing town and a large constituency, where he was to
+      succeed by the aid of the Wesleyans, of which pious body he had suddenly
+      become a fervent admirer. The great Mr. Rigby, too, was a guest out of
+      Parliament, nor caring to be in; but hearing that his friends had some
+      hopes, he thought he would just come down to dash them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The political grapes were sour for Mr. Rigby; a prophet of evil, he
+      preached only mortification and repentance and despair to his late
+      colleagues. It was the only satisfaction left Mr. Rigby, except assuring
+      the Duke that the finest pictures in his gallery were copies, and
+      recommending him to pull down Beaumanoir, and rebuild it on a design with
+      which Mr. Rigby would furnish him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The battue and the banquet were over; the ladies had withdrawn; and the
+      butler placed fresh claret on the table.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And you really think you could give us a majority, Tadpole?&rsquo; said the
+      Duke.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Tadpole, with some ceremony, took a memorandum-book out of his pocket,
+      amid the smiles and the faint well-bred merriment of his friends.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Tadpole is nothing without his book,&rsquo; whispered Lord Fitz-Booby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is here,&rsquo; said Mr. Tadpole, emphatically patting his volume, &lsquo;a clear
+      working majority of twenty-two.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Near sailing that!&rsquo; cried the Duke.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A far better majority than the present Government have,&rsquo; said Mr.
+      Tadpole.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There is nothing like a good small majority,&rsquo; said Mr. Taper, &lsquo;and a good
+      registration.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ay! register, register, register!&rsquo; said the Duke. &lsquo;Those were immortal
+      words.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I can tell your Grace three far better ones,&rsquo; said Mr. Tadpole, with a
+      self-complacent air. &lsquo;Object, object, object!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You may register, and you may object,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, &lsquo;but you will
+      never get rid of Schedule A and Schedule B.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But who could have supposed two years ago that affairs would be in their
+      present position?&rsquo; said Mr. Taper, deferentially.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I foretold it,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby. &lsquo;Every one knows that no government now
+      can last twelve months.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We may make fresh boroughs,&rsquo; said Taper. &lsquo;We have reduced Shabbyton at
+      the last registration under three hundred.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And the Wesleyans!&rsquo; said Tadpole. &lsquo;We never counted on the Wesleyans!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am told these Wesleyans are really a respectable body,&rsquo; said Lord
+      Fitz-Booby. &lsquo;I believe there is no material difference between their
+      tenets and those of the Establishment. I never heard of them much till
+      lately. We have too long confounded them with the mass of Dissenters, but
+      their conduct at several of the later elections proves that they are far
+      from being unreasonable and disloyal individuals. When we come in,
+      something should be done for the Wesleyans, eh, Rigby?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;All that your Lordship can do for the Wesleyans is what they will very
+      shortly do for themselves, appropriate a portion of the Church Revenues to
+      their own use.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Nay, nay,&rsquo; said Mr. Tadpole with a chuckle, &lsquo;I don&rsquo;t think we shall find
+      the Church attacked again in a hurry. I only wish they would try! A good
+      Church cry before a registration,&rsquo; he continued, rubbing his hands; &lsquo;eh,
+      my Lord, I think that would do.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But how are we to turn them out?&rsquo; said the Duke.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah!&rsquo; said Mr. Taper, &lsquo;that is a great question.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What do you think of a repeal of the Malt Tax?&rsquo; said Lord Fitz-Booby.
+      &lsquo;They have been trying it on in &mdash;&mdash;shire, and I am told it goes
+      down very well.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No repeal of any tax,&rsquo; said Taper, sincerely shocked, and shaking his
+      head; &lsquo;and the Malt Tax of all others. I am all against that.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is a very good cry though, if there be no other,&rsquo; said Tadpole.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am all for a religious cry,&rsquo; said Taper. &lsquo;It means nothing, and, if
+      successful, does not interfere with business when we are in.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You will have religious cries enough in a short time,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby,
+      rather wearied of any one speaking but himself, and thereat he commenced a
+      discourse, which was, in fact, one of his &lsquo;slashing&rsquo; articles in petto on
+      Church Reform, and which abounded in parallels between the present affairs
+      and those of the reign of Charles I. Tadpole, who did not pretend to know
+      anything but the state of the registration, and Taper, whose political
+      reading was confined to an intimate acquaintance with the Red Book and
+      Beatson&rsquo;s Political Index, which he could repeat backwards, were silenced.
+      The Duke, who was well instructed and liked to be talked to, sipped his
+      claret, and was rather amused by Rigby&rsquo;s lecture, particularly by one or
+      two statements characterised by Rigby&rsquo;s happy audacity, but which the Duke
+      was too indolent to question. Lord Fitz-Booby listened with his mouth
+      open, but rather bored. At length, when there was a momentary pause, he
+      said:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;In my time, the regular thing was to move an amendment on the address.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Quite out of the question,&rsquo; exclaimed Tadpole, with a scoff.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Entirely given up,&rsquo; said Taper, with a sneer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If you will drink no more claret, we will go and hear some music,&rsquo; said
+      the Duke.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER III.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      A breakfast at Beaumanoir was a meal of some ceremony. Every guest was
+      expected to attend, and at a somewhat early hour. Their host and hostess
+      set them the example of punctuality. &lsquo;Tis an old form rigidly adhered to
+      in some great houses, but, it must be confessed, does not contrast very
+      agreeably with the easier arrangements of establishments of less
+      pretension and of more modern order.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The morning after the dinner to which we have been recently introduced,
+      there was one individual absent from the breakfast-table whose
+      non-appearance could scarcely be passed over without notice; and several
+      inquired with some anxiety, whether their host were indisposed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The Duke has received some letters from London which detain him,&rsquo; replied
+      the Duchess. &lsquo;He will join us.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Your Grace will be glad to hear that your son Henry is very well,&rsquo; said
+      Mr. Rigby; &lsquo;I heard of him this morning. Harry Coningsby enclosed me a
+      letter for his grandfather, and tells me that he and Henry Sydney had just
+      had a capital run with the King&rsquo;s hounds.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is three years since we have seen Mr. Coningsby,&rsquo; said the Duchess.
+      &lsquo;Once he was often here. He was a great favourite of mine. I hardly ever
+      knew a more interesting boy.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes, I have done a great deal for him,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby. &lsquo;Lord Monmouth is
+      fond of him, and wishes that he should make a figure; but how any one is
+      to distinguish himself now, I am really at a loss to comprehend.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But are affairs so very bad?&rsquo; said the Duchess, smiling. &lsquo;I thought that
+      we were all regaining our good sense and good temper.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I believe all the good sense and all the good temper in England are
+      concentrated in your Grace,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, gallantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I should be sorry to be such a monopolist. But Lord Fitz-Booby was giving
+      me last night quite a glowing report of Mr. Tadpole&rsquo;s prospects for the
+      nation. We were all to have our own again; and Percy to carry the county.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My dear Madam, before twelve months are past, there will not be a county
+      in England. Why should there be? If boroughs are to be disfranchised, why
+      should not counties be destroyed?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this moment the Duke entered, apparently agitated. He bowed to his
+      guests, and apologised for his unusual absence. &lsquo;The truth is,&rsquo; he
+      continued, &lsquo;I have just received a very important despatch. An event has
+      occurred which may materially affect affairs. Lord Spencer is dead.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A thunderbolt in a summer sky, as Sir William Temple says, could not have
+      produced a greater sensation. The business of the repast ceased in a
+      moment. The knives and forks were suddenly silent. All was still.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is an immense event,&rsquo; said Tadpole.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I don&rsquo;t see my way,&rsquo; said Taper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;When did he die?&rsquo; said Lord Fitz-Booby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I don&rsquo;t believe it,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;They have got their man ready,&rsquo; said Tadpole.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is impossible to say what will happen,&rsquo; said Taper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Now is the time for an amendment on the address,&rsquo; said Fitz-Booby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There are two reasons which convince me that Lord Spencer is not dead,&rsquo;
+      said Mr. Rigby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I fear there is no doubt of it,&rsquo; said the Duke, shaking his head.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Lord Althorp was the only man who could keep them together,&rsquo; said Lord
+      Fitz-Booby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;On the contrary,&rsquo; said Tadpole. &lsquo;If I be right in my man, and I have no
+      doubt of it, you will have a radical programme, and they will be stronger
+      than ever.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Do you think they can get the steam up again?&rsquo; said Taper, musingly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;They will bid high,&rsquo; replied Tadpole. &lsquo;Nothing could be more unfortunate
+      than this death. Things were going on so well and so quietly! The
+      Wesleyans almost with us!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And Shabbyton too!&rsquo; mournfully exclaimed Taper. &lsquo;Another registration and
+      quiet times, and I could have reduced the constituency to two hundred and
+      fifty.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If Lord Spencer had died on the 10th,&rsquo; said Rigby, &lsquo;it must have been
+      known to Henry Rivers. And I have a letter from Henry Rivers by this post.
+      Now, Althorp is in Northamptonshire, mark that, and Northampton is a
+      county&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My dear Rigby,&rsquo; said the Duke, &lsquo;pardon me for interrupting you.
+      Unhappily, there is no doubt Lord Spencer is dead, for I am one of his
+      executors.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This announcement silenced even Mr. Rigby, and the conversation now
+      entirely merged in speculations on what would occur. Numerous were the
+      conjectures hazarded, but the prevailing impression was, that this
+      unforeseen event might embarrass those secret expectations of Court
+      succour in which a certain section of the party had for some time reason
+      to indulge.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      From the moment, however, of the announcement of Lord Spencer&rsquo;s death, a
+      change might be visibly observed in the tone of the party at Beaumanoir.
+      They became silent, moody, and restless. There seemed a general, though
+      not avowed, conviction that a crisis of some kind or other was at hand.
+      The post, too, brought letters every day from town teeming with fanciful
+      speculations, and occasionally mysterious hopes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I kept this cover for Peel,&rsquo; said the Duke pensively, as he loaded his
+      gun on the morning of the 14th. &lsquo;Do you know, I was always against his
+      going to Rome.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is very odd,&rsquo; said Tadpole, &lsquo;but I was thinking of the very same
+      thing.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It will be fifteen years before England will see a Tory Government,&rsquo; said
+      Mr. Rigby, drawing his ramrod, &lsquo;and then it will only last five months.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Melbourne, Althorp, and Durham, all in the Lords,&rsquo; said Taper. &lsquo;Three
+      leaders! They must quarrel.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If Durham come in, mark me, he will dissolve on Household Suffrage and
+      the Ballot,&rsquo; said Tadpole.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Not nearly so good a cry as Church,&rsquo; replied Taper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;With the Malt Tax,&rsquo; said Tadpole. &lsquo;Church, without the Malt Tax, will not
+      do against Household Suffrage and Ballot.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Malt Tax is madness,&rsquo; said Taper. &lsquo;A good farmer&rsquo;s friend cry without
+      Malt Tax would work just as well.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;They will never dissolve,&rsquo; said the Duke. &lsquo;They are so strong.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;They cannot go on with three hundred majority,&rsquo; said Taper. &lsquo;Forty is as
+      much as can be managed with open constituencies.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If he had only gone to Paris instead of Rome!&rsquo; said the Duke.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, &lsquo;I could have written to him then by every post,
+      and undeceived him as to his position.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;After all he is the only man,&rsquo; said the Duke; &lsquo;and I really believe the
+      country thinks so.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Pray, what is the country?&rsquo; inquired Mr. Rigby. &lsquo;The country is nothing;
+      it is the constituency you have to deal with.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And to manage them you must have a good cry,&rsquo; said Taper. &lsquo;All now
+      depends upon a good cry.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;So much for the science of politics,&rsquo; said the Duke, bringing down a
+      pheasant. &lsquo;How Peel would have enjoyed this cover!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He will have plenty of time for sport during his life,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On the evening of the 15th of November, a despatch arrived at Beaumanoir,
+      informing his Grace that the King had dismissed the Whig Ministry, and
+      sent for the Duke of Wellington. Thus the first agitating suspense was
+      over; to be succeeded, however, by expectation still more anxious. It was
+      remarkable that every individual suddenly found that he had particular
+      business in London which could not be neglected. The Duke very properly
+      pleaded his executorial duties; but begged his guests on no account to be
+      disturbed by his inevitable absence. Lord Fitz-Booby had just received a
+      letter from his daughter, who was indisposed at Brighton, and he was most
+      anxious to reach her. Tadpole had to receive deputations from Wesleyans,
+      and well-registered boroughs anxious to receive well-principled
+      candidates. Taper was off to get the first job at the contingent Treasury,
+      in favour of the Borough of Shabbyton. Mr. Rigby alone was silent; but he
+      quietly ordered a post-chaise at daybreak, and long before his fellow
+      guests were roused from their slumbers, he was halfway to London, ready to
+      give advice, either at the pavilion or at Apsley House.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER IV.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Although it is far from improbable that, had Sir Robert Peel been in
+      England in the autumn of 1834, the Whig government would not have been
+      dismissed; nevertheless, whatever may now be the opinion of the policy of
+      that measure; whether it be looked on as a premature movement which
+      necessarily led to the compact reorganisation of the Liberal party, or as
+      a great stroke of State, which, by securing at all events a dissolution of
+      the Parliament of 1832, restored the healthy balance of parties in the
+      Legislature, questions into which we do not now wish to enter, it must be
+      generally admitted, that the conduct of every individual eminently
+      concerned in that great historical transaction was characterised by the
+      rarest and most admirable quality of public life, moral courage. The
+      Sovereign who dismissed a Ministry apparently supported by an overwhelming
+      majority in the Parliament and the nation, and called to his councils the
+      absent chief of a parliamentary section, scarcely numbering at that moment
+      one hundred and forty individuals, and of a party in the country supposed
+      to be utterly discomfited by a recent revolution; the two ministers who in
+      this absence provisionally administered the affairs of the kingdom in the
+      teeth of an enraged and unscrupulous Opposition, and perhaps themselves
+      not sustained by a profound conviction, that the arrival of their expected
+      leader would convert their provisional into a permanent position; above
+      all the statesman who accepted the great charge at a time and under
+      circumstances which marred probably the deep projects of his own prescient
+      sagacity and maturing ambition; were all men gifted with a high spirit of
+      enterprise, and animated by that active fortitude which is the soul of
+      free governments.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was a lively season, that winter of 1834! What hopes, what fears, and
+      what bets! From the day on which Mr. Hudson was to arrive at Rome to the
+      election of the Speaker, not a contingency that was not the subject of a
+      wager! People sprang up like mushrooms; town suddenly became full.
+      Everybody who had been in office, and everybody who wished to be in
+      office; everybody who had ever had anything, and everybody who ever
+      expected to have anything, were alike visible. All of course by mere
+      accident; one might meet the same men regularly every day for a month, who
+      were only &lsquo;passing through town.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now was the time for men to come forward who had never despaired of their
+      country. True they had voted for the Reform Bill, but that was to prevent
+      a revolution. And now they were quite ready to vote against the Reform
+      Bill, but this was to prevent a dissolution. These are the true patriots,
+      whose confidence in the good sense of their countrymen and in their own
+      selfishness is about equal. In the meantime, the hundred and forty threw a
+      grim glance on the numerous waiters on Providence, and amiable trimmers,
+      who affectionately enquired every day when news might be expected of Sir
+      Robert. Though too weak to form a government, and having contributed in no
+      wise by their exertions to the fall of the late, the cohort of
+      Parliamentary Tories felt all the alarm of men who have accidentally
+      stumbled on some treasure-trove, at the suspicious sympathy of new allies.
+      But, after all, who were to form the government, and what was the
+      government to be? Was it to be a Tory government, or an
+      Enlightened-Spirit-of-the-Age Liberal-Moderate-Reform government; was it
+      to be a government of high philosophy or of low practice; of principle or
+      of expediency; of great measures or of little men? A government of
+      statesmen or of clerks? Of Humbug or of Humdrum? Great questions these,
+      but unfortunately there was nobody to answer them. They tried the Duke;
+      but nothing could be pumped out of him. All that he knew, which he told in
+      his curt, husky manner, was, that he had to carry on the King&rsquo;s
+      government. As for his solitary colleague, he listened and smiled, and
+      then in his musical voice asked them questions in return, which is the
+      best possible mode of avoiding awkward inquiries. It was very unfair this;
+      for no one knew what tone to take; whether they should go down to their
+      public dinners and denounce the Reform Act or praise it; whether the
+      Church was to be re-modelled or only admonished; whether Ireland was to be
+      conquered or conciliated.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;This can&rsquo;t go on much longer,&rsquo; said Taper to Tadpole, as they reviewed
+      together their electioneering correspondence on the 1st of December; &lsquo;we
+      have no cry.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He is half way by this time,&rsquo; said Tadpole; &lsquo;send an extract from a
+      private letter to the <i>Standard</i>, dated Augsburg, and say he will be
+      here in four days.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At last he came; the great man in a great position, summoned from Rome to
+      govern England. The very day that he arrived he had his audience with the
+      King.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was two days after this audience; the town, though November, in a state
+      of excitement; clubs crowded, not only morning rooms, but halls and
+      staircases swarming with members eager to give and to receive rumours
+      equally vain; streets lined with cabs and chariots, grooms and horses; it
+      was two days after this audience that Mr. Ormsby, celebrated for his
+      political dinners, gave one to a numerous party. Indeed his saloons
+      to-day, during the half-hour of gathering which precedes dinner, offered
+      in the various groups, the anxious countenances, the inquiring voices, and
+      the mysterious whispers, rather the character of an Exchange or Bourse
+      than the tone of a festive society.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Here might be marked a murmuring knot of greyheaded privy-councillors, who
+      had held fat offices under Perceval and Liverpool, and who looked back to
+      the Reform Act as to a hideous dream; there some middle-aged aspirants
+      might be observed who had lost their seats in the convulsion, but who
+      flattered themselves they had done something for the party in the
+      interval, by spending nothing except their breath in fighting hopeless
+      boroughs, and occasionally publishing a pamphlet, which really produced
+      less effect than chalking the walls. Light as air, and proud as a young
+      peacock, tripped on his toes a young Tory, who had contrived to keep his
+      seat in a Parliament where he had done nothing, but who thought an
+      Under-Secretaryship was now secure, particularly as he was the son of a
+      noble Lord who had also in a public capacity plundered and blundered in
+      the good old time. The true political adventurer, who with dull
+      desperation had stuck at nothing, had never neglected a treasury note, had
+      been present at every division, never spoke when he was asked to be
+      silent, and was always ready on any subject when they wanted him to open
+      his mouth; who had treated his leaders with servility even behind their
+      backs, and was happy for the day if a future Secretary of the Treasury
+      bowed to him; who had not only discountenanced discontent in the party,
+      but had regularly reported in strict confidence every instance of
+      insubordination which came to his knowledge; might there too be detected
+      under all the agonies of the crisis; just beginning to feel the dread
+      misgiving, whether being a slave and a sneak were sufficient
+      qualifications for office, without family or connection. Poor fellow! half
+      the industry he had wasted on his cheerless craft might have made his
+      fortune in some decent trade!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In dazzling contrast with these throes of low ambition, were some
+      brilliant personages who had just scampered up from Melton, thinking it
+      probable that Sir Robert might want some moral lords of the bed-chamber.
+      Whatever may have been their private fears or feelings, all however seemed
+      smiling and significant, as if they knew something if they chose to tell
+      it, and that something very much to their own satisfaction. The only grave
+      countenance that was occasionally ushered into the room belonged to some
+      individual whose destiny was not in doubt, and who was already practising
+      the official air that was in future to repress the familiarity of his
+      former fellow-stragglers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Do you hear anything?&rsquo; said a great noble who wanted something in the
+      general scramble, but what he knew not; only he had a vague feeling he
+      ought to have something, having made such great sacrifices.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There is a report that Clifford is to be Secretary to the Board of
+      Control,&rsquo; said Mr. Earwig, whose whole soul was in this subaltern
+      arrangement, of which the Minister of course had not even thought; &lsquo;but I
+      cannot trace it to any authority.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wonder who will be their Master of the Horse,&rsquo; said the great noble,
+      loving gossip though he despised the gossiper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Clifford has done nothing for the party,&rsquo; said Mr. Earwig.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I dare say Rambrooke will have the Buckhounds,&rsquo; said the great noble,
+      musingly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Your Lordship has not heard Clifford&rsquo;s name mentioned?&rsquo; continued Mr.
+      Earwig.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I should think they had not come to that sort of thing,&rsquo; said the great
+      noble, with ill-disguised contempt.&rsquo; The first thing after the Cabinet is
+      formed is the Household: the things you talk of are done last;&rsquo; and he
+      turned upon his heel, and met the imperturbable countenance and clear
+      sarcastic eye of Lord Eskdale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have not heard anything?&rsquo; asked the great noble of his brother
+      patrician.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes, a great deal since I have been in this room; but unfortunately it is
+      all untrue.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There is a report that Rambrooke is to have the Buck-hounds; but I cannot
+      trace it to any authority.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Pooh!&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I don&rsquo;t see that Rambrooke should have the Buckhounds any more than
+      anybody else. What sacrifices has he made?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Past sacrifices are nothing,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale. &lsquo;Present sacrifices are
+      the thing we want: men who will sacrifice their principles and join us.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have not heard Rambrooke&rsquo;s name mentioned?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;When a Minister has no Cabinet, and only one hundred and forty supporters
+      in the House of Commons, he has something else to think of than places at
+      Court,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale, as he slowly turned away to ask Lucian Gay
+      whether it were true that Jenny Colon was coming over.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Shortly after this, Henry Sydney&rsquo;s father, who dined with Mr. Ornisby,
+      drew Lord Eskdale into a window, and said in an undertone:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;So there is to be a kind of programme: something is to be written.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, we want a cue,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale. &lsquo;I heard of this last night:
+      Rigby has written something.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Duke shook his head.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No; Peel means to do it himself.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But at this moment Mr. Ornisby begged his Grace to lead them to dinner.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Something is to be written.&rsquo; It is curious to recall the vague terms in
+      which the first projection of documents, that are to exercise a vast
+      influence on the course of affairs or the minds of nations, is often
+      mentioned. This &lsquo;something to be written&rsquo; was written; and speedily; and
+      has ever since been talked of.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      We believe we may venture to assume that at no period during the movements
+      of 1834-5 did Sir Robert Peel ever believe in the success of his
+      administration. Its mere failure could occasion him little
+      dissatisfaction; he was compensated for it by the noble opportunity
+      afforded to him for the display of those great qualities, both moral and
+      intellectual, which the swaddling-clothes of a routine prosperity had long
+      repressed, but of which his opposition to the Reform Bill had given to the
+      nation a significant intimation. The brief administration elevated him in
+      public opinion, and even in the eye of Europe; and it is probable that a
+      much longer term of power would not have contributed more to his fame.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The probable effect of the premature effort of his party on his future
+      position as a Minister was, however, far from being so satisfactory. At
+      the lowest ebb of his political fortunes, it cannot be doubted that Sir
+      Robert Peel looked forward, perhaps through the vista of many years, to a
+      period when the national mind, arrived by reflection and experience at
+      certain conclusions, would seek in him a powerful expositor of its
+      convictions. His time of life permitted him to be tranquil in adversity,
+      and to profit by its salutary uses. He would then have acceded to power as
+      the representative of a Creed, instead of being the leader of a
+      Confederacy, and he would have been supported by earnest and enduring
+      enthusiasm, instead of by that churlish sufferance which is the result of
+      a supposed balance of advantages in his favour. This is the consequence of
+      the tactics of those short-sighted intriguers, who persisted in looking
+      upon a revolution as a mere party struggle, and would not permit the mind
+      of the nation to work through the inevitable phases that awaited it. In
+      1834, England, though frightened at the reality of Reform, still adhered
+      to its phrases; it was inclined, as practical England, to maintain
+      existing institutions; but, as theoretical England, it was suspicious that
+      they were indefensible.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      No one had arisen either in Parliament, the Universities, or the Press, to
+      lead the public mind to the investigation of principles; and not to
+      mistake, in their reformations, the corruption of practice for fundamental
+      ideas. It was this perplexed, ill-informed, jaded, shallow generation,
+      repeating cries which they did not comprehend, and wearied with the
+      endless ebullitions of their own barren conceit, that Sir Robert Peel was
+      summoned to govern. It was from such materials, ample in quantity, but in
+      all spiritual qualities most deficient; with great numbers, largely acred,
+      consoled up to their chins, but without knowledge, genius, thought, truth,
+      or faith, that Sir Robert Peel was to form a &lsquo;great Conservative party on
+      a comprehensive basis.&rsquo; That he did this like a dexterous politician, who
+      can deny? Whether he realised those prescient views of a great statesman
+      in which he had doubtless indulged, and in which, though still clogged by
+      the leadership of 1834, he may yet find fame for himself and salvation for
+      his country, is altogether another question. His difficult attempt was
+      expressed in an address to his constituents, which now ranks among state
+      papers. We shall attempt briefly to consider it with the impartiality of
+      the future.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER V.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The Tamworth Manifesto of 1834 was an attempt to construct a party without
+      principles; its basis therefore was necessarily Latitudinarianism; and its
+      inevitable consequence has been Political Infidelity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At an epoch of political perplexity and social alarm, the confederation
+      was convenient, and was calculated by aggregation to encourage the timid
+      and confused. But when the perturbation was a little subsided, and men
+      began to inquire why they were banded together, the difficulty of defining
+      their purpose proved that the league, however respectable, was not a
+      party. The leaders indeed might profit by their eminent position to obtain
+      power for their individual gratification, but it was impossible to secure
+      their followers that which, after all, must be the great recompense of a
+      political party, the putting in practice of their opinions; for they had
+      none.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was indeed a considerable shouting about what they called
+      Conservative principles; but the awkward question naturally arose, what
+      will you conserve? The prerogatives of the Crown, provided they are not
+      exercised; the independence of the House of Lords, provided it is not
+      asserted; the Ecclesiastical estate, provided it is regulated by a
+      commission of laymen. Everything, in short, that is established, as long
+      as it is a phrase and not a fact.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the meantime, while forms and phrases are religiously cherished in
+      order to make the semblance of a creed, the rule of practice is to bend to
+      the passion or combination of the hour. Conservatism assumes in theory
+      that everything established should be maintained; but adopts in practice
+      that everything that is established is indefensible. To reconcile this
+      theory and this practice, they produce what they call &lsquo;the best bargain;&rsquo;
+      some arrangement which has no principle and no purpose, except to obtain a
+      temporary lull of agitation, until the mind of the Conservatives, without
+      a guide and without an aim, distracted, tempted, and bewildered, is
+      prepared for another arrangement, equally statesmanlike with the preceding
+      one.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Conservatism was an attempt to carry on affairs by substituting the
+      fulfilment of the duties of office for the performance of the functions of
+      government; and to maintain this negative system by the mere influence of
+      property, reputable private conduct, and what are called good connections.
+      Conservatism discards Prescription, shrinks from Principle, disavows
+      Progress; having rejected all respect for Antiquity, it offers no redress
+      for the Present, and makes no preparation for the Future. It is obvious
+      that for a time, under favourable circumstances, such a confederation
+      might succeed; but it is equally clear, that on the arrival of one of
+      those critical conjunctures that will periodically occur in all states,
+      and which such an unimpassioned system is even calculated ultimately to
+      create, all power of resistance will be wanting: the barren curse of
+      political infidelity will paralyse all action; and the Conservative
+      Constitution will be discovered to be a Caput Mortuum.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VI.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      In the meantime, after dinner, Tadpole and Taper, who were among the
+      guests of Mr. Ormsby, withdrew to a distant sofa, out of earshot, and
+      indulged in confidential talk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Such a strength in debate was never before found on a Treasury bench,&rsquo;
+      said Mr. Tadpole; &lsquo;the other side will be dumbfounded.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And what do you put our numbers at now?&rsquo; inquired Mr. Taper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Would you take fifty-five for our majority?&rsquo; rejoined Mr. Tadpole.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is not so much the tail they have, as the excuse their junction will
+      be for the moderate, sensible men to come over,&rsquo; said Taper. &lsquo;Our friend
+      Sir Everard for example, it would settle him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He is a solemn impostor,&rsquo; rejoined Mr. Tadpole; &lsquo;but he is a baronet and
+      a county member, and very much looked up to by the Wesleyans. The other
+      men, I know, have refused him a peerage.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And we might hold out judicious hopes,&rsquo; said Taper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No one can do that better than you,&rsquo; said Tadpole. &lsquo;I am apt to say too
+      much about those things.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I make it a rule never to open my mouth on such subjects,&rsquo; said Taper. &lsquo;A
+      nod or a wink will speak volumes. An affectionate pressure of the hand
+      will sometimes do a great deal; and I have promised many a peerage without
+      committing myself, by an ingenious habit of deference which cannot be
+      mistaken by the future noble.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wonder what they will do with Rigby,&rsquo; said Tadpole.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He wants a good deal,&rsquo; said Taper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I tell you what, Mr. Taper, the time is gone by when a Marquess of
+      Monmouth was Letter A, No. 1.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Very true, Mr. Tadpole. A wise man would do well now to look to the great
+      middle class, as I said the other day to the electors of Shabbyton.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I had sooner be supported by the Wesleyans,&rsquo; said Mr. Tadpole, &lsquo;than by
+      all the marquesses in the peerage.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;At the same time,&rsquo; said Mr. Taper, &lsquo;Rigby is a considerable man. If we
+      want a slashing article&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Pooh!&rsquo; said Mr. Tadpole. &lsquo;He is quite gone by. He takes three months for
+      his slashing articles. Give me the man who can write a leader. Rigby can&rsquo;t
+      write a leader.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Very few can,&rsquo; said Mr. Taper. &lsquo;However, I don&rsquo;t think much of the press.
+      Its power is gone by. They overdid it.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There is Tom Chudleigh,&rsquo; said Tadpole. &lsquo;What is he to have?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Nothing, I hope,&rsquo; said Taper. &lsquo;I hate him. A coxcomb! Cracking his jokes
+      and laughing at us.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He has done a good deal for the party, though,&rsquo; said Tadpole. &lsquo;That, to
+      be sure, is only an additional reason for throwing him over, as he is too
+      far committed to venture to oppose us. But I am afraid from something that
+      dropped to-day, that Sir Robert thinks he has claims.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We must stop them,&rsquo; said Taper, growing pale. &lsquo;Fellows like Chudleigh,
+      when they once get in, are always in one&rsquo;s way. I have no objection to
+      young noblemen being put forward, for they are preferred so rapidly, and
+      then their fathers die, that in the long run they do not practically
+      interfere with us.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, his name was mentioned,&rsquo; said Tadpole. &lsquo;There is no concealing
+      that.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I will speak to Earwig,&rsquo; said Taper. &lsquo;He shall just drop into Sir
+      Robert&rsquo;s ear by chance, that Chudleigh used to quiz him in the
+      smoking-room. Those little bits of information do a great deal of good.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, I leave him to you,&rsquo; said Tadpole. &lsquo;I am heartily with you in
+      keeping out all fellows like Chudleigh. They are very well for opposition;
+      but in office we don&rsquo;t want wits.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And when shall we have the answer from Knowsley?&rsquo; inquired Taper. &lsquo;You
+      anticipate no possible difficulty?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I tell you it is &ldquo;carte blanche,&rdquo;&rsquo; replied Tadpole. &lsquo;Four places in the
+      cabinet. Two secretaryships at the least. Do you happen to know any
+      gentleman of your acquaintance, Mr. Taper, who refuses Secretaryships of
+      State so easily, that you can for an instant doubt of the present
+      arrangement?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I know none indeed,&rsquo; said Mr. Taper, with a grim smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The thing is done,&rsquo; said Mr. Tadpole.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And now for our cry,&rsquo; said Mr. Taper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is not a Cabinet for a good cry,&rsquo; said Tadpole; &lsquo;but then, on the
+      other hand, it is a Cabinet that will sow dissension in the opposite
+      ranks, and prevent them having a good cry.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ancient institutions and modern improvements, I suppose, Mr. Tadpole?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ameliorations is the better word, ameliorations. Nobody knows exactly
+      what it means.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We go strong on the Church?&rsquo; said Mr. Taper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And no repeal of the Malt Tax; you were right, Taper. It can&rsquo;t be
+      listened to for a moment.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Something might be done with prerogative,&rsquo; said Mr. Taper; &lsquo;the King&rsquo;s
+      constitutional choice.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Not too much,&rsquo; replied Mr. Tadpole. &lsquo;It is a raw time yet for
+      prerogative.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! Tadpole,&rsquo; said Mr. Taper, getting a little maudlin; &lsquo;I often think,
+      if the time should ever come, when you and I should be joint Secretaries
+      of the Treasury!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We shall see, we shall see. All we have to do is to get into Parliament,
+      work well together, and keep other men down.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We will do our best,&rsquo; said Taper. &lsquo;A dissolution you hold inevitable?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;How are you and I to get into Parliament if there be not one? We must
+      make it inevitable. I tell you what, Taper, the lists must prove a
+      dissolution inevitable. You understand me? If the present Parliament goes
+      on, where shall we be? We shall have new men cropping up every session.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;True, terribly true,&rsquo; said Mr. Taper. &lsquo;That we should ever live to see a
+      Tory government again! We have reason to be very thankful.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Hush!&rsquo; said Mr. Tadpole. &lsquo;The time has gone by for Tory governments; what
+      the country requires is a sound Conservative government.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A sound Conservative government,&rsquo; said Taper, musingly. &lsquo;I understand:
+      Tory men and Whig measures.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Amid the contentions of party, the fierce struggles of ambition, and the
+      intricacies of political intrigue, let us not forget our Eton friends.
+      During the period which elapsed from the failure of the Duke of Wellington
+      to form a government in 1832, to the failure of Sir Robert Peel to carry
+      on a government in 1835, the boys had entered, and advanced in youth. The
+      ties of friendship which then united several of them had only been
+      confirmed by continued companionship. Coningsby and Henry Sydney, and
+      Buckhurst and Vere, were still bound together by entire sympathy, and by
+      the affection of which sympathy is the only sure spring. But their
+      intimacies had been increased by another familiar friend. There had risen
+      up between Coningsby and Millbank mutual sentiments of deep, and even
+      ardent, regard. Acquaintance had developed the superior qualities of
+      Millbank. His thoughtful and inquiring mind, his inflexible integrity, his
+      stern independence, and yet the engaging union of extreme tenderness of
+      heart with all this strength of character, had won the goodwill, and often
+      excited the admiration, of Coningsby. Our hero, too, was gratified by the
+      affectionate deference that was often shown to him by one who condescended
+      to no other individual; he was proud of having saved the life of a member
+      of their community whom masters and boys alike considered; and he ended by
+      loving the being on whom he had conferred a great obligation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The friends of Coningsby, the sweet-tempered and intelligent Henry Sydney,
+      the fiery and generous Buckhurst, and the calm and sagacious Vere, had
+      ever been favourably inclined to Millbank, and had they not been, the
+      example of Coningsby would soon have influenced them. He had obtained over
+      his intimates the ascendant power, which is the destiny of genius. Nor was
+      this submission of such spirits to be held cheap. Although they were
+      willing to take the colour of their minds from him, they were in intellect
+      and attainments, in personal accomplishments and general character, the
+      leaders of the school; an authority not to be won from five hundred
+      high-spirited boys without the possession of great virtues and great
+      talents.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As for the dominion of Coningsby himself, it was not limited to the
+      immediate circle of his friends. He had become the hero of Eton; the being
+      of whose existence everybody was proud, and in whose career every boy took
+      an interest. They talked of him, they quoted him, they imitated him. Fame
+      and power are the objects of all men. Even their partial fruition is
+      gained by very few; and that too at the expense of social pleasure,
+      health, conscience, life. Yet what power of manhood in passionate
+      intenseness, appealing at the same time to the subject and the votary, can
+      rival that which is exercised by the idolised chieftain of a great public
+      school? What fame of after days equals the rapture of celebrity that
+      thrills the youthful poet, as in tones of rare emotion he recites his
+      triumphant verses amid the devoted plaudits of the flower of England?
+      That&rsquo;s fame, that&rsquo;s power; real, unquestioned, undoubted, catholic. Alas!
+      the schoolboy, when he becomes a man, finds that power, even fame, like
+      everything else, is an affair of party.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby liked very much to talk politics with Millbank. He heard things
+      from Millbank which were new to him. Himself, as he supposed, a high Tory,
+      which he was according to the revelation of the Rigbys, he was also
+      sufficiently familiar with the hereditary tenets of his Whig friend, Lord
+      Vere. Politics had as yet appeared to him a struggle whether the country
+      was to be governed by Whig nobles or Tory nobles; and he thought it very
+      unfortunate that he should probably have to enter life with his friends
+      out of power, and his family boroughs destroyed. But in conversing with
+      Millbank, he heard for the first time of influential classes in the
+      country who were not noble, and were yet determined to acquire power. And
+      although Millbank&rsquo;s views, which were of course merely caught up from his
+      father, without the intervention of his own intelligence, were doubtless
+      crude enough, and were often very acutely canvassed and satisfactorily
+      demolished by the clever prejudices of another school, which Coningsby had
+      at command, still they were, unconsciously to the recipient, materials for
+      thought, and insensibly provoked in his mind a spirit of inquiry into
+      political questions, for which he had a predisposition.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It may be said, indeed, that generally among the upper boys there might be
+      observed at this time, at Eton, a reigning inclination for political
+      discussion. The school truly had at all times been proud of its statesmen
+      and its parliamentary heroes, but this was merely a superficial feeling in
+      comparison with the sentiment which now first became prevalent. The great
+      public questions that were the consequence of the Reform of the House of
+      Commons, had also agitated their young hearts. And especially the
+      controversies that were now rife respecting the nature and character of
+      ecclesiastical establishments, wonderfully addressed themselves to their
+      excited intelligence. They read their newspapers with a keen relish,
+      canvassed debates, and criticised speeches; and although in their debating
+      society, which had been instituted more than a quarter of a century,
+      discussion on topics of the day was prohibited, still by fixing on periods
+      of our history when affairs were analogous to the present, many a youthful
+      orator contrived very effectively to reply to Lord John, or to refute the
+      fallacies of his rival.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As the political opinions predominant in the school were what in ordinary
+      parlance are styled Tory, and indeed were far better entitled to that
+      glorious epithet than the flimsy shifts which their fathers were
+      professing in Parliament and the country; the formation and the fall of
+      Sir Robert Peel&rsquo;s government had been watched by Etonians with great
+      interest, and even excitement. The memorable efforts which the Minister
+      himself made, supported only by the silent votes of his numerous
+      adherents, and contending alone against the multiplied assaults of his
+      able and determined foes, with a spirit equal to the great occasion, and
+      with resources of parliamentary contest which seemed to increase with
+      every exigency; these great and unsupported struggles alone were
+      calculated to gain the sympathy of youthful and generous spirits. The
+      assault on the revenues of the Church; the subsequent crusade against the
+      House of Lords; the display of intellect and courage exhibited by Lord
+      Lyndhurst in that assembly, when all seemed cowed and faint-hearted; all
+      these were incidents or personal traits apt to stir the passions, and
+      create in breasts not yet schooled to repress emotion, a sentiment even of
+      enthusiasm. It is the personal that interests mankind, that fires their
+      imagination, and wins their hearts. A cause is a great abstraction, and
+      fit only for students; embodied in a party, it stirs men to action; but
+      place at the head of that party a leader who can inspire enthusiasm, he
+      commands the world. Divine faculty! Rare and incomparable privilege! A
+      parliamentary leader who possesses it, doubles his majority; and he who
+      has it not, may shroud himself in artificial reserve, and study with
+      undignified arrogance an awkward haughtiness, but he will nevertheless be
+      as far from controlling the spirit as from captivating the hearts of his
+      sullen followers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      However, notwithstanding this general feeling at Eton, in 1835, in favour
+      of &lsquo;Conservative principles,&rsquo; which was, in fact, nothing more than a
+      confused and mingled sympathy with some great political truths, which were
+      at the bottom of every boy&rsquo;s heart, but nowhere else; and with the
+      personal achievements and distinction of the chieftains of the party; when
+      all this hubbub had subsided, and retrospection, in the course of a year,
+      had exercised its moralising influence over the more thoughtful part of
+      the nation, inquiries, at first faint and unpretending, and confined
+      indeed for a long period to limited, though inquisitive, circles, began
+      gently to circulate, what Conservative principles were.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These inquiries, urged indeed with a sort of hesitating scepticism, early
+      reached Eton. They came, no doubt, from the Universities. They were of a
+      character, however, far too subtile and refined to exercise any immediate
+      influence over the minds of youth. To pursue them required previous
+      knowledge and habitual thought. They were not yet publicly prosecuted by
+      any school of politicians, or any section of the public press. They had
+      not a local habitation or a name. They were whispered in conversation by a
+      few. A tutor would speak of them in an esoteric vein to a favourite pupil,
+      in whose abilities he had confidence, and whose future position in life
+      would afford him the opportunity of influencing opinion. Among others,
+      they fell upon the ear of Coningsby. They were addressed to a mind which
+      was prepared for such researches.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There is a Library at Eton formed by the boys and governed by the boys;
+      one of those free institutions which are the just pride of that noble
+      school, which shows the capacity of the boys for self-government, and
+      which has sprung from the large freedom that has been wisely conceded
+      them, the prudence of which confidence has been proved by their rarely
+      abusing it. This Library has been formed by subscriptions of the present
+      and still more by the gifts of old Etonians. Among the honoured names of
+      these donors may be remarked those of the Grenvilles and Lord Wellesley;
+      nor should we forget George IV., who enriched the collection with a
+      magnificent copy of the Delphin Classics. The Institution is governed by
+      six directors, the three first Collegers and the three first Oppidans for
+      the time being; and the subscribers are limited to the one hundred senior
+      members of the school.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It is only to be regretted that the collection is not so extensive at it
+      is interesting and choice. Perhaps its existence is not so generally known
+      as it deserves to be. One would think that every Eton man would be as
+      proud of his name being registered as a donor in the Catalogue of this
+      Library, as a Venetian of his name being inscribed in the Golden Book.
+      Indeed an old Etonian, who still remembers with tenderness the sacred
+      scene of youth, could scarcely do better than build a Gothic apartment for
+      the reception of the collection. It cannot be doubted that the Provost and
+      fellows would be gratified in granting a piece of ground for the purpose.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Great were the obligations of Coningsby to this Eton Library. It
+      introduced him to that historic lore, that accumulation of facts and
+      incidents illustrative of political conduct, for which he had imbibed an
+      early relish. His study was especially directed to the annals of his own
+      country, in which youth, and not youth alone, is frequently so deficient.
+      This collection could afford him Clarendon and Burnet, and the authentic
+      volumes of Coxe: these were rich materials for one anxious to be versed in
+      the great parliamentary story of his country. During the last year of his
+      stay at Eton, when he had completed his eighteenth year, Coningsby led a
+      more retired life than previously; he read much, and pondered with all the
+      pride of acquisition over his increasing knowledge.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And now the hour has come when this youth is to be launched into a world
+      more vast than that in which he has hitherto sojourned, yet for which this
+      microcosm has been no ill preparation. He will become more wise; will he
+      remain as generous? His ambition may be as great; will it be as noble?
+      What, indeed, is to be the future of this existence that is now to be sent
+      forth into the great aggregate of entities? Is it an ordinary organisation
+      that will jostle among the crowd, and be jostled? Is it a finer
+      temperament, susceptible of receiving the impressions and imbibing the
+      inspirations of superior yet sympathising spirits? Or is it a primordial
+      and creative mind; one that will say to his fellows, &lsquo;Behold, God has
+      given me thought; I have discovered truth, and you shall believe?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The night before Coningsby left Eton, alone in his room, before he retired
+      to rest, he opened the lattice and looked for the last time upon the
+      landscape before him; the stately keep of Windsor, the bowery meads of
+      Eton, soft in the summer moon and still in the summer night. He gazed upon
+      them; his countenance had none of the exultation, that under such
+      circumstances might have distinguished a more careless glance, eager for
+      fancied emancipation and passionate for a novel existence. Its expression
+      was serious, even sad; and he covered his brow with his hand.
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      END OF BOOK II.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0025" id="link2H_4_0025"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      BOOK III.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER I.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      There are few things more full of delight and splendour, than to travel
+      during the heat of a refulgent summer in the green district of some
+      ancient forest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In one of our midland counties there is a region of this character, to
+      which, during a season of peculiar lustre, we would introduce the reader.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was a fragment of one of those vast sylvan tracts wherein Norman kings
+      once hunted, and Saxon outlaws plundered; and although the plough had for
+      centuries successfully invaded brake and bower, the relics retained all
+      their original character of wildness and seclusion. Sometimes the green
+      earth was thickly studded with groves of huge and vigorous oaks,
+      intersected with those smooth and sunny glades, that seem as if they must
+      be cut for dames and knights to saunter on. Then again the undulating
+      ground spread on all sides, far as the eye could range, covered with copse
+      and fern of immense growth. Anon you found yourself in a turfy wilderness,
+      girt in apparently by dark woods. And when you had wound your way a little
+      through this gloomy belt, the landscape still strictly sylvan, would
+      beautifully expand with every combination and variety of woodland; while
+      in its centre, the wildfowl covered the waters of a lake, and the deer
+      basked on the knolls that abounded on its banks.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was in the month of August, some six or seven years ago, that a
+      traveller on foot, touched, as he emerged from the dark wood, by the
+      beauty of this scene, threw himself under the shade of a spreading tree,
+      and stretched his limbs on the turf for enjoyment rather than repose. The
+      sky was deep-coloured and without a cloud, save here and there a minute,
+      sultry, burnished vapour, almost as glossy as the heavens. Everything was
+      still as it was bright; all seemed brooding and basking; the bee upon its
+      wing was the only stirring sight, and its song the only sound.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The traveller fell into a reverie. He was young, and therefore his musings
+      were of the future. He had felt the pride of learning, so ennobling to
+      youth; he was not a stranger to the stirring impulses of a high ambition,
+      though the world to him was as yet only a world of books, and all that he
+      knew of the schemes of statesmen and the passions of the people, were to
+      be found in their annals. Often had his fitful fancy dwelt with
+      fascination on visions of personal distinction, of future celebrity,
+      perhaps even of enduring fame. But his dreams were of another colour now.
+      The surrounding scene, so fair, so still, and sweet; so abstracted from
+      all the tumult of the world, its strife, its passions, and its cares: had
+      fallen on his heart with its soft and subduing spirit; had fallen on a
+      heart still pure and innocent, the heart of one who, notwithstanding all
+      his high resolves and daring thoughts, was blessed with that tenderness of
+      soul which is sometimes linked with an ardent imagination and a strong
+      will. The traveller was an orphan, more than that, a solitary orphan. The
+      sweet sedulousness of a mother&rsquo;s love, a sister&rsquo;s mystical affection, had
+      not cultivated his early susceptibility. No soft pathos of expression had
+      appealed to his childish ear. He was alone, among strangers calmly and
+      coldly kind. It must indeed have been a truly gentle disposition that
+      could have withstood such hard neglect. All that he knew of the power of
+      the softer passions might be found in the fanciful and romantic annals of
+      schoolboy friendship.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And those friends too, so fond, so sympathising, so devoted, where were
+      they now? Already they were dispersed; the first great separation of life
+      had been experienced; the former schoolboy had planted his foot on the
+      threshold of manhood. True, many of them might meet again; many of them
+      the University must again unite, but never with the same feelings. The
+      space of time, passed in the world before they again met, would be an age
+      of sensation, passion, experience to all of them. They would meet again
+      with altered mien, with different manners, different voices. Their eyes
+      would not shine with the same light; they would not speak the same words.
+      The favourite phrases of their intimacy, the mystic sounds that spoke only
+      to their initiated ear, they would be ashamed to use them. Yes, they might
+      meet again, but the gushing and secret tenderness was gone for ever.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Nor could our pensive youth conceal it from himself that it was affection,
+      and mainly affection, that had bound him to these dear companions. They
+      could not be to him what he had been to them. His had been the inspiring
+      mind that had guided their opinions, formed their tastes, directed the
+      bent and tenor of their lives and thoughts. Often, indeed, had he needed,
+      sometimes he had even sighed for, the companionship of an equal or
+      superior mind; one who, by the comprehension of his thought, and the
+      richness of his knowledge, and the advantage of his experience, might
+      strengthen and illuminate and guide his obscure or hesitating or
+      unpractised intelligence. He had scarcely been fortunate in this respect,
+      and he deeply regretted it; for he was one of those who was not content
+      with excelling in his own circle, if he thought there was one superior to
+      it. Absolute, not relative distinction, was his noble aim.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Alone, in a lonely scene, he doubly felt the solitude of his life and
+      mind. His heart and his intellect seemed both to need a companion. Books,
+      and action, and deep thought, might in time supply the want of that
+      intellectual guide; but for the heart, where was he to find solace?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Ah! if she would but come forth from that shining lake like a beautiful
+      Ondine! Ah, if she would but step out from the green shade of that secret
+      grove like a Dryad of sylvan Greece! O mystery of mysteries, when youth
+      dreams his first dream over some imaginary heroine!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Suddenly the brooding wildfowl rose from the bosom of the lake, soared in
+      the air, and, uttering mournful shrieks, whirled in agitated tumult. The
+      deer started from their knolls, no longer sunny, stared around, and rushed
+      into the woods. Coningsby raised his eyes from the turf on which they had
+      been long fixed in abstraction, and he observed that the azure sky had
+      vanished, a thin white film had suddenly spread itself over the heavens,
+      and the wind moaned with a sad and fitful gust.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He had some reason to believe that on the other side of the opposite wood
+      the forest was intersected by a public road, and that there were some
+      habitations. Immediately rising, he descended at a rapid pace into the
+      valley, passed the lake, and then struck into the ascending wood on the
+      bank opposite to that on which he had mused away some precious time.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The wind howled, the branches of the forest stirred, and sent forth sounds
+      like an incantation. Soon might be distinguished the various voices of the
+      mighty trees, as they expressed their terror or their agony. The oak
+      roared, the beech shrieked, the elm sent forth its deep and long-drawn
+      groan; while ever and anon, amid a momentary pause, the passion of the ash
+      was heard in moans of thrilling anguish.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby hurried on, the forest became less close. All that he aspired to
+      was to gain more open country. Now he was in a rough flat land, covered
+      only here and there with dwarf underwood; the horizon bounded at no great
+      distance by a barren hill of moderate elevation. He gained its height with
+      ease. He looked over a vast open country like a wild common; in the
+      extreme distance hills covered with woods; the plain intersected by two
+      good roads: the sky entirely clouded, but in the distance black as ebony.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A place of refuge was at hand: screened from his first glance by some
+      elm-trees, the ascending smoke now betrayed a roof, which Coningsby
+      reached before the tempest broke. The forest-inn was also a farmhouse.
+      There was a comfortable-enough looking kitchen; but the ingle nook was
+      full of smokers, and Coningsby was glad to avail himself of the only
+      private room for the simple meal which they offered him, only eggs and
+      bacon; but very welcome to a pedestrian, and a hungry one.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As he stood at the window of his little apartment, watching the large
+      drops that were the heralds of a coming hurricane, and waiting for his
+      repast, a flash of lightning illumined the whole country, and a horseman
+      at full speed, followed by his groom, galloped up to the door.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The remarkable beauty of the animal so attracted Coningsby&rsquo;s attention
+      that it prevented him catching even a glimpse of the rider, who rapidly
+      dismounted and entered the inn. The host shortly after came in and asked
+      Coningsby whether he had any objection to a gentleman, who was driven
+      there by the storm, sharing his room until it subsided. The consequence of
+      the immediate assent of Coningsby was, that the landlord retired and soon
+      returned, ushering in an individual, who, though perhaps ten years older
+      than Coningsby, was still, according to Hippocrates, in the period of
+      lusty youth. He was above the middle height, and of a distinguished air
+      and figure; pale, with an impressive brow, and dark eyes of great
+      intelligence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am glad that we have both escaped the storm,&rsquo; said the stranger; &lsquo;and I
+      am greatly indebted to you for your courtesy.&rsquo; He slightly and graciously
+      bowed, as he spoke in a voice of remarkable clearness; and his manner,
+      though easy, was touched with a degree of dignity that was engaging.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The inn is a common home,&rsquo; replied Coningsby, returning his salute.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And free from cares,&rsquo; added the stranger. Then, looking through the
+      window, he said, &lsquo;A strange storm this. I was sauntering in the sunshine,
+      when suddenly I found I had to gallop for my life. &lsquo;Tis more like a white
+      squall in the Mediterranean than anything else.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I never was in the Mediterranean,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;There is nothing I
+      should like so much as to travel.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You are travelling,&rsquo; rejoined his companion. &lsquo;Every moment is travel, if
+      understood.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! but the Mediterranean!&rsquo; exclaimed Coningsby. &lsquo;What would I not give
+      to see Athens!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have seen it,&rsquo; said the stranger, slightly shrugging his shoulders,
+      &lsquo;and more wonderful things. Phantoms and spectres!&rsquo;
+</p>
+    <p>
+&lsquo;The Age of Ruins is
+      past. Have you seen Manchester?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have seen nothing,&rsquo; said Coningsby; &lsquo;this is my first wandering. I am
+      about to visit a friend who lives in this county, and I have sent on my
+      baggage as I could. For myself, I determined to trust to a less
+      common-place conveyance.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And seek adventures,&rsquo; said the stranger, smiling, &lsquo;Well, according to
+      Cervantes, they should begin in an inn.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I fear that the age of adventures is past, as well as that of ruins,&rsquo;
+      replied Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Adventures are to the adventurous,&rsquo; said the stranger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this moment a pretty serving-maid entered the room. She laid the dapper
+      cloth and arranged the table with a self-possession quite admirable. She
+      seemed unconscious that any being was in the chamber except herself, or
+      that there were any other duties to perform in life beyond filling a
+      saltcellar or folding a napkin.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;She does not even look at us,&rsquo; said Coningsby, when she had quitted the
+      room; &lsquo;and I dare say is only a prude.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;She is calm,&rsquo; said the stranger, &lsquo;because she is mistress of her subject;
+      &lsquo;tis the secret of self-possession. She is here as a duchess at court.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They brought in Coningsby&rsquo;s meal, and he invited the stranger to join him.
+      The invitation was accepted with cheerfulness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;&rsquo;Tis but simple fare,&rsquo; said Coningsby, as the maiden uncovered the still
+      hissing bacon and the eggs, that looked like tufts of primroses.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Nay, a national dish,&rsquo; said the stranger, glancing quickly at the table,
+      &lsquo;whose fame is a proverb. And what more should we expect under a simple
+      roof! How much better than an omelette or a greasy olla, that they would
+      give us in a posada! &lsquo;Tis a wonderful country this England! What a napkin!
+      How spotless! And so sweet; I declare &lsquo;tis a perfume. There is not a
+      princess throughout the South of Europe served with the cleanliness that
+      meets us in this cottage.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;An inheritance from our Saxon fathers?&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;I apprehend the
+      northern nations have a greater sense of cleanliness, of propriety, of
+      what we call comfort?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By no means,&rsquo; said the stranger; &lsquo;the East is the land of the Bath. Moses
+      and Mahomet made cleanliness religion.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You will let me help you?&rsquo; said Coningsby, offering him a plate which he
+      had filled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I thank you,&rsquo; said the stranger, &lsquo;but it is one of my bread days. With
+      your permission this shall be my dish;&rsquo; and he cut from the large loaf a
+      supply of crusts.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;&rsquo;Tis but unsavoury fare after a gallop,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! you are proud of your bacon and your eggs,&rsquo; said the stranger,
+      smiling, &lsquo;but I love corn and wine. They are our chief and our oldest
+      luxuries. Time has brought us substitutes, but how inferior! Man has
+      deified corn and wine! but not even the Chinese or the Irish have raised
+      temples to tea and potatoes.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But Ceres without Bacchus,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;how does that do? Think you,
+      under this roof, we could Invoke the god?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Let us swear by his body that we will try,&rsquo; said the stranger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Alas! the landlord was not a priest to Bacchus. But then these inquiries
+      led to the finest perry in the world. The young men agreed they had seldom
+      tasted anything more delicious; they sent for another bottle. Coningsby,
+      who was much interested by his new companion, enjoyed himself amazingly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A cheese, such as Derby alone can produce, could not induce the stranger
+      to be even partially inconstant to his crusts. But his talk was as
+      vivacious as if the talker had been stimulated by the juices of the finest
+      banquet. Coningsby had never met or read of any one like this chance
+      companion. His sentences were so short, his language so racy, his voice
+      rang so clear, his elocution was so complete. On all subjects his mind
+      seemed to be instructed, and his opinions formed. He flung out a result in
+      a few words; he solved with a phrase some deep problem that men muse over
+      for years. He said many things that were strange, yet they immediately
+      appeared to be true. Then, without the slightest air of pretension or
+      parade, he seemed to know everybody as well as everything. Monarchs,
+      statesmen, authors, adventurers, of all descriptions and of all climes, if
+      their names occurred in the conversation, he described them in an
+      epigrammatic sentence, or revealed their precise position, character,
+      calibre, by a curt dramatic trait. All this, too, without any excitement
+      of manner; on the contrary, with repose amounting almost to nonchalance.
+      If his address had any fault in it, it was rather a deficiency of
+      earnestness. A slight spirit of mockery played over his speech even when
+      you deemed him most serious; you were startled by his sudden transitions
+      from profound thought to poignant sarcasm. A very singular freedom from
+      passion and prejudice on every topic on which they treated, might be some
+      compensation for this want of earnestness, perhaps was its consequence.
+      Certainly it was difficult to ascertain his precise opinions on many
+      subjects, though his manner was frank even to abandonment. And yet
+      throughout his whole conversation, not a stroke of egotism, not a word,
+      not a circumstance escaped him, by which you could judge of his position
+      or purposes in life. As little did he seem to care to discover those of
+      his companion. He did not by any means monopolise the conversation. Far
+      from it; he continually asked questions, and while he received answers, or
+      had engaged his fellow-traveller in any exposition of his opinion or
+      feelings, he listened with a serious and fixed attention, looking
+      Coningsby in the face with a steadfast glance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I perceive,&rsquo; said Coningsby, pursuing a strain of thought which the other
+      had indicated, &lsquo;that you have great confidence in the influence of
+      individual character. I also have some confused persuasions of that kind.
+      But it is not the Spirit of the Age.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The age does not believe in great men, because it does not possess any,&rsquo;
+      replied the stranger. &lsquo;The Spirit of the Age is the very thing that a
+      great man changes.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But does he not rather avail himself of it?&rsquo; inquired Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Parvenus do,&rsquo; rejoined his companion; &lsquo;but not prophets, great
+      legislators, great conquerors. They destroy and they create.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But are these times for great legislators and great conquerors?&rsquo; urged
+      Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;When were they wanted more?&rsquo; asked the stranger. &lsquo;From the throne to the
+      hovel all call for a guide. You give monarchs constitutions to teach them
+      sovereignty, and nations Sunday-schools to inspire them with faith.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But what is an individual,&rsquo; exclaimed Coningsby, &lsquo;against a vast public
+      opinion?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Divine,&rsquo; said the stranger. &lsquo;God made man in His own image; but the
+      Public is made by Newspapers, Members of Parliament, Excise Officers, Poor
+      Law Guardians. Would Philip have succeeded if Epaminondas had not been
+      slain? And if Philip had not succeeded? Would Prussia have existed had
+      Frederick not been born? And if Frederick had not been born? What would
+      have been the fate of the Stuarts if Prince Henry had not died, and
+      Charles I., as was intended, had been Archbishop of Canterbury?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But when men are young they want experience,&rsquo; said Coningsby; &lsquo;and when
+      they have gained experience, they want energy.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Great men never want experience,&rsquo; said the stranger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But everybody says that experience&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Is the best thing in the world, a treasure for you, for me, for millions.
+      But for a creative mind, less than nothing. Almost everything that is
+      great has been done by youth.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is at least a creed flattering to our years,&rsquo; said Coningsby, with a
+      smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Nay,&rsquo; said the stranger; &lsquo;for life in general there is but one decree.
+      Youth is a blunder; Manhood a struggle; Old Age a regret. Do not suppose,&rsquo;
+      he added, smiling, &lsquo;that I hold that youth is genius; all that I say is,
+      that genius, when young, is divine. Why, the greatest captains of ancient
+      and modern times both conquered Italy at five-and-twenty! Youth, extreme
+      youth, overthrew the Persian Empire. Don John of Austria won Lepanto at
+      twenty-five, the greatest battle of modern time; had it not been for the
+      jealousy of Philip, the next year he would have been Emperor of
+      Mauritania. Gaston de Foix was only twenty-two when he stood a victor on
+      the plain of Ravenna. Every one remembers Condé and Rocroy at the same
+      age. Gustavus Adolphus died at thirty-eight. Look at his captains: that
+      wonderful Duke of Weimar, only thirty-six when he died. Banier himself,
+      after all his miracles, died at forty-five. Cortes was little more than
+      thirty when he gazed upon the golden cupolas of Mexico. When Maurice of
+      Saxony died at thirty-two, all Europe acknowledged the loss of the
+      greatest captain and the profoundest statesman of the age. Then there is
+      Nelson, Clive; but these are warriors, and perhaps you may think there are
+      greater things than war. I do not: I worship the Lord of Hosts. But take
+      the most illustrious achievements of civil prudence. Innocent III., the
+      greatest of the Popes, was the despot of Christendom at thirty-seven. John
+      de Medici was a Cardinal at fifteen, and according to Guicciardini,
+      baffled with his statecraft Ferdinand of Arragon himself. He was Pope as
+      Leo X. at thirty-seven. Luther robbed even him of his richest province at
+      thirty-five. Take Ignatius Loyola and John Wesley, they worked with young
+      brains. Ignatius was only thirty when he made his pilgrimage and wrote the
+      &ldquo;Spiritual Exercises.&rdquo; Pascal wrote a great work at sixteen, and died at
+      thirty-seven, the greatest of Frenchmen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! that fatal thirty-seven, which reminds me of Byron, greater even as a
+      man than a writer. Was it experience that guided the pencil of Raphael
+      when he painted the palaces of Rome? He, too, died at thirty-seven.
+      Richelieu was Secretary of State at thirty-one. Well then, there were
+      Bolingbroke and Pitt, both ministers before other men left off cricket.
+      Grotius was in great practice at seventeen, and Attorney-General at
+      twenty-four. And Acquaviva; Acquaviva was General of the Jesuits, ruled
+      every cabinet in Europe, and colonised America before he was thirty-seven.
+      What a career!&rsquo; exclaimed the stranger; rising from his chair and walking
+      up and down the room; &lsquo;the secret sway of Europe! That was indeed a
+      position! But it is needless to multiply instances! The history of Heroes
+      is the history of Youth.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah!&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;I should like to be a great man.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The stranger threw at him a scrutinising glance. His countenance was
+      serious. He said in a voice of almost solemn melody:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Nurture your mind with great thoughts. To believe in the heroic makes
+      heroes.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You seem to me a hero,&rsquo; said Coningsby, in a tone of real feeling, which,
+      half ashamed of his emotion, he tried to turn into playfulness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am and must ever be,&rsquo; said the stranger, &lsquo;but a dreamer of dreams.&rsquo;
+      Then going towards the window, and changing into a familiar tone as if to
+      divert the conversation, he added, &lsquo;What a delicious afternoon! I look
+      forward to my ride with delight. You rest here?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No; I go on to Nottingham, where I shall sleep.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And I in the opposite direction.&rsquo; And he rang the bell, and ordered his
+      horse.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I long to see your mare again,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;She seemed to me so
+      beautiful.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;She is not only of pure race,&rsquo; said the stranger, &lsquo;but of the highest and
+      rarest breed in Arabia. Her name is &ldquo;the Daughter of the Star.&rdquo; She is a
+      foal of that famous mare, which belonged to the Prince of the Wahabees;
+      and to possess which, I believe, was one of the principal causes of war
+      between that tribe and the Egyptians. The Pacha of Egypt gave her to me,
+      and I would not change her for her statue in pure gold, even carved by
+      Lysippus. Come round to the stable and see her.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They went out together. It was a soft sunny afternoon; the air fresh from
+      the rain, but mild and exhilarating.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The groom brought forth the mare. &lsquo;The Daughter of the Star&rsquo; stood before
+      Coningsby with her sinewy shape of matchless symmetry; her burnished skin,
+      black mane, legs like those of an antelope, her little ears, dark speaking
+      eye, and tail worthy of a Pacha. And who was her master, and whither was
+      she about to take him?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby was so naturally well-bred, that we may be sure it was not
+      curiosity; no, it was a finer feeling that made him hesitate and think a
+      little, and then say:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sorry to part.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I also,&rsquo; said the stranger. &lsquo;But life is constant separation.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I hope we may meet again,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If our acquaintance be worth preserving,&rsquo; said the stranger, &lsquo;you may be
+      sure it will not be lost.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But mine is not worth preserving,&rsquo; said Coningsby, earnestly. &lsquo;It is
+      yours that is the treasure. You teach me things of which I have long
+      mused.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The stranger took the bridle of &lsquo;the Daughter of the Star,&rsquo; and turning
+      round with a faint smile, extended his hand to his companion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Your mind at least is nurtured with great thoughts,&rsquo; said Coningsby;
+      &lsquo;your actions should be heroic.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Action is not for me,&rsquo; said the stranger; &lsquo;I am of that faith that the
+      Apostles professed before they followed their master.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He vaulted into his saddle, &lsquo;the Daughter of the Star&rsquo; bounded away as if
+      she scented the air of the Desert from which she and her rider had alike
+      sprung, and Coningsby remained in profound meditation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER II.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The day after his adventure at the Forest Inn, Coningsby arrived at
+      Beaumanoir. It was several years since he had visited the family of his
+      friend, who were indeed also his kin; and in his boyish days had often
+      proved that they were not unmindful of the affinity. This was a visit that
+      had been long counted on, long promised, and which a variety of
+      circumstances had hitherto prevented. It was to have been made by the
+      schoolboy; it was to be fulfilled by the man. For no less a character
+      could Coningsby under any circumstances now consent to claim, since he was
+      closely verging to the completion of his nineteenth year; and it appeared
+      manifest that if it were his destiny to do anything great, he had but few
+      years to wait before the full development of his power. Visions of Gastons
+      de Foix and Maurices of Saxony, statesmen giving up cricket to govern
+      nations, beardless Jesuits plunged in profound abstraction in omnipotent
+      cabinets, haunted his fancy from the moment he had separated from his
+      mysterious and deeply interesting companion. To nurture his mind with
+      great thoughts had ever been Coningsby&rsquo;s inspiring habit. Was it also
+      destined that he should achieve the heroic?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There are some books, when we close them; one or two in the course of our
+      life, difficult as it may be to analyse or ascertain the cause; our minds
+      seem to have made a great leap. A thousand obscure things receive light; a
+      multitude of indefinite feelings are determined. Our intellect grasps and
+      grapples with all subjects with a capacity, a flexibility, and a vigour,
+      before unknown to us. It masters questions hitherto perplexing, which are
+      not even touched or referred to in the volume just closed. What is this
+      magic? It is the spirit of the supreme author, by a magentic influence
+      blending with our sympathising intelligence, that directs and inspires it.
+      By that mysterious sensibility we extend to questions which he has not
+      treated, the same intellectual force which he has exercised over those
+      which he has expounded. His genius for a time remains in us. &lsquo;Tis the same
+      with human beings as with books. All of us encounter, at least once in our
+      life, some individual who utters words that make us think for ever.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There are men whose phrases are oracles; who condense in a sentence the
+      secrets of life; who blurt out an aphorism that forms a character or
+      illustrates an existence. A great thing is a great book; but greater than
+      all is the talk of a great man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And what is a great man? Is it a Minister of State? Is it a victorious
+      General? A gentleman in the Windsor uniform? A Field Marshal covered with
+      stars? Is it a Prelate, or a Prince? A King, even an Emperor? It may be
+      all these; yet these, as we must all daily feel, are not necessarily great
+      men. A great man is one who affects the mind of his generation: whether he
+      be a monk in his cloister agitating Christendom, or a monarch crossing the
+      Granicus, and giving a new character to the Pagan World.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Our young Coningsby reached Beaumanoir in a state of meditation. He also
+      desired to be great. Not from the restless vanity that sometimes impels
+      youth to momentary exertion, by which they sometimes obtain a distinction
+      as evanescent as their energy. The ambition of our hero was altogether of
+      a different character. It was, indeed, at present not a little vague,
+      indefinite, hesitating, inquiring, sometimes desponding. What were his
+      powers? what should be his aim? were often to him, as to all young
+      aspirants, questions infinitely perplexing and full of pain. But, on the
+      whole, there ran through his character, notwithstanding his many dazzling
+      qualities and accomplishments, and his juvenile celebrity, which has
+      spoiled so much promise, a vein of grave simplicity that was the
+      consequence of an earnest temper, and of an intellect that would be
+      content with nothing short of the profound.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His was a mind that loved to pursue every question to the centre. But it
+      was not a spirit of scepticism that impelled this habit; on the contrary,
+      it was the spirit of faith. Coningsby found that he was born in an age of
+      infidelity in all things, and his heart assured him that a want of faith
+      was a want of nature. But his vigorous intellect could not take refuge in
+      that maudlin substitute for belief which consists in a patronage of
+      fantastic theories. He needed that deep and enduring conviction that the
+      heart and the intellect, feeling and reason united, can alone supply. He
+      asked himself why governments were hated, and religions despised? Why
+      loyalty was dead, and reverence only a galvanised corpse?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These were indeed questions that had as yet presented themselves to his
+      thought in a crude and imperfect form; but their very occurrence showed
+      the strong predisposition of his mind. It was because he had not found
+      guides among his elders, that his thoughts had been turned to the
+      generation that he himself represented. The sentiment of veneration was so
+      developed in his nature, that he was exactly the youth that would have
+      hung with enthusiastic humility on the accents of some sage of old in the
+      groves of Academus, or the porch of Zeno. But as yet he had found age only
+      perplexed and desponding; manhood only callous and desperate. Some thought
+      that systems would last their time; others, that something would turn up.
+      His deep and pious spirit recoiled with disgust and horror from such lax,
+      chance-medley maxims, that would, in their consequences, reduce man to the
+      level of the brutes. Notwithstanding a prejudice which had haunted him
+      from his childhood, he had, when the occasion offered, applied to Mr.
+      Rigby for instruction, as one distinguished in the republic of letters, as
+      well as the realm of politics; who assumed the guidance of the public
+      mind, and, as the phrase runs, was looked up to. Mr. Rigby listened at
+      first to the inquiries of Coningsby, urged, as they ever were, with a
+      modesty and deference which do not always characterise juvenile
+      investigations, as if Coningsby were speaking to him of the unknown
+      tongues. But Mr. Rigby was not a man who ever confessed himself at fault.
+      He caught up something of the subject as our young friend proceeded, and
+      was perfectly prepared, long before he had finished, to take the whole
+      conversation into his own hands.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Rigby began by ascribing everything to the Reform Bill, and then
+      referred to several of his own speeches on Schedule A. Then he told
+      Coningsby that want of religious Faith was solely occasioned by want of
+      churches; and want of Loyalty, by George IV. having shut himself up too
+      much at the cottage in Windsor Park, entirely against the advice of Mr.
+      Rigby. He assured Coningsby that the Church Commission was operating
+      wonders, and that with private benevolence, he had himself subscribed
+      1,000<i>l.</i>, for Lord Monmouth, we should soon have churches enough.
+      The great question now was their architecture. Had George IV. lived all
+      would have been right. They would have been built on the model of the
+      Budhist pagoda. As for Loyalty, if the present King went regularly to
+      Ascot races, he had no doubt all would go right. Finally, Mr. Rigby
+      impressed on Coningsby to read the Quarterly Review with great attention;
+      and to make himself master of Mr. Wordy&rsquo;s History of the late War, in
+      twenty volumes, a capital work, which proves that Providence was on the
+      side of the Tories.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby did not reply to Mr. Rigby again; but worked on with his own
+      mind, coming often enough to sufficiently crude conclusions, and often
+      much perplexed and harassed. He tried occasionally his inferences on his
+      companions, who were intelligent and full of fervour. Millbank was more
+      than this. He was of a thoughtful mood; had also caught up from a new
+      school some principles, which were materials for discussion. One way or
+      other, however, before he quitted Eton there prevailed among this circle
+      of friends, the initial idea doubtless emanating from Coningsby, an
+      earnest, though a rather vague, conviction that the present state of
+      feeling in matters both civil and religious was not healthy; that there
+      must be substituted for this latitudinarianism something sound and deep,
+      fervent and well defined, and that the priests of this new faith must be
+      found among the New Generation; so that when the bright-minded rider of
+      &lsquo;the Daughter of the Star&rsquo; descanted on the influence of individual
+      character, of great thoughts and heroic actions, and the divine power of
+      youth and genius, he touched a string that was the very heart-chord of his
+      companion, who listened with fascinated enthusiasm as he introduced him to
+      his gallery of inspiring models.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby arrived at Beaumanoir at a season when men can neither hunt nor
+      shoot. Great internal resources should be found in a country family under
+      such circumstances. The Duke and Duchess had returned from London only a
+      few days with their daughter, who had been presented this year. They were
+      all glad to find themselves again in the country, which they loved and
+      which loved them. One of their sons-in-law and his wife, and Henry Sydney,
+      completed the party.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There are few conjunctures in life of a more startling interest, than to
+      meet the pretty little girl that we have gambolled with in our boyhood,
+      and to find her changed in the lapse of a very few years, which in some
+      instances may not have brought a corresponding alteration in our own
+      appearance, into a beautiful woman. Something of this flitted over
+      Coningsby&rsquo;s mind, as he bowed, a little agitated from his surprise, to
+      Lady Theresa Sydney. All that he remembered had prepared him for beauty;
+      but not for the degree or character of beauty that he met. It was a rich,
+      sweet face, with blue eyes and dark lashes, and a nose that we have no
+      epithet in English to describe, but which charmed in Roxalana. Her brown
+      hair fell over her white and well turned shoulders in long and luxuriant
+      tresses. One has met something as brilliant and dainty in a medallion of
+      old Sèvres, or amid the terraces and gardens of Watteau.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Perhaps Lady Theresa, too, might have welcomed him with more freedom had
+      his appearance also more accorded with the image which he had left behind.
+      Coningsby was a boy then, as we described him in our first chapter. Though
+      only nineteen now, he had attained his full stature, which was above the
+      middle height, and time had fulfilled that promise of symmetry in his
+      figure, and grace in his mien, then so largely intimated. Time, too, which
+      had not yet robbed his countenance of any of its physical beauty, had
+      strongly developed the intellectual charm by which it had ever been
+      distinguished. As he bowed lowly before the Duchess and her daughter, it
+      would have been difficult to imagine a youth of a mien more prepossessing
+      and a manner more finished.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A manner that was spontaneous; nature&rsquo;s pure gift, the reflex of his
+      feeling. No artifice prompted that profound and polished homage. Not one
+      of those influences, the aggregate of whose sway produces, as they tell
+      us, the finished gentleman, had ever exercised its beneficent power on our
+      orphan, and not rarely forlorn, Coningsby. No clever and refined woman,
+      with her quick perception, and nice criticism that never offends our
+      self-love, had ever given him that education that is more precious than
+      Universities. The mild suggestions of a sister, the gentle raillery of
+      some laughing cousin, are also advantages not always appreciated at the
+      time, but which boys, when they have become men, often think over with
+      gratitude, and a little remorse at the ungracious spirit in which they
+      were received. Not even the dancing-master had afforded his mechanical aid
+      to Coningsby, who, like all Eton boys of his generation, viewed that
+      professor of accomplishments with frank repugnance. But even in the
+      boisterous life of school, Coningsby, though his style was free and
+      flowing, was always well-bred. His spirit recoiled from that gross
+      familiarity that is the characteristic of modern manners, and which would
+      destroy all forms and ceremonies merely because they curb and control
+      their own coarse convenience and ill-disguised selfishness. To women,
+      however, Coningsby instinctively bowed, as to beings set apart for
+      reverence and delicate treatment. Little as his experience was of them,
+      his spirit had been fed with chivalrous fancies, and he entertained for
+      them all the ideal devotion of a Surrey or a Sydney. Instructed, if not
+      learned, as books and thought had already made him in men, he could not
+      conceive that there were any other women in the world than fair Geraldines
+      and Countesses of Pembroke.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was not a country-house in England that had so completely the air of
+      habitual residence as Beaumanoir. It is a charming trait, and very rare.
+      In many great mansions everything is as stiff, formal, and tedious, as if
+      your host were a Spanish grandee in the days of the Inquisition. No ease,
+      no resources; the passing life seems a solemn spectacle in which you play
+      a part. How delightful was the morning room at Beaumanoir; from which
+      gentlemen were not excluded with that assumed suspicion that they can
+      never enter it but for felonious purposes. Such a profusion of flowers!
+      Such a multitude of books! Such a various prodigality of writing
+      materials! So many easy chairs too, of so many shapes; each in itself a
+      comfortable home; yet nothing crowded. Woman alone can organise a
+      drawing-room; man succeeds sometimes in a library. And the ladies&rsquo; work!
+      How graceful they look bending over their embroidery frames, consulting
+      over the arrangement of a group, or the colour of a flower. The panniers
+      and fanciful baskets, overflowing with variegated worsted, are gay and
+      full of pleasure to the eye, and give an air of elegant business that is
+      vivifying. Even the sight of employment interests.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the morning costume of English women is itself a beautiful work of
+      art. At this period of the day they can find no rivals in other climes.
+      The brilliant complexions of the daughters of the north dazzle in
+      daylight; the illumined saloon levels all distinctions. One should see
+      them in their well-fashioned muslin dresses. What matrons, and what
+      maidens! Full of graceful dignity, fresher than the morn! And the married
+      beauty in her little lace cap. Ah, she is a coquette! A charming character
+      at all times; in a country-house an invaluable one.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A coquette is a being who wishes to please. Amiable being! If you do not
+      like her, you will have no difficulty in finding a female companion of a
+      different mood. Alas! coquettes are but too rare. &lsquo;Tis a career that
+      requires great abilities, infinite pains, a gay and airy spirit. &lsquo;Tis the
+      coquette that provides all amusement; suggests the riding party, plans the
+      picnic, gives and guesses charades, acts them. She is the stirring element
+      amid the heavy congeries of social atoms; the soul of the house, the salt
+      of the banquet. Let any one pass a very agreeable week, or it may be ten
+      days, under any roof, and analyse the cause of his satisfaction, and one
+      might safely make a gentle wager that his solution would present him with
+      the frolic phantom of a coquette.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is impossible that Mr. Coningsby can remember me!&rsquo; said a clear voice;
+      and he looked round, and was greeted by a pair of sparkling eyes and the
+      gayest smile in the world.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was Lady Everingham, the Duke&rsquo;s married daughter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER III.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And you walked here!&rsquo; said Lady Everingham to Coningsby, when the stir of
+      arranging themselves at dinner had subsided. &lsquo;Only think, papa, Mr.
+      Coningsby walked here! I also am a great walker.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I had heard much of the forest,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Which I am sure did not disappoint you,&rsquo; said the Duke.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But forests without adventures!&rsquo; said Lady Everingham, a little shrugging
+      her pretty shoulders.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But I had an adventure,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! tell it us by all means!&rsquo; said the Lady, with great animation.
+      &lsquo;Adventures are my weakness. I have had more adventures than any one. Have
+      I not had, Augustus?&rsquo; she added, addressing her husband.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But you make everything out to be an adventure, Isabel,&rsquo; said Lord
+      Everingham. I dare say that Mr. Coningsby&rsquo;s was more substantial.&rsquo; And
+      looking at our young friend, he invited him to inform them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I met a most extraordinary man,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It should have been a heroine,&rsquo; exclaimed Lady Everingham.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Do you know anybody in this neighbourhood who rides the finest Arab in
+      the world?&rsquo; asked Coningsby. &lsquo;She is called &ldquo;the Daughter of the Star,&rdquo;
+       and was given to her rider by the Pacha of Egypt.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;This is really an adventure,&rsquo; said Lady Everingham, interested.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The Daughter of the Star!&rsquo; said Lady Theresa. &lsquo;What a pretty name! Percy
+      has a horse called &ldquo;Sunbeam.&rdquo;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A fine Arab, the finest in the world!&rsquo; said the Duke, who was fond of
+      horse. &lsquo;Who can it be?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Can you throw any light on this, Mr. Lyle?&rsquo; asked the Duchess of a young
+      man who sat next her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He was a neighbour who had joined their dinner-party, Eustace Lyle, a
+      Roman Catholic, and the richest commoner in the county; for he had
+      succeeded to a great estate early in his minority, which had only this
+      year terminated.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I certainly do not know the horse,&rsquo; said Mr. Lyle; &lsquo;but if Mr. Coningsby
+      would describe the rider, perhaps&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He is a man something under thirty,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;pale, with dark
+      hair. We met in a sort of forest-inn during a storm. A most singular man!
+      Indeed, I never met any one who seemed to me so clever, or to say such
+      remarkable things.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He must have been the spirit of the storm,&rsquo; said Lady Everingham.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Charles Verney has a great deal of dark hair,&rsquo; said Lady Theresa. &lsquo;But
+      then he is anything but pale, and his eyes are blue.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And certainly he keeps his wonderful things for your ear, Theresa,&rsquo; said
+      her sister.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wish that Mr. Coningsby would tell us some of the wonderful things he
+      said,&rsquo; said the Duchess, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Take a glass of wine first with my mother, Coningsby,&rsquo; said Henry Sydney,
+      who had just finished helping them all to fish.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby had too much tact to be entrapped into a long story. He already
+      regretted that he had been betrayed into any allusion to the stranger. He
+      had a wild, fanciful notion, that their meeting ought to have been
+      preserved as a sacred secret. But he had been impelled to refer to it in
+      the first instance by the chance observation of Lady Everingham; and he
+      had pursued his remark from the hope that the conversation might have led
+      to the discovery of the unknown. When he found that his inquiry in this
+      respect was unsuccessful, he was willing to turn the conversation. In
+      reply to the Duchess, then, he generally described the talk of the
+      stranger as full of lively anecdote and epigrammatic views of life; and
+      gave them, for example, a saying of an illustrious foreign Prince, which
+      was quite new and pointed, and which Coningsby told well. This led to a
+      new train of discourse. The Duke also knew this illustrious foreign
+      Prince, and told another story of him; and Lord Everingham had played
+      whist with this illustrious foreign Prince often at the Travellers&rsquo;, and
+      this led to a third story; none of them too long. Then Lady Everingham
+      came in again, and sparkled agreeably. She, indeed, sustained throughout
+      dinner the principal weight of the conversation; but, as she asked
+      questions of everybody, all seemed to contribute. Even the voice of Mr.
+      Lyle, who was rather bashful, was occasionally heard in reply. Coningsby,
+      who had at first unintentionally taken a more leading part than he aspired
+      to, would have retired into the background for the rest of the dinner, but
+      Lady Everingham continually signalled him out for her questions, and as
+      she sat opposite to him, he seemed the person to whom they were
+      principally addressed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At length the ladies rose to retire. A very great personage in a foreign,
+      but not remote country, once mentioned to the writer of these pages, that
+      he ascribed the superiority of the English in political life, in their
+      conduct of public business and practical views of affairs, in a great
+      measure to &lsquo;that little half-hour&rsquo; that separates, after dinner, the dark
+      from the fair sex. The writer humbly submitted, that if the period of
+      disjunction were strictly limited to a &lsquo;little half-hour,&rsquo; its salutary
+      consequences for both sexes need not be disputed, but that in England the
+      &lsquo;little half-hour&rsquo; was too apt to swell into a term of far more awful
+      character and duration. Lady Everingham was a disciple of the &lsquo;very little
+      half-hour&rsquo; school; for, as she gaily followed her mother, she said to
+      Coningsby, whose gracious lot it was to usher them from the apartment:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Pray do not be too long at the Board of Guardians to-day.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These were prophetic words; for no sooner were they all again seated, than
+      the Duke, filling his glass and pushing the claret to Coningsby, observed,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I suppose Lord Monmouth does not trouble himself much about the New Poor
+      Law?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Hardly,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;My grandfather&rsquo;s frequent absence from England,
+      which his health, I believe, renders quite necessary, deprives him of the
+      advantage of personal observation on a subject, than which I can myself
+      conceive none more deeply interesting.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am glad to hear you say so,&rsquo; said the Duke, &lsquo;and it does you great
+      credit, and Henry too, whose attention, I observe, is directed very much
+      to these subjects. In my time, the young men did not think so much of such
+      things, and we suffer consequently. By the bye, Everingham, you, who are a
+      Chairman of a Board of Guardians, can give me some information. Supposing
+      a case of out-door relief&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I could not suppose anything so absurd,&rsquo; said the son-in-law.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well,&rsquo; rejoined the Duke, &lsquo;I know your views on that subject, and it
+      certainly is a question on which there is a good deal to be said. But
+      would you under any circumstances give relief out of the Union, even if
+      the parish were to save a considerable sum?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wish I knew the Union where such a system was followed,&rsquo; said Lord
+      Everingham; and his Grace seemed to tremble under his son-in-law&rsquo;s glance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Duke had a good heart, and not a bad head. If he had not made in his
+      youth so many Latin and English verses, he might have acquired
+      considerable information, for he had a natural love of letters, though his
+      pack were the pride of England, his barrel seldom missed, and his fortune
+      on the turf, where he never betted, was a proverb. He was good, and he
+      wished to do good; but his views were confused from want of knowledge, and
+      his conduct often inconsistent because a sense of duty made him
+      immediately active; and he often acquired in the consequent experience a
+      conviction exactly contrary to that which had prompted his activity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His Grace had been a great patron and a zealous administrator of the New
+      Poor Law. He had been persuaded that it would elevate the condition of the
+      labouring class. His son-in-law, Lord Everingham, who was a Whig, and a
+      clearheaded, cold-blooded man, looked upon the New Poor Law as another
+      Magna Charta. Lord Everingham was completely master of the subject. He was
+      himself the Chairman of one of the most considerable Unions of the
+      kingdom. The Duke, if he ever had a misgiving, had no chance in argument
+      with his son-in-law. Lord Everingham overwhelmed him with quotations from
+      Commissioners&rsquo; rules and Sub-commissioners&rsquo; reports, statistical tables,
+      and references to dietaries. Sometimes with a strong case, the Duke
+      struggled to make a fight; but Lord Everingham, when he was at fault for a
+      reply, which was very rare, upbraided his father-in-law with the abuses of
+      the old system, and frightened him with visions of rates exceeding
+      rentals.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Of late, however, a considerable change had taken place in the Duke&rsquo;s
+      feelings on this great question. His son Henry entertained strong opinions
+      upon it, and had combated his father with all the fervour of a young
+      votary. A victory over his Grace, indeed, was not very difficult. His
+      natural impulse would have enlisted him on the side, if not of opposition
+      to the new system, at least of critical suspicion of its spirit and
+      provisions. It was only the statistics and sharp acuteness of his
+      son-in-law that had, indeed, ever kept him to his colours. Lord Henry
+      would not listen to statistics, dietary tables, Commissioners&rsquo; rides,
+      Sub-commissioners&rsquo; reports. He went far higher than his father; far deeper
+      than his brother-in-law. He represented to the Duke that the order of the
+      peasantry was as ancient, legal, and recognised an order as the order of
+      the nobility; that it had distinct rights and privileges, though for
+      centuries they had been invaded and violated, and permitted to fall into
+      desuetude. He impressed upon the Duke that the parochial constitution of
+      this country was more important than its political constitution; that it
+      was more ancient, more universal in its influence; and that this parochial
+      constitution had already been shaken to its centre by the New Poor Law. He
+      assured his father that it would never be well for England until this
+      order of the peasantry was restored to its pristine condition; not merely
+      in physical comfort, for that must vary according to the economical
+      circumstances of the time, like that of every class; but to its condition
+      in all those moral attributes which make a recognised rank in a nation;
+      and which, in a great degree, are independent of economics, manners,
+      customs, ceremonies, rights, and privileges.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Henry thinks,&rsquo; said Lord Everingham, &lsquo;that the people are to be fed by
+      dancing round a May-pole.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But will the people be more fed because they do not dance round a
+      May-pole?&rsquo; urged Lord Henry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Obsolete customs!&rsquo; said Lord Everingham.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And why should dancing round a May-pole be more obsolete than holding a
+      Chapter of the Garter?&rsquo; asked Lord Henry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Duke, who was a blue ribbon, felt this a home thrust. &lsquo;I must say,&rsquo;
+      said his Grace, &lsquo;that I for one deeply regret that our popular customs
+      have been permitted to fall so into desuetude.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The Spirit of the Age is against such things,&rsquo; said Lord Everingham.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And what is the Spirit of the Age?&rsquo; asked Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The Spirit of Utility,&rsquo; said Lord Everingham.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And you think then that ceremony is not useful?&rsquo; urged Coningsby, mildly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It depends upon circumstances,&rsquo; said Lord Everingham. &lsquo;There are some
+      ceremonies, no doubt, that are very proper, and of course very useful. But
+      the best thing we can do for the labouring classes is to provide them with
+      work.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But what do you mean by the labouring classes, Everingham?&rsquo; asked Lord
+      Henry. &lsquo;Lawyers are a labouring class, for instance, and by the bye
+      sufficiently provided with work. But would you approve of Westminster Hall
+      being denuded of all its ceremonies?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And the long vacation being abolished?&rsquo; added Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Theresa brings me terrible accounts of the sufferings of the poor about
+      us,&rsquo; said the Duke, shaking his head.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Women think everything to be suffering!&rsquo; said Lord Everingham.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;How do you find them about you, Mr. Lyle?&rsquo; continued the Duke.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have revived the monastic customs at St. Genevieve,&rsquo; said the young
+      man, blushing. &lsquo;There is an almsgiving twice a-week.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sure I wish I could see the labouring classes happy,&rsquo; said the Duke.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! pray do not use, my dear father, that phrase, the labouring classes!&rsquo;
+      said Lord Henry. &lsquo;What do you think, Coningsby, the other day we had a
+      meeting in this neighbourhood to vote an agricultural petition that was to
+      comprise all classes. I went with my father, and I was made chairman of
+      the committee to draw up the petition. Of course, I described it as the
+      petition of the nobility, clergy, gentry, yeomanry, and peasantry of the
+      county of &mdash;&mdash;; and, could you believe it, they struck out <i>peasantry</i>
+      as a word no longer used, and inserted <i>labourers</i>.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What can it signify,&rsquo; said Lord Everingham, &lsquo;whether a man be called a
+      labourer or a peasant?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And what can it signify,&rsquo; said his brother-in-law, &lsquo;whether a man be
+      called Mr. Howard or Lord Everingham?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They were the most affectionate family under this roof of Beaumanoir, and
+      of all members of it, Lord Henry the sweetest tempered, and yet it was
+      astonishing what sharp skirmishes every day arose between him and his
+      brother-in-law, during that &lsquo;little half-hour&rsquo; that forms so happily the
+      political character of the nation. The Duke, who from experience felt that
+      a guerilla movement was impending, asked his guests whether they would
+      take any more claret; and on their signifying their dissent, moved an
+      adjournment to the ladies.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They joined the ladies in the music-room. Coningsby, not experienced in
+      feminine society, and who found a little difficulty from want of practice
+      in maintaining conversation, though he was desirous of succeeding, was
+      delighted with Lady Everingham, who, instead of requiring to be amused,
+      amused him; and suggested so many subjects, and glanced at so many topics,
+      that there never was that cold, awkward pause, so common with sullen
+      spirits and barren brains. Lady Everingham thoroughly understood the art
+      of conversation, which, indeed, consists of the exercise of two fine
+      qualities. You must originate, and you must sympathise; you must possess
+      at the same time the habit of communicating and the habit of listening.
+      The union is rather rare, but irresistible.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lady Everingham was not a celebrated beauty, but she was something
+      infinitely more delightful, a captivating woman. There were combined, in
+      her, qualities not commonly met together, great vivacity of mind with
+      great grace of manner. Her words sparkled and her movements charmed. There
+      was, indeed, in all she said and did, that congruity that indicates a
+      complete and harmonious organisation. It was the same just proportion
+      which characterised her form: a shape slight and undulating with grace;
+      the most beautifully shaped ear; a small, soft hand; a foot that would
+      have fitted the glass slipper; and which, by the bye, she lost no
+      opportunity of displaying; and she was right, for it was a model.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then there was music. Lady Theresa sang like a seraph: a rich voice, a
+      grand style. And her sister could support her with grace and sweetness.
+      And they did not sing too much. The Duke took up a review, and looked at
+      Rigby&rsquo;s last slashing article. The country seemed ruined, but it appeared
+      that the Whigs were still worse off than the Tories. The assassins had
+      committed suicide. This poetical justice is pleasing. Lord Everingham,
+      lounging in an easy chair, perused with great satisfaction his <i>Morning
+      Chronicle</i>, which contained a cutting reply to Mr. Rigby&rsquo;s article, not
+      quite so &lsquo;slashing&rsquo; as the Right Honourable scribe&rsquo;s manifesto, but with
+      some searching mockery, that became the subject and the subject-monger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Lyle seated himself by the Duchess, and encouraged by her amenity, and
+      speaking in whispers, became animated and agreeable, occasionally patting
+      the lap-dog. Coningsby stood by the singers, or talked with them when the
+      music had ceased: and Henry Sydney looked over a volume of Strutt&rsquo;s <i>Sports
+      and Pastimes</i>, occasionally, without taking his eyes off the volume,
+      calling the attention of his friends to his discoveries.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Lyle rose to depart, for he had some miles to return; he came forward
+      with some hesitation, to hope that Coningsby would visit his bloodhounds,
+      which Lord Henry had told him Coningsby had expressed a wish to do. Lady
+      Everingham remarked that she had not been at St. Genevieve since she was a
+      girl, and it appeared Lady Theresa had never visited it. Lady Everingham
+      proposed that they should all ride over on the morrow, and she appealed to
+      her husband for his approbation, instantly given, for though she loved
+      admiration, and he apparently was an iceberg, they were really devoted to
+      each other. Then there was a consultation as to their arrangements. The
+      Duchess would drive over in her pony chair with Theresa. The Duke, as
+      usual, had affairs that would occupy him. The rest were to ride. It was a
+      happy suggestion, all anticipated pleasure; and the evening terminated
+      with the prospect of what Lady Everingham called an adventure.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The ladies themselves soon withdrew; the gentlemen lingered for a while;
+      the Duke took up his candle, and bid his guests good night; Lord
+      Everingham drank a glass of Seltzer water, nodded, and vanished. Lord
+      Henry and his friend sat up talking over the past. They were too young to
+      call them old times; and yet what a life seemed to have elapsed since they
+      had quitted Eton, dear old Eton! Their boyish feelings, and still latent
+      boyish character, developed with their reminiscences.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Do you remember Bucknall? Which Bucknall? The eldest: I saw him the other
+      day at Nottingham; he is in the Rifles. Do you remember that day at Sirly
+      Hall, that Paulet had that row with Dickinson? Did you like Dickinson?
+      Hum! Paulet was a good fellow. I tell you who was a good fellow, Paulet&rsquo;s
+      little cousin. What! Augustus Le Grange? Oh! I liked Augustus Le Grange. I
+      wonder where Buckhurst is? I had a letter from him the other day. He has
+      gone with his uncle to Paris. We shall find him at Cambridge in October. I
+      suppose you know Millbank has gone to Oriel. Has he, though! I wonder who
+      will have our room at Cookesley&rsquo;s? Cookesley was a good fellow! Oh,
+      capital! How well he behaved when there was that row about our going out
+      with the hounds? Do you remember Vere&rsquo;s face? It makes me laugh now when I
+      think of it. I tell you who was a good fellow, Kangaroo Gray; I liked him.
+      I don&rsquo;t know any fellow who sang a better song!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By the bye,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;what sort of fellow is Eustace Lyle? I
+      rather liked his look.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! I will tell you all about him,&rsquo; said Lord Henry. &lsquo;He is a great ally
+      of mine, and I think you will like him very much. It is a Roman Catholic
+      family, about the oldest we have in the county, and the wealthiest. You
+      see, Lyle&rsquo;s father was the most violent ultra Whig, and so were all
+      Eustace&rsquo;s guardians; but the moment he came of age, he announced that he
+      should not mix himself up with either of the parties in the county, and
+      that his tenantry might act exactly as they thought fit. My father thinks,
+      of course, that Lyle is a Conservative, and that he only waits the
+      occasion to come forward; but he is quite wrong. I know Lyle well, and he
+      speaks to me without disguise. You see &lsquo;tis an old Cavalier family, and
+      Lyle has all the opinions and feelings of his race. He will not ally
+      himself with anti-monarchists, and democrats, and infidels, and
+      sectarians; at the same time, why should he support a party who pretend to
+      oppose these, but who never lose an opportunity of insulting his religion,
+      and would deprive him, if possible, of the advantages of the very
+      institutions which his family assisted in establishing?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why, indeed? I am glad to have made his acquaintance,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+      &lsquo;Is he clever?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think so,&rsquo; said Lord Henry. &lsquo;He is the most shy fellow, especially
+      among women, that I ever knew, but he is very popular in the county. He
+      does an amazing deal of good, and is one of the best riders we have. My
+      father says, the very best; bold, but so very certain.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He is older than we are?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My senior by a year: he is just of age.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh, ah! twenty-one. A year younger than Gaston de Foix when he won
+      Ravenna, and four years younger than John of Austria when he won Lepanto,&rsquo;
+      observed Coningsby, musingly. &lsquo;I vote we go to bed, old fellow!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER IV.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      In a valley, not far from the margin of a beautiful river, raised on a
+      lofty and artificial terrace at the base of a range of wooded heights, was
+      a pile of modern building in the finest style of Christian architecture.
+      It was of great extent and richly decorated. Built of a white and
+      glittering stone, it sparkled with its pinnacles in the sunshine as it
+      rose in strong relief against its verdant background. The winding valley,
+      which was studded, but not too closely studded, with clumps of old trees,
+      formed for a great extent on either side of the mansion a grassy demesne,
+      which was called the Lower Park; but it was a region bearing the name of
+      the Upper Park, that was the peculiar and most picturesque feature of this
+      splendid residence. The wooded heights that formed the valley were not, as
+      they appeared, a range of hills. Their crest was only the abrupt
+      termination of a vast and enclosed tableland, abounding in all the
+      qualities of the ancient chase: turf and trees, a wilderness of underwood,
+      and a vast spread of gorse and fern. The deer, that abounded, lived here
+      in a world as savage as themselves: trooping down in the evening to the
+      river. Some of them, indeed, were ever in sight of those who were in the
+      valley, and you might often observe various groups clustered on the green
+      heights above the mansion, the effect of which was most inspiriting and
+      graceful. Sometimes in the twilight, a solitary form, magnified by the
+      illusive hour, might be seen standing on the brink of the steep, large and
+      black against the clear sky.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      We have endeavoured slightly to sketch St. Geneviève as it appeared to our
+      friends from Beaumanoir, winding into the valley the day after Mr. Lyle
+      had dined with them. The valley opened for about half-a-mile opposite the
+      mansion, which gave to the dwellers in it a view over an extensive and
+      richly-cultivated country. It was through this district that the party
+      from Beaumanoir had pursued their way. The first glance at the building,
+      its striking situation, its beautiful form, its brilliant colour, its
+      great extent, a gathering as it seemed of galleries, halls, and chapels,
+      mullioned windows, portals of clustered columns, and groups of airy
+      pinnacles and fretwork spires, called forth a general cry of wonder and of
+      praise.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The ride from Beaumanoir had been delightful; the breath of summer in
+      every breeze, the light of summer on every tree. The gay laugh of Lady
+      Everingham rang frequently in the air; often were her sunny eyes directed
+      to Coningsby, as she called his attention to some fair object or some
+      pretty effect. She played the hostess of Nature, and introduced him to all
+      the beauties.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Lyle had recognised them. He cantered forward with greetings on a fat
+      little fawn-coloured pony, with a long white mane and white flowing tail,
+      and the wickedest eye in the world. He rode by the side of the Duchess,
+      and indicated their gently-descending route.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They arrived, and the peacocks, who were sunning themselves on the
+      turrets, expanded their plumage to welcome them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I can remember the old house,&rsquo; said the Duchess, as she took Mr. Lyle&rsquo;s
+      arm; &lsquo;and I am happy to see the new one. The Duke had prepared me for much
+      beauty, but the reality exceeds his report.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They entered by a short corridor into a large hall. They would have
+      stopped to admire its rich roof, its gallery and screen; but their host
+      suggested that they should refresh themselves after their ride, and they
+      followed him through several apartments into a spacious chamber, its oaken
+      panels covered with a series of interesting pictures, representing the
+      siege of St. Geneviève by the Parliament forces in 1643: the various
+      assaults and sallies, and the final discomfiture of the rebels. In all
+      these figured a brave and graceful Sir Eustace Lyle, in cuirass and buff
+      jerkin, with gleaming sword and flowing plume. The sight of these pictures
+      was ever a source of great excitement to Henry Sydney, who always lamented
+      his ill-luck in not living in such days; nay, would insist that all others
+      must equally deplore their evil destiny.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;See, Coningsby, this battery on the Upper Park,&rsquo; said Lord Henry. &lsquo;This
+      did the business: how it rakes up the valley; Sir Eustace works it
+      himself. Mother, what a pity Beaumanoir was not besieged!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It may be,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I always fancy a siege must be so interesting,&rsquo; said Lady Everingham. &lsquo;It
+      must be so exciting.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I hope the next siege may be at Beaumanoir, instead of St. Geneviève,&rsquo;
+      said Lyle, laughing; &lsquo;as Henry Sydney has such a military predisposition.
+      Duchess, you said the other day that you liked Malvoisie, and here is
+      some.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+  &lsquo;Now broach me a cask of Malvoisie,
+  Bring pasty from the doe;&rsquo;
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      said the Duchess. &lsquo;That has been my luncheon.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A poetic repast,&rsquo; said Lady Theresa.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Their breeds of sheep must have been very inferior in old days,&rsquo; said
+      Lord Everingham, &lsquo;as they made such a noise about their venison. For my
+      part I consider it a thing as much gone by as tilts and tournaments.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sorry that they have gone by,&rsquo; said Lady Theresa.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Everything has gone by that is beautiful,&rsquo; said Lord Henry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Life is much easier,&rsquo; said Lord Everingham.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Life easy!&rsquo; said Lord Henry. &lsquo;Life appears to me to be a fierce
+      struggle.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Manners are easy,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;and life is hard.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And I wish to see things exactly the reverse,&rsquo; said Lord Henry. &lsquo;The
+      means and modes of subsistence less difficult; the conduct of life more
+      ceremonious.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Civilisation has no time for ceremony,&rsquo; said Lord Everingham.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;How very sententious you all are!&rsquo; said his wife. &lsquo;I want to see the hall
+      and many other things.&rsquo; And they all rose.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There were indeed many other things to see: a long gallery, rich in
+      ancestral portraits, specimens of art and costume from Holbein to
+      Lawrence; courtiers of the Tudors, and cavaliers of the Stuarts,
+      terminating in red-coated squires fresh from the field, and gentlemen
+      buttoned up in black coats, and sitting in library chairs, with their
+      backs to a crimson curtain. Woman, however, is always charming; and the
+      present generation may view their mothers painted by Lawrence, as if they
+      were patronesses of Almack&rsquo;s; or their grandmothers by Reynolds, as
+      Robinettas caressing birds, with as much delight as they gaze on the
+      dewy-eyed matrons of Lely, and the proud bearing of the heroines of
+      Vandyke. But what interested them more than the gallery, or the rich
+      saloons, or even the baronial hall, was the chapel, in which art had
+      exhausted all its invention, and wealth offered all its resources. The
+      walls and vaulted roofs entirely painted in encaustic by the first artists
+      of Germany, and representing the principal events of the second Testament,
+      the splendour of the mosaic pavement, the richness of the painted windows,
+      the sumptuousness of the altar, crowned by a masterpiece of Carlo Dolce
+      and surrounded by a silver rail, the tone of rich and solemn light that
+      pervaded all, and blended all the various sources of beauty into one
+      absorbing and harmonious whole: all combined to produce an effect which
+      stilled them into a silence that lasted for some minutes, until the ladies
+      breathed their feelings in an almost inarticulate murmur of reverence and
+      admiration; while a tear stole to the eye of the enthusiastic Henry
+      Sydney.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Leaving the chapel, they sauntered through the gardens, until, arriving at
+      their limit, they were met by the prettiest sight in the world; a group of
+      little pony chairs, each drawn by a little fat fawn-coloured pony, like
+      the one that Mr. Lyle had been riding. Lord Henry drove his mother; Lord
+      Everingham, Lady Theresa; Lady Everingham was attended by Coningsby. Their
+      host cantered by the Duchess&rsquo;s side, and along winding roads of easy
+      ascent, leading through beautiful woods, and offering charming landscapes,
+      they reached in due time the Upper Park.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;One sees our host to great advantage in his own house,&rsquo; said Lady
+      Everingham. &lsquo;He is scarcely the same person. I have not observed him once
+      blush. He speaks and moves with ease. It is a pity that he is not more
+      graceful. Above all things I like a graceful man.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;That chapel,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;was a fine thing.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Very!&rsquo; said Lady Everingham. &lsquo;Did you observe the picture over the altar,
+      the Virgin with blue eyes? I never observed blue eyes before in such a
+      picture. What is your favourite colour for eyes?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby felt embarrassed: he said something rather pointless about
+      admiring everything that was beautiful.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But every one has a favourite style; I want to know yours. Regular
+      features, do you like regular features? Or is it expression that pleases
+      you?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Expression; I think I like expression. Expression must be always
+      delightful.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Do you dance?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No; I am no great dancer. I fear I have few accomplishments. I am fond of
+      fencing.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I don&rsquo;t fence,&rsquo; said Lady Everingham, with a smile. &lsquo;But I think you are
+      right not to dance. It is not in your way. You are ambitious, I believe?&rsquo;
+      she added.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I was not aware of it; everybody is ambitious.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You see I know something of your character. Henry has spoken of you to me
+      a great deal; long before we met,&mdash;met again, I should say, for we
+      are old friends, remember. Do you know your career much interests me? I
+      like ambitious men.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There is something fascinating in the first idea that your career
+      interests a charming woman. Coningsby felt that he was perhaps driving a
+      Madame de Longueville. A woman who likes ambitious men must be no ordinary
+      character; clearly a sort of heroine. At this moment they reached the
+      Upper Park, and the novel landscape changed the current of their remarks.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Far as the eye could reach there spread before them a savage sylvan scene.
+      It wanted, perhaps, undulation of surface, but that deficiency was greatly
+      compensated for by the multitude and prodigious size of the trees; they
+      were the largest, indeed, that could well be met with in England; and
+      there is no part of Europe where the timber is so huge. The broad
+      interminable glades, the vast avenues, the quantity of deer browsing or
+      bounding in all directions, the thickets of yellow gorse and green fern,
+      and the breeze that even in the stillness of summer was ever playing over
+      this table-land, all produced an animated and renovating scene. It was
+      like suddenly visiting another country, living among other manners, and
+      breathing another air. They stopped for a few minutes at a pavilion built
+      for the purposes of the chase, and then returned, all gratified by this
+      visit to what appeared to be the higher regions of the earth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As they approached the brow of the hill that hung over St. Geneviève, they
+      heard the great bell sound.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What is that?&rsquo; asked the Duchess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is almsgiving day,&rsquo; replied Mr. Lyle, looking a little embarrassed,
+      and for the first time blushing. &lsquo;The people of the parishes with which I
+      am connected come to St. Geneviève twice a-week at this hour.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And what is your system?&rsquo; inquired Lord Everingham, who had stopped,
+      interested by the scene. &lsquo;What check have you?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The rectors of the different parishes grant certificates to those who in
+      their belief merit bounty according to the rules which I have established.
+      These are again visited by my almoner, who countersigns the certificate,
+      and then they present it at the postern-gate. The certificate explains the
+      nature of their necessities, and my steward acts on his discretion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Mamma, I see them!&rsquo; exclaimed Lady Theresa.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Perhaps your Grace may think that they might be relieved without all this
+      ceremony,&rsquo; said Mr. Lyle, extremely confused. &lsquo;But I agree with Henry and
+      Mr. Coningsby, that Ceremony is not, as too commonly supposed, an idle
+      form. I wish the people constantly and visibly to comprehend that Property
+      is their protector and their friend.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My reason is with you, Mr. Lyle,&rsquo; said the Duchess, &lsquo;as well as my
+      heart.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They came along the valley, a procession of Nature, whose groups an artist
+      might have studied. The old man, who loved the pilgrimage too much to
+      avail himself of the privilege of a substitute accorded to his grey hairs,
+      came in person with his grandchild and his staff. There also came the
+      widow with her child at the breast, and others clinging to her form; some
+      sorrowful faces, and some pale; many a serious one, and now and then a
+      frolic glance; many a dame in her red cloak, and many a maiden with her
+      light basket; curly-headed urchins with demure looks, and sometimes a
+      stalwart form baffled for a time of the labour which he desired. But not a
+      heart there that did not bless the bell that sounded from the tower of St.
+      Geneviève!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER V.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My fathers perilled their blood and fortunes for the cause of the
+      Sovereignty and Church of England,&rsquo; said Lyle to Coningsby, as they were
+      lying stretched out on the sunny turf in the park of Beaumanoir,&rsquo; and I
+      inherit their passionate convictions. They were Catholics, as their
+      descendant. No doubt they would have been glad to see their ancient faith
+      predominant in their ancient land; but they bowed, as I bow, to an adverse
+      and apparently irrevocable decree. But if we could not have the Church of
+      our fathers, we honoured and respected the Church of their children. It
+      was at least a Church; a &lsquo;Catholic and Apostolic Church,&rsquo; as it daily
+      declares itself. Besides, it was our friend. When we were persecuted by
+      Puritanic Parliaments, it was the Sovereign and the Church of England that
+      interposed, with the certainty of creating against themselves odium and
+      mistrust, to shield us from the dark and relentless bigotry of Calvinism.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I believe,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;that if Charles I. had hanged all the
+      Catholic priests that Parliament petitioned him to execute, he would never
+      have lost his crown.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You were mentioning my father,&rsquo; continued Lyle. &lsquo;He certainly was a Whig.
+      Galled by political exclusion, he connected himself with that party in the
+      State which began to intimate emancipation. After all, they did not
+      emancipate us. It was the fall of the Papacy in England that founded the
+      Whig aristocracy; a fact that must always lie at the bottom of their
+      hearts, as, I assure you, it does of mine.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I gathered at an early age,&rsquo; continued Lyle, &lsquo;that I was expected to
+      inherit my father&rsquo;s political connections with the family estates. Under
+      ordinary circumstances this would probably have occurred. In times that
+      did not force one to ponder, it is not likely I should have recoiled from
+      uniting myself with a party formed of the best families in England, and
+      ever famous for accomplished men and charming women. But I enter life in
+      the midst of a convulsion in which the very principles of our political
+      and social systems are called in question. I cannot unite myself with the
+      party of destruction. It is an operative cause alien to my being. What,
+      then, offers itself? The Duke talks to me of Conservative principles; but
+      he does not inform me what they are. I observe indeed a party in the State
+      whose rule it is to consent to no change, until it is clamorously called
+      for, and then instantly to yield; but those are Concessionary, not
+      Conservative principles. This party treats institutions as we do our
+      pheasants, they preserve only to destroy them. But is there a statesman
+      among these Conservatives who offers us a dogma for a guide, or defines
+      any great political truth which we should aspire to establish? It seems to
+      me a barren thing, this Conservatism, an unhappy cross-breed; the mule of
+      politics that engenders nothing. What do you think of all this, Coningsby?
+      I assure you I feel confused, perplexed, harassed. I know I have public
+      duties to perform; I am, in fact, every day of my life solicited by all
+      parties to throw the weight of my influence in one scale or another; but I
+      am paralysed. I often wish I had no position in the country. The sense of
+      its responsibility depresses me; makes me miserable. I speak to you
+      without reserve; with a frankness which our short acquaintance scarcely
+      authorises; but Henry Sydney has so often talked to me of you, and I have
+      so long wished to know you, that I open my heart without restraint.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My dear fellow,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;you have but described my feelings when
+      you depicted your own. My mind on these subjects has long been a chaos. I
+      float in a sea of troubles, and should long ago have been wrecked had I
+      not been sustained by a profound, however vague, conviction, that there
+      are still great truths, if we could but work them out; that Government,
+      for instance, should be loved and not hated, and that Religion should be a
+      faith and not a form.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The moral influence of residence furnishes some of the most interesting
+      traits of our national manners. The presence of this power was very
+      apparent throughout the district that surrounded Beaumanoir. The ladies of
+      that house were deeply sensible of the responsibility of their position;
+      thoroughly comprehending their duties, they fulfilled them without
+      affectation, with earnestness, and with that effect which springs from a
+      knowledge of the subject. The consequences were visible in the tone of the
+      peasantry being superior to that which we too often witness. The ancient
+      feudal feeling that lingers in these sequestered haunts is an instrument
+      which, when skilfully wielded, may be productive of vast social benefit.
+      The Duke understood this well; and his family had imbibed all his views,
+      and seconded them. Lady Everingham, once more in the scene of her past
+      life, resumed the exercise of gentle offices, as if she had never ceased
+      to be a daughter of the house, and as if another domain had not its claims
+      upon her solicitude. Coningsby was often the companion of herself and her
+      sister in their pilgrimages of charity and kindness. He admired the
+      graceful energy, and thorough acquaintance with details, with which Lady
+      Everingham superintended schools, organised societies of relief, and the
+      discrimination which she brought to bear upon individual cases of
+      suffering or misfortune. He was deeply interested as he watched the magic
+      of her manner, as she melted the obdurate, inspired the slothful, consoled
+      the afflicted, and animated with her smiles and ready phrase the energetic
+      and the dutiful. Nor on these occasions was Lady Theresa seen under less
+      favourable auspices. Without the vivacity of her sister, there was in her
+      demeanour a sweet seriousness of purpose that was most winning; and
+      sometimes a burst of energy, a trait of decision, which strikingly
+      contrasted with the somewhat over-controlled character of her life in
+      drawing-rooms.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the society of these engaging companions, time for Coningsby glided
+      away in a course which he sometimes wished nothing might disturb. Apart
+      from them, he frequently felt himself pensive and vaguely disquieted. Even
+      the society of Henry Sydney or Eustace Lyle, much as under ordinary
+      circumstances they would have been adapted to his mood, did not compensate
+      for the absence of that indefinite, that novel, that strange, yet sweet
+      excitement, which he felt, he knew not exactly how or why, stealing over
+      his senses. Sometimes the countenance of Theresa Sydney flitted over his
+      musing vision; sometimes the merry voice of Lady Everingham haunted his
+      ear. But to be their companion in ride or ramble; to avoid any arrangement
+      which for many hours should deprive him of their presence; was every day
+      with Coningsby a principal object.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One day he had been out shooting rabbits with Lyle and Henry Sydney, and
+      returned with them late to Beaumanoir to dinner. He had not enjoyed his
+      sport, and he had not shot at all well. He had been dreamy, silent, had
+      deeply felt the want of Lady Everingham&rsquo;s conversation, that was ever so
+      poignant and so interestingly personal to himself; one of the secrets of
+      her sway, though Coningsby was not then quite conscious of it. Talk to a
+      man about himself, and he is generally captivated. That is the real way to
+      win him. The only difference between men and women in this respect is,
+      that most women are vain, and some men are not. There are some men who
+      have no self-love; but if they have, female vanity is but a trifling and
+      airy passion compared with the vast voracity of appetite which in the
+      sterner sex can swallow anything, and always crave for more.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Coningsby entered the drawing-room, there seemed a somewhat unusual
+      bustle in the room, but as the twilight had descended, it was at first
+      rather difficult to distinguish who was present. He soon perceived that
+      there were strangers. A gentleman of pleasing appearance was near a sofa
+      on which the Duchess and Lady Everingham were seated, and discoursing with
+      some volubility. His phrases seemed to command attention; his audience had
+      an animated glance, eyes sparkling with intelligence and interest; not a
+      word was disregarded. Coningsby did not advance as was his custom; he had
+      a sort of instinct, that the stranger was discoursing of matters of which
+      he knew nothing. He turned to a table, he took up a book, which he began
+      to read upside downwards. A hand was lightly placed on his shoulder. He
+      looked round, it was another stranger; who said, however, in a tone of
+      familiar friendliness,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;How do you do, Coningsby?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was a young man about four-and-twenty years of age, tall, good-looking.
+      Old recollections, his intimate greeting, a strong family likeness, helped
+      Coningsby to conjecture correctly who was the person who addressed him. It
+      was, indeed, the eldest son of the Duke, the Marquis of Beaumanoir, who
+      had arrived at his father&rsquo;s unexpectedly with his friend, Mr. Melton, on
+      their way to the north.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Melton was a gentleman of the highest fashion, and a great favourite
+      in society. He was about thirty, good-looking, with an air that commanded
+      attention, and manners, though facile, sufficiently finished. He was
+      communicative, though calm, and without being witty, had at his service a
+      turn of phrase, acquired by practice and success, which was, or which
+      always seemed to be, poignant. The ladies seemed especially to be
+      delighted at his arrival. He knew everything of everybody they cared
+      about; and Coningsby listened in silence to names which for the first time
+      reached his ears, but which seemed to excite great interest. Mr. Melton
+      frequently addressed his most lively observations and his most sparkling
+      anecdotes to Lady Everingham, who evidently relished all that he said, and
+      returned him in kind.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Throughout the dinner Lady Everingham and Mr. Melton maintained what
+      appeared a most entertaining conversation, principally about things and
+      persons which did not in any way interest our hero; who, however, had the
+      satisfaction of hearing Lady Everingham, in the drawing-room, say in a
+      careless tone to the Duchess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am so glad, mamma, that Mr. Melton has come; we wanted some amusement.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      What a confession! What a revelation to Coningsby of his infinite
+      insignificance! Coningsby entertained a great aversion for Mr. Melton, but
+      felt his spirit unequal to the social contest. The genius of the
+      untutored, inexperienced youth quailed before that of the long-practised,
+      skilful man of the world. What was the magic of this man? What was the
+      secret of this ease, that nothing could disturb, and yet was not deficient
+      in deference and good taste? And then his dress, it seemed fashioned by
+      some unearthly artist; yet it was impossible to detect the unobtrusive
+      causes of the general effect that was irresistible. Coningsby&rsquo;s coat was
+      made by Stultz; almost every fellow in the sixth form had his coats made
+      by Stultz; yet Coningsby fancied that his own garment looked as if it had
+      been furnished by some rustic slopseller. He began to wonder where Mr.
+      Melton got his boots from, and glanced at his own, which, though made in
+      St. James&rsquo;s Street, seemed to him to have a cloddish air.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lady Everingham was determined that Mr. Melton should see Beaumanoir to
+      the greatest advantage. Mr. Melton had never been there before, except at
+      Christmas, with the house full of visitors and factitious gaiety. Now he
+      was to see the country. Accordingly, there were long rides every day,
+      which Lady Everingham called expeditions, and which generally produced
+      some slight incident which she styled an adventure. She was kind to
+      Coningsby, but had no time to indulge in the lengthened conversations
+      which he had previously found so magical. Mr. Melton was always on the
+      scene, the monopolising hero, it would seem, of every thought, and phrase,
+      and plan. Coningsby began to think that Beaumanoir was not so delightful a
+      place as he had imagined. He began to think that he had stayed there
+      perhaps too long. He had received a letter from Mr. Rigby, to inform him
+      that he was expected at Coningsby Castle at the beginning of September, to
+      meet Lord Monmouth, who had returned to England, and for grave and special
+      reasons was about to reside at his chief seat, which he had not visited
+      for many years. Coningsby had intended to have remained at Beaumanoir
+      until that time; but suddenly it occurred to him, that the Age of Ruins
+      was past, and that he ought to seize the opportunity of visiting
+      Manchester, which was in the same county as the castle of his grandfather.
+      So difficult is it to speculate upon events! Muse as we may, we are the
+      creatures of circumstances; and the unexpected arrival of a London dandy
+      at the country-seat of an English nobleman sent this representative of the
+      New Generation, fresh from Eton, nursed in prejudices, yet with a mind
+      predisposed to inquiry and prone to meditation, to a scene apt to
+      stimulate both intellectual processes; which demanded investigation and
+      induced thought, the great METROPOLIS OF LABOUR.
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      END OF BOOK III.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0031" id="link2H_4_0031"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      BOOK IV
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER I.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      A great city, whose image dwells in the memory of man, is the type of some
+      great idea. Rome represents conquest; Faith hovers over the towers of
+      Jerusalem; and Athens embodies the pre-eminent quality of the antique
+      world, Art.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In modern ages, Commerce has created London; while Manners, in the most
+      comprehensive sense of the word, have long found a supreme capital in the
+      airy and bright-minded city of the Seine.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Art was to the ancient world, Science is to the modern: the distinctive
+      faculty. In the minds of men the useful has succeeded to the beautiful.
+      Instead of the city of the Violet Crown, a Lancashire village has expanded
+      into a mighty region of factories and warehouses. Yet, rightly understood,
+      Manchester is as great a human exploit as Athens.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The inhabitants, indeed, are not so impressed with their idiosyncrasy as
+      the countrymen of Pericles and Phidias. They do not fully comprehend the
+      position which they occupy. It is the philosopher alone who can conceive
+      the grandeur of Manchester, and the immensity of its future. There are yet
+      great truths to tell, if we had either the courage to announce or the
+      temper to receive them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER II.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      A feeling of melancholy, even of uneasiness, attends our first entrance
+      into a great town, especially at night. Is it that the sense of all this
+      vast existence with which we have no connexion, where we are utterly
+      unknown, oppresses us with our insignificance? Is it that it is terrible
+      to feel friendless where all have friends?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Yet reverse the picture. Behold a community where you are unknown, but
+      where you will be known, perhaps honoured. A place where you have no
+      friends, but where, also, you have no enemies. A spot that has hitherto
+      been a blank in your thoughts, as you have been a cipher in its
+      sensations, and yet a spot, perhaps, pregnant with your destiny!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There is, perhaps, no act of memory so profoundly interesting as to recall
+      the careless mood and moment in which we have entered a town, a house, a
+      chamber, on the eve of an acquaintance or an event that has given colour
+      and an impulse to our future life.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      What is this Fatality that men worship? Is it a Goddess?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Unquestionably it is a power that acts mainly by female agents. Women are
+      the Priestesses of Predestination.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Man conceives Fortune, but Woman conducts it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It is the Spirit of Man that says, &lsquo;I will be great;&rsquo; but it is the
+      Sympathy of Woman that usually makes him so.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was not the comely and courteous hostess of the Adelphi Hotel,
+      Manchester, that gave occasion to these remarks, though she may deserve
+      them, and though she was most kind to our Coningsby as he came in late at
+      night very tired, and not in very good humour.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He had travelled the whole day through the great district of labour, his
+      mind excited by strange sights, and at length wearied by their
+      multiplication. He had passed over the plains where iron and coal
+      supersede turf and corn, dingy as the entrance of Hades, and flaming with
+      furnaces; and now he was among illumined factories with more windows than
+      Italian palaces, and smoking chimneys taller than Egyptian obelisks. Alone
+      in the great metropolis of machinery itself, sitting down in a solitary
+      coffee-room glaring with gas, with no appetite, a whirling head, and not a
+      plan or purpose for the morrow, why was he there? Because a being, whose
+      name even was unknown to him, had met him in a hedge alehouse during a
+      thunderstorm, and told him that the Age of Ruins was past.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Remarkable instance of the influence of an individual; some evidence of
+      the extreme susceptibility of our hero.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Even his bedroom was lit by gas. Wonderful city! That, however, could be
+      got rid of. He opened the window. The summer air was sweet, even in this
+      land of smoke and toil. He feels a sensation such as in Lisbon or Lima
+      precedes an earthquake. The house appears to quiver. It is a sympathetic
+      affection occasioned by a steam-engine in a neighbouring factory.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Notwithstanding, however, all these novel incidents, Coningsby slept the
+      deep sleep of youth and health, of a brain which, however occasionally
+      perplexed by thought, had never been harassed by anxiety. He rose early,
+      freshened, and in fine spirits. And by the time the deviled chicken and
+      the buttered toast, that mysterious and incomparable luxury, which can
+      only be obtained at an inn, had disappeared, he felt all the delightful
+      excitement of travel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And now for action! Not a letter had Coningsby; not an individual in that
+      vast city was known to him. He went to consult his kind hostess, who
+      smiled confidence. He was to mention her name at one place, his own at
+      another. All would be right; she seemed to have reliance in the destiny of
+      such a nice young man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He saw all; they were kind and hospitable to the young stranger, whose
+      thought, and earnestness, and gentle manners attracted them. One
+      recommended him to another; all tried to aid and assist him. He entered
+      chambers vaster than are told of in Arabian fable, and peopled with
+      habitants more wondrous than Afrite or Peri. For there he beheld, in
+      long-continued ranks, those mysterious forms full of existence without
+      life, that perform with facility, and in an instant, what man can fulfil
+      only with difficulty and in days. A machine is a slave that neither brings
+      nor bears degradation; it is a being endowed with the greatest degree of
+      energy, and acting under the greatest degree of excitement, yet free at
+      the same time from all passion and emotion. It is, therefore, not only a
+      slave, but a supernatural slave. And why should one say that the machine
+      does not live? It breathes, for its breath forms the atmosphere of some
+      towns. It moves with more regularity than man. And has it not a voice?
+      Does not the spindle sing like a merry girl at her work, and the
+      steam-engine roar in jolly chorus, like a strong artisan handling his
+      lusty tools, and gaining a fair day&rsquo;s wages for a fair day&rsquo;s toil?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Nor should the weaving-room be forgotten, where a thousand or fifteen
+      hundred girls may be observed in their coral necklaces, working like
+      Penelope in the daytime; some pretty, some pert, some graceful and jocund,
+      some absorbed in their occupation; a little serious some, few sad. And the
+      cotton you have observed in its rude state, that you have seen the silent
+      spinner change into thread, and the bustling weaver convert into cloth,
+      you may now watch as in a moment it is tinted with beautiful colours, or
+      printed with fanciful patterns. And yet the mystery of mysteries is to
+      view machines making machines; a spectacle that fills the mind with
+      curious, and even awful, speculation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      From early morn to the late twilight, our Coningsby for several days
+      devoted himself to the comprehension of Manchester. It was to him a new
+      world, pregnant with new ideas, and suggestive of new trains of thought
+      and feeling. In this unprecedented partnership between capital and
+      science, working on a spot which Nature had indicated as the fitting
+      theatre of their exploits, he beheld a great source of the wealth of
+      nations which had been reserved for these times, and he perceived that
+      this wealth was rapidly developing classes whose power was imperfectly
+      recognised in the constitutional scheme, and whose duties in the social
+      system seemed altogether omitted. Young as he was, the bent of his mind,
+      and the inquisitive spirit of the times, had sufficiently prepared him,
+      not indeed to grapple with these questions, but to be sensible of their
+      existence, and to ponder.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One evening, in the coffee-room of the hotel, having just finished his
+      well-earned dinner, and relaxing his mind for the moment in a fresh
+      research into the Manchester Guide, an individual, who had also been
+      dining in the same apartment, rose from his table, and, after lolling over
+      the empty fireplace, reading the framed announcements, looking at the
+      directions of several letters waiting there for their owners, picking his
+      teeth, turned round to Coningsby, and, with an air of uneasy familiarity,
+      said,&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;First visit to Manchester, sir?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My first.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Gentleman traveller, I presume?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am a traveller.&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Hem! From south?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;From the south.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And pray, sir, how did you find business as you came along? Brisk, I dare
+      say. And yet there is a something, a sort of a something; didn&rsquo;t it strike
+      you, sir, there was a something? A deal of queer paper about, sir!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I fear you are speaking on a subject of which I know nothing,&rsquo; said
+      Coningsby, smiling; &lsquo;I do not understand business at all; though I am not
+      surprised that, being at Manchester, you should suppose so.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! not in business. Hem! Professional?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;I am nothing.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! an independent gent; hem! and a very pleasant thing, too. Pleased
+      with Manchester, I dare say?&rsquo; continued the stranger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And astonished,&rsquo; said Coningsby; &lsquo;I think, in the whole course of my
+      life, I never saw so much to admire.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Seen all the lions, have no doubt?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think I have seen everything,&rsquo; said Coningsby, rather eager and with
+      some pride.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Very well, very well,&rsquo; exclaimed the stranger, in a patronising tone.
+      &lsquo;Seen Mr. Birley&rsquo;s weaving-room, I dare say?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! isn&rsquo;t it wonderful?&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A great many people.&rsquo; said the stranger, with a rather supercilious
+      smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But after all,&rsquo; said Coningsby, with animation, &lsquo;it is the machinery
+      without any interposition of manual power that overwhelms me. It haunts me
+      in my dreams,&rsquo; continued Coningsby; &lsquo;I see cities peopled with machines.
+      Certainly Manchester is the most wonderful city of modern times!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The stranger stared a little at the enthusiasm of his companion, and then
+      picked his teeth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Of all the remarkable things here,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;what on the whole,
+      sir, do you look upon as the most so?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;In the way of machinery?&rsquo; asked the stranger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;In the way of machinery.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why, in the way of machinery, you know,&rsquo; said the stranger, very quietly,
+      &lsquo;Manchester is a dead letter.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A dead letter!&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Dead and buried,&rsquo; said the stranger, accompanying his words with that
+      peculiar application of his thumb to his nose that signifies so eloquently
+      that all is up.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You astonish me!&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It&rsquo;s a booked place though,&rsquo; said the stranger, &lsquo;and no mistake. We have
+      all of us a very great respect for Manchester, of course; look upon her as
+      a sort of mother, and all that sort of thing. But she is behind the times,
+      sir, and that won&rsquo;t do in this age. The long and short of it is,
+      Manchester is gone by.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I thought her only fault might be she was too much in advance of the rest
+      of the country,&rsquo; said Coningsby, innocently.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If you want to see life,&rsquo; said the stranger, &lsquo;go to Staleybridge or
+      Bolton. There&rsquo;s high pressure.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But the population of Manchester is increasing,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why, yes; not a doubt. You see we have all of us a great respect for the
+      town. It is a sort of metropolis of this district, and there is a good
+      deal of capital in the place. And it has some firstrate institutions.
+      There&rsquo;s the Manchester Bank. That&rsquo;s a noble institution, full of
+      commercial enterprise; understands the age, sir; high-pressure to the
+      backbone. I came up to town to see the manager to-day. I am building a new
+      mill now myself at Staleybridge, and mean to open it by January, and when
+      I do, I&rsquo;ll give you leave to pay another visit to Mr. Birley&rsquo;s
+      weaving-room, with my compliments.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am very sorry,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;that I have only another day left; but
+      pray tell me, what would you recommend me most to see within a reasonable
+      distance of Manchester?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My mill is not finished,&rsquo; said the stranger musingly, &lsquo;and though there
+      is still a great deal worth seeing at Staleybridge, still you had better
+      wait to see my new mill. And Bolton, let me see; Bolton, there is nothing
+      at Bolton that can hold up its head for a moment against my new mill; but
+      then it is not finished. Well, well, let us see. What a pity this is not
+      the 1st of January, and then my new mill would be at work! I should like
+      to see Mr. Birley&rsquo;s face, or even Mr. Ashworth&rsquo;s, that day. And the Oxford
+      Road Works, where they are always making a little change, bit by bit
+      reform, eh! not a very particular fine appetite, I suspect, for dinner, at
+      the Oxford Road Works, the day they hear of my new mill being at work. But
+      you want to see something tip-top. Well, there&rsquo;s Millbank; that&rsquo;s regular
+      slap-up, quite a sight, regular lion; if I were you I would see Millbank.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Millbank!&rsquo; said Coningsby; &lsquo;what Millbank?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Millbank of Millbank, made the place, made it himself. About three miles
+      from Bolton; train to-morrow morning at 7.25, get a fly at the station,
+      and you will be at Millbank by 8.40.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Unfortunately I am engaged to-morrow morning,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;and yet I
+      am most anxious, particularly anxious, to see Millbank.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, there&rsquo;s a late train,&rsquo; said the stranger, &lsquo;3.15; you will be there
+      by 4.30.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think I could manage that,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Do,&rsquo; said the stranger; &lsquo;and if you ever find yourself at Staleybridge, I
+      shall be very happy to be of service. I must be off now. My train goes at
+      9.15.&rsquo; And he presented Coningsby with his card as he wished him good
+      night.
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      MR. G. O. A. HEAD, STALEYBRIDGE.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER III.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      In a green valley of Lancaster, contiguous to that district of factories
+      on which we have already touched, a clear and powerful stream flows
+      through a broad meadow land. Upon its margin, adorned, rather than
+      shadowed, by some old elm-trees, for they are too distant to serve except
+      for ornament, rises a vast deep red brick pile, which though formal and
+      monotonous in its general character, is not without a certain beauty of
+      proportion and an artist-like finish in its occasional masonry. The front,
+      which is of great extent, and covered with many tiers of small windows, is
+      flanked by two projecting wings in the same style, which form a large
+      court, completed by a dwarf wall crowned with a light, and rather elegant
+      railing; in the centre, the principal entrance, a lofty portal of bold and
+      beautiful design, surmounted by a statue of Commerce.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This building, not without a degree of dignity, is what is technically,
+      and not very felicitously, called a mill; always translated by the French
+      in their accounts of our manufacturing riots, &lsquo;moulin;&rsquo; and which really
+      was the principal factory of Oswald Millbank, the father of that youth
+      whom, we trust, our readers have not quite forgotten.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At some little distance, and rather withdrawn from the principal stream,
+      were two other smaller structures of the same style. About a quarter of a
+      mile further on, appeared a village of not inconsiderable size, and
+      remarkable from the neatness and even picturesque character of its
+      architecture, and the gay gardens that surrounded it. On a sunny knoll in
+      the background rose a church, in the best style of Christian architecture,
+      and near it was a clerical residence and a school-house of similar design.
+      The village, too, could boast of another public building; an Institute
+      where there were a library and a lecture-room; and a reading-hall, which
+      any one might frequent at certain hours, and under reasonable regulations.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On the other side of the principal factory, but more remote, about
+      half-a-mile up the valley, surrounded by beautiful meadows, and built on
+      an agreeable and well-wooded elevation, was the mansion of the mill-owner;
+      apparently a commodious and not inconsiderable dwelling-house, built in
+      what is called a villa style, with a variety of gardens and
+      conservatories. The atmosphere of this somewhat striking settlement was
+      not disturbed and polluted by the dark vapour, which, to the shame of
+      Manchester, still infests that great town, for Mr. Millbank, who liked
+      nothing so much as an invention, unless it were an experiment, took care
+      to consume his own smoke.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The sun was declining when Coningsby arrived at Millbank, and the
+      gratification which he experienced on first beholding it, was not a little
+      diminished, when, on enquiring at the village, he was informed that the
+      hour was past for seeing the works. Determined not to relinquish his
+      purpose without a struggle, he repaired to the principal mill, and entered
+      the counting-house, which was situated in one of the wings of the
+      building.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Your pleasure, sir?&rsquo; said one of three individuals sitting on high stools
+      behind a high desk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wish, if possible, to see the works.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Quite impossible, sir;&rsquo; and the clerk, withdrawing his glance, continued
+      his writing. &lsquo;No admission without an order, and no admission with an
+      order after two o&rsquo;clock.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am very unfortunate,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Sorry for it, sir. Give me ledger K. X., will you, Mr. Benson?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think Mr. Millbank would grant me permission,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Very likely, sir; to-morrow. Mr. Millbank is there, sir, but very much
+      engaged.&rsquo; He pointed to an inner counting-house, and the glass doors
+      permitted Coningsby to observe several individuals in close converse.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Perhaps his son, Mr. Oswald Millbank, is here?&rsquo; inquired Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Mr. Oswald is in Belgium,&rsquo; said the clerk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Would you give a message to Mr. Millbank, and say a friend of his son&rsquo;s
+      at Eton is here, and here only for a day, and wishes very much to see his
+      works?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Can&rsquo;t possibly disturb Mr. Millbank now, sir; but, if you like to sit
+      down, you can wait and see him yourself.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby was content to sit down, though he grew very impatient at the
+      end of a quarter of an hour. The ticking of the clock, the scratching of
+      the pens of the three silent clerks, irritated him. At length, voices were
+      heard, doors opened, and the clerk said, &lsquo;Mr. Millbank is coming, sir,&rsquo;
+      but nobody came; voices became hushed, doors were shut; again nothing was
+      heard, save the ticking of the clock and the scratching of the pen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At length there was a general stir, and they all did come forth, Mr.
+      Millbank among them, a well-proportioned, comely man, with a fair face
+      inclining to ruddiness, a quick, glancing, hazel eye, the whitest teeth,
+      and short, curly, chestnut hair, here and there slightly tinged with grey.
+      It was a visage of energy and decision.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He was about to pass through the counting-house with his companions, with
+      whom his affairs were not concluded, when he observed Coningsby, who had
+      risen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;This gentleman wishes to see me?&rsquo; he inquired of his clerk, who bowed
+      assent.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I shall be at your service, sir, the moment I have finished with these
+      gentlemen.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The gentleman wishes to see the works, sir,&rsquo; said the clerk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He can see the works at proper times,&rsquo; said Mr. Millbank, somewhat
+      pettishly; &lsquo;tell him the regulations;&rsquo; and he was about to go.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I beg your pardon, sir,&rsquo; said Coningsby, coming forward, and with an air
+      of earnestness and grace that arrested the step of the manufacturer. &lsquo;I am
+      aware of the regulations, but would beg to be permitted to infringe them.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It cannot be, sir,&rsquo; said Mr. Millbank, moving.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I thought, sir, being here only for a day, and as a friend of your son&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Millbank stopped and said,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! a friend of Oswald&rsquo;s, eh? What, at Eton?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes, sir, at Eton; and I had hoped perhaps to have found him here.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am very much engaged, sir, at this moment,&rsquo; said Mr. Millbank; &lsquo;I am
+      sorry I cannot pay you any personal attention, but my clerk will show you
+      everything. Mr. Benson, let this gentleman see everything;&rsquo; and he
+      withdrew.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Be pleased to write your name here, sir,&rsquo; said Mr. Benson, opening a
+      book, and our friend wrote his name and the date of his visit to Millbank:
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+  &lsquo;HARRY CONINGSBY, Sept. 2, 1836.&rsquo;
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby beheld in this great factory the last and the most refined
+      inventions of mechanical genius. The building had been fitted up by a
+      capitalist as anxious to raise a monument of the skill and power of his
+      order, as to obtain a return for the great investment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is the glory of Lancashire!&rsquo; exclaimed the enthusiastic Mr. Benson.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The clerk spoke freely of his master, whom he evidently idolised, and his
+      great achievements, and Coningsby encouraged him. He detailed to Coningsby
+      the plans which Mr. Millbank had pursued, both for the moral and physical
+      well-being of his people; how he had built churches, and schools, and
+      institutes; houses and cottages on a new system of ventilation; how he had
+      allotted gardens; established singing classes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Here is Mr. Millbank,&rsquo; continued the clerk, as he and Coningsby, quitting
+      the factory, re-entered the court.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Millbank was approaching the factory, and the moment that he observed
+      them, he quickened his pace.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Mr. Coningsby?&rsquo; he said, when he reached them. His countenance was rather
+      disturbed, and his voice a little trembled, and he looked on our friend
+      with a glance scrutinising and serious. Coningsby bowed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sorry that you should have been received at this place with so
+      little ceremony, sir,&rsquo; said Mr. Millbank; &lsquo;but had your name been
+      mentioned, you would have found it cherished here.&rsquo; He nodded to the
+      clerk, who disappeared.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby began to talk about the wonders of the factory, but Mr. Millbank
+      recurred to other thoughts that were passing in his mind. He spoke of his
+      son: he expressed a kind reproach that Coningsby should have thought of
+      visiting this part of the world without giving them some notice of his
+      intention, that he might have been their guest, that Oswald might have
+      been there to receive him, that they might have made arrangements that he
+      should see everything, and in the best manner; in short, that they might
+      all have shown, however slightly, the deep sense of their obligations to
+      him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My visit to Manchester, which led to this, was quite accidental,&rsquo; said
+      Coningsby. &lsquo;I am bound for the other division of the county, to pay a
+      visit to my grandfather, Lord Monmouth; but an irresistible desire came
+      over me during my journey to view this famous district of industry. It is
+      some days since I ought to have found myself at Coningsby, and this is the
+      reason why I am so pressed.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A cloud passed over the countenance of Millbank as the name of Lord
+      Monmouth was mentioned, but he said nothing. Turning towards Coningsby,
+      with an air of kindness:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;At least,&rsquo; said he, &lsquo;let not Oswald hear that you did not taste our salt.
+      Pray dine with me to-day; there is yet an hour to dinner; and as you have
+      seen the factory, suppose we stroll together through the village.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER IV.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The village clock struck five as Mr. Millbank and his guest entered the
+      gardens of his mansion. Coningsby lingered a moment to admire the beauty
+      and gay profusion of the flowers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Your situation,&rsquo; said Coningsby, looking up the green and silent valley,
+      &lsquo;is absolutely poetic.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I try sometimes to fancy,&rsquo; said Mr. Millbank, with a rather fierce smile,
+      &lsquo;that I am in the New World.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They entered the house; a capacious and classic hall, at the end a
+      staircase in the Italian fashion. As they approached it, the sweetest and
+      the clearest voice exclaimed from above, &lsquo;Papa! papa!&rsquo; and instantly a
+      young girl came bounding down the stairs, but suddenly seeing a stranger
+      with her father she stopped upon the landing-place, and was evidently on
+      the point of as rapidly retreating as she had advanced, when Mr. Millbank
+      waved his hand to her and begged her to descend. She came down slowly; as
+      she approached them her father said, &lsquo;A friend you have often heard of,
+      Edith: this is Mr. Coningsby.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She started; blushed very much; and then, with a trembling and uncertain
+      gait, advanced, put forth her hand with a wild unstudied grace, and said
+      in a tone of sensibility, &lsquo;How often have we all wished to see and to
+      thank you!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This daughter of his host was of tender years; apparently she could
+      scarcely have counted sixteen summers. She was delicate and fragile, but
+      as she raised her still blushing visage to her father&rsquo;s guest, Coningsby
+      felt that he had never beheld a countenance of such striking and such
+      peculiar beauty.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My only daughter, Mr. Coningsby, Edith; a Saxon name, for she is the
+      daughter of a Saxon.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But the beauty of the countenance was not the beauty of the Saxons. It was
+      a radiant face, one of those that seem to have been touched in their
+      cradle by a sunbeam, and to have retained all their brilliancy and
+      suffused and mantling lustre. One marks sometimes such faces, diaphanous
+      with delicate splendour, in the southern regions of France. Her eye, too,
+      was the rare eye of Aquitaine; soft and long, with lashes drooping over
+      the cheek, dark as her clustering ringlets.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They entered the drawing-room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Mr. Coningsby,&rsquo; said Millbank to his daughter, &lsquo;is in this part of the
+      world only for a few hours, or I am sure he would become our guest. He
+      has, however, promised to stay with us now and dine.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If Miss Millbank will pardon this dress,&rsquo; said Coningsby, bowing an
+      apology for his inevitable frock and boots; the maiden raised her eyes and
+      bent her head.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The hour of dinner was at hand. Millbank offered to show Coningsby to his
+      dressing-room. He was absent but a few minutes. When he returned he found
+      Miss Millbank alone. He came somewhat suddenly into the room. She was
+      playing with her dog, but ceased the moment she observed Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby, who since his practice with Lady Everingham, flattered himself
+      that he had advanced in small talk, and was not sorry that he had now an
+      opportunity of proving his prowess, made some lively observations about
+      pets and the breeds of lapdogs, but he was not fortunate in extracting a
+      response or exciting a repartee. He began then on the beauty of Millbank,
+      which he would on no account have avoided seeing, and inquired when she
+      had last heard of her brother. The young lady, apparently much distressed,
+      was murmuring something about Antwerp, when the entrance of her father
+      relieved her from her embarrassment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Dinner being announced, Coningsby offered his arm to his fair companion,
+      who took it with her eyes fixed on the ground.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You are very fond, I see, of flowers,&rsquo; said Coningsby, as they moved
+      along; and the young lady said &lsquo;Yes.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The dinner was plain, but perfect of its kind. The young hostess seemed to
+      perform her office with a certain degree of desperate determination. She
+      looked at a chicken and then at Coningsby, and murmured something which he
+      understood. Sometimes she informed herself of his tastes or necessities in
+      more detail, by the medium of her father, whom she treated as a sort of
+      dragoman; in this way: &lsquo;Would not Mr. Coningsby, papa, take this or that,
+      or do so and so?&rsquo; Coningsby was always careful to reply in a direct
+      manner, without the agency of the interpreter; but he did not advance.
+      Even a petition for the great honour of taking a glass of sherry with her
+      only induced the beautiful face to bow. And yet when she had first seen
+      him, she had addressed him even with emotion. What could it be? He felt
+      less confidence in his increased power of conversation. Why, Theresa
+      Sydney was scarcely a year older than Miss Millbank, and though she did
+      not certainly originate like Lady Everingham, he got on with her perfectly
+      well.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Millbank did not seem to be conscious of his daughter&rsquo;s silence: at
+      any rate, he attempted to compensate for it. He talked fluently and well;
+      on all subjects his opinions seemed to be decided, and his language was
+      precise. He was really interested in what Coningsby had seen, and what he
+      had felt; and this sympathy divested his manner of the disagreeable effect
+      that accompanies a tone inclined to be dictatorial. More than once
+      Coningsby observed the silent daughter listening with extreme attention to
+      the conversation of himself and her father.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The dessert was remarkable. Millbank was proud of his fruit. A bland
+      expression of self-complacency spread over his features as he surveyed his
+      grapes, his peaches, his figs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;These grapes have gained a medal,&rsquo; he told Coningsby. &lsquo;Those too are
+      prize peaches. I have not yet been so successful with my figs. These
+      however promise, and perhaps this year I may be more fortunate.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What would your brother and myself have given for such a dessert at
+      Eton!&rsquo; said Coningsby to Miss Millbank, wishing to say something, and
+      something too that might interest her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She seemed infinitely distressed, and yet this time would speak.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Let me give you some,&rsquo; He caught by chance her glance immediately
+      withdrawn; yet it was a glance not only of beauty, but of feeling and
+      thought. She added, in a hushed and hurried tone, dividing very nervously
+      some grapes, &lsquo;I hardly know whether Oswald will be most pleased or grieved
+      when he hears that you have been here.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And why grieved?&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;That he should not have been here to welcome you, and that your stay is
+      for so brief a time. It seems so strange that after having talked of you
+      for years, we should see you only for hours.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I hope I may return,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;and that Millbank may be here to
+      welcome me; but I hope I may be permitted to return even if he be not.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But there was no reply; and soon after, Mr. Millbank talking of the
+      American market, and Coningsby helping himself to a glass of claret, the
+      daughter of the Saxon, looking at her father, rose and left the room, so
+      suddenly and so quickly that Coningsby could scarcely gain the door.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes,&rsquo; said Millbank, filling his glass, and pursuing some previous
+      observations, &lsquo;all that we want in this country is to be masters of our
+      own industry; but Saxon industry and Norman manners never will agree; and
+      some day, Mr. Coningsby, you will find that out.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But what do you mean by Norman manners?&rsquo; inquired Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Did you ever hear of the Forest of Rossendale?&rsquo; said Millbank. &lsquo;If you
+      were staying here, you should visit the district. It is an area of
+      twenty-four square miles. It was disforested in the early part of the
+      sixteenth century, possessing at that time eighty inhabitants. Its rental
+      in James the First&rsquo;s time was 120<i>l.</i> When the woollen manufacture
+      was introduced into the north, the shuttle competed with the plough in
+      Rossendale, and about forty years ago we sent them the Jenny. The eighty
+      souls are now increased to upwards of eighty thousand, and the rental of
+      the forest, by the last county assessment, amounts to more than 50,000<i>l.</i>,
+      41,000 per cent, on the value in the reign of James I. Now I call that an
+      instance of Saxon industry competing successfully with Norman manners.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Exactly,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;but those manners are gone.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;From Rossendale,&rsquo; said Millbank, with a grim smile; &lsquo;but not from
+      England.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Where do you meet them?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Meet them! In every place, at every hour; and feel them, too, in every
+      transaction of life.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I know, sir, from your son,&rsquo; said Coningsby, inquiringly, &lsquo;that you are
+      opposed to an aristocracy.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No, I am not. I am for an aristocracy; but a real one, a natural one.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But, sir, is not the aristocracy of England,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;a real
+      one? You do not confound our peerage, for example, with the degraded
+      patricians of the Continent.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Hum!&rsquo; said Millbank. &lsquo;I do not understand how an aristocracy can exist,
+      unless it be distinguished by some quality which no other class of the
+      community possesses. Distinction is the basis of aristocracy. If you
+      permit only one class of the population, for example, to bear arms, they
+      are an aristocracy; not one much to my taste; but still a great fact.
+      That, however, is not the characteristic of the English peerage. I have
+      yet to learn they are richer than we are, better informed, wiser, or more
+      distinguished for public or private virtue. Is it not monstrous, then,
+      that a small number of men, several of whom take the titles of Duke and
+      Earl from towns in this very neighbourhood, towns which they never saw,
+      which never heard of them, which they did not form, or build, or
+      establish, I say, is it not monstrous, that individuals so circumstanced,
+      should be invested with the highest of conceivable privileges, the
+      privilege of making laws? Dukes and Earls indeed! I say there is nothing
+      in a masquerade more ridiculous.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But do you not argue from an exception, sir?&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;The
+      question is, whether a preponderance of the aristocratic principle in a
+      political constitution be, as I believe, conducive to the stability and
+      permanent power of a State; and whether the peerage, as established in
+      England, generally tends to that end? We must not forget in such an
+      estimate the influence which, in this country, is exercised over opinion
+      by ancient lineage.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ancient lineage!&rsquo; said Mr. Millbank; &lsquo;I never heard of a peer with an
+      ancient lineage. The real old families of this country are to be found
+      among the peasantry; the gentry, too, may lay some claim to old blood. I
+      can point you out Saxon families in this county who can trace their
+      pedigrees beyond the Conquest; I know of some Norman gentlemen whose
+      fathers undoubtedly came over with the Conqueror. But a peer with an
+      ancient lineage is to me quite a novelty. No, no; the thirty years of the
+      wars of the Roses freed us from those gentlemen. I take it, after the
+      battle of Tewkesbury, a Norman baron was almost as rare a being in England
+      as a wolf is now.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have always understood,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;that our peerage was the
+      finest in Europe.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;From themselves,&rsquo; said Millbank, &lsquo;and the heralds they pay to paint their
+      carriages. But I go to facts. When Henry VII. called his first Parliament,
+      there were only twenty-nine temporal peers to be found, and even some of
+      them took their seats illegally, for they had been attainted. Of those
+      twenty-nine not five remain, and they, as the Howards for instance, are
+      not Norman nobility. We owe the English peerage to three sources: the
+      spoliation of the Church; the open and flagrant sale of its honours by the
+      elder Stuarts; and the boroughmongering of our own times. Those are the
+      three main sources of the existing peerage of England, and in my opinion
+      disgraceful ones. But I must apologise for my frankness in thus speaking
+      to an aristocrat.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh, by no means, sir, I like discussion. Your son and myself at Eton have
+      had some encounters of this kind before. But if your view of the case be
+      correct,&rsquo; added Coningsby, smiling, &lsquo;you cannot at any rate accuse our
+      present peers of Norman manners.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes, I do: they adopted Norman manners while they usurped Norman titles.
+      They have neither the right of the Normans, nor do they fulfil the duty of
+      the Normans: they did not conquer the land, and they do not defend it.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And where will you find your natural aristocracy?&rsquo; asked Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Among those men whom a nation recognises as the most eminent for virtue,
+      talents, and property, and, if you please, birth and standing in the land.
+      They guide opinion; and, therefore, they govern. I am no leveller; I look
+      upon an artificial equality as equally pernicious with a factitious
+      aristocracy; both depressing the energies, and checking the enterprise of
+      a nation. I like man to be free, really free: free in his industry as well
+      as his body. What is the use of Habeas Corpus, if a man may not use his
+      hands when he is out of prison?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But it appears to me you have, in a great measure, this natural
+      aristocracy in England.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah, to be sure! If we had not, where should we be? It is the
+      counteracting power that saves us, the disturbing cause in the
+      calculations of short-sighted selfishness. I say it now, and I have said
+      it a hundred times, the House of Commons is a more aristocratic body than
+      the House of Lords. The fact is, a great peer would be a greater man now
+      in the House of Commons than in the House of Lords. Nobody wants a second
+      chamber, except a few disreputable individuals. It is a valuable
+      institution for any member of it who has no distinction, neither
+      character, talents, nor estate. But a peer who possesses all or any of
+      these great qualifications, would find himself an immeasurably more
+      important personage in what, by way of jest, they call the Lower House.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Is not the revising wisdom of a senate a salutary check on the
+      precipitation of a popular assembly?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why should a popular assembly, elected by the flower of a nation, be
+      precipitate? If precipitate, what senate could stay an assembly so chosen?
+      No, no, no! the thing has been tried over and over again; the idea of
+      restraining the powerful by the weak is an absurdity; the question is
+      settled. If we wanted a fresh illustration, we need only look to the
+      present state of our own House of Lords. It originates nothing; it has, in
+      fact, announced itself as a mere Court of Registration of the decrees of
+      your House of Commons; and if by any chance it ventures to alter some
+      miserable detail in a clause of a bill that excites public interest, what
+      a clatter through the country, at Conservative banquets got up by the
+      rural attorneys, about the power, authority, and independence of the House
+      of Lords; nine times nine, and one cheer more! No, sir, you may make
+      aristocracies by laws; you can only maintain them by manners. The manners
+      of England preserve it from its laws. And they have substituted for our
+      formal aristocracy an essential aristocracy; the government of those who
+      are distinguished by their fellow-citizens.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But then it would appear,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;that the remedial action of
+      our manners has removed all the political and social evils of which you
+      complain?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;They have created a power that may remove them; a power that has the
+      capacity to remove them. But in a great measure they still exist, and must
+      exist yet, I fear, for a long time. The growth of our civilisation has
+      ever been as slow as our oaks; but this tardy development is preferable to
+      the temporary expansion of the gourd.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The future seems to me sometimes a dark cloud.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Not to me,&rsquo; said Mr. Millbank. &lsquo;I am sanguine; I am the Disciple of
+      Progress. But I have cause for my faith. I have witnessed advance. My
+      father has often told me that in his early days the displeasure of a peer
+      of England was like a sentence of death to a man. Why it was esteemed a
+      great concession to public opinion, so late as the reign of George II.,
+      that Lord Ferrars should be executed for murder. The king of a new
+      dynasty, who wished to be popular with the people, insisted on it, and
+      even then he was hanged with a silken cord. At any rate we may defend
+      ourselves now,&rsquo; continued Mr. Millbank, &lsquo;and, perhaps, do something more.
+      I defy any peer to crush me, though there is one who would be very glad to
+      do it. No more of that; I am very happy to see you at Millbank, very happy
+      to make your acquaintance,&rsquo; he continued, with some emotion, &lsquo;and not
+      merely because you are my son&rsquo;s friend and more than friend.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The walls of the dining-room were covered with pictures of great merit,
+      all of the modern English school. Mr. Millbank understood no other, he was
+      wont to say! and he found that many of his friends who did, bought a great
+      many pleasing pictures that were copies, and many originals that were very
+      displeasing. He loved a fine free landscape by Lee, that gave him the
+      broad plains, the green lanes, and running streams of his own land; a
+      group of animals by Landseer, as full of speech and sentiment as if they
+      were designed by Aesop; above all, he delighted in the household humour
+      and homely pathos of Wilkie. And if a higher tone of imagination pleased
+      him, he could gratify it without difficulty among his favourite masters.
+      He possessed some specimens of Etty worthy of Venice when it was alive; he
+      could muse amid the twilight ruins of ancient cities raised by the magic
+      pencil of Danby, or accompany a group of fair Neapolitans to a festival by
+      the genial aid of Uwins.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Opposite Coningsby was a portrait, which had greatly attracted his
+      attention during the whole dinner. It represented a woman, young and of a
+      rare beauty. The costume was of that classical character prevalent in this
+      country before the general peace; a blue ribbon bound together as a fillet
+      her clustering chestnut curls. The face was looking out of the canvas, and
+      Coningsby never raised his eyes without catching its glance of blended
+      vivacity and tenderness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There are moments when our sensibility is affected by circumstances of a
+      trivial character. It seems a fantastic emotion, but the gaze of this
+      picture disturbed the serenity of Coningsby. He endeavoured sometimes to
+      avoid looking at it, but it irresistibly attracted him. More than once
+      during dinner he longed to inquire whom it represented; but it is a
+      delicate subject to ask questions about portraits, and he refrained.
+      Still, when he was rising to leave the room, the impulse was irresistible.
+      He said to Mr. Millbank, &lsquo;By whom is that portrait, sir?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The countenance of Millbank became disturbed; it was not an expression of
+      tender reminiscence that fell upon his features. On the contrary, the
+      expression was agitated, almost angry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! that is by a country artist,&rsquo; he said,&rsquo; of whom you never heard,&rsquo; and
+      moved away.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They found Miss Millbank in the drawing-room; she was sitting at a round
+      table covered with working materials, apparently dressing a doll.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Nay,&rsquo; thought Coningsby, &lsquo;she must be too old for that.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He addressed her, and seated himself by her side. There were several dolls
+      on the table, but he discovered, on examination, that they were
+      pincushions; and elicited, with some difficulty, that they were making for
+      a fancy fair about to be held in aid of that excellent institution, the
+      Manchester Athenaeum. Then the father came up and said,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My child, let us have some tea;&rsquo; and she rose and seated herself at the
+      tea-table. Coningsby also quitted his seat, and surveyed the apartment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There were several musical instruments; among others, he observed a
+      guitar; not such an instrument as one buys in a music shop, but such an
+      one as tinkles at Seville, a genuine Spanish guitar. Coningsby repaired to
+      the tea-table.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am glad that you are fond of music, Miss Millbank.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A blush and a bow.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I hope after tea you will be so kind as to touch the guitar.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Signals of great distress.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Were you ever at Birmingham?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes:&rsquo; a sigh.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What a splendid music-hall! They should build one at Manchester.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;They ought,&rsquo; in a whisper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The tea-tray was removed; Coningsby was conversing with Mr. Millbank, who
+      was asking him questions about his son; what he thought of Oxford; what he
+      thought of Oriel; should himself have preferred Cambridge; but had
+      consulted a friend, an Oriel man, who had a great opinion of Oriel; and
+      Oswald&rsquo;s name had been entered some years back. He rather regretted it
+      now; but the thing was done. Coningsby, remembering the promise of the
+      guitar, turned round to claim its fulfilment, but the singer had made her
+      escape. Time elapsed, and no Miss Millbank reappeared. Coningsby looked at
+      his watch; he had to go three miles to the train, which started, as his
+      friend of the previous night would phrase it, at 9.45.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I should be happy if you remained with us,&rsquo; said Mr. Millbank; &lsquo;but as
+      you say it is out of your power, in this age of punctual travelling a host
+      is bound to speed the parting guest. The carriage is ready for you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Farewell, then, sir. You must make my adieux to Miss Millbank, and accept
+      my thanks for your great kindness.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Farewell, Mr. Coningsby,&rsquo; said his host, taking his hand, which he
+      retained for a moment, as if he would say more. Then leaving it, he
+      repeated with a somewhat wandering air, and in a voice of emotion,
+      &lsquo;Farewell, farewell, Mr. Coningsby.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER V.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Towards the end of the session of 1836, the hopes of the Conservative
+      party were again in the ascendant. The Tadpoles and the Tapers had infused
+      such enthusiasm into all the country attorneys, who, in their turn, had so
+      bedeviled the registration, that it was whispered in the utmost
+      confidence, but as a flagrant truth, that Reaction was at length &lsquo;a great
+      fact.&rsquo; All that was required was the opportunity; but as the existing
+      parliament was not two years old, and the government had an excellent
+      working majority, it seemed that the occasion could scarcely be furnished.
+      Under these circumstances, the backstairs politicians, not content with
+      having by their premature movements already seriously damaged the career
+      of their leader, to whom in public they pretended to be devoted, began
+      weaving again their old intrigues about the court, and not without effect.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was said that the royal ear lent itself with no marked repugnance to
+      suggestions which might rid the sovereign of ministers, who, after all,
+      were the ministers not of his choice, but of his necessity. But William
+      IV., after two failures in a similar attempt, after his respective
+      embarrassing interviews with Lord Grey and Lord Melbourne, on their return
+      to office in 1832 and 1835, was resolved never to make another move unless
+      it were a checkmate. The king, therefore, listened and smiled, and loved
+      to talk to his favourites of his private feelings and secret hopes; the
+      first outraged, the second cherished; and a little of these revelations of
+      royalty was distilled to great personages, who in their turn spoke
+      hypothetically to their hangers-on of royal dispositions, and possible
+      contingencies, while the hangers-on and go-betweens, in their turn, looked
+      more than they expressed; took county members by the button into a corner,
+      and advised, as friends, the representatives of boroughs to look sharply
+      after the next registration.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth, who was never greater than in adversity, and whose
+      favourite excitement was to aim at the impossible, had never been more
+      resolved on a Dukedom than when the Reform Act deprived him of the twelve
+      votes which he had accumulated to attain that object. While all his
+      companions in discomfiture were bewailing their irretrievable overthrow,
+      Lord Monmouth became almost a convert to the measure, which had furnished
+      his devising and daring mind, palled with prosperity, and satiated with a
+      life of success, with an object, and the stimulating enjoyment of a
+      difficulty.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He had early resolved to appropriate to himself a division of the county
+      in which his chief seat was situate; but what most interested him, because
+      it was most difficult, was the acquisition of one of the new boroughs that
+      was in his vicinity, and in which he possessed considerable property. The
+      borough, however, was a manufacturing town, and returning only one member,
+      it had hitherto sent up to Westminster a radical shopkeeper, one Mr.
+      Jawster Sharp, who had taken what is called &lsquo;a leading part&rsquo; in the town
+      on every &lsquo;crisis&rsquo; that had occurred since 1830; one of those zealous
+      patriots who had got up penny subscriptions for gold cups to Lord Grey;
+      cries for the bill, the whole bill, and nothing but the bill; and public
+      dinners where the victual was devoured before grace was said; a worthy who
+      makes speeches, passes resolutions, votes addresses, goes up with
+      deputations, has at all times the necessary quantity of confidence in the
+      necessary individual; confidence in Lord Grey; confidence in Lord Durham;
+      confidence in Lord Melbourne: and can also, if necessary, give three
+      cheers for the King, or three groans for the Queen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But the days of the genus Jawster Sharp were over in this borough as well
+      as in many others. He had contrived in his lustre of agitation to feather
+      his nest pretty successfully; by which he had lost public confidence and
+      gained his private end. Three hungry Jawster Sharps, his hopeful sons, had
+      all become commissioners of one thing or another; temporary appointments
+      with interminable duties; a low-church son-in-law found himself
+      comfortably seated in a chancellor&rsquo;s living; and several cousins and
+      nephews were busy in the Excise. But Jawster Sharp himself was as pure as
+      Cato. He had always said he would never touch the public money, and he had
+      kept his word. It was an understood thing that Jawster Sharp was never to
+      show his face again on the hustings of Darlford; the Liberal party was
+      determined to be represented in future by a man of station, substance,
+      character, a true Reformer, but one who wanted nothing for himself, and
+      therefore might, if needful, get something for them. They were looking out
+      for such a man, but were in no hurry. The seat was looked upon as a good
+      thing; a contest certainly, every place is contested now, but as certainly
+      a large majority. Notwithstanding all this confidence, however, Reaction
+      or Registration, or some other mystification, had produced effects even in
+      this creature of the Reform Bill, the good Borough of Darlford. The
+      borough that out of gratitude to Lord Grey returned a jobbing shopkeeper
+      twice to Parliament as its representative without a contest, had now a
+      Conservative Association, with a banker for its chairman, and a brewer for
+      its vice-president, and four sharp lawyers nibbing their pens, noting
+      their memorandum-books, and assuring their neighbours, with a consoling
+      and complacent air, that &lsquo;Property must tell in the long run.&rsquo; Whispers
+      also were about, that when the proper time arrived, a Conservative
+      candidate would certainly have the honour of addressing the electors. No
+      name mentioned, but it was not concealed that he was to be of no ordinary
+      calibre; a tried man, a distinguished individual, who had already fought
+      the battle of the constitution, and served his country in eminent posts;
+      honoured by the nation, favoured by his sovereign. These important and
+      encouraging intimations were ably diffused in the columns of the
+      Conservative journal, and in a style which, from its high tone, evidently
+      indicated no ordinary source and no common pen. Indeed, there appeared
+      occasionally in this paper, articles written with such unusual vigour,
+      that the proprietors of the Liberal journal almost felt the necessity of
+      getting some eminent hand down from town to compete with them. It was
+      impossible that they could emanate from the rival Editor. They knew well
+      the length of their brother&rsquo;s tether. Had they been more versant in the
+      periodical literature of the day, they might in this &lsquo;slashing&rsquo; style have
+      caught perhaps a glimpse of the future candidate for their borough, the
+      Right Honourable Nicholas Rigby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth, though he had been absent from England since 1832, had
+      obtained from his vigilant correspondent a current knowledge of all that
+      had occurred in the interval: all the hopes, fears, plans, prospects,
+      manoeuvres, and machinations; their rise and fall; how some had bloomed,
+      others were blighted; not a shade of reaction that was not represented to
+      him; not the possibility of an adhesion that was not duly reported; he
+      could calculate at Naples at any time, within ten, the result of a
+      dissolution. The season of the year had prevented him crossing the Alps in
+      1834, and after the general election he was too shrewd a practiser in the
+      political world to be deceived as to the ultimate result. Lord Eskdale, in
+      whose judgment he had more confidence than in that of any individual, had
+      told him from the first that the pear was not ripe; Rigby, who always
+      hedged against his interest by the fulfilment of his prophecy of
+      irremediable discomfiture, was never very sanguine. Indeed, the whole
+      affair was always considered premature by the good judges; and a long time
+      elapsed before Tadpole and Taper recovered their secret influence, or
+      resumed their ostentatious loquacity, or their silent insolence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The pear, however, was now ripe. Even Lord Eskdale wrote that after the
+      forthcoming registration a bet was safe, and Lord Monmouth had the
+      satisfaction of drawing the Whig Minister at Naples into a cool thousand
+      on the event. Soon after this he returned to England, and determined to
+      pay a visit to Coningsby Castle, feast the county, patronise the borough,
+      diffuse that confidence in the party which his presence never failed to
+      do; so great and so just was the reliance in his unerring powers of
+      calculation and his intrepid pluck. Notwithstanding Schedule A, the
+      prestige of his power had not sensibly diminished, for his essential
+      resources were vast, and his intellect always made the most of his
+      influence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      True, however, to his organisation, Lord Monmouth, even to save his party
+      and gain his dukedom, must not be bored. He, therefore, filled his castle
+      with the most agreeable people from London, and even secured for their
+      diversion a little troop of French comedians. Thus supported, he received
+      his neighbours with all the splendour befitting his immense wealth and
+      great position, and with one charm which even immense wealth and great
+      position cannot command, the most perfect manner in the world. Indeed,
+      Lord Monmouth was one of the most finished gentlemen that ever lived; and
+      as he was good-natured, and for a selfish man even good-humoured, there
+      was rarely a cloud of caprice or ill-temper to prevent his fine manners
+      having their fair play. The country neighbours were all fascinated; they
+      were received with so much dignity and dismissed with so much grace.
+      Nobody would believe a word of the stories against him. Had he lived all
+      his life at Coningsby, fulfilled every duty of a great English nobleman,
+      benefited the county, loaded the inhabitants with favours, he would not
+      have been half so popular as he found himself within a fortnight of his
+      arrival with the worst county reputation conceivable, and every little
+      squire vowing that he would not even leave his name at the Castle to show
+      his respect.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth, whose contempt for mankind was absolute; not a fluctuating
+      sentiment, not a mournful conviction, ebbing and flowing with
+      circumstances, but a fixed, profound, unalterable instinct; who never
+      loved any one, and never hated any one except his own children; was
+      diverted by his popularity, but he was also gratified by it. At this
+      moment it was a great element of power; he was proud that, with a vicious
+      character, after having treated these people with unprecedented neglect
+      and contumely, he should have won back their golden opinions in a moment
+      by the magic of manner and the splendour of wealth. His experience proved
+      the soundness of his philosophy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth worshipped gold, though, if necessary, he could squander it
+      like a caliph. He had even a respect for very rich men; it was his only
+      weakness, the only exception to his general scorn for his species. Wit,
+      power, particular friendships, general popularity, public opinion, beauty,
+      genius, virtue, all these are to be purchased; but it does not follow that
+      you can buy a rich man: you may not be able or willing to spare enough. A
+      person or a thing that you perhaps could not buy, became invested, in the
+      eyes of Lord Monmouth, with a kind of halo amounting almost to sanctity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As the prey rose to the bait, Lord Monmouth resolved they should be
+      gorged. His banquets were doubled; a ball was announced; a public day
+      fixed; not only the county, but the principal inhabitants of the
+      neighbouring borough, were encouraged to attend; Lord Monmouth wished it,
+      if possible, to be without distinction of party. He had come to reside
+      among his old friends, to live and die where he was born. The Chairman of
+      the Conservative Association and the Vice President exchanged glances,
+      which would have become Tadpole and Taper; the four attorneys nibbed their
+      pens with increased energy, and vowed that nothing could withstand the
+      influence of the aristocracy &lsquo;in the long run.&rsquo; All went and dined at the
+      Castle; all returned home overpowered by the condescension of the host,
+      the beauty of the ladies, several real Princesses, the splendour of his
+      liveries, the variety of his viands, and the flavour of his wines. It was
+      agreed that at future meetings of the Conservative Association, they
+      should always give &lsquo;Lord Monmouth and the House of Lords!&rsquo; superseding the
+      Duke of Wellington, who was to figure in an after-toast with the Battle of
+      Waterloo.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was not without emotion that Coningsby beheld for the first time the
+      castle that bore his name. It was visible for several miles before he even
+      entered the park, so proud and prominent was its position, on the
+      richly-wooded steep of a considerable eminence. It was a castellated
+      building, immense and magnificent, in a faulty and incongruous style of
+      architecture, indeed, but compensating in some degree for these
+      deficiencies of external taste and beauty by the splendour and
+      accommodation of its exterior, and which a Gothic castle, raised according
+      to the strict rules of art, could scarcely have afforded. The declining
+      sun threw over the pile a rich colour as Coningsby approached it, and lit
+      up with fleeting and fanciful tints the delicate foliage of the rare
+      shrubs and tall thin trees that clothed the acclivity on which it stood.
+      Our young friend felt a little embarrassed when, without a servant and in
+      a hack chaise, he drew up to the grand portal, and a crowd of retainers
+      came forth to receive him. A superior servant inquired his name with a
+      stately composure that disdained to be supercilious. It was not without
+      some degree of pride and satisfaction that the guest replied, &lsquo;Mr.
+      Coningsby.&rsquo; The instantaneous effect was magical. It seemed to Coningsby
+      that he was borne on the shoulders of the people to his apartment; each
+      tried to carry some part of his luggage; and he only hoped his welcome
+      from their superiors might be as hearty.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VI.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      It appeared to Coningsby in his way to his room, that the Castle was in a
+      state of great excitement; everywhere bustle, preparation, moving to and
+      fro, ascending and descending of stairs, servants in every corner; orders
+      boundlessly given, rapidly obeyed; many desires, equal gratification. All
+      this made him rather nervous. It was quite unlike Beaumanoir. That also
+      was a palace, but it was a home. This, though it should be one to him,
+      seemed to have nothing of that character. Of all mysteries the social
+      mysteries are the most appalling. Going to an assembly for the first time
+      is more alarming than the first battle. Coningsby had never before been in
+      a great house full of company. It seemed an overwhelming affair. The sight
+      of the servants bewildered him; how then was he to encounter their
+      masters?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      That, however, he must do in a moment. A groom of the chambers indicates
+      the way to him, as he proceeds with a hesitating yet hurried step through
+      several ante-chambers and drawing-rooms; then doors are suddenly thrown
+      open, and he is ushered into the largest and most sumptuous saloon that he
+      had ever entered. It was full of ladies and gentlemen. Coningsby for the
+      first time in his life was at a great party. His immediate emotion was to
+      sink into the earth; but perceiving that no one even noticed him, and that
+      not an eye had been attracted to his entrance, he regained his breath and
+      in some degree his composure, and standing aside, endeavoured to make
+      himself, as well as he could, master of the land.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Not a human being that he had ever seen before! The circumstance of not
+      being noticed, which a few minutes since he had felt as a relief, became
+      now a cause of annoyance. It seemed that he was the only person standing
+      alone whom no one was addressing. He felt renewed and aggravated
+      embarrassment, and fancied, perhaps was conscious, that he was blushing.
+      At length his ear caught the voice of Mr. Rigby. The speaker was not
+      visible; he was at a distance surrounded by a wondering group, whom he was
+      severally and collectively contradicting, but Coningsby could not mistake
+      those harsh, arrogant tones. He was not sorry indeed that Mr. Rigby did
+      not observe him. Coningsby never loved him particularly, which was rather
+      ungrateful, for he was a person who had been kind, and, on the whole,
+      serviceable to him; but Coningsby writhed, especially as he grew older,
+      under Mr. Rigby&rsquo;s patronising air and paternal tone. Even in old days,
+      though attentive, Coningsby had never found him affectionate. Mr. Rigby
+      would tell him what to do and see, but never asked him what he wished to
+      do and see. It seemed to Coningsby that it was always contrived that he
+      should appear the <i>protégé</i>, or poor relation, of a dependent of his
+      family. These feelings, which the thought of Mr. Rigby had revived, caused
+      our young friend, by an inevitable association of ideas, to remember that,
+      unknown and unnoticed as he might be, he was the only Coningsby in that
+      proud Castle, except the Lord of the Castle himself; and he began to be
+      rather ashamed of permitting a sense of his inexperience in the mere forms
+      and fashions of society so to oppress him, and deprive him, as it were, of
+      the spirit and carriage which became alike his character and his position.
+      Emboldened and greatly restored to himself, Coningsby advanced into the
+      body of the saloon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On his legs, wearing his blue ribbon and bending his head frequently to a
+      lady who was seated on a sofa, and continually addressed him, Coningsby
+      recognised his grandfather. Lord Monmouth was somewhat balder than four
+      years ago, when he had come down to Montem, and a little more portly
+      perhaps; but otherwise unchanged. Lord Monmouth never condescended to the
+      artifices of the toilet, and, indeed, notwithstanding his life of excess,
+      had little need of them. Nature had done much for him, and the slow
+      progress of decay was carried off by his consummate bearing. He looked,
+      indeed, the chieftain of a house of whom a cadet might be proud.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      For Coningsby, not only the chief of his house, but his host too. In
+      either capacity he ought to address Lord Monmouth. To sit down to dinner
+      without having previously paid his respects to his grandfather, to whom he
+      was so much indebted, and whom he had not seen for so many years, struck
+      him not only as uncourtly, but as unkind and ungrateful, and, indeed, in
+      the highest degree absurd. But how was he to do it? Lord Monmouth seemed
+      deeply engaged, and apparently with some very great lady. And if Coningsby
+      advanced and bowed, in all probability he would only get a bow in return.
+      He remembered the bow of his first interview. It had made a lasting
+      impression on his mind. For it was more than likely Lord Monmouth would
+      not recognise him. Four years had not sensibly altered Lord Monmouth, but
+      four years had changed Harry Coningsby from a schoolboy into a man. Then
+      how was he to make himself known to his grandfather? To announce himself
+      as Coningsby, as his Lordship&rsquo;s grandson, seemed somewhat ridiculous: to
+      address his grandfather as Lord Monmouth would serve no purpose: to style
+      Lord Monmouth &lsquo;grandfather&rsquo; would make every one laugh, and seem stiff and
+      unnatural. What was he to do? To fall into an attitude and exclaim,
+      &lsquo;Behold your grandchild!&rsquo; or, &lsquo;Have you forgotten your Harry?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Even to catch Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s glance was not an easy affair; he was much
+      occupied on one side by the great lady, on the other were several
+      gentlemen who occasionally joined in the conversation. But something must
+      be done.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There ran through Coningsby&rsquo;s character, as we have before mentioned, a
+      vein of simplicity which was not its least charm. It resulted, no doubt,
+      in a great degree from the earnestness of his nature. There never was a
+      boy so totally devoid of affectation, which was remarkable, for he had a
+      brilliant imagination, a quality that, from its fantasies, and the vague
+      and indefinite desires it engenders, generally makes those whose
+      characters are not formed, affected. The Duchess, who was a fine judge of
+      character, and who greatly regarded Coningsby, often mentioned this trait
+      as one which, combined with his great abilities and acquirements so
+      unusual at his age, rendered him very interesting. In the present instance
+      it happened that, while Coningsby was watching his grandfather, he
+      observed a gentleman advance, make his bow, say and receive a few words
+      and retire. This little incident, however, made a momentary diversion in
+      the immediate circle of Lord Monmouth, and before they could all resume
+      their former talk and fall into their previous positions, an impulse sent
+      forth Coningsby, who walked up to Lord Monmouth, and standing before him,
+      said,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;How do you do, grandpapa?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth beheld his grandson. His comprehensive and penetrating
+      glance took in every point with a flash. There stood before him one of the
+      handsomest youths he had ever seen, with a mien as graceful as his
+      countenance was captivating; and his whole air breathing that freshness
+      and ingenuousness which none so much appreciates as the used man of the
+      world. And this was his child; the only one of his blood to whom he had
+      been kind. It would be exaggeration to say that Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s heart was
+      touched; but his goodnature effervesced, and his fine taste was deeply
+      gratified. He perceived in an instant such a relation might be a valuable
+      adherent; an irresistible candidate for future elections: a brilliant tool
+      to work out the Dukedom. All these impressions and ideas, and many more,
+      passed through the quick brain of Lord Monmouth ere the sound of
+      Coningsby&rsquo;s words had seemed to cease, and long before the surrounding
+      guests had recovered from the surprise which they had occasioned them, and
+      which did not diminish, when Lord Monmouth, advancing, placed his arms
+      round Coningsby with a dignity of affection that would have become Louis
+      XIV., and then, in the high manner of the old Court, kissed him on each
+      cheek.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Welcome to your home,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth. &lsquo;You have grown a great deal.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Lord Monmouth led the agitated Coningsby to the great lady, who was a
+      Princess and an Ambassadress, and then, placing his arm gracefully in that
+      of his grandson, he led him across the room, and presented him in due form
+      to some royal blood that was his guest, in the shape of a Russian
+      Grand-duke. His Imperial Highness received our hero as graciously as the
+      grandson of Lord Monmouth might expect; but no greeting can be imagined
+      warmer than the one he received from the lady with whom the Grand-duke was
+      conversing. She was a dame whose beauty was mature, but still radiant. Her
+      figure was superb; her dark hair crowned with a tiara of curious
+      workmanship. Her rounded arm was covered with costly bracelets, but not a
+      jewel on her finely formed bust, and the least possible rouge on her still
+      oval cheek. Madame Colonna retained her charms.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The party, though so considerable, principally consisted of the guests at
+      the Castle. The suite of the Grand-duke included several counts and
+      generals; then there were the Russian Ambassador and his lady; and a
+      Russian Prince and Princess, their relations. The Prince and Princess
+      Colonna and the Princess Lucretia were also paying a visit to the
+      Marquess; and the frequency of these visits made some straight-laced
+      magnificoes mysteriously declare it was impossible to go to Coningsby; but
+      as they were not asked, it did not much signify. The Marquess knew a great
+      many very agreeable people of the highest <i>ton</i>, who took a more
+      liberal view of human conduct, and always made it a rule to presume the
+      best motives instead of imputing the worst. There was Lady St. Julians,
+      for example, whose position was of the highest; no one more sought; she
+      made it a rule to go everywhere and visit everybody, provided they had
+      power, wealth, and fashion. She knew no crime except a woman not living
+      with her husband; that was past pardon. So long as his presence sanctioned
+      her conduct, however shameless, it did not signify; but if the husband
+      were a brute, neglected his wife first, and then deserted her; then, if a
+      breath but sullies her name she must be crushed; unless, indeed, her own
+      family were very powerful, which makes a difference, and sometimes softens
+      immorality into indiscretion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord and Lady Gaverstock were also there, who never said an unkind thing
+      of anybody; her ladyship was pure as snow; but her mother having been
+      divorced, she ever fancied she was paying a kind of homage to her parent,
+      by visiting those who might some day be in the same predicament. There
+      were other lords and ladies of high degree; and some who, though neither
+      lords nor ladies, were charming people, which Lord Monmouth chiefly cared
+      about; troops of fine gentlemen who came and went; and some who were
+      neither fine nor gentlemen, but who were very amusing or very obliging, as
+      circumstances required, and made life easy and pleasant to others and
+      themselves.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A new scene this for Coningsby, who watched with interest all that passed
+      before him. The dinner was announced as served; an affectionate arm guides
+      him at a moment of some perplexity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;When did you arrive, Harry? We shall sit together. How is the Duchess?&rsquo;
+      inquired Mr. Rigby, who spoke as if he had seen Coningsby for the first
+      time; but who indeed had, with that eye which nothing could escape,
+      observed his reception by his grandfather, marked it well, and inwardly
+      digested it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      There was to be a first appearance on the stage of Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s theatre
+      to-night, the expectation of which created considerable interest in the
+      party, and was one of the principal subjects of conversation at dinner.
+      Villebecque, the manager of the troop, had married the actress Stella,
+      once celebrated for her genius and her beauty; a woman who had none of the
+      vices of her craft, for, though she was a fallen angel, there were what
+      her countrymen style extenuating circumstances in her declension. With the
+      whole world at her feet, she had remained unsullied. Wealth and its
+      enjoyments could not tempt her, although she was unable to refuse her
+      heart to one whom she deemed worthy of possessing it. She found her fate
+      in an Englishman, who was the father of her only child, a daughter. She
+      thought she had met in him a hero, a demi-god, a being of deep passion and
+      original and creative mind; but he was only a voluptuary, full of violence
+      instead of feeling, and eccentric, because he had great means with which
+      he could gratify extravagant whims. Stella found she had made the great
+      and irretrievable mistake. She had exchanged devotion for a passionate and
+      evanescent fancy, prompted at first by vanity, and daily dissipating under
+      the influence of custom and new objects. Though not stainless in conduct,
+      Stella was pure in spirit. She required that devotion which she had
+      yielded; and she separated herself from the being to whom she had made the
+      most precious sacrifice. He offered her the consoling compensation of a
+      settlement, which she refused; and she returned with a broken spirit to
+      that profession of which she was still the ornament and the pride.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The animating principle of her career was her daughter, whom she educated
+      with a solicitude which the most virtuous mother could not surpass. To
+      preserve her from the stage, and to secure for her an independence, were
+      the objects of her mother&rsquo;s life; but nature whispered to her, that the
+      days of that life were already numbered. The exertions of her profession
+      had alarmingly developed an inherent tendency to pulmonary disease.
+      Anxious that her child should not be left without some protector, Stella
+      yielded to the repeated solicitations of one who from the first had been
+      her silent admirer, and she married Villebecque, a clever actor, and an
+      enterprising man who meant to be something more. Their union was not of
+      long duration, though it was happy on the side of Villebecque, and serene
+      on that of his wife. Stella was recalled from this world, where she had
+      known much triumph and more suffering; and where she had exercised many
+      virtues, which elsewhere, though not here, may perhaps be accepted as some
+      palliation of one great error.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Villebecque acted becomingly to the young charge which Stella had
+      bequeathed to him. He was himself, as we have intimated, a man of
+      enterprise, a restless spirit, not content to move for ever in the sphere
+      in which he was born. Vicissitudes are the lot of such aspirants.
+      Villebecque became manager of a small theatre, and made money. If
+      Villebecque without a sou had been a schemer, Villebecque with a small
+      capital was the very Chevalier Law of theatrical managers. He took a
+      larger theatre, and even that succeeded. Soon he was recognised as the
+      lessee of more than one, and still he prospered. Villebecque began to
+      dabble in opera-houses. He enthroned himself at Paris; his envoys were
+      heard of at Milan and Naples, at Berlin and St. Petersburg. His
+      controversies with the Conservatoire at Paris ranked among state papers.
+      Villebecque rolled in chariots and drove cabriolets; Villebecque gave
+      refined suppers to great nobles, who were honoured by the invitation;
+      Villebecque wore a red ribbon in the button-hole of his frock, and more
+      than one cross in his gala dress.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All this time the daughter of Stella increased in years and stature, and
+      we must add in goodness: a mild, soft-hearted girl, as yet with no decided
+      character, but one who loved calmness and seemed little fitted for the
+      circle in which she found herself. In that circle, however, she ever
+      experienced kindness and consideration. No enterprise however hazardous,
+      no management however complicated, no schemes however vast, ever for a
+      moment induced Villebecque to forget &lsquo;La Petite.&rsquo; If only for one
+      breathless instant, hardly a day elapsed but he saw her; she was his
+      companion in all his rapid movements, and he studied every comfort and
+      convenience that could relieve her delicate frame in some degree from the
+      inconvenience and exhaustion of travel. He was proud to surround her with
+      luxury and refinement; to supply her with the most celebrated masters; to
+      gratify every wish that she could express.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But all this time Villebecque was dancing on a volcano. The catastrophe
+      which inevitably occurs in the career of all great speculators, and
+      especially theatrical ones, arrived to him. Flushed with his prosperity,
+      and confident in his constant success, nothing would satisfy him but
+      universal empire. He had established his despotism at Paris, his dynasties
+      at Naples and at Milan; but the North was not to him, and he was
+      determined to appropriate it. Berlin fell before a successful campaign,
+      though a costly one; but St. Petersburg and London still remained.
+      Resolute and reckless, nothing deterred Villebecque. One season all the
+      opera-houses in Europe obeyed his nod, and at the end of it he was ruined.
+      The crash was utter, universal, overwhelming; and under ordinary
+      circumstances a French bed and a brasier of charcoal alone remained for
+      Villebecque, who was equal to the occasion. But the thought of La Petite
+      and the remembrance of his promise to Stella deterred him from the deed.
+      He reviewed his position in a spirit becoming a practical philosopher. Was
+      he worse off than before he commenced his career? Yes, because he was
+      older; though to be sure he had his compensating reminiscences. But was he
+      too old to do anything? At forty-five the game was not altogether up; and
+      in a large theatre, not too much lighted, and with the artifices of a
+      dramatic toilet, he might still be able successfully to reassume those
+      characters of coxcombs and muscadins, in which he was once so celebrated.
+      Luxury had perhaps a little too much enlarged his waist, but diet and
+      rehearsals would set all right.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Villebecque in their adversity broke to La Petite, that the time had
+      unfortunately arrived when it would be wise for her to consider the most
+      effectual means for turning her talents and accomplishments to account. He
+      himself suggested the stage, to which otherwise there were doubtless
+      objections, because her occupation in any other pursuit would necessarily
+      separate them; but he impartially placed before her the relative
+      advantages and disadvantages of every course which seemed to lie open to
+      them, and left the preferable one to her own decision. La Petite, who had
+      wept very much over Villebecque&rsquo;s misfortunes, and often assured him that
+      she cared for them only for his sake, decided for the stage, solely
+      because it would secure their not being parted; and yet, as she often
+      assured him, she feared she had no predisposition for the career.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Villebecque had now not only to fill his own parts at the theatre at which
+      he had obtained an engagement, but he had also to be the instructor of his
+      ward. It was a life of toil; an addition of labour and effort that need
+      scarcely have been made to the exciting exertion of performance, and the
+      dull exercise of rehearsal; but he bore it all without a murmur; with a
+      self-command and a gentle perseverance which the finest temper in the
+      world could hardly account for; certainly not when we remember that its
+      possessor, who had to make all these exertions and endure all this
+      wearisome toil, had just experienced the most shattering vicissitudes of
+      fortune, and been hurled from the possession of absolute power and
+      illimitable self-gratification.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Eskdale, who was always doing kind things to actors and actresses,
+      had a great regard for Villebecque, with whom he had often supped. He had
+      often been kind, too, to La Petite. Lord Eskdale had a plan for putting
+      Villebecque, as he termed it, &lsquo;on his legs again.&rsquo; It was to establish him
+      with a French Company in London at some pretty theatre; Lord Eskdale to
+      take a private box and to make all his friends do the same. Villebecque,
+      who was as sanguine as he was good-tempered, was ravished by this friendly
+      scheme. He immediately believed that he should recover his great fortunes
+      as rapidly as he had lost them. He foresaw in La Petite a genius as
+      distinguished as that of her mother, although as yet not developed, and he
+      was boundless in his expressions of gratitude to his patron. And indeed of
+      all friends, a friend in need is the most delightful. Lord Eskdale had the
+      talent of being a friend in need. Perhaps it was because he knew so many
+      worthless persons. But it often happens that worthless persons are merely
+      people who are worth nothing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth having written to Mr. Rigby of his intention to reside for
+      some months at Coningsby, and having mentioned that he wished a troop of
+      French comedians to be engaged for the summer, Mr. Rigby had immediately
+      consulted Lord Eskdale on the subject, as the best current authority.
+      Thinking this a good opportunity of giving a turn to poor Villebecque, and
+      that it might serve as a capital introduction to their scheme of the
+      London company, Lord Eskdale obtained for him the engagement.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Villebecque and his little troop had now been a month at Coningsby, and
+      had hitherto performed three times a-week. Lord Monmouth was content; his
+      guests much gratified; the company, on the whole, much approved of. It
+      was, indeed, considering its limited numbers, a capital company. There was
+      a young lady who played the old woman&rsquo;s parts, nothing could be more
+      garrulous and venerable; and a lady of maturer years who performed the
+      heroines, gay and graceful as May. Villebecque himself was a celebrity in
+      characters of airy insolence and careless frolic. Their old man, indeed,
+      was rather hard, but handy; could take anything either in the high
+      serious, or the low droll. Their sentimental lover was rather too much
+      bewigged, and spoke too much to the audience, a fault rare with the
+      French; but this hero had a vague idea that he was ultimately destined to
+      run off with a princess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In this wise, affairs had gone on for a month; very well, but not too
+      well. The enterprising genius of Villebecque, once more a manager,
+      prompted him to action. He felt an itching desire to announce a novelty.
+      He fancied Lord Monmouth had yawned once or twice when the heroine came
+      on. Villebecque wanted to make a <i>coup.</i> It was clear that La Petite
+      must sooner or later begin. Could she find a more favourable audience, or
+      a more fitting occasion, than were now offered? True it was she had a
+      great repugnance to come out; but it certainly seemed more to her
+      advantage that she should make her first appearance at a private theatre
+      than at a public one; supported by all the encouraging patronage of
+      Coningsby Castle, than subjected to all the cynical criticism of the
+      stalls of St. James&rsquo;.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These views and various considerations were urged and represented by
+      Villebecque to La Petite, with all the practised powers of plausibility of
+      which so much experience as a manager had made him master. La Petite
+      looked infinitely distressed, but yielded, as she ever did. And the night
+      of Coningsby&rsquo;s arrival at the Castle was to witness in its private theatre
+      the first appearance of MADEMOISELLE FLORA.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VIII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The guests re-assembled in the great saloon before they repaired to the
+      theatre. A lady on the arm of the Russian Prince bestowed on Coningsby a
+      haughty, but not ungracious bow; which he returned, unconscious of the
+      person to whom he bent. She was, however, a striking person; not
+      beautiful, her face, indeed, at the first glance was almost repulsive, yet
+      it ever attracted a second gaze. A remarkable pallor distinguished her;
+      her features had neither regularity nor expression; neither were her eyes
+      fine; but her brow impressed you with an idea of power of no ordinary
+      character or capacity. Her figure was as fine and commanding as her face
+      was void of charm. Juno, in the full bloom of her immortality, could have
+      presented nothing more majestic. Coningsby watched her as she swept along
+      like a resistless Fate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Servants now went round and presented to each of the guests a billet of
+      the performance. It announced in striking characters the <i>début</i> of
+      Mademoiselle Flora. A principal servant, bearing branch lights, came
+      forward and bowed to the Marquess. Lord Monmouth went immediately to the
+      Grand-duke, and notified to his Imperial Highness that the comedy was
+      ready. The Grand-duke offered his arm to the Ambassadress; the rest were
+      following; Coningsby was called; Madame Colonna wished him to be her beau.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was a pretty theatre; had been rapidly rubbed up and renovated here and
+      there; the painting just touched; a little gilding on a cornice. There
+      were no boxes, but the ground-floor, which gradually ascended, was
+      carpeted and covered with arm-chairs, and the back of the theatre with a
+      new and rich curtain of green velvet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They are all seated; a great artist performs on the violin, accompanied by
+      another great artist on the piano. The lights rise; somebody evidently
+      crosses the stage behind the curtain. They are disposing the scene. In a
+      moment the curtain will rise also.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Have you seen Lucretia?&rsquo; said the Princess to Coningsby. &lsquo;She is so
+      anxious to resume her acquaintance with you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But before he could answer the bell rang, and the curtain rose.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The old man, who had a droll part to-night, came forward and maintained a
+      conversation with his housekeeper; not bad. The young woman who played the
+      grave matron performed with great finish. She was a favourite, and was
+      ever applauded. The second scene came; a saloon tastefully furnished; a
+      table with flowers, arranged with grace; birds in cages, a lap-dog on a
+      cushion; some books. The audience were pleased; especially the ladies;
+      they like to recognise signs of <i>bon ton</i> in the details of the
+      scene. A rather awful pause, and Mademoiselle Flora enters. She was
+      greeted with even vehement approbation. Her agitation is extreme; she
+      curtseys and bows her head, as if to hide her face. The face was pleasing,
+      and pretty enough, soft and engaging. Her figure slight and rather
+      graceful. Nothing could be more perfect than her costume; purely white,
+      but the fashion consummate; a single rose her only ornament. All admitted
+      that her hair was arranged to admiration.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At length she spoke; her voice trembled, but she had a good elocution,
+      though her organ wanted force. The gentlemen looked at each other, and
+      nodded approbation. There was something so unobtrusive in her mien, that
+      she instantly became a favourite with the ladies. The scene was not long,
+      but it was successful.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Flora did not appear in the next scene. In the fourth and final one of the
+      act, she had to make a grand display. It was a love-scene, and rather of
+      an impassioned character; Villebecque was her suitor. He entered first on
+      the stage. Never had he looked so well, or performed with more spirit. You
+      would not have given him five-and-twenty years; he seemed redolent of
+      youth. His dress, too, was admirable. He had studied the most
+      distinguished of his audience for the occasion, and had outdone them all.
+      The fact is, he had been assisted a little by a great connoisseur, a
+      celebrated French nobleman, Count D&rsquo;O&mdash;&mdash;y, who had been one of
+      the guests. The thing was perfect; and Lord Monmouth took a pinch of
+      snuff, and tapped approbation on the top of his box.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Flora now re-appeared, received with renewed approbation. It did not seem,
+      however, that in the interval she had gained courage; she looked agitated.
+      She spoke, she proceeded with her part; it became impassioned. She had to
+      speak of her feelings; to tell the secrets of her heart; to confess that
+      she loved another; her emotion was exquisitely performed, the mournful
+      tenderness of her tones thrilling. There was, throughout the audience, a
+      dead silence; all were absorbed in their admiration of the unrivalled
+      artist; all felt a new genius had visited the stage; but while they were
+      fascinated by the actress, the woman was in torture. The emotion was the
+      disturbance of her own soul; the mournful tenderness of her tones thrilled
+      from the heart: suddenly she clasped her hands with all the exhaustion of
+      woe; an expression of agony flitted over her countenance; and she burst
+      into tears. Villebecque rushed forward, and carried, rather than led, her
+      from the stage; the audience looking at each other, some of them
+      suspecting that this movement was a part of the scene.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;She has talent,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth to the Russian Ambassadress, &lsquo;but
+      wants practice. Villebecque should send her for a time to the provinces.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At length M. Villebecque came forward to express his deep regret that the
+      sudden and severe indisposition of Mlle. Flora rendered it impossible for
+      the company to proceed with the piece; but that the curtain would descend
+      to rise again for the second and last piece announced.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All this accordingly took place. The experienced performer who acted the
+      heroines now came forward and disported most jocundly. The failure of
+      Flora had given fresh animation to her perpetual liveliness. She seemed
+      the very soul of elegant frolic. In the last scene she figured in male
+      attire; and in air, fashion, and youth, beat Villebecque out of the field.
+      She looked younger than Coningsby when he went up to his grandpapa.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The comedy was over, the curtain fell; the audience, much amused,
+      chattered brilliant criticism, and quitted the theatre to repair to the
+      saloon, where they were to be diverted tonight with Russian dances. Nobody
+      thought of the unhappy Flora; not a single message to console her in her
+      grief, to compliment her on what she had done, to encourage her future.
+      And yet it was a season for a word of kindness; so, at least, thought one
+      of the audience, as he lingered behind the hurrying crowd, absorbed in
+      their coming amusements.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby had sat very near the stage; he had observed, with great
+      advantage and attention, the countenance and movements of Flora from the
+      beginning. He was fully persuaded that her woe was genuine and profound.
+      He had felt his eyes moist when she wept. He recoiled from the cruelty and
+      the callousness that, without the slightest symptom of sympathy, could
+      leave a young girl who had been labouring for their amusement, and who was
+      suffering for her trial.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He got on the stage, ran behind the scenes, and asked for Mlle. Flora.
+      They pointed to a door; he requested permission to enter. Flora was
+      sitting at a table, with her face resting on her hands. Villebecque was
+      there, resting on the edge of the tall fender, and still in the dress in
+      which he had performed in the last piece.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I took the liberty,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;of inquiring after Mlle. Flora;&rsquo;
+      and then advancing to her, who had raised her head, he added, &lsquo;I am sure
+      my grandfather must feel much indebted to you, Mademoiselle, for making
+      such exertions when you were suffering under so much indisposition.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;This is very amiable of you, sir,&rsquo; said the young lady, looking at him
+      with earnestness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Mademoiselle has too much sensibility,&rsquo; said Villebecque, making an
+      observation by way of diversion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And yet that must be the soul of fine acting,&rsquo; said Coningsby; &lsquo;I look
+      forward, all look forward, with great interest to the next occasion on
+      which you will favour us.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Never!&rsquo; said La Petite, in a plaintive tone; &lsquo;oh, I hope, never!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Mademoiselle is not aware at this moment,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;how much her
+      talent is appreciated. I assure you, sir,&rsquo; he added, turning to
+      Villebecque, &lsquo;I heard but one opinion, but one expression of gratification
+      at her feeling and her fine taste.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The talent is hereditary,&rsquo; said Villebecque.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Indeed you have reason to say so,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Pardon; I was not thinking of myself. My child reminded me so much of
+      another this evening. But that is nothing. I am glad you are here, sir, to
+      reassure Mademoiselle.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I came only to congratulate her, and to lament, for our sakes as well as
+      her own, her indisposition.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is not indisposition,&rsquo; said La Petite, in a low tone, with her eyes
+      cast down.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Mademoiselle cannot overcome the nervousness incidental to a first
+      appearance,&rsquo; said Villebecque.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A last appearance,&rsquo; said La Petite: &lsquo;yes, it must be the last.&rsquo; She rose
+      gently, she approached Villebecque, she laid her head on his breast, and
+      placed her arms round his neck, &lsquo;My father, my best father, yes, say it is
+      the last.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You are the mistress of your lot, Flora,&rsquo; said Villebecque; &lsquo;but with
+      such a distinguished talent&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No, no, no; no talent. You are wrong, my father. I know myself. I am not
+      of those to whom nature gives talents. I am born only for still life. I
+      have no taste except for privacy. The convent is more suited to me than
+      the stage.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But you hear what this gentleman says,&rsquo; said Villebecque, returning her
+      embrace. &lsquo;He tells you that his grandfather, my Lord Marquess, I believe,
+      sir, that every one, that&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh, no, no, no!&rsquo; said Flora, shaking her head. &lsquo;He comes here because he
+      is generous, because he is a gentleman; and he wished to soothe the soul
+      that he knew was suffering. Thank him, my father, thank him for me and
+      before me, and promise in his presence that the stage and your daughter
+      have parted for ever.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Nay, Mademoiselle,&rsquo; said Coningsby, advancing and venturing to take her
+      hand, a soft hand, &lsquo;make no such resolutions to-night. M. Villebecque can
+      have no other thought or object but your happiness; and, believe me, &lsquo;tis
+      not I only, but all, who appreciate, and, if they were here, must respect
+      you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I prefer respect to admiration,&rsquo; said Flora; &lsquo;but I fear that respect is
+      not the appanage of such as I am.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;All must respect those who respect themselves,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;Adieu,
+      Mademoiselle; I trust to-morrow to hear that you are yourself.&rsquo; He bowed
+      to Villebecque and retired.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the meantime affairs in the drawing-room assumed a very different
+      character from those behind the scenes. Coningsby returned to brilliancy,
+      groups apparently gushing with light-heartedness, universal content, and
+      Russian dances!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And you too, do you dance the Russian dances, Mr. Coningsby?&rsquo; said Madame
+      Colonna.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I cannot dance at all,&rsquo; said Coningsby, beginning a little to lose his
+      pride in the want of an accomplishment which at Eton he had thought it
+      spirited to despise.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! you cannot dance the Russian dances! Lucretia shall teach you,&rsquo; said
+      the Princess; &lsquo;nothing will please her so much.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On the present occasion the ladies were not so experienced in the
+      entertainment as the gentlemen; but there was amusement in being
+      instructed. To be disciplined by a Grand-duke or a Russian Princess was
+      all very well; but what even good-tempered Lady Gaythorp could not pardon
+      was, that a certain Mrs. Guy Flouncey, whom they were all of them trying
+      to put down and to keep down, on this, as almost on every other occasion,
+      proved herself a more finished performer than even the Russians
+      themselves.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth had picked up the Guy Flounceys during a Roman winter. They
+      were people of some position in society. Mr. Guy Flouncey was a man of
+      good estate, a sportsman, proud of his pretty wife. Mrs. Guy Flouncey was
+      even very pretty, dressed in a style of ultra fashion. However, she could
+      sing, dance, act, ride, and talk, and all well; and was mistress of the
+      art of flirtation. She had amused the Marquess abroad, and had taken care
+      to call at Monmouth House the instant the <i>Morning Post</i> apprised her
+      he had arrived in England; the consequence was an invitation to Coningsby.
+      She came with a wardrobe which, in point of variety, fancy, and fashion,
+      never was surpassed. Morning and evening, every day a new dress equally
+      striking; and a riding habit that was the talk and wonder of the whole
+      neighbourhood. Mrs. Guy Flouncey created far more sensation in the borough
+      when she rode down the High Street, than what the good people called the
+      real Princesses.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At first the fine ladies never noticed her, or only stared at her over
+      their shoulders; everywhere sounded, in suppressed whispers, the fatal
+      question, &lsquo;Who is she?&rsquo; After dinner they formed always into polite
+      groups, from which Mrs. Guy Flouncey was invariably excluded; and if ever
+      the Princess Colonna, impelled partly by goodnature, and partly from
+      having known her on the Continent, did kindly sit by her, Lady St.
+      Julians, or some dame equally benevolent, was sure, by an adroit appeal to
+      Her Highness on some point which could not be decided without moving, to
+      withdraw her from her pretty and persecuted companion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was, indeed, rather difficult work the first few days for Mrs. Guy
+      Flouncey, especially immediately after dinner. It is not soothing to one&rsquo;s
+      self-love to find oneself sitting alone, pretending to look at prints, in
+      a fine drawing-room, full of fine people who don&rsquo;t speak to you. But Mrs.
+      Guy Flouncey, after having taken Coningsby Castle by storm, was not to be
+      driven out of its drawing-room by the tactics even of a Lady St. Julians.
+      Experience convinced her that all that was required was a little patience.
+      Mrs. Guy had confidence in herself, her quickness, her ever ready
+      accomplishments, and her practised powers of attraction. And she was
+      right. She was always sure of an ally the moment the gentlemen appeared.
+      The cavalier who had sat next to her at dinner was only too happy to meet
+      her again. More than once, too, she had caught her noble host, though a
+      whole garrison was ever on the watch to prevent her, and he was greatly
+      amused, and showed that he was greatly amused by her society. Then she
+      suggested plans to him to divert his guests. In a country-house the
+      suggestive mind is inestimable. Somehow or other, before a week passed,
+      Mrs. Guy Flouncey seemed the soul of everything, was always surrounded by
+      a cluster of admirers, and with what are called &lsquo;the best men&rsquo; ever ready
+      to ride with her, dance with her, act with her, or fall at her feet. The
+      fine ladies found it absolutely necessary to thaw: they began to ask her
+      questions after dinner. Mrs. Guy Flouncey only wanted an opening. She was
+      an adroit flatterer, with a temper imperturbable, and gifted with a
+      ceaseless energy of conferring slight obligations. She lent them patterns
+      for new fashions, in all which mysteries she was very versant; and what
+      with some gentle glozing and some gay gossip, sugar for their tongues and
+      salt for their tails, she contrived pretty well to catch them all.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER IX.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Nothing could present a greater contrast than the respective interiors of
+      Coningsby and Beaumanoir. That air of habitual habitation, which so
+      pleasingly distinguished the Duke&rsquo;s family seat, was entirely wanting at
+      Coningsby. Everything, indeed, was vast and splendid; but it seemed rather
+      a gala-house than a dwelling; as if the grand furniture and the grand
+      servants had all come down express from town with the grand company, and
+      were to disappear and to be dispersed at the same time. And truly there
+      were manifold traces of hasty and temporary arrangement; new carpets and
+      old hangings; old paint, new gilding; battalions of odd French chairs,
+      squadrons of queer English tables; and large tasteless lamps and tawdry
+      chandeliers, evidently true cockneys, and only taking the air by way of
+      change. There was, too, throughout the drawing-rooms an absence of all
+      those minor articles of ornamental furniture that are the offering of
+      taste to the home we love. There were no books neither; few flowers; no
+      pet animals; no portfolios of fine drawings by our English artists like
+      the album of the Duchess, full of sketches by Landseer and Stanfield, and
+      their gifted brethren; not a print even, except portfolios of H. B.&lsquo;s
+      caricatures. The modes and manners of the house were not rural; there was
+      nothing of the sweet order of a country life. Nobody came down to
+      breakfast; the ladies were scarcely seen until dinner-time; they rolled
+      about in carriages together late in the afternoon as if they were in
+      London, or led a sort of factitious boudoir life in their provincial
+      dressing-rooms.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Marquess sent for Coningsby the morning after his arrival and asked
+      him to breakfast with him in his private rooms. Nothing could be more kind
+      or more agreeable than his grandfather. He appeared to be interested in
+      his grandson&rsquo;s progress, was glad to find Coningsby had distinguished
+      himself at Eton, solemnly adjured him not to neglect his French. A
+      classical education, he said, was a very admirable thing, and one which
+      all gentlemen should enjoy; but Coningsby would find some day that there
+      were two educations, one which his position required, and another which
+      was demanded by the world. &lsquo;French, my dear Harry,&rsquo; he continued, &lsquo;is the
+      key to this second education. In a couple of years or so you will enter
+      the world; it is a different thing to what you read about. It is a
+      masquerade; a motley, sparkling multitude, in which you may mark all forms
+      and colours, and listen to all sentiments and opinions; but where all you
+      see and hear has only one object, plunder. When you get into this crowd
+      you will find that Greek and Latin are not so much diffused as you
+      imagine. I was glad to hear you speaking French yesterday. Study your
+      accent. There are a good many foreigners here with whom you may try your
+      wing a little; don&rsquo;t talk to any of them too much. Be very careful of
+      intimacies. All the people here are good acquaintance; at least pretty
+      well. Now, here,&rsquo; said the Marquess, taking up a letter and then throwing
+      it on the table again, &lsquo;now here is a man whom I should like you to know,
+      Sidonia. He will be here in a few days. Lay yourself out for him if you
+      have the opportunity. He is a man of rare capacity, and enormously rich.
+      No one knows the world like Sidonia. I never met his equal; and &lsquo;tis so
+      pleasant to talk with one that can want nothing of you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth had invited Coningsby to take a drive with him in the
+      afternoon. The Marquess wished to show a part of his domain to the
+      Ambassadress. Only Lucretia, he said, would be with them, and there was a
+      place for him. This invitation was readily accepted by Coningsby, who was
+      not yet sufficiently established in the habits of the house exactly to
+      know how to pass his morning. His friend and patron, Mr. Rigby, was
+      entirely taken up with the Grand-duke, whom he was accompanying all over
+      the neighbourhood, in visits to manufactures, many of which Rigby himself
+      saw for the first time, but all of which he fluently explained to his
+      Imperial Highness. In return for this, he extracted much information from
+      the Grand-duke on Russian plans and projects, materials for a &lsquo;slashing&rsquo;
+      article against the Russophobia that he was preparing, and in which he was
+      to prove that Muscovite aggression was an English interest, and entirely
+      to be explained by the want of sea-coast, which drove the Czar, for the
+      pure purposes of commerce, to the Baltic and the Euxine.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the hour for the drive arrived, Coningsby found Lucretia, a young
+      girl when he had first seen her only four years back, and still his
+      junior, in that majestic dame who had conceded a superb recognition to him
+      the preceding eve. She really looked older than Madame Colonna; who, very
+      beautiful, very young-looking, and mistress of the real arts of the
+      toilet, those that cannot be detected, was not in the least altered since
+      she first so cordially saluted Coningsby as her dear young friend at
+      Monmouth House.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The day was delightful, the park extensive and picturesque, the
+      Ambassadress sparkling with anecdote, and occasionally, in a low voice,
+      breathing a diplomatic hint to Lord Monmouth, who bowed his graceful
+      consciousness of her distinguished confidence. Coningsby occasionally took
+      advantage of one of those moments, when the conversation ceased to be
+      general, to address Lucretia, who replied in calm, fine smiles, and in
+      affable monosyllables. She indeed generally succeeded in conveying an
+      impression to those she addressed, that she had never seen them before,
+      did not care to see them now, and never wished to see them again. And all
+      this, too, with an air of great courtesy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They arrived at the brink of a wooded bank; at their feet flowed a fine
+      river, deep and rushing, though not broad; its opposite bank the boundary
+      of a richly-timbered park.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! this is beautiful!&rsquo; exclaimed the Ambassadress. &lsquo;And is that yours,
+      Lord Monmouth?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Not yet,&rsquo; said the Marquess. &lsquo;That is Hellingsley; it is one of the
+      finest places in the county, with a splendid estate; not so considerable
+      as Coningsby, but very great. It belongs to an old, a very old man,
+      without a relative in the world. It is known that the estate will be sold
+      at his death, which may be almost daily expected. Then it is mine. No one
+      can offer for it what I can afford. For it gives me this division of the
+      county, Princess. To possess Hellingsley is one of my objects.&rsquo; The
+      Marquess spoke with an animation unusual with him, almost with a degree of
+      excitement.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The wind met them as they returned, the breeze blew rather freshly.
+      Lucretia all of a sudden seemed touched with unusual emotion. She was
+      alarmed lest Lord Monmouth should catch cold; she took a kerchief from her
+      own well-turned throat to tie round his neck. He feebly resisted,
+      evidently much pleased.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Princess Lucretia was highly accomplished. In the evening, having
+      refused several distinguished guests, but instantly yielding to the
+      request of Lord Monmouth, she sang. It was impossible to conceive a
+      contralto of more thrilling power, or an execution more worthy of the
+      voice. Coningsby, who was not experienced in fine singing, listened as if
+      to a supernatural lay, but all agreed it was of the highest class of
+      nature and of art; and the Grand-duke was in raptures. Lucretia received
+      even his Highness&rsquo; compliments with a graceful indifference. Indeed, to
+      those who watched her demeanour, it might be remarked that she seemed to
+      yield to none, although all bowed before her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Madame Colonna, who was always kind to Coningsby, expressed to him her
+      gratification from the party of the morning. It must have been delightful,
+      she assured Coningsby, for Lord Monmouth to have had both Lucretia and his
+      grandson with him; and Lucretia too, she added, must have been so pleased.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby could not make out why Madame Colonna was always intimating to
+      him that the Princess Lucretia took such great interest in his existence,
+      looked forward with such gratification to his society, remembered with so
+      much pleasure the past, anticipated so much happiness from the future. It
+      appeared to him that he was to Lucretia, if not an object of repugnance,
+      as he sometimes fancied, certainly one only of absolute indifference; but
+      he said nothing. He had already lived long enough to know that it is
+      unwise to wish everything explained.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the meantime his life was agreeable. Every day, he found, added to his
+      acquaintance. He was never without a companion to ride or to shoot with;
+      and of riding Coningsby was very fond. His grandfather, too, was
+      continually giving him goodnatured turns, and making him of consequence in
+      the Castle: so that all the guests were fully impressed with the
+      importance of Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s grandson. Lady St. Julians pronounced him
+      distinguished; the Ambassadress thought diplomacy should be his part, as
+      he had a fine person and a clear brain; Madame Colonna spoke of him always
+      as if she took intense interest in his career, and declared she liked him
+      almost as much as Lucretia did; the Russians persisted in always styling
+      him &lsquo;the young Marquess,&rsquo; notwithstanding the Ambassador&rsquo;s explanations;
+      Mrs. Guy Flouncey made a dashing attack on him; but Coningsby remembered a
+      lesson which Lady Everingham had graciously bestowed on him. He was not to
+      be caught again easily. Besides, Mrs. Guy Flouncey laughed a little too
+      much, and talked a little too loud.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As time flew on, there were changes of visitors, chiefly among the single
+      men. At the end of the first week after Coningsby&rsquo;s arrival, Lord Eskdale
+      appeared, bringing with him Lucian Gay; and soon after followed the
+      Marquess of Beaumanoir and Mr. Melton. These were all heroes who, in their
+      way, interested the ladies, and whose advent was hailed with general
+      satisfaction. Even Lucretia would relax a little to Lord Eskdale. He was
+      one of her oldest friends, and with a simplicity of manner which amounted
+      almost to plainness, and with rather a cynical nonchalance in his carriage
+      towards men, Lord Eskdale was invariably a favourite with women. To be
+      sure his station was eminent; he was noble, and very rich, and very
+      powerful, and these are qualities which tell as much with the softer as
+      the harsher sex; but there are individuals with all these qualities who
+      are nevertheless unpopular with women. Lord Eskdale was easy, knew the
+      world thoroughly, had no prejudices, and, above all, had a reputation for
+      success. A reputation for success has as much influence with women as a
+      reputation for wealth has with men. Both reputations may be, and often
+      are, unjust; but we see persons daily make good fortunes by them all the
+      same. Lord Eskdale was not an impostor; and though he might not have been
+      so successful a man had he not been Lord Eskdale, still, thrown over by a
+      revolution, he would have lighted on his legs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The arrival of this nobleman was the occasion of giving a good turn to
+      poor Flora. He went immediately to see his friend Villebecque and his
+      troop. Indeed it was a sort of society which pleased Lord Eskdale more
+      than that which is deemed more refined. He was very sorry about &lsquo;La
+      Petite;&rsquo; but thought that everything would come right in the long run; and
+      told Villebecque that he was glad to hear him well spoken of here,
+      especially by the Marquess, who seemed to take to him. As for Flora, he
+      was entirely against her attempting the stage again, at least for the
+      present, but as she was a good musician, he suggested to the Princess
+      Lucretia one night, that the subordinate aid of Flora might be of service
+      to her, and permit her to favour her friends with some pieces which
+      otherwise she must deny to them. This suggestion was successful; Flora was
+      introduced occasionally, soon often, to their parties in the evening, and
+      her performances were in every respect satisfactory. There was nothing to
+      excite the jealousy of Lucretia either in her style or her person. And yet
+      she sang well enough, and was a quiet, refined, retiring, by no means
+      disagreeable person. She was the companion of Lucretia very often in the
+      morning as well as in the illumined saloon; for the Princess was devoted
+      to the art in which she excelled. This connexion on the whole contributed
+      to the happiness of poor Flora. True it was, in the evening she often
+      found herself sitting or standing alone and no one noticing her; she had
+      no dazzling quality to attract men of fashion, who themselves love to
+      worship ever the fashionable. Even their goddesses must be <i>à la mode</i>.
+      But Coningsby never omitted an opportunity to show Flora some kindness
+      under these circumstances. He always came and talked to her, and praised
+      her singing, and would sometimes hand her refreshments and give her his
+      arm if necessary. These slight attentions coming from the grandson of Lord
+      Monmouth were for the world redoubled in their value, though Flora thought
+      only of their essential kindness; all in character with that first visit
+      which dwelt on the poor girl&rsquo;s memory, though it had long ago escaped that
+      of her visitor. For in truth Coningsby had no other impulse for his
+      conduct but kind-heartedness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Thus we have attempted to give some faint idea how life glided away at the
+      Castle the first fortnight that Coningsby passed there. Perhaps we ought
+      not to omit that Mrs. Guy Flouncey, to the infinite disgust of Lady St.
+      Julians, who had a daughter with her, successfully entrapped the devoted
+      attentions of the young Marquess of Beaumanoir, who was never very
+      backward if a lady would take trouble enough; while his friend, Mr.
+      Melton, whose barren homage Lady St. Julians wished her daughter ever
+      particularly to shun, employed all his gaiety, good-humour, frivolity, and
+      fashion in amusing that young lady, and with irresistible effect. For the
+      rest, they continued, though they had only partridges to shoot, to pass
+      the morning without weariness. The weather was fine; the stud numerous;
+      all might be mounted. The Grand-duke and his suite, guided by Mr. Rigby,
+      had always some objects to visit, and railroads returned them just in time
+      for the banquet with an appetite which they had earned, and during which
+      Rigby recounted their achievements, and his own opinions.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The dinner was always firstrate; the evening never failed; music, dancing,
+      and the theatre offered great resources independently of the soul-subduing
+      sentiment harshly called flirtation, and which is the spell of a country
+      house. Lord Monmouth was satisfied, for he had scarcely ever felt wearied.
+      All that he required in life was to be amused; perhaps that was not all he
+      required, but it was indispensable. Nor was it wonderful that on the
+      present occasion he obtained his purpose, for there were half a hundred of
+      the brightest eyes and quickest brains ever on the watch or the whirl to
+      secure him distraction. The only circumstance that annoyed him was the
+      non-arrival of Sidonia. Lord Monmouth could not bear to be disappointed.
+      He could not refrain from saying, notwithstanding all the resources and
+      all the exertions of his guests,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I cannot understand why Sidonia does not come. I wish Sidonia were here.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;So do I,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale; &lsquo;Sidonia is the only man who tells one
+      anything new.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We saw Sidonia at Lord Studcaster&rsquo;s,&rsquo; said Lord Beaumanoir. &lsquo;He told
+      Melton he was coming here.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You know he has bought all Studcaster&rsquo;s horses,&rsquo; said Mr. Melton.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wonder he does not buy Studcaster himself,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth; &lsquo;I
+      would if I were he; Sidonia can buy anything,&rsquo; he turned to Mrs. Guy
+      Flouncey.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wonder who Sidonia is,&rsquo; thought Mrs. Guy Flouncey, but she was
+      determined no one should suppose she did not know.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At length one day Coningsby met Madame Colonna in the vestibule before
+      dinner.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Milor is in such good temper, Mr. Coningsby,&rsquo; she said; &lsquo;Monsieur de
+      Sidonia has arrived.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      About ten minutes before dinner there was a stir in the chamber. Coningsby
+      looked round. He saw the Grand-duke advancing, and holding out his hand in
+      a manner the most gracious. A gentleman, of distinguished air, but with
+      his back turned to Coningsby, was bowing as he received his Highness&rsquo;
+      greeting. There was a general pause in the room. Several came forward:
+      even the Marquess seemed a little moved. Coningsby could not resist the
+      impulse of curiosity to see this individual of whom he had heard so much.
+      He glided round the room, and caught the countenance of his companion in
+      the forest inn; he who announced to him, that &lsquo;the Age of Ruins was past.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER X.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Sidonia was descended from a very ancient and noble family of Arragon,
+      that, in the course of ages, had given to the state many distinguished
+      citizens. In the priesthood its members had been peculiarly eminent.
+      Besides several prelates, they counted among their number an Archbishop of
+      Toledo; and a Sidonia, in a season of great danger and difficulty, had
+      exercised for a series of years the paramount office of Grand Inquisitor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Yet, strange as it may sound, it is nevertheless a fact, of which there is
+      no lack of evidence, that this illustrious family during all this period,
+      in common with two-thirds of the Arragonese nobility, secretly adhered to
+      the ancient faith and ceremonies of their fathers; a belief in the unity
+      of the God of Sinai, and the rights and observances of the laws of Moses.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Whence came those Mosaic Arabs whose passages across the strait from
+      Africa to Europe long preceded the invasion of the Mohammedan Arabs, it is
+      now impossible to ascertain. Their traditions tell us that from time
+      immemorial they had sojourned in Africa; and it is not improbable that
+      they may have been the descendants of some of the earlier dispersions;
+      like those Hebrew colonies that we find in China, and who probably
+      emigrated from Persia in the days of the great monarchies. Whatever may
+      have been their origin in Africa, their fortunes in Southern Europe are
+      not difficult to trace, though the annals of no race in any age can detail
+      a history of such strange vicissitudes, or one rife with more touching and
+      romantic incident. Their unexampled prosperity in the Spanish Peninsula,
+      and especially in the south, where they had become the principal
+      cultivators of the soil, excited the jealousy of the Goths; and the
+      Councils of Toledo during the sixth and seventh centuries attempted, by a
+      series of decrees worthy of the barbarians who promulgated them, to root
+      the Jewish Arabs out of the land. There is no doubt the Council of Toledo
+      led, as directly as the lust of Roderick, to the invasion of Spain by the
+      Moslemin Arabs. The Jewish population, suffering under the most sanguinary
+      and atrocious persecution, looked to their sympathising brethren of the
+      Crescent, whose camps already gleamed on the opposite shore. The overthrow
+      of the Gothic kingdoms was as much achieved by the superior information
+      which the Saracens received from their suffering kinsmen, as by the
+      resistless valour of the Desert. The Saracen kingdoms were established.
+      That fair and unrivalled civilisation arose which preserved for Europe
+      arts and letters when Christendom was plunged in darkness. The children of
+      Ishmael rewarded the children of Israel with equal rights and privileges
+      with themselves. During these halcyon centuries, it is difficult to
+      distinguish the follower of Moses from the votary of Mahomet. Both alike
+      built palaces, gardens, and fountains; filled equally the highest offices
+      of the state, competed in an extensive and enlightened commerce, and
+      rivalled each other in renowned universities.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Even after the fall of the principal Moorish kingdoms, the Jews of Spain
+      were still treated by the conquering Goths with tenderness and
+      consideration. Their numbers, their wealth, the fact that, in Arragon
+      especially, they were the proprietors of the soil, and surrounded by
+      warlike and devoted followers, secured for them an usage which, for a
+      considerable period, made them little sensible of the change of dynasties
+      and religions. But the tempest gradually gathered. As the Goths grew
+      stronger, persecution became more bold. Where the Jewish population was
+      scanty they were deprived of their privileges, or obliged to conform under
+      the title of &lsquo;Nuevos Christianos.&rsquo; At length the union of the two crowns
+      under Ferdinand and Isabella, and the fall of the last Moorish kingdom,
+      brought the crisis of their fate both to the New Christian and the
+      nonconforming Hebrew. The Inquisition appeared, the Institution that had
+      exterminated the Albigenses and had desolated Languedoc, and which, it
+      should ever be remembered, was established in the Spanish kingdoms against
+      the protests of the Cortes and amid the terror of the populace. The
+      Dominicans opened their first tribunal at Seville, and it is curious that
+      the first individuals they summoned before them were the Duke of Medina
+      Sidonia, the Marquess of Cadiz, and the Count of Arcos; three of the most
+      considerable personages in Spain. How many were burned alive at Seville
+      during the first year, how many imprisoned for life, what countless
+      thousands were visited with severe though lighter punishments, need not be
+      recorded here. In nothing was the Holy Office more happy than in multiform
+      and subtle means by which they tested the sincerity of the New Christians.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At length the Inquisition was to be extended to Arragon. The high-spirited
+      nobles of that kingdom knew that its institution was for them a matter of
+      life or death. The Cortes of Arragon appealed to the King and to the Pope;
+      they organised an extensive conspiracy; the chief Inquisitor was
+      assassinated in the cathedral of Saragossa. Alas! it was fated that in
+      this, one of the many, and continual, and continuing struggles between the
+      rival organisations of the North and the South, the children of the sun
+      should fall. The fagot and the San Benito were the doom of the nobles of
+      Arragon. Those who were convicted of secret Judaism, and this scarcely
+      three centuries ago, were dragged to the stake; the sons of the noblest
+      houses, in whose veins the Hebrew taint could be traced, had to walk in
+      solemn procession, singing psalms, and confessing their faith in the
+      religion of the fell Torquemada.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This triumph in Arragon, the almost simultaneous fall of the last Moorish
+      kingdom, raised the hopes of the pure Christians to the highest pitch.
+      Having purged the new Christians, they next turned their attention to the
+      old Hebrews. Ferdinand was resolved that the delicious air of Spain should
+      be breathed no longer by any one who did not profess the Catholic faith.
+      Baptism or exile was the alternative. More than six hundred thousand
+      individuals, some authorities greatly increase the amount, the most
+      industrious, the most intelligent, and the most enlightened of Spanish
+      subjects, would not desert the religion of their fathers. For this they
+      gave up the delightful land wherein they had lived for centuries, the
+      beautiful cities they had raised, the universities from which Christendom
+      drew for ages its most precious lore, the tombs of their ancestors, the
+      temples where they had worshipped the God for whom they had made this
+      sacrifice. They had but four months to prepare for eternal exile, after a
+      residence of as many centuries; during which brief period forced sales and
+      glutted markets virtually confiscated their property. It is a calamity
+      that the scattered nation still ranks with the desolations of
+      Nebuchadnezzar and of Titus. Who after this should say the Jews are by
+      nature a sordid people? But the Spanish Goth, then so cruel and so
+      haughty, where is he? A despised suppliant to the very race which he
+      banished, for some miserable portion of the treasure which their habits of
+      industry have again accumulated. Where is that tribunal that summoned
+      Medina Sidonia and Cadiz to its dark inquisition? Where is Spain? Its
+      fall, its unparalleled and its irremediable fall, is mainly to be
+      attributed to the expulsion of that large portion of its subjects, the
+      most industrious and intelligent, who traced their origin to the Mosaic
+      and Mohammedan Arabs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Sidonias of Arragon were Nuevos Christianos. Some of them, no doubt,
+      were burned alive at the end of the fifteenth century, under the system of
+      Torquemada; many of them, doubtless, wore the San Benito; but they kept
+      their titles and estates, and in time reached those great offices to which
+      we have referred.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      During the long disorders of the Peninsular war, when so many openings
+      were offered to talent, and so many opportunities seized by the
+      adventurous, a cadet of a younger branch of this family made a large
+      fortune by military contracts, and supplying the commissariat of the
+      different armies. At the peace, prescient of the great financial future of
+      Europe, confident in the fertility of his own genius, in his original
+      views of fiscal subjects, and his knowledge of national resources, this
+      Sidonia, feeling that Madrid, or even Cadiz, could never be a base on
+      which the monetary transactions of the world could be regulated, resolved
+      to emigrate to England, with which he had, in the course of years, formed
+      considerable commercial connections. He arrived here after the peace of
+      Paris, with his large capital. He staked all he was worth on the Waterloo
+      loan; and the event made him one of the greatest capitalists in Europe.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      No sooner was Sidonia established in England than he professed Judaism;
+      which Torquemada flattered himself, with the fagot and the San Benito, he
+      had drained out of the veins of his family more than three centuries ago.
+      He sent over, also, for several of his brothers, who were as good
+      Catholics in Spain as Ferdinand and Isabella could have possibly desired,
+      but who made an offering in the synagogue, in gratitude for their safe
+      voyage, on their arrival in England.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sidonia had foreseen in Spain that, after the exhaustion of a war of
+      twenty-five years, Europe must require capital to carry on peace. He
+      reaped the due reward of his sagacity. Europe did require money, and
+      Sidonia was ready to lend it to Europe. France wanted some; Austria more;
+      Prussia a little; Russia a few millions. Sidonia could furnish them all.
+      The only country which he avoided was Spain; he was too well acquainted
+      with its resources. Nothing, too, would ever tempt him to lend anything to
+      the revolted colonies of Spain. Prudence saved him from being a creditor
+      of the mother-country; his Spanish pride recoiled from the rebellion of
+      her children.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It is not difficult to conceive that, after having pursued the career we
+      have intimated for about ten years, Sidonia had become one of the most
+      considerable personages in Europe. He had established a brother, or a near
+      relative, in whom he could confide, in most of the principal capitals. He
+      was lord and master of the money-market of the world, and of course
+      virtually lord and master of everything else. He literally held the
+      revenues of Southern Italy in pawn; and monarchs and ministers of all
+      countries courted his advice and were guided by his suggestions. He was
+      still in the vigour of life, and was not a mere money-making machine. He
+      had a general intelligence equal to his position, and looked forward to
+      the period when some relaxation from his vast enterprises and exertions
+      might enable him to direct his energies to great objects of public
+      benefit. But in the height of his vast prosperity he suddenly died,
+      leaving only one child, a youth still of tender years, and heir to the
+      greatest fortune in Europe, so great, indeed, that it could only be
+      calculated by millions.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Shut out from universities and schools, those universities and schools
+      which were indebted for their first knowledge of ancient philosophy to the
+      learning and enterprise of his ancestors, the young Sidonia was fortunate
+      in the tutor whom his father had procured for him, and who devoted to his
+      charge all the resources of his trained intellect and vast and varied
+      erudition. A Jesuit before the revolution; since then an exiled Liberal
+      leader; now a member of the Spanish Cortes; Rebello was always a Jew. He
+      found in his pupil that precocity of intellectual development which is
+      characteristic of the Arabian organisation. The young Sidonia penetrated
+      the highest mysteries of mathematics with a facility almost instinctive;
+      while a memory, which never had any twilight hours, but always reflected a
+      noontide clearness, seemed to magnify his acquisitions of ancient learning
+      by the promptness with which they could be reproduced and applied.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The circumstances of his position, too, had early contributed to give him
+      an unusual command over the modern languages. An Englishman, and taught
+      from his cradle to be proud of being an Englishman, he first evinced in
+      speaking his native language those remarkable powers of expression, and
+      that clear and happy elocution, which ever afterwards distinguished him.
+      But the son of a Spaniard, the sonorous syllables of that noble tongue
+      constantly resounded in his ear; while the foreign guests who thronged his
+      father&rsquo;s mansion habituated him from an early period of life to the tones
+      of languages that were not long strange to him. When he was nineteen,
+      Sidonia, who had then resided some time with his uncle at Naples, and had
+      made a long visit to another of his father&rsquo;s relatives at Frankfort,
+      possessed a complete mastery over the principal European languages.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At seventeen he had parted with Rebello, who returned to Spain, and
+      Sidonia, under the control of his guardians, commenced his travels. He
+      resided, as we have mentioned, some time in Germany, and then, having
+      visited Italy, settled at Naples, at which city it may be said he made his
+      entrance into life. With an interesting person, and highly accomplished,
+      he availed himself of the gracious attentions of a court of which he was
+      principal creditor; and which, treating him as a distinguished English
+      traveller, were enabled perhaps to show him some favours that the manners
+      of the country might not have permitted them to accord to his Neapolitan
+      relatives. Sidonia thus obtained at an early age that experience of
+      refined and luxurious society, which is a necessary part of a finished
+      education. It gives the last polish to the manners; it teaches us
+      something of the power of the passions, early developed in the hot-bed of
+      self-indulgence; it instils into us that indefinable tact seldom obtained
+      in later life, which prevents us from saying the wrong thing, and often
+      impels us to do the right.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Between Paris and Naples Sidonia passed two years, spent apparently in the
+      dissipation which was perhaps inseparable from his time of life. He was
+      admired by women, to whom he was magnificent, idolised by artists whom he
+      patronised, received in all circles with great distinction, and
+      appreciated for his intellect by the very few to whom he at all opened
+      himself. For, though affable and gracious, it was impossible to penetrate
+      him. Though unreserved in his manner, his frankness was strictly limited
+      to the surface. He observed everything, thought ever, but avoided serious
+      discussion. If you pressed him for an opinion, he took refuge in raillery,
+      or threw out some grave paradox with which it was not easy to cope.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The moment he came of age, Sidonia having previously, at a great family
+      congress held at Naples, made arrangements with the heads of the houses
+      that bore his name respecting the disposition and management of his vast
+      fortune, quitted Europe.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sidonia was absent from his connections for five years, during which
+      period he never communicated with them. They were aware of his existence
+      only by the orders which he drew on them for payment, and which arrived
+      from all quarters of the globe. It would appear from these documents that
+      he had dwelt a considerable time in the Mediterranean regions; penetrated
+      Nilotic Africa to Sennaar and Abyssinia; traversed the Asiatic continent
+      to Tartary, whence he had visited Hindostan, and the isles of that Indian
+      Sea which are so little known. Afterwards he was heard of at Valparaiso,
+      the Brazils, and Lima. He evidently remained some time at Mexico, which he
+      quitted for the United States. One morning, without notice, he arrived in
+      London.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sidonia had exhausted all the sources of human knowledge; he was master of
+      the learning of every nation, of all tongues dead or living, of every
+      literature, Western and Oriental. He had pursued the speculations of
+      science to their last term, and had himself illustrated them by
+      observation and experiment. He had lived in all orders of society, had
+      viewed every combination of Nature and of Art, and had observed man under
+      every phasis of civilisation. He had even studied him in the wilderness.
+      The influence of creeds and laws, manners, customs, traditions, in all
+      their diversities, had been subjected to his personal scrutiny.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He brought to the study of this vast aggregate of knowledge a penetrative
+      intellect that, matured by long meditation, and assisted by that absolute
+      freedom from prejudice, which, was the compensatory possession of a man
+      without a country, permitted Sidonia to fathom, as it were by intuition,
+      the depth of questions apparently the most difficult and profound. He
+      possessed the rare faculty of communicating with precision ideas the most
+      abstruse, and in general a power of expression which arrests and satisfies
+      attention.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With all this knowledge, which no one knew more to prize, with boundless
+      wealth, and with an athletic frame, which sickness had never tried, and
+      which had avoided excess, Sidonia nevertheless looked upon life with a
+      glance rather of curiosity than content. His religion walled him out from
+      the pursuits of a citizen; his riches deprived him of the stimulating
+      anxieties of a man. He perceived himself a lone being, alike without cares
+      and without duties.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To a man in his position there might yet seem one unfailing source of
+      felicity and joy; independent of creed, independent of country,
+      independent even of character. He might have discovered that perpetual
+      spring of happiness in the sensibility of the heart. But this was a sealed
+      fountain to Sidonia. In his organisation there was a peculiarity, perhaps
+      a great deficiency. He was a man without affections. It would be harsh to
+      say he had no heart, for he was susceptible of deep emotions, but not for
+      individuals. He was capable of rebuilding a town that was burned down; of
+      restoring a colony that had been destroyed by some awful visitation of
+      Nature; of redeeming to liberty a horde of captives; and of doing these
+      great acts in secret; for, void of all self-love, public approbation was
+      worthless to him; but the individual never touched him. Woman was to him a
+      toy, man a machine.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The lot the most precious to man, and which a beneficent Providence has
+      made not the least common; to find in another heart a perfect and profound
+      sympathy; to unite his existence with one who could share all his joys,
+      soften all his sorrows, aid him in all his projects, respond to all his
+      fancies, counsel him in his cares, and support him in his perils; make
+      life charming by her charms, interesting by her intelligence, and sweet by
+      the vigilant variety of her tenderness; to find your life blessed by such
+      an influence, and to feel that your influence can bless such a life: this
+      lot, the most divine of divine gifts, that power and even fame can never
+      rival in its delights, all this Nature had denied to Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With an imagination as fiery as his native Desert, and an intellect as
+      luminous as his native sky, he wanted, like that land, those softening
+      dews without which the soil is barren, and the sunbeam as often a
+      messenger of pestilence as an angel of regenerative grace.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Such a temperament, though rare, is peculiar to the East. It inspired the
+      founders of the great monarchies of antiquity, the prophets that the
+      Desert has sent forth, the Tartar chiefs who have overrun the world; it
+      might be observed in the great Corsican, who, like most of the inhabitants
+      of the Mediterranean isles, had probably Arab blood in his veins. It is a
+      temperament that befits conquerors and legislators, but, in ordinary times
+      and ordinary situations, entails on its possessor only eccentric
+      aberrations or profound melancholy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The only human quality that interested Sidonia was Intellect. He cared not
+      whence it came; where it was to be found: creed, country, class,
+      character, in this respect, were alike indifferent to him. The author, the
+      artist, the man of science, never appealed to him in vain. Often he
+      anticipated their wants and wishes. He encouraged their society; was as
+      frank in his conversation as he was generous in his contributions; but the
+      instant they ceased to be authors, artists, or philosophers, and their
+      communications arose from anything but the intellectual quality which had
+      originally interested him, the moment they were rash enough to approach
+      intimacy and appealed to the sympathising man instead of the congenial
+      intelligence, he saw them no more. It was not however intellect merely in
+      these unquestionable shapes that commanded his notice. There was not an
+      adventurer in Europe with whom he was not familiar. No Minister of State
+      had such communication with secret agents and political spies as Sidonia.
+      He held relations with all the clever outcasts of the world. The catalogue
+      of his acquaintance in the shape of Greeks, Armenians, Moors, secret Jews,
+      Tartars, Gipsies, wandering Poles and Carbonari, would throw a curious
+      light on those subterranean agencies of which the world in general knows
+      so little, but which exercise so great an influence on public events. His
+      extensive travels, his knowledge of languages, his daring and adventurous
+      disposition, and his unlimited means, had given him opportunities of
+      becoming acquainted with these characters, in general so difficult to
+      trace, and of gaining their devotion. To these sources he owed that
+      knowledge of strange and hidden things which often startled those who
+      listened to him. Nor was it easy, scarcely possible, to deceive him.
+      Information reached him from so many, and such contrary quarters, that
+      with his discrimination and experience, he could almost instantly
+      distinguish the truth. The secret history of the world was his pastime.
+      His great pleasure was to contrast the hidden motive, with the public
+      pretext, of transactions.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One source of interest Sidonia found in his descent and in the fortunes of
+      his race. As firm in his adherence to the code of the great Legislator as
+      if the trumpet still sounded on Sinai, he might have received in the
+      conviction of divine favour an adequate compensation for human
+      persecution. But there were other and more terrestrial considerations that
+      made Sidonia proud of his origin, and confident in the future of his kind.
+      Sidonia was a great philosopher, who took comprehensive views of human
+      affairs, and surveyed every fact in its relative position to other facts,
+      the only mode of obtaining truth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sidonia was well aware that in the five great varieties into which
+      Physiology has divided the human species; to wit, the Caucasian, the
+      Mongolian, the Malayan, the American, the Ethiopian; the Arabian tribes
+      rank in the first and superior class, together, among others, with the
+      Saxon and the Greek. This fact alone is a source of great pride and
+      satisfaction to the animal Man. But Sidonia and his brethren could claim a
+      distinction which the Saxon and the Greek, and the rest of the Caucasian
+      nations, have forfeited. The Hebrew is an unmixed race. Doubtless, among
+      the tribes who inhabit the bosom of the Desert, progenitors alike of the
+      Mosaic and the Mohammedan Arabs, blood may be found as pure as that of the
+      descendants of the Scheik Abraham. But the Mosaic Arabs are the most
+      ancient, if not the only, unmixed blood that dwells in cities.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      An unmixed race of a firstrate organisation are the aristocracy of Nature.
+      Such excellence is a positive fact; not an imagination, a ceremony, coined
+      by poets, blazoned by cozening heralds, but perceptible in its physical
+      advantages, and in the vigour of its unsullied idiosyncrasy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In his comprehensive travels, Sidonia had visited and examined the Hebrew
+      communities of the world. He had found, in general, the lower orders
+      debased; the superior immersed in sordid pursuits; but he perceived that
+      the intellectual development was not impaired. This gave him hope. He was
+      persuaded that organisation would outlive persecution. When he reflected
+      on what they had endured, it was only marvellous that the race had not
+      disappeared. They had defied exile, massacre, spoliation, the degrading
+      influence of the constant pursuit of gain; they had defied Time. For
+      nearly three thousand years, according to Archbishop Usher, they have been
+      dispersed over the globe. To the unpolluted current of their Caucasian
+      structure, and to the segregating genius of their great Law-giver, Sidonia
+      ascribed the fact that they had not been long ago absorbed among those
+      mixed races, who presume to persecute them, but who periodically wear away
+      and disappear, while their victims still flourish in all the primeval
+      vigour of the pure Asian breed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Shortly after his arrival in England, Sidonia repaired to the principal
+      Courts of Europe, that he might become personally acquainted with the
+      monarchs and ministers of whom he had heard so much. His position insured
+      him a distinguished reception; his personal qualities immediately made him
+      cherished. He could please; he could do more, he could astonish. He could
+      throw out a careless observation which would make the oldest diplomatist
+      start; a winged word that gained him the consideration, sometimes the
+      confidence, of Sovereigns. When he had fathomed the intelligence which
+      governs Europe, and which can only be done by personal acquaintance, he
+      returned to this country.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The somewhat hard and literal character of English life suited one who
+      shrank from sensibility, and often took refuge in sarcasm. Its masculine
+      vigour and active intelligence occupied and interested his mind. Sidonia,
+      indeed, was exactly the character who would be welcomed in our circles.
+      His immense wealth, his unrivalled social knowledge, his clear vigorous
+      intellect, the severe simplicity of his manners, frank, but neither
+      claiming nor brooking familiarity, and his devotion to field sports, which
+      was the safety-valve of his energy, were all circumstances and qualities
+      which the English appreciate and admire; and it may be fairly said of
+      Sidonia that few men were more popular, and none less understood.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XI.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      At dinner, Coningsby was seated on the same side as Sidonia, and distant
+      from him. There had been, therefore, no mutual recognition. Another guest
+      had also arrived, Mr. Ormsby. He came straight from London, full of
+      rumours, had seen Tadpole, who, hearing he was on the wing for Coningsby
+      Castle, had taken him into a dark corner of a club, and shown him his
+      book, a safe piece of confidence, as Mr. Ormsby was very near-sighted. It
+      was, however, to be received as an undoubted fact, that all was right, and
+      somehow or other, before very long, there would be national demonstration
+      of the same. This arrival of Mr. Ormsby, and the news that he bore, gave a
+      political turn to the conversation after the ladies had left the room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Tadpole wants me to stand for Birmingham,&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby, gravely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You!&rsquo; exclaimed Lord Monmouth, and throwing himself back in his chair, he
+      broke into a real, hearty laugh.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes; the Conservatives mean to start two candidates; a manufacturer they
+      have got, and they have written up to Tadpole for a &ldquo;West-end man.&rdquo;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A what?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A West-end man, who will make the ladies patronise their fancy articles.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The result of the Reform Bill, then,&rsquo; said Lucian Gay, &lsquo;will be to give
+      Manchester a bishop, and Birmingham a dandy.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I begin to believe the result will be very different from what we
+      expected,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Rigby shook his head and was going to prophesy, when Lord Eskdale, who
+      liked talk to be short, and was of opinion that Rigby should keep his
+      amplifications for his slashing articles, put in a brief careless
+      observation, which balked his inspiration.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Certainly,&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby, &lsquo;when the guns were firing over Vyvyan&rsquo;s
+      last speech and confession, I never expected to be asked to stand for
+      Birmingham.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Perhaps you may be called up to the other house by the title,&rsquo; said
+      Lucian Gay. &lsquo;Who knows?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I agree with Tadpole,&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby, &lsquo;that if we only stick to the
+      Registration the country is saved.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Fortunate country!&rsquo; said Sidonia, &lsquo;that can be saved by a good
+      registration!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I believe, after all, that with property and pluck,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth,
+      &lsquo;Parliamentary Reform is not such a very bad thing.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Here several gentlemen began talking at the same time, all agreeing with
+      their host, and proving in their different ways, the irresistible
+      influence of property and pluck; property in Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s mind meaning
+      vassals, and pluck a total disregard for public opinion. Mr. Guy Flouncey,
+      who wanted to get into parliament, but why nobody knew, who had neither
+      political abilities nor political opinions, but had some floating idea
+      that it would get himself and his wife to some more balls and dinners, and
+      who was duly ticketed for &lsquo;a good thing&rsquo; in the candidate list of the
+      Tadpoles and the Tapers, was of opinion that an immense deal might be done
+      by properly patronising borough races. That was his specific how to
+      prevent revolution.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Taking advantage of a pause, Lord Monmouth said, &lsquo;I should like to know
+      what you think of this question, Sidonia?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am scarcely a competent judge,&rsquo; he said, as if wishing to disclaim any
+      interference in the conversation, and then added, &lsquo;but I have been ever of
+      opinion that revolutions are not to be evaded.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Exactly my views,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, eagerly; &lsquo;I say it now, I have said it
+      a thousand times, you may doctor the registration as you like, but you can
+      never get rid of Schedule A.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Is there a person in this room who can now tell us the names of the
+      boroughs in Schedule A?&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sure I cannot, &lsquo;said Lord Monmouth, &lsquo;though six of them belong to
+      myself.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But the principle,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby; &lsquo;they represented a principle.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Nothing else, certainly,&rsquo; said Lucian Gay.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And what principle?&rsquo; inquired Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The principle of nomination.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;That is a practice, not a principle,&rsquo; said Sidonia. &lsquo;Is it a practice
+      that no longer exists?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You think then,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale, cutting in before Rigby, &lsquo;that the
+      Reform Bill has done us no harm?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is not the Reform Bill that has shaken the aristocracy of this
+      country, but the means by which that Bill was carried,&rsquo; replied Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Physical force?&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Or social power?&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Upon this, Mr. Rigby, impatient at any one giving the tone in a political
+      discussion but himself, and chafing under the vigilance of Lord Eskdale,
+      which to him ever appeared only fortuitous, violently assaulted the
+      argument, and astonished several country gentlemen present by its
+      volubility. They at length listened to real eloquence. At the end of a
+      long appeal to Sidonia, that gentleman only bowed his head and said,
+      &lsquo;Perhaps;&rsquo; and then, turning to his neighbour, inquired whether birds were
+      plentiful in Lancashire this season; so that Mr. Rigby was reduced to the
+      necessity of forming the political opinions of Mr. Guy Flouncey.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As the gentlemen left the dining-room, Coningsby, though at some distance,
+      was observed by Sidonia, who stopped instantly, then advanced to
+      Coningsby, and extending his hand said, &lsquo;I said we should meet again,
+      though I hardly expected so quickly.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And I hope we shall not separate so soon,&rsquo; said Coningsby; &lsquo;I was much
+      struck with what you said just now about the Reform Bill. Do you know that
+      the more I think the more I am perplexed by what is meant by
+      Representation?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is a principle of which a limited definition is only current in this
+      country,&rsquo; said Sidonia, quitting the room with him. &lsquo;People may be
+      represented without periodical elections of neighbours who are incapable
+      to maintain their interests, and strangers who are unwilling.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The entrance of the gentlemen produced the same effect on the saloon as
+      sunrise on the world; universal animation, a general though gentle stir.
+      The Grand-duke, bowing to every one, devoted himself to the daughter of
+      Lady St. Julians, who herself pinned Lord Beaumanoir before he could reach
+      Mrs. Guy Flouncey. Coningsby instead talked nonsense to that lady.
+      Brilliant cavaliers, including Mr. Melton, addressed a band of beautiful
+      damsels grouped on a large ottoman. Everywhere sounded a delicious murmur,
+      broken occasionally by a silver-sounding laugh not too loud. Sidonia and
+      Lord Eskdale did not join the ladies. They stood for a few moments in
+      conversation, and then threw themselves on a sofa.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Who is that?&rsquo; asked Sidonia of his companion rather earnestly, as
+      Coningsby quitted them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;&rsquo;Tis the grandson of Monmouth; young Coningsby.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! The new generation then promises. I met him once before, by chance;
+      he interests me.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;They tell me he is a lively lad. He is a prodigious favourite here, and I
+      should not be surprised if Monmouth made him his heir.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I hope he does not dream of inheritance,&rsquo; said Sidonia. &lsquo;&rsquo;Tis the most
+      enervating of visions.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Do you admire Lady Augustina St. Julians?&rsquo; said Mrs. Guy Flouncey to
+      Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I admire no one except yourself.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! how very gallant, Mr. Coningsby!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;When should men be gallant, if not to the brilliant and the beautiful!&rsquo;
+      said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! you are laughing at me.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No, I am not. I am quite grave.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Your eyes laugh. Now tell me, Mr. Coningsby, Lord Henry Sydney is a very
+      great friend of yours?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Very.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He is very amiable.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Very.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He does a great deal for the poor at Beaumanoir. A very fine place, is it
+      not?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Very.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;As fine as Coningsby?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;At present, with Mrs. Guy Flouncey at Coningsby, Beaumanoir would have no
+      chance.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! you laugh at me again! Now tell me, Mr. Coningsby, what do you think
+      we shall do to-night? I look upon you, you know, as the real arbiter of
+      our destinies.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You shall decide,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Mon cher Harry,&rsquo; said Madame Colonna, coming up, &lsquo;they wish Lucretia to
+      sing and she will not. You must ask her, she cannot refuse you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I assure you she can,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Mon cher Harry, your grandpapa did desire me to beg you to ask her to
+      sing.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So Coningsby unwillingly approached Lucretia, who was talking with the
+      Russian Ambassador.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sent upon a fruitless mission,&rsquo; said Coningsby, looking at her, and
+      catching her glance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What and why?&rsquo; she replied.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The mission is to entreat you to do us all a great favour; and the cause
+      of its failure will be that I am the envoy.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If the favour be one to yourself, it is granted; and if you be the envoy,
+      you need never fear failure with me.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I must presume then to lead you away,&rsquo; said Coningsby, bending to the
+      Ambassador.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Remember,&rsquo; said Lucretia, as they approached the instrument, &lsquo;that I am
+      singing to you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is impossible ever to forget it,&rsquo; said Coningsby, leading her to the
+      piano with great politeness, but only with great politeness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Where is Mademoiselle Flora?&rsquo; she inquired.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby found La Petite crouching as it were behind some furniture, and
+      apparently looking over some music. She looked up as he approached, and a
+      smile stole over her countenance. &lsquo;I am come to ask a favour,&rsquo; he said,
+      and he named his request.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I will sing,&rsquo; she replied; &lsquo;but only tell me what you like.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby felt the difference between the courtesy of the head and of the
+      heart, as he contrasted the manner of Lucretia and Flora. Nothing could be
+      more exquisitely gracious than the daughter of Colonna was to-night;
+      Flora, on the contrary, was rather agitated and embarrassed; and did not
+      express her readiness with half the facility and the grace of Lucretia;
+      but Flora&rsquo;s arm trembled as Coningsby led her to the piano.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Meantime Lord Eskdale and Sidonia are in deep converse.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Hah! that is a fine note!&rsquo; said Sidonia, and he looked round. &lsquo;Who is
+      that singing? Some new <i>protégée</i> of Lord Monmouth?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;&rsquo;Tis the daughter of the Colonnas,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale, &lsquo;the Princess
+      Lucretia.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why, she was not at dinner to-day.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No, she was not there.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My favourite voice; and of all, the rarest to be found. When I was a boy,
+      it made me almost in love even with Pisaroni.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, the Princess is scarcely more lovely. &lsquo;Tis a pity the plumage is
+      not as beautiful as the note. She is plain.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No; not plain with that brow.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, I rather admire her myself,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale. &lsquo;She has fine
+      points.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Let us approach,&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The song ceased, Lord Eskdale advanced, made his compliments, and then
+      said, &lsquo;You were not at dinner to-day.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why should I be?&rsquo; said the Princess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;For our sakes, for mine, if not for your own,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale,
+      smiling. &lsquo;Your absence has been remarked, and felt, I assure you, by
+      others as well as myself. There is my friend Sidonia so enraptured with
+      your thrilling tones, that he has abruptly closed a conversation which I
+      have been long counting on. Do you know him? May I present him to you?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And having obtained a consent, not often conceded, Lord Eskdale looked
+      round, and calling Sidonia, he presented his friend to the Princess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You are fond of music, Lord Eskdale tells me?&rsquo; said Lucretia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;When it is excellent,&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But that is so rare,&rsquo; said the Princess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And precious as Paradise,&rsquo; said Sidonia. &lsquo;As for indifferent music, &lsquo;tis
+      Purgatory; but when it is bad, for my part I feel myself&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Where?&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;In the last circle of the Inferno,&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Eskdale turned to Flora.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And in what circle do you place us who are here?&rsquo; the Princess inquired
+      of Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;One too polished for his verse,&rsquo; replied her companion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You mean too insipid,&rsquo; said the Princess. &lsquo;I wish that life were a little
+      more Dantesque.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There is not less treasure in the world,&rsquo; said Sidonia, &lsquo;because we use
+      paper currency; and there is not less passion than of old, though it is <i>bon
+      ton</i> to be tranquil.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Do you think so?&rsquo; said the Princess, inquiringly, and then looking round
+      the apartment. &lsquo;Have these automata, indeed, souls?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Some of them,&rsquo; said Sidonia. &lsquo;As many as would have had souls in the
+      fourteenth century.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I thought they were wound up every day,&rsquo; said the Princess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Some are self-impelling,&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And you can tell at a glance?&rsquo; inquired the Princess. &lsquo;You are one of
+      those who can read human nature?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;&rsquo;Tis a book open to all.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But if they cannot read?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Those must be your automata.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Lord Monmouth tells me you are a great traveller?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have not discovered a new world.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But you have visited it?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is getting old.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I would sooner recall the old than discover the new,&rsquo; said the Princess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We have both of us cause,&rsquo; said Sidonia. &lsquo;Our names are the names of the
+      Past.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I do not love a world of Utility,&rsquo; said the Princess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You prefer to be celebrated to being comfortable,&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It seems to me that the world is withering under routine.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;&rsquo;Tis the inevitable lot of humanity,&rsquo; said Sidonia. &lsquo;Man must ever be the
+      slave of routine: but in old days it was a routine of great thoughts, and
+      now it is a routine of little ones.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The evening glided on; the dance succeeded the song; the ladies were fast
+      vanishing; Coningsby himself was meditating a movement, when Lord
+      Beaumanoir, as he passed him, said, &lsquo;Come to Lucian Gay&rsquo;s room; we are
+      going to smoke a cigar.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This was a favourite haunt, towards midnight, of several of the younger
+      members of the party at the Castle, who loved to find relaxation from the
+      decorous gravities of polished life in the fumes of tobacco, the
+      inspiration of whiskey toddy, and the infinite amusement of Lucian Gay&rsquo;s
+      conversation and company. This was the genial hour when the good story
+      gladdened, the pun flashed, and the song sparkled with jolly mirth or
+      saucy mimicry. To-night, being Coningsby&rsquo;s initiation, there was a special
+      general meeting of the Grumpy Club, in which everybody was to say the
+      gayest things with the gravest face, and every laugh carried a forfeit.
+      Lucian was the inimitable president. He told a tale for which he was
+      famous, of &lsquo;the very respectable county family who had been established in
+      the shire for several generations, but who, it was a fact, had been ever
+      distinguished by the strange and humiliating peculiarity of being born
+      with sheep&rsquo;s tails.&rsquo; The remarkable circumstances under which Lucian Gay
+      had become acquainted with this fact; the traditionary mysteries by which
+      the family in question had succeeded for generations in keeping it secret;
+      the decided measures to which the chief of the family had recourse to stop
+      for ever the rumour when it first became prevalent; and finally the origin
+      and result of the legend; were details which Lucian Gay, with the most
+      rueful countenance, loved to expend upon the attentive and expanding
+      intelligence of a new member of the Grumpy Club. Familiar as all present
+      were with the story whose stimulus of agonising risibility they had all in
+      turn experienced, it was with extreme difficulty that any of them could
+      resist the fatal explosion which was to be attended with the dreaded
+      penalty. Lord Beaumanoir looked on the table with desperate seriousness,
+      an ominous pucker quivering round his lip; Mr. Melton crammed his
+      handkerchief into his mouth with one hand, while he lighted the wrong end
+      of a cigar with the other; one youth hung over the back of his chair
+      pinching himself like a faquir, while another hid his countenance on the
+      table.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It was at the Hunt dinner,&rsquo; continued Lucian Gay, in an almost solemn
+      tone, &lsquo;that an idea for a moment was prevalent, that Sir Mowbray
+      Cholmondeley Fetherstonehaugh, as the head of the family, had resolved to
+      terminate for ever these mysterious aspersions on his race, that had
+      circulated in the county for more than two centuries; I mean that the
+      highly respectable family of the Cholmondeley Fetherstonehaughs had the
+      misfortune to be graced with that appendage to which I have referred. His
+      health being drunk, Sir Mowbray Cholmondeley Fetherstonehaugh rose. He was
+      a little unpopular at the moment, from an ugly story about killing foxes,
+      and the guests were not as quiet as orators generally desire, so the
+      Honourable Baronet prayed particular attention to a matter personal to
+      himself. Instantly there was a dead silence&mdash;&rsquo; but here Coningsby,
+      who had moved for some time very restlessly on his chair, suddenly started
+      up, and struggling for a moment against the inward convulsion, but in
+      vain, stamped against the floor, and gave a shout.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A song from Mr. Coningsby,&rsquo; said the president of the Grumpy Club, amid
+      an universal, and now permissible roar of laughter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby could not sing; so he was to favour them as a substitute with a
+      speech or a sentiment. But Lucian Gay always let one off these penalties
+      easily, and, indeed, was ever ready to fulfil them for all. Song, speech,
+      or sentiment, he poured them all forth; nor were pastimes more active
+      wanting. He could dance a Tarantella like a Lazzarone, and execute a
+      Cracovienne with all the mincing graces of a ballet heroine.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His powers of mimicry, indeed, were great and versatile. But in nothing
+      was he so happy as in a Parliamentary debate. And it was remarkable that,
+      though himself a man who on ordinary occasions was quite incapable without
+      infinite perplexity of publicly expressing his sense of the merest
+      courtesy of society, he was not only a master of the style of every
+      speaker of distinction in either house, but he seemed in his imitative
+      play to appropriate their intellectual as well as their physical
+      peculiarities, and presented you with their mind as well as their manner.
+      There were several attempts to-night to induce Lucian to indulge his
+      guests with a debate, but he seemed to avoid the exertion, which was
+      great. As the night grew old, however, and every hour he grew more lively,
+      he suddenly broke without further pressure into the promised diversion;
+      and Coningsby listened really with admiration to a discussion, of which
+      the only fault was that it was more parliamentary than the original, &lsquo;plus
+      Arabe que l&rsquo;Arabie.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Duke was never more curt, nor Sir Robert more specious; he was as
+      fiery as Stanley, and as bitter as Graham. Nor did he do their opponents
+      less justice. Lord Palmerston himself never treated a profound subject
+      with a more pleasant volatility; and when Lucian rose at an early hour of
+      morn, in a full house alike exhausted and excited, and after having
+      endured for hours, in sarcastic silence, the menacing finger of Sir
+      Robert, shaking over the green table and appealing to his misdeeds in the
+      irrevocable records of Hansard, Lord John himself could not have afforded
+      a more perfect representative of pluck.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But loud as was the laughter, and vehement the cheering, with which
+      Lucian&rsquo;s performances were received, all these ebullitions sank into
+      insignificance compared with the reception which greeted what he himself
+      announced was to be the speech of the night. Having quaffed full many a
+      quaigh of toddy, he insisted on delivering, it on the table, a proposition
+      with which his auditors immediately closed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The orator appeared, the great man of the night, who was to answer
+      everybody on both sides. Ah! that harsh voice, that arrogant style, that
+      saucy superficiality which decided on everything, that insolent ignorance
+      that contradicted everybody; it was impossible to mistake them! And
+      Coningsby had the pleasure of seeing reproduced before him the guardian of
+      his youth and the patron of the mimic, the Right Honourable Nicholas
+      Rigby!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Madame Colonna, with that vivacious energy which characterises the south,
+      had no sooner seen Coningsby, and heard his praises celebrated by his
+      grandfather, than she resolved that an alliance should sooner or later
+      take place between him and her step-daughter. She imparted her projects
+      without delay to Lucretia, who received them in a different spirit from
+      that in which they were communicated. Lucretia bore as little resemblance
+      to her step-mother in character, as in person. If she did not possess her
+      beauty, she was born with an intellect of far greater capacity and reach.
+      She had a deep judgment. A hasty alliance with a youth, arranged by their
+      mutual relatives, might suit very well the clime and manners of Italy, but
+      Lucretia was well aware that it was altogether opposed to the habits and
+      feelings of this country. She had no conviction that either Coningsby
+      would wish to marry her, or, if willing, that his grandfather would
+      sanction such a step in one as yet only on the threshold of the world.
+      Lucretia therefore received the suggestions and proposals of Madarne
+      Colonna with coldness and indifference; one might even say contempt, for
+      she neither felt respect for this lady, nor was she sedulous to evince it.
+      Although really younger than Coningsby, Lucretia felt that a woman of
+      eighteen is, in all worldly considerations, ten years older than a youth
+      of the same age. She anticipated that a considerable time might elapse
+      before Coningsby would feel it necessary to seal his destiny by marriage,
+      while, on the other hand, she was not only anxious, but resolved, not to
+      delay on her part her emancipation from the galling position in which she
+      very frequently found herself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lucretia felt rather than expressed these ideas and impressions. She was
+      not naturally communicative, and conversed with no one with less frankness
+      and facility than with her step-mother. Madame Colonna therefore found no
+      reasons in her conversation with Lucretia to change her determination. As
+      her mind was not ingenious she did not see questions in those various
+      lights which make us at the same time infirm of purpose and tolerant. What
+      she fancied ought to be done, she fancied must be done; for she perceived
+      no middle course or alternative. For the rest, Lucretia&rsquo;s carriage towards
+      her gave her little discomfort. Besides, she herself, though good-natured,
+      was obstinate. Her feelings were not very acute; nothing much vexed her.
+      As long as she had fine dresses, good dinners, and opera-boxes, she could
+      bear her plans to be crossed like a philosopher; and her consolation under
+      her unaccomplished devices was her admirable consistency, which always
+      assured her that her projects were wise, though unfulfilled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She broke her purpose to Mr. Rigby, that she might gain not only his
+      adhesion to her views, but his assistance in achieving them. As Madame
+      Colonna, in Mr. Rigby&rsquo;s estimation, exercised more influence over Lord
+      Monmouth than any other individual, faithful to his policy or practice, he
+      agreed with all Madame Colonna&rsquo;s plans and wishes, and volunteered
+      instantly to further them. As for the Prince, his wife never consulted him
+      on any subject, nor did he wish to be consulted. On the contrary, he had
+      no opinion about anything. All that he required was that he should be
+      surrounded by what contributed to his personal enjoyment, that he should
+      never be troubled, and that he should have billiards. He was not inexpert
+      in field-sports, rode indeed very well for an Italian, but he never cared
+      to be out-of-doors; and there was only one room in the interior which
+      passionately interested him. It was where the echoing balls denoted the
+      sweeping hazard or the effective cannonade. That was the chamber where the
+      Prince Colonna literally existed. Half-an-hour after breakfast he was in
+      the billiard-room; he never quitted it until he dressed for dinner; and he
+      generally contrived, while the world were amused or amusing themselves at
+      the comedy or in the dance, to steal down with some congenial sprites to
+      the magical and illumined chamber, and use his cue until bedtime.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Faithful to her first impressions, Lucretia had made no difference in her
+      demeanour to Coningsby to that which she offered to the other guests.
+      Polite, but uncommunicative; ready to answer, but never originating
+      conversation; she charmed him as little by her manner as by her person;
+      and after some attempts, not very painstaking, to interest her, Coningsby
+      had ceased to address her. The day passed by with only a faint recognition
+      between them; even that sometimes omitted.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When, however, Lucretia observed that Coningsby had become one of the most
+      notable persons in the Castle; when she heard everywhere of his talents
+      and accomplishments, his beauty and grace and great acquirements, and
+      perceived that he was courted by all; that Lord Monmouth omitted no
+      occasion publicly to evince towards him his regard and consideration; that
+      he seemed generally looked upon in the light of his grandfather&rsquo;s heir;
+      and that Lady St. Julians, more learned in that respect than any lady in
+      the kingdom, was heard more than once to regret that she had not brought
+      another daughter with her, Clara Isabella, as well as Augustina; the
+      Princess Lucretia began to imagine that Madame Colonna, after all, might
+      not be so extravagant in her purpose as she had first supposed. She,
+      therefore, surprised Coningsby with the almost affectionate moroseness
+      with which, while she hated to sing, she yet found pleasure in singing for
+      him alone. And it is impossible to say what might not have been the next
+      move in her tactics in this respect, had not the very night on which she
+      had resolved to commence the enchantment of Coningsby introduced to her
+      Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Princess Lucretia encountered the dark still glance of the friend of
+      Lord Eskdale. He, too, beheld a woman unlike other women, and with his
+      fine experience, both as a man and as a physiologist, felt that he was in
+      the presence of no ordinary organisation. From the evening of his
+      introduction Sidonia sought the society of the Princess Lucretia. He could
+      not complain of her reserve. She threw out her mind in various and
+      highly-cultivated intelligence. He recognised in her a deep and subtile
+      spirit, considerable reading for a woman, habits of thought, and a soul
+      passionate and daring. She resolved to subdue one whose appreciation she
+      had gained, and who had subdued her. The profound meaning and the calm
+      manner of Sidonia combined to quell her spirit. She struggled against the
+      spell. She tried to rival his power; to cope with him, and with the same
+      weapons. But prompt as was her thought and bright as was its expression,
+      her heart beat in tumult; and, with all her apparent serenity, her
+      agitated soul was a prey of absorbing passion. She could not contend with
+      that intelligent, yet inscrutable, eye; with that manner so full of
+      interest and respect, and yet so tranquil. Besides, they were not on equal
+      terms. Here was a girl contending with a man learned in the world&rsquo;s way.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Between Sidonia and Coningsby there at once occurred companionship. The
+      morning after his arrival they went out shooting together. After a long
+      ramble they would stretch themselves on the turf under a shady tree, often
+      by the side of some brook where the cresses grow, that added a luxury to
+      their sporting-meal; and then Coningsby would lead their conversation to
+      some subject on which Sidonia would pour out his mind with all that depth
+      of reflection, variety of knowledge, and richness of illustrative memory,
+      which distinguished him; and which offered so striking a contrast to the
+      sharp talent, the shallow information, and the worldly cunning, that make
+      a Rigby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This fellowship between Sidonia and Coningsby elevated the latter still
+      more in the estimation of Lucretia, and rendered her still more desirous
+      of gaining his good will and opinion. A great friendship seemed to have
+      arisen between them, and the world began to believe that there must be
+      some foundation for Madame Colonna&rsquo;s innuendos. That lady herself was not
+      in the least alarmed by the attention which Sidonia paid her
+      step-daughter. It was, of course, well known that Sidonia was not a
+      marrying man. He was, however, a great friend of Mr. Coningsby, his
+      presence and society brought Coningsby and Lucretia more together; and
+      however flattered her daughter might be for the moment by Sidonia&rsquo;s
+      homage, still, as she would ultimately find out, if indeed she ever cared
+      so to do, that Sidonia could only be her admirer, Madame Colonna had no
+      kind of doubt that ultimately Coningsby would be Lucretia&rsquo;s husband, as
+      she had arranged from the first.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Princess Lucretia was a fine horse-woman, though she rarely joined the
+      various riding-parties that were daily formed at the Castle. Often,
+      indeed, attended only by her groom, she met the equestrians. Now she would
+      ride with Sidonia and Coningsby, and as a female companion was
+      indispensable, she insisted upon La Petite accompanying her. This was a
+      fearful trial for Flora, but she encountered it, encouraged by the kind
+      solicitude of Coningsby, who always seemed her friend.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Very shortly after the arrival of Sidonia, the Grand-duke and his suite
+      quitted the Castle, which had been his Highness&rsquo; head-quarters during his
+      visit to the manufacturing districts; but no other great change in the
+      assembled company occurred for some little time.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XIII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You will observe one curious trait,&rsquo; said Sidonia to Coningsby, &lsquo;in the
+      history of this country: the depository of power is always unpopular; all
+      combine against it; it always falls. Power was deposited in the great
+      Barons; the Church, using the King for its instrument, crushed the great
+      Barons. Power was deposited in the Church; the King, bribing the
+      Parliament, plundered the Church. Power was deposited in the King; the
+      Parliament, using the People, beheaded the King, expelled the King,
+      changed the King, and, finally, for a King substituted an administrative
+      officer. For one hundred and fifty years Power has been deposited in the
+      Parliament, and for the last sixty or seventy years it has been becoming
+      more and more unpopular. In 1830 it was endeavoured by a reconstruction to
+      regain the popular affection; but, in truth, as the Parliament then only
+      made itself more powerful, it has only become more odious. As we see that
+      the Barons, the Church, the King, have in turn devoured each other, and
+      that the Parliament, the last devourer, remains, it is impossible to
+      resist the impression that this body also is doomed to be destroyed; and
+      he is a sagacious statesman who may detect in what form and in what
+      quarter the great consumer will arise.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You take, then, a dark view of our position?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Troubled, not dark. I do not ascribe to political institutions that
+      paramount influence which it is the feeling of this age to attribute to
+      them. The Senate that confronted Brennus in the Forum was the same body
+      that registered in an after-age the ribald decrees of a Nero. Trial by
+      jury, for example, is looked upon by all as the Palladium of our
+      liberties; yet a jury, at a very recent period of our own history, the
+      reign of Charles II., was a tribunal as iniquitous as the Inquisition.&rsquo;
+      And a graver expression stole over the countenance of Sidonia as he
+      remembered what that Inquisition had operated on his own race and his own
+      destiny. &lsquo;There are families in this country,&rsquo; he continued, &lsquo;of both the
+      great historical parties, that in the persecution of their houses, the
+      murder and proscription of some of their most illustrious members, found
+      judges as unjust and relentless in an open jury of their countrymen as we
+      did in the conclaves of Madrid and Seville.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Where, then, would you look for hope?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;In what is more powerful than laws and institutions, and without which
+      the best laws and the most skilful institutions may be a dead letter, or
+      the very means of tyranny in the national character. It is not in the
+      increased feebleness of its institutions that I see the peril of England;
+      it is in the decline of its character as a community.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And yet you could scarcely describe this as an age of corruption?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Not of political corruption. But it is an age of social disorganisation,
+      far more dangerous in its consequences, because far more extensive. You
+      may have a corrupt government and a pure community; you may have a corrupt
+      community and a pure administration. Which would you elect?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Neither,&rsquo; said Coningsby; &lsquo;I wish to see a people full of faith, and a
+      government full of duty.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Rely upon it,&rsquo; said Sidonia, &lsquo;that England should think more of the
+      community and less of the government.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But tell me, what do you understand by the term national character?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A character is an assemblage of qualities; the character of England
+      should be an assemblage of great qualities.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But we cannot deny that the English have great virtues.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The civilisation of a thousand years must produce great virtues; but we
+      are speaking of the decline of public virtue, not its existence.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;In what, then, do you trace that decline?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;In the fact that the various classes of this country are arrayed against
+      each other.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But to what do you attribute those reciprocal hostilities?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Not entirely, not even principally, to those economical causes of which
+      we hear so much. I look upon all such as secondary causes, which, in a
+      certain degree, must always exist, which obtrude themselves in troubled
+      times, and which at all times it is the business of wise statesmen to
+      watch, to regulate, to ameliorate, to modify.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am speaking to elicit truth, not to maintain opinions,&rsquo; said Coningsby;
+      &lsquo;for I have none,&rsquo; he added, mournfully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think,&rsquo; said Sidonia, &lsquo;that there is no error so vulgar as to believe
+      that revolutions are occasioned by economical causes. They come in,
+      doubtless, very often to precipitate a catastrophe; very rarely do they
+      occasion one. I know no period, for example, when physical comfort was
+      more diffused in England than in 1640. England had a moderate population,
+      a very improved agriculture, a rich commerce; yet she was on the eve of
+      the greatest and most violent changes that she has as yet experienced.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;That was a religious movement.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Admit it; the cause, then, was not physical. The imagination of England
+      rose against the government. It proves, then, that when that faculty is
+      astir in a nation, it will sacrifice even physical comfort to follow its
+      impulses.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Do you think, then, there is a wild desire for extensive political change
+      in the country?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Hardly that: England is perplexed at the present moment, not inventive.
+      That will be the next phasis in her moral state, and to that I wish to
+      draw your thoughts. For myself, while I ascribe little influence to
+      physical causes for the production of this perplexity, I am still less of
+      opinion that it can be removed by any new disposition of political power.
+      It would only aggravate the evil. That would be recurring to the old error
+      of supposing you can necessarily find national content in political
+      institutions. A political institution is a machine; the motive power is
+      the national character. With that it rests whether the machine will
+      benefit society, or destroy it. Society in this country is perplexed,
+      almost paralysed; in time it will move, and it will devise. How are the
+      elements of the nation to be again blended together? In what spirit is
+      that reorganisation to take place?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;To know that would be to know everything.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;At least let us free ourselves from the double ignorance of the
+      Platonists. Let us not be ignorant that we are ignorant.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have emancipated myself from that darkness for a long time,&rsquo; said
+      Coningsby. &lsquo;Long has my mind been musing over these thoughts, but to me
+      all is still obscurity.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;In this country,&rsquo; said Sidonia, &lsquo;since the peace, there has been an
+      attempt to advocate a reconstruction of society on a purely rational
+      basis. The principle of Utility has been powerfully developed. I speak not
+      with lightness of the labours of the disciples of that school. I bow to
+      intellect in every form: and we should be grateful to any school of
+      philosophers, even if we disagree with them; doubly grateful in this
+      country, where for so long a period our statesmen were in so pitiable an
+      arrear of public intelligence. There has been an attempt to reconstruct
+      society on a basis of material motives and calculations. It has failed. It
+      must ultimately have failed under any circumstances; its failure in an
+      ancient and densely-peopled kingdom was inevitable. How limited is human
+      reason, the profoundest inquirers are most conscious. We are not indebted
+      to the Reason of man for any of the great achievements which are the
+      landmarks of human action and human progress. It was not Reason that
+      besieged Troy; it was not Reason that sent forth the Saracen from the
+      Desert to conquer the world; that inspired the Crusades; that instituted
+      the Monastic orders; it was not Reason that produced the Jesuits; above
+      all, it was not Reason that created the French Revolution. Man is only
+      truly great when he acts from the passions; never irresistible but when he
+      appeals to the imagination. Even Mormon counts more votaries than
+      Bentham.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And you think, then, that as Imagination once subdued the State,
+      Imagination may now save it?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Man is made to adore and to obey: but if you will not command him, if you
+      give him nothing to worship, he will fashion his own divinities, and find
+      a chieftain in his own passions.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But where can we find faith in a nation of sectaries? Who can feel
+      loyalty to a sovereign of Downing Street?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I speak of the eternal principles of human nature, you answer me with the
+      passing accidents of the hour. Sects rise and sects disappear. Where are
+      the Fifth-Monarchy men? England is governed by Downing Street; once it was
+      governed by Alfred and Elizabeth.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XIV.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      About this time a steeple-chase in the West of England had attracted
+      considerable attention. This sport was then of recent introduction in
+      England, and is, in fact, an importation of Irish growth, although it has
+      flourished in our soil. A young guardsman, who was then a guest at the
+      Castle, and who had been in garrison in Ireland, had some experience of
+      this pastime in the Kildare country, and he proposed that they should have
+      a steeple-chase at Coningsby. This was a suggestion very agreeable to the
+      Marquess of Beaumanoir, celebrated for his feats of horsemanship, and,
+      indeed, to most of the guests. It was agreed that the race should come off
+      at once, before any of the present company, many of whom gave symptoms of
+      being on the wing, had quitted the Castle. The young guardsman and Mr. Guy
+      Flouncey had surveyed the country and had selected a line which they
+      esteemed very appropriate for the scene of action. From a hill of common
+      land you looked down upon the valley of Coningsby, richly cultivated,
+      deeply ditched, and stiffly fenced; the valley was bounded by another
+      rising ground, and the scene was admirably calculated to give an extensive
+      view to a multitude.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The distance along the valley was to be two miles out, and home again; the
+      starting-post being also the winning-post, and the flags, which were
+      placed on every fence which the horses were to pass, were to be passed on
+      the left hand of the rider both going and coming; so that although the
+      horses had to leap the same fences forward and backward, they could not
+      come over the same place twice. In the last field before they turned, was
+      a brook seventeen feet clear from side to side, with good taking off both
+      banks. Here real business commenced.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth highly approved the scheme, but mentioned that the stakes
+      must be moderate, and open to the whole county. The neighbourhood had a
+      week of preparation, and the entries for the Coningsby steeple-chase were
+      numerous. Lord Monmouth, after a reserve for his own account, placed his
+      stable at the service of his guests. For himself, he offered to back his
+      horse, Sir Robert, which was to be ridden by his grandson.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now, nothing was spoken or thought of at Coningsby Castle except the
+      coming sport. The ladies shared the general excitement. They embroidered
+      handkerchiefs, and scarfs, and gloves, with the respective colours of the
+      rivals, and tried to make jockey-caps. Lady St. Julians postponed her
+      intended departure in consequence. Madame Colonna wished that some means
+      could be contrived by which they might all win.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sidonia, with the other competitors, had ridden over the ground and
+      glanced at the brook with the eye of a workman. On his return to the
+      Castle he sent a despatch for some of his stud.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby was all anxiety to win. He was proud of the confidence of his
+      grandfather in backing him. He had a powerful horse and a firstrate
+      fencer, and he was resolved himself not to flinch. On the night before the
+      race, retiring somewhat earlier than usual to his chamber, he observed on
+      his dressing-table a small packet addressed to his name, and in an unknown
+      handwriting. Opening it, he found a pretty racing-jacket embroidered with
+      his colours of pink and white. This was a perplexing circumstance, but he
+      fancied it on the whole a happy omen. And who was the donor? Certainly not
+      the Princess Lucretia, for he had observed her fashioning some maroon
+      ribbons, which were the colours of Sidonia. It could scarcely be from Mrs.
+      Guy Flouncey. Perhaps Madame Colonna to please the Marquess? Thinking over
+      this incident he fell asleep.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The morning before the race Sidonia&rsquo;s horses arrived. All went to examine
+      them at the stables. Among them was an Arab mare. Coningsby recognised the
+      Daughter of the Star. She was greatly admired for her points; but Guy
+      Flouncey whispered to Mr. Melton that she never could do the work.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But Lord Beaumanoir says he is all for speed against strength in these
+      affairs,&rsquo; said Mr. Melton.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Guy Flouncey smiled incredulously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The night before the race it rained rather heavily.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I take it the country will not be very like the Deserts of Arabia,&rsquo; said
+      Mr. Guy Flouncey, with a knowing look to Mr. Melton, who was noting a bet
+      in his memorandum-book.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The morning was fine, clear, and sunny, with a soft western breeze. The
+      starting-post was about three miles from the Castle; but, long before the
+      hour, the surrounding hills were covered with people; squire and farmer;
+      with no lack of their wives and daughters; many a hind in his smock-frock,
+      and many an &lsquo;operative&rsquo; from the neighbouring factories. The &lsquo;gentlemen
+      riders&rsquo; gradually arrived. The entries were very numerous, though it was
+      understood that not more than a dozen would come to the post, and half of
+      these were the guests of Lord Monmouth. At half-past one the <i>cortège</i>
+      from the Castle arrived, and took up the post which had been prepared for
+      them on the summit of the hill. Lord Monmouth was much cheered on his
+      arrival. In the carriage with him were Madame Colonna and Lady St.
+      Julians. The Princess Lucretia, Lady Gaythorp, Mrs. Guy Flouncey,
+      accompanied by Lord Eskdale and other cavaliers, formed a brilliant
+      company. There was scarcely a domestic in the Castle who was not there.
+      The comedians, indeed, did not care to come, but Villebecque prevailed
+      upon Flora to drive with him to the race in a buggy he borrowed of the
+      steward.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The start was to be at two o&rsquo;clock. The &lsquo;gentlemen jockeys&rsquo; are mustered.
+      Never were riders mounted and appointed in better style. The stewards and
+      the clerk of the course attend them to the starting-post. There they are
+      now assembled. Guy Flouncey takes up his stirrup-leathers a hole; Mr.
+      Melton looks at his girths. In a few moments, the irrevocable monosyllable
+      will be uttered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The bugle sounds for them to face about; the clerk of the course sings
+      out, &lsquo;Gentlemen, are you all ready?&rsquo; No objection made, the word given to
+      go, and fifteen riders start in excellent style.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Prince Colonna, who rode like Prince Rupert, took the lead, followed close
+      by a stout yeoman on an old white horse of great provincial celebrity, who
+      made steady running, and, from his appearance and action, an awkward
+      customer. The rest, with two exceptions, followed in a cluster at no great
+      distance, and in this order they continued, with very slight variation,
+      for the first two miles, though there were several ox-fences, and one or
+      two of them remarkably stiff. Indeed, they appeared more like horses
+      running over a course than over a country. The two exceptions were Lord
+      Beaumanoir on his horse Sunbeam, and Sidonia on the Arab. These kept
+      somewhat slightly in the rear.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Almost in this wise they approached the dreaded brook. Indeed, with the
+      exception of the last two riders, who were about thirty yards behind, it
+      seemed that you might have covered the rest of the field with a sheet.
+      They arrived at the brook at the same moment: seventeen feet of water
+      between strong sound banks is no holiday work; but they charged with
+      unfaltering intrepidity. But what a revolution in their spirited order did
+      that instant produce! A masked battery of canister and grape could not
+      have achieved more terrible execution. Coningsby alone clearly lighted on
+      the opposing bank; but, for the rest of them, it seemed for a moment that
+      they were all in the middle of the brook, one over another, splashing,
+      kicking, swearing; every one trying to get out and keep others in. Mr.
+      Melton and the stout yeoman regained their saddles and were soon again in
+      chase. The Prince lost his horse, and was not alone in his misfortune. Mr.
+      Guy Flouncey lay on his back with a horse across his diaphragm; only his
+      head above the water, and his mouth full of chickweed and dockleaves. And
+      if help had not been at hand, he and several others might have remained
+      struggling in their watery bed for a considerable period. In the midst of
+      this turmoil, the Marquess and Sidonia at the same moment cleared the
+      brook.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Affairs now became interesting. Here Coningsby took up the running,
+      Sidonia and the Marquess lying close at his quarters. Mr. Melton had gone
+      the wrong side of a flag, and the stout yeoman, though close at hand, was
+      already trusting much to his spurs. In the extreme distance might be
+      detected three or four stragglers. Thus they continued until within three
+      fields of home. A ploughed field finished the old white horse; the yeoman
+      struck his spurs to the rowels, but the only effect of the experiment was,
+      that the horse stood stock-still. Coningsby, Sidonia, and the Marquess
+      were now all together. The winning-post is in sight, and a high and strong
+      gate leads to the last field. Coningsby, looking like a winner, gallantly
+      dashed forward and sent Sir Robert at the gate, but he had over-estimated
+      his horse&rsquo;s powers at this point of the game, and a rattling fall was the
+      consequence: however, horse and rider were both on the right side, and
+      Coningsby was in his saddle and at work again in a moment. It seemed that
+      the Marquess was winning. There was only one more fence; and that the foot
+      people had made a breach in by the side of a gate-post, and wide enough,
+      as was said, for a broad-wheeled waggon to travel by. Instead of passing
+      straight over this gap, Sunbeam swerved against the gate and threw his
+      rider. This was decisive. The Daughter of the Star, who was still going
+      beautifully, pulling double, and her jockey sitting still, sprang over the
+      gap and went in first; Coningsby, on Sir Robert, being placed second. The
+      distance measured was about four miles; there were thirty-nine leaps; and
+      it was done under fifteen minutes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth was well content with the prowess of his grandson, and his
+      extreme cordiality consoled Coningsby under a defeat which was very
+      vexatious. It was some alleviation that he was beaten by Sidonia. Madame
+      Colonna even shed tears at her young friend&rsquo;s disappointment, and mourned
+      it especially for Lucretia, who had said nothing, though a flush might be
+      observed on her usually pale countenance. Villebecque, who had betted, was
+      so extremely excited by the whole affair, especially during the last three
+      minutes, that he quite forgot his quiet companion, and when he looked
+      round he found Flora fainting.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You rode well,&rsquo; said Sidonia to Coningsby; &lsquo;but your horse was more
+      strong than swift. After all, this thing is a race; and, notwithstanding
+      Solomon, in a race speed must win.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XV.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Notwithstanding the fatigues of the morning, the evening was passed with
+      great gaiety at the Castle. The gentlemen all vowed that, far from being
+      inconvenienced by their mishaps, they felt, on the whole, rather better
+      for them. Mr. Guy Flouncey, indeed, did not seem quite so limber and
+      flexible as usual; and the young guardsman, who had previously discoursed
+      in an almost alarming style of the perils and feats of the Kildare
+      country, had subsided into a remarkable reserve. The Provincials were
+      delighted with Sidonia&rsquo;s riding, and even the Leicestershire gentlemen
+      admitted that he was a &lsquo;customer.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth beckoned to Coningsby to sit by him on the sofa, and spoke
+      of his approaching University life. He gave his grandson a great deal of
+      good advice: told him to avoid drinking, especially if he ever chanced to
+      play cards, which he hoped he never would; urged the expediency of never
+      borrowing money, and of confining his loans to small sums, and then only
+      to friends of whom he wished to get rid; most particularly impressed on
+      him never to permit his feelings to be engaged by any woman; nobody, he
+      assured Coningsby, despised that weakness more than women themselves.
+      Indeed, feeling of any kind did not suit the present age: it was not <i>bon
+      ton</i>; and in some degree always made a man ridiculous. Coningsby was
+      always to have before him the possible catastrophe of becoming ridiculous.
+      It was the test of conduct, Lord Monmouth said; a fear of becoming
+      ridiculous is the best guide in life, and will save a man from all sorts
+      of scrapes. For the rest, Coningsby was to appear at Cambridge as became
+      Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s favourite grandson. His grandfather had opened an account
+      for him with Drummonds&rsquo;, on whom he was to draw for his considerable
+      allowance; and if by any chance he found himself in a scrape, no matter of
+      what kind, he was to be sure to write to his grandfather, who would
+      certainly get him out of it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Your departure is sudden,&rsquo; said the Princess Lucretia, in a low deep tone
+      to Sidonia, who was sitting by her side and screened from general
+      observation by the waltzers who whirled by.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Departures should be sudden.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I do not like departures,&rsquo; said the Princess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Nor did the Queen of Sheba when she quitted Solomon. You know what she
+      did?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Tell me.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;She wept very much, and let one of the King&rsquo;s birds fly into the garden.
+      &ldquo;You are freed from your cage,&rdquo; she said; &ldquo;but I am going back to mine.&rdquo;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But you never weep?&rsquo; said the Princess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Never.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And are always free?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;So are men in the Desert.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But your life is not a Desert?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It at least resembles the Desert in one respect: it is useless.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The only useless life is woman&rsquo;s.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yet there have been heroines,&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The Queen of Sheba,&rsquo; said the Princess, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A favourite of mine,&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And why was she a favourite of yours?&rsquo; rather eagerly inquired Lucretia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Because she thought deeply, talked finely, and moved gracefully.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And yet might be a very unfeeling dame at the same time,&rsquo; said the
+      Princess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I never thought of that,&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The heart, apparently, does not reckon in your philosophy.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What we call the heart,&rsquo; said Sidonia, &lsquo;is a nervous sensation, like
+      shyness, which gradually disappears in society. It is fervent in the
+      nursery, strong in the domestic circle, tumultuous at school. The
+      affections are the children of ignorance; when the horizon of our
+      experience expands, and models multiply, love and admiration imperceptibly
+      vanish.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I fear the horizon of your experience has very greatly expanded. With
+      your opinions, what charm can there be in life?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The sense of existence.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;So Sidonia is off to-morrow, Monmouth,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Hah!&rsquo; said the Marquess. &lsquo;I must get him to breakfast with me before he
+      goes.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The party broke up. Coningsby, who had heard Lord Eskdale announce
+      Sidonia&rsquo;s departure, lingered to express his regret, and say farewell.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I cannot sleep,&rsquo; said Sidonia, &lsquo;and I never smoke in Europe. If you are
+      not stiff with your wounds, come to my rooms.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This invitation was willingly accepted.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am going to Cambridge in a week,&rsquo; said Coningsby. I was almost in hopes
+      you might have remained as long.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I also; but my letters of this morning demand me. If it had not been for
+      our chase, I should have quitted immediately. The minister cannot pay the
+      interest on the national debt; not an unprecedented circumstance, and has
+      applied to us. I never permit any business of State to be transacted
+      without my personal interposition; and so I must go up to town
+      immediately.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Suppose you don&rsquo;t pay it,&rsquo; said Coningsby, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If I followed my own impulse, I would remain here,&rsquo; said Sidonia. &lsquo;Can
+      anything be more absurd than that a nation should apply to an individual
+      to maintain its credit, and, with its credit, its existence as an empire,
+      and its comfort as a people; and that individual one to whom its laws deny
+      the proudest rights of citizenship, the privilege of sitting in its senate
+      and of holding land? for though I have been rash enough to buy several
+      estates, my own opinion is, that, by the existing law of England, an
+      Englishman of Hebrew faith cannot possess the soil.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But surely it would be easy to repeal a law so illiberal&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! as for illiberality, I have no objection to it if it be an element of
+      power. Eschew political sentimentalism. What I contend is, that if you
+      permit men to accumulate property, and they use that permission to a great
+      extent, power is inseparable from that property, and it is in the last
+      degree impolitic to make it the interest of any powerful class to oppose
+      the institutions under which they live. The Jews, for example,
+      independently of the capital qualities for citizenship which they possess
+      in their industry, temperance, and energy and vivacity of mind, are a race
+      essentially monarchical, deeply religious, and shrinking themselves from
+      converts as from a calamity, are ever anxious to see the religious systems
+      of the countries in which they live flourish; yet, since your society has
+      become agitated in England, and powerful combinations menace your
+      institutions, you find the once loyal Hebrew invariably arrayed in the
+      same ranks as the leveller, and the latitudinarian, and prepared to
+      support the policy which may even endanger his life and property, rather
+      than tamely continue under a system which seeks to degrade him. The Tories
+      lose an important election at a critical moment; &lsquo;tis the Jews come
+      forward to vote against them. The Church is alarmed at the scheme of a
+      latitudinarian university, and learns with relief that funds are not
+      forthcoming for its establishment; a Jew immediately advances and endows
+      it. Yet the Jews, Coningsby, are essentially Tories. Toryism, indeed, is
+      but copied from the mighty prototype which has fashioned Europe. And every
+      generation they must become more powerful and more dangerous to the
+      society which is hostile to them. Do you think that the quiet humdrum
+      persecution of a decorous representative of an English university can
+      crush those who have successively baffled the Pharaohs, Nebuchadnezzar,
+      Rome, and the Feudal ages? The fact is, you cannot destroy a pure race of
+      the Caucasian organisation. It is a physiological fact; a simple law of
+      nature, which has baffled Egyptian and Assyrian Kings, Roman Emperors, and
+      Christian Inquisitors. No penal laws, no physical tortures, can effect
+      that a superior race should be absorbed in an inferior, or be destroyed by
+      it. The mixed persecuting races disappear; the pure persecuted race
+      remains. And at this moment, in spite of centuries, of tens of centuries,
+      of degradation, the Jewish mind exercises a vast influence on the affairs
+      of Europe. I speak not of their laws, which you still obey; of their
+      literature, with which your minds are saturated; but of the living Hebrew
+      intellect.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You never observe a great intellectual movement in Europe in which the
+      Jews do not greatly participate. The first Jesuits were Jews; that
+      mysterious Russian Diplomacy which so alarms Western Europe is organised
+      and principally carried on by Jews; that mighty revolution which is at
+      this moment preparing in Germany, and which will be, in fact, a second and
+      greater Reformation, and of which so little is as yet known in England, is
+      entirely developing under the auspices of Jews, who almost monopolise the
+      professorial chairs of Germany. Neander, the founder of Spiritual
+      Christianity, and who is Regius Professor of Divinity in the University of
+      Berlin, is a Jew. Benary, equally famous, and in the same University, is a
+      Jew. Wehl, the Arabic Professor of Heidelberg, is a Jew. Years ago, when I
+      was In Palestine, I met a German student who was accumulating materials
+      for the History of Christianity, and studying the genius of the place; a
+      modest and learned man. It was Wehl; then unknown, since become the first
+      Arabic scholar of the day, and the author of the life of Mahomet. But for
+      the German professors of this race, their name is Legion. I think there
+      are more than ten at Berlin alone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I told you just now that I was going up to town tomorrow, because I
+      always made it a rule to interpose when affairs of State were on the
+      carpet. Otherwise, I never interfere. I hear of peace and war in
+      newspapers, but I am never alarmed, except when I am informed that the
+      Sovereigns want treasure; then I know that monarchs are serious.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A few years back we were applied, to by Russia. Now, there has been no
+      friendship between the Court of St. Petersburg and my family. It has Dutch
+      connections, which have generally supplied it; and our representations in
+      favour of the Polish Hebrews, a numerous race, but the most suffering and
+      degraded of all the tribes, have not been very agreeable to the Czar.
+      However, circumstances drew to an approximation between the Romanoffs and
+      the Sidonias. I resolved to go myself to St. Petersburg. I had, on my
+      arrival, an interview with the Russian Minister of Finance, Count Cancrin;
+      I beheld the son of a Lithuanian Jew. The loan was connected with the
+      affairs of Spain; I resolved on repairing to Spain from Russia. I
+      travelled without intermission. I had an audience immediately on my
+      arrival with the Spanish Minister, Senor Mendizabel; I beheld one like
+      myself, the son of a Nuevo Christiano, a Jew of Arragon. In consequence of
+      what transpired at Madrid, I went straight to Paris to consult the
+      President of the French Council; I beheld the son of a French Jew, a hero,
+      an imperial marshal, and very properly so, for who should be military
+      heroes if not those who worship the Lord of Hosts?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And is Soult a Hebrew?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes, and others of the French marshals, and the most famous; Massena, for
+      example; his real name was Manasseh: but to my anecdote. The consequence
+      of our consultations was, that some Northern power should be applied to in
+      a friendly and mediative capacity. We fixed on Prussia; and the President
+      of the Council made an application to the Prussian Minister, who attended
+      a few days after our conference. Count Arnim entered the cabinet, and I
+      beheld a Prussian Jew. So you see, my dear Coningsby, that the world is
+      governed by very different personages from what is imagined by those who
+      are not behind the scenes.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You startle, and deeply interest me.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You must study physiology, my dear child. Pure races of Caucasus may be
+      persecuted, but they cannot be despised, except by the brutal ignorance of
+      some mongrel breed, that brandishes fagots and howls extermination, but is
+      itself exterminated without persecution, by that irresistible law of
+      Nature which is fatal to curs.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But I come also from Caucasus,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Verily; and thank your Creator for such a destiny: and your race is
+      sufficiently pure. You come from the shores of the Northern Sea, land of
+      the blue eye, and the golden hair, and the frank brow: &lsquo;tis a famous
+      breed, with whom we Arabs have contended long; from whom we have suffered
+      much: but these Goths, and Saxons, and Normans were doubtless great men.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But so favoured by Nature, why has not your race produced great poets,
+      great orators, great writers?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Favoured by Nature and by Nature&rsquo;s God, we produced the lyre of David; we
+      gave you Isaiah and Ezekiel; they are our Olynthians, our Philippics.
+      Favoured by Nature we still remain: but in exact proportion as we have
+      been favoured by Nature we have been persecuted by Man. After a thousand
+      struggles; after acts of heroic courage that Rome has never equalled;
+      deeds of divine patriotism that Athens, and Sparta, and Carthage have
+      never excelled; we have endured fifteen hundred years of supernatural
+      slavery, during which, every device that can degrade or destroy man has
+      been the destiny that we have sustained and baffled. The Hebrew child has
+      entered adolescence only to learn that he was the Pariah of that
+      ungrateful Europe that owes to him the best part of its laws, a fine
+      portion of its literature, all its religion. Great poets require a public;
+      we have been content with the immortal melodies that we sung more than two
+      thousand years ago by the waters of Babylon and wept. They record our
+      triumphs; they solace our affliction. Great orators are the creatures of
+      popular assemblies; we were permitted only by stealth to meet even in our
+      temples. And as for great writers, the catalogue is not blank. What are
+      all the schoolmen, Aquinas himself, to Maimonides? And as for modern
+      philosophy, all springs from Spinoza.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But the passionate and creative genius, that is the nearest link to
+      Divinity, and which no human tyranny can destroy, though it can divert it;
+      that should have stirred the hearts of nations by its inspired sympathy,
+      or governed senates by its burning eloquence; has found a medium for its
+      expression, to which, in spite of your prejudices and your evil passions,
+      you have been obliged to bow. The ear, the voice, the fancy teeming with
+      combinations, the imagination fervent with picture and emotion, that came
+      from Caucasus, and which we have preserved unpolluted, have endowed us
+      with almost the exclusive privilege of Music; that science of harmonious
+      sounds, which the ancients recognised as most divine, and deified in the
+      person of their most beautiful creation. I speak not of the past; though,
+      were I to enter into the history of the lords of melody, you would find it
+      the annals of Hebrew genius. But at this moment even, musical Europe is
+      ours. There is not a company of singers, not an orchestra in a single
+      capital, that is not crowded with our children under the feigned names
+      which they adopt to conciliate the dark aversion which your posterity will
+      some day disclaim with shame and disgust. Almost every great composer,
+      skilled musician, almost every voice that ravishes you with its
+      transporting strains, springs from our tribes. The catalogue is too vast
+      to enumerate; too illustrious to dwell for a moment on secondary names,
+      however eminent. Enough for us that the three great creative minds to
+      whose exquisite inventions all nations at this moment yield, Rossini,
+      Meyerbeer, Mendelssohn, are of Hebrew race; and little do your men of
+      fashion, your muscadins of Paris, and your dandies of London, as they
+      thrill into raptures at the notes of a Pasta or a Grisi, little do they
+      suspect that they are offering their homage to &ldquo;the sweet singers of
+      Israel!&rdquo;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XVI.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      It was the noon of the day on which Sidonia was to leave the Castle. The
+      wind was high; the vast white clouds scudded over the blue heaven; the
+      leaves yet green, and tender branches snapped like glass, were whirled in
+      eddies from the trees; the grassy sward undulated like the ocean with a
+      thousand tints and shadows. From the window of the music-room Lucretia
+      Colonna gazed on the turbulent sky.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The heaven of her heart, too, was disturbed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She turned from the agitated external world to ponder over her inward
+      emotion. She uttered a deep sigh.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Slowly she moved towards her harp; wildly, almost unconsciously, she
+      touched with one hand its strings, while her eyes were fixed on the
+      ground. An imperfect melody resounded; yet plaintive and passionate. It
+      seemed to attract her soul. She raised her head, and then, touching the
+      strings with both her hands, she poured forth tones of deep, yet thrilling
+      power.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+  &lsquo;I am a stranger in the halls of a stranger! Ah! whither shall I flee?
+  To the castle of my fathers in the green mountains; to the palace of my
+    fathers in the ancient city?
+  There is no flag on the castle of my fathers in the green mountains,
+    silent is the palace of my fathers in the ancient city.
+  Is there no home for the homeless? Can the unloved never find love?
+  Ah! thou fliest away, fleet cloud: he will leave us swifter than thee!
+    Alas! cutting wind, thy breath is not so cold as his heart!
+  I am a stranger in the halls of a stranger! Ah! whither shall I flee?&rsquo;
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      The door of the music-room slowly opened. It was Sidonia. His hat was in
+      his hand; he was evidently on the point of departure.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Those sounds assured me,&rsquo; he said calmly but kindly, as he advanced,
+      &lsquo;that I might find you here, on which I scarcely counted at so early an
+      hour.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You are going then?&rsquo; said the Princess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My carriage is at the door; the Marquess has delayed me; I must be in
+      London to-night. I conclude more abruptly than I could have wished one of
+      the most agreeable visits I ever made; and I hope you will permit me to
+      express to you how much I am indebted to you for a society which those
+      should deem themselves fortunate who can more frequently enjoy.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He held forth his hand; she extended hers, cold as marble, which he bent
+      over, but did not press to his lips.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Lord Monmouth talks of remaining here some time,&rsquo; he observed; &lsquo;but I
+      suppose next year, if not this, we shall all meet in some city of the
+      earth?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lucretia bowed; and Sidonia, with a graceful reverence, withdrew.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Princess Lucretia stood for some moments motionless; a sound attracted
+      her to the window; she perceived the equipage of Sidonia whirling along
+      the winding roads of the park. She watched it till it disappeared; then
+      quitting the window, she threw herself into a chair, and buried her face
+      in her shawl.
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      END OF BOOK IV.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0048" id="link2H_4_0048"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      BOOK V.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER I.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      An University life did not bring to Coningsby that feeling of emancipation
+      usually experienced by freshmen. The contrast between school and college
+      life is perhaps, under any circumstances, less striking to the Etonian
+      than to others: he has been prepared for becoming his own master by the
+      liberty wisely entrusted to him in his boyhood, and which is, in general,
+      discreetly exercised. But there were also other reasons why Coningsby
+      should have been less impressed with the novelty of his life, and have
+      encountered less temptations than commonly are met with in the new
+      existence which an University opens to youth. In the interval which had
+      elapsed between quitting Eton and going to Cambridge, brief as the period
+      may comparatively appear, Coningsby had seen much of the world. Three or
+      four months, indeed, may not seem, at the first blush, a course of time
+      which can very materially influence the formation of character; but time
+      must not be counted by calendars, but by sensations, by thought. Coningsby
+      had felt a good deal, reflected more. He had encountered a great number of
+      human beings, offering a vast variety of character for his observation. It
+      was not merely manners, but even the intellectual and moral development of
+      the human mind, which in a great degree, unconsciously to himself, had
+      been submitted to his study and his scrutiny. New trains of ideas had been
+      opened to him; his mind was teeming with suggestions. The horizon of his
+      intelligence had insensibly expanded. He perceived that there were other
+      opinions in the world, besides those to which he had been habituated. The
+      depths of his intellect had been stirred. He was a wiser man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He distinguished three individuals whose acquaintance had greatly
+      influenced his mind; Eustace Lyle, the elder Millbank, above all, Sidonia.
+      He curiously meditated over the fact, that three English subjects, one of
+      them a principal landed proprietor, another one of the most eminent
+      manufacturers, and the third the greatest capitalist in the kingdom, all
+      of them men of great intelligence, and doubtless of a high probity and
+      conscience, were in their hearts disaffected with the political
+      constitution of the country. Yet, unquestionably, these were the men among
+      whom we ought to seek for some of our first citizens. What, then, was this
+      repulsive quality in those institutions which we persisted in calling
+      national, and which once were so? Here was a great question.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was another reason, also, why Coningsby should feel a little
+      fastidious among his new habits, and, without being aware of it, a little
+      depressed. For three or four months, and for the first time in his life,
+      he had passed his time in the continual society of refined and charming
+      women. It is an acquaintance which, when habitual, exercises a great
+      influence over the tone of the mind, even if it does not produce any more
+      violent effects. It refines the taste, quickens the perception, and gives,
+      as it were, a grace and flexibility to the intellect. Coningsby in his
+      solitary rooms arranging his books, sighed when he recalled the Lady
+      Everinghams and the Lady Theresas; the gracious Duchess; the frank,
+      good-natured Madame Colonna; that deeply interesting enigma the Princess
+      Lucretia; and the gentle Flora. He thought with disgust of the impending
+      dissipation of an University, which could only be an exaggeration of their
+      coarse frolics at school. It seemed rather vapid this mighty Cambridge,
+      over which they had so often talked in the playing fields of Eton, with
+      such anticipations of its vast and absorbing interest. And those
+      University honours that once were the great object of his aspirations,
+      they did not figure in that grandeur with which they once haunted his
+      imagination.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      What Coningsby determined to conquer was knowledge. He had watched the
+      influence of Sidonia in society with an eye of unceasing vigilance.
+      Coningsby perceived that all yielded to him; that Lord Monmouth even, who
+      seemed to respect none, gave place to his intelligence; appealed to him,
+      listened to him, was guided by him. What was the secret of this influence?
+      Knowledge. On all subjects, his views were prompt and clear, and this not
+      more from his native sagacity and reach of view, than from the aggregate
+      of facts which rose to guide his judgment and illustrate his meaning, from
+      all countries and all ages, instantly at his command.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The friends of Coningsby were now hourly arriving. It seemed when he met
+      them again, that they had all suddenly become men since they had
+      separated; Buckhurst especially. He had been at Paris, and returned with
+      his mind very much opened, and trousers made quite in a new style. All his
+      thoughts were, how soon he could contrive to get back again; and he told
+      them endless stories of actresses, and dinners at fashionable <i>cafés</i>.
+      Vere enjoyed Cambridge most, because he had been staying with his family
+      since he quitted Eton. Henry Sydney was full of church architecture,
+      national sports, restoration of the order of the Peasantry, and was to
+      maintain a constant correspondence on these and similar subjects with
+      Eustace Lyle. Finally, however, they all fell into a very fair, regular,
+      routine life. They all read a little, but not with the enthusiasm which
+      they had once projected. Buckhurst drove four-in-hand, and they all of
+      them sometimes assisted him; but not immoderately. Their suppers were
+      sometimes gay, but never outrageous; and, among all of them, the school
+      friendship was maintained unbroken, and even undisturbed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The fame of Coningsby preceded him at Cambridge. No man ever went up from
+      whom more was expected in every way. The dons awaited a sucking member for
+      the University, the undergraduates were prepared to welcome a new
+      Alcibiades. He was neither: neither a prig nor a profligate; but a quiet,
+      gentlemanlike, yet spirited young man, gracious to all, but intimate only
+      with his old friends, and giving always an impression in his general tone
+      that his soul was not absorbed in his University.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And yet, perhaps, he might have been coddled into a prig, or flattered
+      into a profligate, had it not been for the intervening experience which he
+      had gained between his school and college life. That had visibly impressed
+      upon him, what before he had only faintly acquired from books, that there
+      was a greater and more real world awaiting him, than to be found in those
+      bowers of Academus to which youth is apt at first to attribute an
+      exaggerated importance. A world of action and passion, of power and peril;
+      a world for which a great preparation was indeed necessary, severe and
+      profound, but not altogether such an one as was now offered to him. Yet
+      this want must be supplied, and by himself. Coningsby had already
+      acquirements sufficiently considerable, with some formal application, to
+      ensure him at all times his degree. He was no longer engrossed by the
+      intention he once proudly entertained of trying for honours, and he
+      chalked out for himself that range of reading, which, digested by his
+      thought, should furnish him in some degree with that various knowledge of
+      the history of man to which he aspired. No, we must not for a moment
+      believe that accident could have long diverted the course of a character
+      so strong. The same desire that prevented the Castle of his grandfather
+      from proving a Castle of Indolence to him, that saved him from a too early
+      initiation into the seductive distractions of a refined and luxurious
+      society, would have preserved Coningsby from the puerile profligacy of a
+      college life, or from being that idol of private tutors, a young pedant.
+      It was that noble ambition, the highest and the best, that must be born in
+      the heart and organised in the brain, which will not let a man be content,
+      unless his intellectual power is recognised by his race, and desires that
+      it should contribute to their welfare. It is the heroic feeling; the
+      feeling that in old days produced demigods; without which no State is
+      safe; without which political institutions are meat without salt; the
+      Crown a bauble, the Church an establishment, Parliaments debating-clubs,
+      and Civilisation itself but a fitful and transient dream.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0041" id="link2HCH0041"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER II.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Less than a year after the arrival of Coningsby at Cambridge, and which he
+      had only once quitted in the interval, and that to pass a short time in
+      Berkshire with his friend Buckhurst, occurred the death of King William
+      IV. This event necessarily induced a dissolution of the Parliament,
+      elected under the auspices of Sir Robert Peel in 1834, and after the
+      publication of the Tamworth Manifesto.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The death of the King was a great blow to what had now come to be
+      generally styled the &lsquo;Conservative Cause.&rsquo; It was quite unexpected; within
+      a fortnight of his death, eminent persons still believed that &lsquo;it was only
+      the hay-fever.&rsquo; Had his Majesty lived until after the then impending
+      registration, the Whigs would have been again dismissed. Nor is there any
+      doubt that, under these circumstances, the Conservative Cause would have
+      secured for the new ministers a parliamentary majority. What would have
+      been the consequences to the country, if the four years of Whig rule, from
+      1837 to 1841, had not occurred? It is easier to decide what would have
+      been the consequences to the Whigs. Some of their great friends might have
+      lacked blue ribbons and lord-lieutenancies, and some of their little
+      friends comfortable places in the Customs and Excise. They would have
+      lost, undoubtedly, the distribution of four years&rsquo; patronage; we can
+      hardly say the exercise of four years&rsquo; power; but they would have existed
+      at this moment as the most powerful and popular Opposition that ever
+      flourished in this country, if, indeed, the course of events had not long
+      ere this carried them back to their old posts in a proud and intelligible
+      position. The Reform Bill did not do more injury to the Tories, than the
+      attempt to govern this country without a decided Parliamentary majority
+      did the Whigs. The greatest of all evils is a weak government. They cannot
+      carry good measures, they are forced to carry bad ones.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The death of the King was a great blow to the Conservative Cause; that is
+      to say, it darkened the brow of Tadpole, quailed the heart of Taper,
+      crushed all the rising hopes of those numerous statesmen who believe the
+      country must be saved if they receive twelve hundred a-year. It is a
+      peculiar class, that; 1,200<i>l.</i> per annum, paid quarterly, is their
+      idea of political science and human nature. To receive 1,200<i>l.</i> per
+      annum is government; to try to receive 1,200<i>l.</i> per annum is
+      opposition; to wish to receive 1,200<i>l.</i> per annum is ambition. If a
+      man wants to get into Parliament, and does not want to get 1,200<i>l.</i>
+      per annum, they look upon him as daft; as a benighted being. They stare in
+      each other&rsquo;s face, and ask, &lsquo;What can ***** want to get into Parliament
+      for?&rsquo; They have no conception that public reputation is a motive power,
+      and with many men the greatest. They have as much idea of fame or
+      celebrity, even of the masculine impulse of an honourable pride, as
+      eunuchs of manly joys.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The twelve-hundred-a-yearers were in despair about the King&rsquo;s death. Their
+      loyal souls were sorely grieved that his gracious Majesty had not outlived
+      the Registration. All their happy inventions about &lsquo;hay-fever,&rsquo; circulated
+      in confidence, and sent by post to chairmen of Conservative Associations,
+      followed by a royal funeral! General election about to take place with the
+      old registration; government boroughs against them, and the young Queen
+      for a cry. What a cry! Youth, beauty, and a Queen! Taper grew pale at the
+      thought. What could they possibly get up to countervail it? Even Church
+      and Corn-laws together would not do; and then Church was sulky, for the
+      Conservative Cause had just made it a present of a commission, and all
+      that the country gentlemen knew of Conservatism was, that it would not
+      repeal the Malt Tax, and had made them repeal their pledges. Yet a cry
+      must be found. A dissolution without a cry, in the Taper philosophy, would
+      be a world without a sun. A rise might be got by &lsquo;Independence of the
+      House of Lords;&rsquo; and Lord Lyndhurst&rsquo;s summaries might be well circulated
+      at one penny per hundred, large discount allowed to Conservative
+      Associations, and endless credit. Tadpole, however, was never very fond of
+      the House of Lords; besides, it was too limited. Tadpole wanted the young
+      Queen brought in; the rogue! At length, one morning, Taper came up to him
+      with a slip of paper, and a smile of complacent austerity on his dull
+      visage, &lsquo;I think, Mr. Tadpole, that will do!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tadpole took the paper and read, &lsquo;OUR YOUNG QUEEN, AND OUR OLD
+      INSTITUTIONS.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The eyes of Tadpole sparkled as if they had met a gnomic sentence of
+      Periander or Thales; then turning to Taper, he said,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What do you think of &ldquo;ancient,&rdquo; instead of &ldquo;old&rdquo;?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You cannot have &ldquo;Our modern Queen and our ancient Institutions,&rdquo;&rsquo; said
+      Mr. Taper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The dissolution was soon followed by an election for the borough of
+      Cambridge. The Conservative Cause candidate was an old Etonian. That was a
+      bond of sympathy which imparted zeal even to those who were a little
+      sceptical of the essential virtues of Conservatism. Every undergraduate
+      especially who remembered &lsquo;the distant spires,&rsquo; became enthusiastic.
+      Buckhurst took a very decided part. He cheered, he canvassed, he brought
+      men to the poll whom none could move; he influenced his friends and his
+      companions. Even Coningsby caught the contagion, and Vere, who had imbibed
+      much of Coningsby&rsquo;s political sentiment, prevailed on himself to be
+      neutral. The Conservative Cause triumphed in the person of its Eton
+      champion. The day the member was chaired, several men in Coningsby&rsquo;s rooms
+      were talking over their triumph.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By Jove!&rsquo; said the panting Buckhurst, throwing himself on the sofa, &lsquo;it
+      was well done; never was any thing better done. An immense triumph! The
+      greatest triumph the Conservative Cause has had. And yet,&rsquo; he added,
+      laughing, &lsquo;if any fellow were to ask me what the Conservative Cause is, I
+      am sure I should not know what to say.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why, it is the cause of our glorious institutions,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;A
+      Crown robbed of its prerogatives; a Church controlled by a commission; and
+      an Aristocracy that does not lead.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Under whose genial influence the order of the Peasantry, &ldquo;a country&rsquo;s
+      pride,&rdquo; has vanished from the face of the land,&rsquo; said Henry Sydney, &lsquo;and
+      is succeeded by a race of serfs, who are called labourers, and who burn
+      ricks.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Under which,&rsquo; continued Coningsby, &lsquo;the Crown has become a cipher; the
+      Church a sect; the Nobility drones; and the People drudges.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is the great constitutional cause,&rsquo; said Lord Vere, &lsquo;that refuses
+      everything to opposition; yields everything to agitation; conservative in
+      Parliament, destructive out-of-doors; that has no objection to any change
+      provided only it be effected by unauthorised means.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The first public association of men,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;who have worked
+      for an avowed end without enunciating a single principle.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And who have established political infidelity throughout the land,&rsquo; said
+      Lord Henry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By Jove!&rsquo; said Buckhurst, &lsquo;what infernal fools we have made ourselves
+      this last week!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Nay,&rsquo; said Coningsby, smiling, &lsquo;it was our last schoolboy weakness.
+      Floreat Etona, under all circumstances.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I certainly, Coningsby,&rsquo; said Lord Vere, &lsquo;shall not assume the
+      Conservative Cause, instead of the cause for which Hampden died in the
+      field, and Sydney on the scaffold.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The cause for which Hampden died in the field and Sydney on the
+      scaffold,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;was the cause of the Venetian Republic.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;How, how?&rsquo; cried Buckhurst.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I repeat it,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;The great object of the Whig leaders in
+      England from the first movement under Hampden to the last most successful
+      one in 1688, was to establish in England a high aristocratic republic on
+      the model of the Venetian, then the study and admiration of all
+      speculative politicians. Read Harrington; turn over Algernon Sydney; then
+      you will see how the minds of the English leaders in the seventeenth
+      century were saturated with the Venetian type. And they at length
+      succeeded. William III. found them out. He told the Whig leaders, &ldquo;I will
+      not be a Doge.&rdquo; He balanced parties; he baffled them as the Puritans
+      baffled them fifty years before. The reign of Anne was a struggle between
+      the Venetian and the English systems. Two great Whig nobles, Argyle and
+      Somerset, worthy of seats in the Council of Ten, forced their Sovereign on
+      her deathbed to change the ministry. They accomplished their object. They
+      brought in a new family on their own terms. George I. was a Doge; George
+      II. was a Doge; they were what William III., a great man, would not be.
+      George III. tried not to be a Doge, but it was impossible materially to
+      resist the deeply-laid combination. He might get rid of the Whig
+      magnificoes, but he could not rid himself of the Venetian constitution.
+      And a Venetian constitution did govern England from the accession of the
+      House of Hanover until 1832. Now I do not ask you, Vere, to relinquish the
+      political tenets which in ordinary times would have been your inheritance.
+      All I say is, the constitution introduced by your ancestors having been
+      subverted by their descendants your contemporaries, beware of still
+      holding Venetian principles of government when you have not a Venetian
+      constitution to govern with. Do what I am doing, what Henry Sydney and
+      Buckhurst are doing, what other men that I could mention are doing, hold
+      yourself aloof from political parties which, from the necessity of things,
+      have ceased to have distinctive principles, and are therefore practically
+      only factions; and wait and see, whether with patience, energy, honour,
+      and Christian faith, and a desire to look to the national welfare and not
+      to sectional and limited interests; whether, I say, we may not discover
+      some great principles to guide us, to which we may adhere, and which then,
+      if true, will ultimately guide and control others.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The Whigs are worn out,&rsquo; said Vere, &lsquo;Conservatism is a sham, and
+      Radicalism is pollution.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I certainly,&rsquo; said Buckhurst, &lsquo;when I get into the House of Commons,
+      shall speak my mind without reference to any party whatever; and all I
+      hope is, we may all come in at the same time, and then we may make a party
+      of our own.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have always heard my father say,&rsquo; said Vere, &lsquo;that there was nothing so
+      difficult as to organise an independent party in the House of Commons.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ay! but that was in the Venetian period, Vere,&rsquo; said Henry Sydney,
+      smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I dare say,&rsquo; said Buckhurst, &lsquo;the only way to make a party in the House
+      of Commons is just the one that succeeds anywhere else. Men must associate
+      together. When you are living in the same set, dining together every day,
+      and quizzing the Dons, it is astonishing how well men agree. As for me, I
+      never would enter into a conspiracy, unless the conspirators were fellows
+      who had been at Eton with me; and then there would be no treachery.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Let us think of principles, and not of parties,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;For my part,&rsquo; said Buckhurst, &lsquo;whenever a political system is breaking
+      up, as in this country at present, I think the very best thing is to brush
+      all the old Dons off the stage. They never take to the new road kindly.
+      They are always hampered by their exploded prejudices and obsolete
+      traditions. I don&rsquo;t think a single man, Vere, that sat in the Venetian
+      Senate ought to be allowed to sit in the present English House of
+      Commons.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, no one does in our family except my uncle Philip,&rsquo; said Lord Henry;
+      &lsquo;and the moment I want it, he will resign; for he detests Parliament. It
+      interferes so with his hunting.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, we all have fair parliamentary prospects,&rsquo; said Buckhurst. &lsquo;That is
+      something. I wish we were in now.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Heaven forbid!&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;I tremble at the responsibility of a
+      seat at any time. With my present unsettled and perplexed views, there is
+      nothing from which I should recoil so much as the House of Commons.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I quite agree with you,&rsquo; said Henry Sydney. &lsquo;The best thing we can do is
+      to keep as clear of political party as we possibly can. How many men waste
+      the best part of their lives in painfully apologising for conscientious
+      deviation from a parliamentary course which they adopted when they were
+      boys, without thought, or prompted by some local connection, or interest,
+      to secure a seat.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was the midnight following the morning when this conversation took
+      place, that Coningsby, alone, and having just quitted a rather boisterous
+      party of wassailers who had been celebrating at Buckhurst&rsquo;s rooms the
+      triumph of &lsquo;Eton Statesmen,&rsquo; if not of Conservative principles, stopped in
+      the precincts of that Royal College that reminded him of his schooldays,
+      to cool his brow in the summer air, that even at that hour was soft, and
+      to calm his mind in the contemplation of the still, the sacred, and the
+      beauteous scene that surrounded him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There rose that fane, the pride and boast of Cambridge, not unworthy to
+      rank among the chief temples of Christendom. Its vast form was exaggerated
+      in the uncertain hour; part shrouded in the deepest darkness, while a
+      flood of silver light suffused its southern side, distinguished with
+      revealing beam the huge ribs of its buttresses, and bathed with mild
+      lustre its airy pinnacles.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Where is the spirit that raised these walls?&rsquo; thought Coningsby. &lsquo;Is it
+      indeed extinct? Is then this civilisation, so much vaunted, inseparable
+      from moderate feelings and little thoughts? If so, give me back barbarism!
+      But I cannot believe it. Man that is made in the image of the Creator, is
+      made for God-like deeds. Come what come may, I will cling to the heroic
+      principle. It can alone satisfy my soul.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0042" id="link2HCH0042"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER III.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      We must now revert to the family, or rather the household, of Lord
+      Monmouth, in which considerable changes and events had occurred since the
+      visit of Coningsby to the Castle in the preceding autumn.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the first place, the earliest frost of the winter had carried off the
+      aged proprietor of Hellingsley, that contiguous estate which Lord Monmouth
+      so much coveted, the possession of which was indeed one of the few objects
+      of his life, and to secure which he was prepared to pay far beyond its
+      intrinsic value, great as that undoubtedly was. Yet Lord Monmouth did not
+      become its possessor. Long as his mind had been intent upon the subject,
+      skilful as had been his combinations to secure his prey, and unlimited the
+      means which were to achieve his purpose, another stepped in, and without
+      his privity, without even the consolation of a struggle, stole away the
+      prize; and this too a man whom he hated, almost the only individual out of
+      his own family that he did hate; a man who had crossed him before in
+      similar enterprises; who was his avowed foe; had lavished treasure to
+      oppose him in elections; raised associations against his interest;
+      established journals to assail him; denounced him in public; agitated
+      against him in private; had declared more than once that he would make
+      &lsquo;the county too hot for him;&rsquo; his personal, inveterate, indomitable foe,
+      Mr. Millbank of Millbank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The loss of Hellingsley was a bitter disappointment to Lord Monmouth; but
+      the loss of it to such an adversary touched him to the quick. He did not
+      seek to control his anger; he could not succeed even in concealing his
+      agitation. He threw upon Rigby that glance so rare with him, but under
+      which men always quailed; that play of the eye which Lord Monmouth shared
+      in common with Henry VIII., that struck awe into the trembling Commons
+      when they had given an obnoxious vote, as the King entered the gallery of
+      his palace, and looked around him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was a look which implied that dreadful question, &lsquo;Why have I bought you
+      that such things should happen? Why have I unlimited means and
+      unscrupulous agents?&rsquo; It made Rigby even feel; even his brazen tones were
+      hushed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To fly from everything disagreeable was the practical philosophy of Lord
+      Monmouth; but he was as brave as he was sensual. He would not shrink
+      before the new proprietor of Hellingsley. He therefore remained at the
+      Castle with an aching heart, and redoubled his hospitalities. An ordinary
+      mind might have been soothed by the unceasing consideration and the
+      skilful and delicate flattery that ever surrounded Lord Monmouth; but his
+      sagacious intelligence was never for a moment the dupe of his vanity. He
+      had no self-love, and as he valued no one, there were really no feelings
+      to play upon. He saw through everybody and everything; and when he had
+      detected their purpose, discovered their weakness or their vileness, he
+      calculated whether they could contribute to his pleasure or his
+      convenience in a degree that counterbalanced the objections which might be
+      urged against their intentions, or their less pleasing and profitable
+      qualities. To be pleased was always a principal object with Lord Monmouth;
+      but when a man wants vengeance, gay amusement is not exactly a
+      satisfactory substitute.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A month elapsed. Lord Monmouth with a serene or smiling visage to his
+      guests, but in private taciturn and morose, scarcely ever gave a word to
+      Mr. Rigby, but continually bestowed on him glances which painfully
+      affected the appetite of that gentleman. In a hundred ways it was
+      intimated to Mr. Rigby that he was not a welcome guest, and yet something
+      was continually given him to do which rendered it impossible for him to
+      take his departure. In this state of affairs, another event occurred which
+      changed the current of feeling, and by its possible consequences
+      distracted the Marquess from his brooding meditations over his
+      discomfiture in the matter of Hellingsley. The Prince Colonna, who, since
+      the steeple-chase, had imbibed a morbid predilection for such amusements,
+      and indeed for every species of rough-riding, was thrown from his horse
+      and killed on the spot.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This calamity broke up the party at Coningsby, which was not at the moment
+      very numerous. Mr. Rigby, by command, instantly seized the opportunity of
+      preventing the arrival of other guests who were expected. This catastrophe
+      was the cause of Mr. Rigby resuming in a great measure his old position in
+      the Castle. There were a great many things to be done, and all
+      disagreeable; he achieved them all, and studied everybody&rsquo;s convenience.
+      Coroners&rsquo; inquests, funerals especially, weeping women, these were all
+      spectacles which Lord Monmouth could not endure, but he was so high-bred,
+      that he would not for the world that there should be in manner or degree
+      the slightest deficiency in propriety or even sympathy. But he wanted
+      somebody to do everything that was proper; to be considerate and consoling
+      and sympathetic. Mr. Rigby did it all; gave evidence at the inquest, was
+      chief mourner at the funeral, and arranged everything so well that not a
+      single emblem of death crossed the sight of Lord Monmouth; while Madame
+      Colonna found submission in his exhortations, and the Princess Lucretia, a
+      little more pale and pensive than usual, listened with tranquillity to his
+      discourse on the vanity of all sublunary things.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the tumult had subsided, and habits and feelings had fallen into
+      their old routine and relapsed into their ancient channels, the Marquess
+      proposed that they should all return to London, and with great formality,
+      though with warmth, begged that Madame Colonna would ever consider his
+      roof as her own. All were glad to quit the Castle, which now presented a
+      scene so different from its former animation, and Madame Colonna, weeping,
+      accepted the hospitality of her friend, until the impending expansion of
+      the spring would permit her to return to Italy. This notice of her return
+      to her own country seemed to occasion the Marquess great disquietude.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After they had remained about a month in London, Madame Colonna sent for
+      Mr. Rigby one morning to tell him how very painful it was to her feelings
+      to remain under the roof of Monmouth House without the sanction of a
+      husband; that the circumstance of being a foreigner, under such unusual
+      affliction, might have excused, though not authorised, the step at first,
+      and for a moment; but that the continuance of such a course was quite out
+      of the question; that she owed it to herself, to her step-child, no longer
+      to trespass on this friendly hospitality, which, if persisted in, might be
+      liable to misconstruction. Mr. Rigby listened with great attention to this
+      statement, and never in the least interrupted Madame Colonna; and then
+      offered to do that which he was convinced the lady desired, namely, to
+      make the Marquess acquainted with the painful state of her feelings. This
+      he did according to his fashion, and with sufficient dexterity. Mr. Rigby
+      himself was anxious to know which way the wind blew, and the mission with
+      which he had been entrusted, fell in precisely with his inclinations and
+      necessities. The Marquess listened to the communication and sighed, then
+      turned gently round and surveyed himself in the mirror and sighed again,
+      then said to Rigby,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You understand exactly what I mean, Rigby. It is quite ridiculous their
+      going, and infinitely distressing to me. They must stay.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rigby repaired to the Princess full of mysterious bustle, and with a face
+      beaming with importance and satisfaction. He made much of the two sighs;
+      fully justified the confidence of the Marquess in his comprehension of
+      unexplained intentions; prevailed on Madame Colonna to have some regard
+      for the feelings of one so devoted; expatiated on the insignificance of
+      worldly misconstructions, when replied to by such honourable intentions;
+      and fully succeeded in his mission. They did stay. Month after month
+      rolled on, and still they stayed; every month all the family becoming more
+      resigned or more content, and more cheerful. As for the Marquess himself,
+      Mr. Rigby never remembered him more serene and even joyous. His Lordship
+      scarcely ever entered general society. The Colonna family remained in
+      strict seclusion; and he preferred the company of these accomplished and
+      congenial friends to the mob of the great world.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Between Madame Colonna and Mr. Rigby there had always subsisted
+      considerable confidence. Now, that gentleman seemed to have achieved fresh
+      and greater claims to her regard. In the pleasure with which he looked
+      forward to her approaching alliance with his patron, he reminded her of
+      the readiness with which he had embraced her suggestions for the marriage
+      of her daughter with Coningsby. Always obliging, she was never wearied of
+      chanting his praises to her noble admirer, who was apparently much
+      gratified she should have bestowed her esteem on one of whom she would
+      necessarily in after-life see so much. It is seldom the lot of husbands
+      that their confidential friends gain the regards of their brides.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am glad you all like Rigby,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth, &lsquo;as you will see so
+      much of him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The remembrance of the Hellingsley failure seemed to be erased from the
+      memory of the Marquess. Rigby never recollected him more cordial and
+      confidential, and more equable in his manner. He told Rigby one day, that
+      he wished that Monmouth House should possess the most sumptuous and the
+      most fanciful boudoir in London or Paris. What a hint for Rigby! That
+      gentleman consulted the first artists, and gave them some hints in return;
+      his researches on domestic decoration ranged through all ages; he even
+      meditated a rapid tour to mature his inventions; but his confidence in his
+      native taste and genius ultimately convinced him that this movement was
+      unnecessary.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The summer advanced; the death of the King occurred; the dissolution
+      summoned Rigby to Coningsby and the borough of Darlford. His success was
+      marked certain in the secret books of Tadpole and Taper. A manufacturing
+      town, enfranchised under the Reform Act, already gained by the
+      Conservative cause! Here was reaction; here influence of property!
+      Influence of character, too; for no one was so popular as Lord Monmouth; a
+      most distinguished nobleman of strict Conservative principles, who, if he
+      carried the county and the manufacturing borough also, merited the
+      strawberry-leaf.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There will be no holding Rigby,&rsquo; said Taper; &lsquo;I&rsquo;m afraid he will be
+      looking for something very high.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The higher the better,&rsquo; rejoined Tadpole, &lsquo;and then he will not interfere
+      with us. I like your high-flyers; it is your plodders I detest, wearing
+      old hats and high-lows, speaking in committee, and thinking they are men
+      of business: d&mdash;&mdash;n them!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rigby went down, and made some impressive speeches; at least they read
+      very well in some of his second-rate journals, where all the uproar
+      figured as loud cheering, and the interruption of a cabbage-stalk was
+      represented as a question from some intelligent individual in the crowd.
+      The fact is, Rigby bored his audience too much with history, especially
+      with the French Revolution, which he fancied was his &lsquo;forte,&rsquo; so that the
+      people at last, whenever he made any allusion to the subject, were almost
+      as much terrified as if they had seen the guillotine.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rigby had as yet one great advantage; he had no opponent; and without
+      personal opposition, no contest can be very bitter. It was for some days
+      Rigby <i>versus</i> Liberal principles; and Rigby had much the best of it;
+      for he abused Liberal principles roundly in his harangues, who, not being
+      represented on the occasion, made no reply; while plenty of ale, and some
+      capital songs by Lucian Gay, who went down express, gave the right cue to
+      the mob, who declared in chorus, beneath the windows of Rigby&rsquo;s hotel,
+      that he was &lsquo;a fine old English gentleman!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But there was to be a contest; no question about that, and a sharp one,
+      although Rigby was to win, and well. The Liberal party had been so
+      fastidious about their new candidate, that they had none ready though
+      several biting. Jawster Sharp thought at one time that sheer necessity
+      would give him another chance still; but even Rigby was preferable to
+      Jawster Sharp, who, finding it would not do, published his long-prepared
+      valedictory address, in which he told his constituents, that having long
+      sacrificed his health to their interests, he was now obliged to retire
+      into the bosom of his family. And a very well-provided-for family, too.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All this time the Liberal deputation from Darlford, two aldermen, three
+      town-councillors, and the Secretary of the Reform Association, were
+      walking about London like mad things, eating luncheons and looking for a
+      candidate. They called at the Reform Club twenty times in the morning,
+      badgered whips and red-tapers; were introduced to candidates, badgered
+      candidates; examined would-be members as if they were at a cattle-show,
+      listened to political pedigrees, dictated political pledges, referred to
+      Hansard to see how men had voted, inquired whether men had spoken, finally
+      discussed terms. But they never could hit the right man. If the principles
+      were right, there was no money; and if money were ready, money would not
+      take pledges. In fact, they wanted a Phoenix: a very rich man, who would
+      do exactly as they liked, with extremely low opinions and with very high
+      connections.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If he would go for the ballot and had a handle to his name, it would have
+      the best effect,&rsquo; said the secretary of the Reform Association, &lsquo;because
+      you see we are fighting against a Right Honourable, and you have no idea
+      how that takes with the mob.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The deputation had been three days in town, and urged by despatches by
+      every train to bring affairs to a conclusion; jaded, perplexed, confused,
+      they were ready to fall into the hands of the first jobber or bold
+      adventurer. They discussed over their dinner at a Strand coffee-house the
+      claims of the various candidates who had presented themselves. Mr. Donald
+      Macpherson Macfarlane, who would only pay the legal expenses; he was soon
+      despatched. Mr. Gingerly Browne, of Jermyn Street, the younger son of a
+      baronet, who would go as far as 1000<i>l.</i> provided the seat was
+      secured. Mr. Juggins, a distiller, 2000<i>l.</i> man; but would not agree
+      to any annual subscriptions. Sir Baptist Placid, vague about expenditure,
+      but repeatedly declaring that &lsquo;there could be no difficulty on that head.&rsquo;
+      He however had a moral objection to subscribing to the races, and that was
+      a great point at Darlford. Sir Baptist would subscribe a guinea per annum
+      to the infirmary, and the same to all religious societies without any
+      distinction of sects; but races, it was not the sum, 100<i>l.</i> per
+      annum, but the principle. He had a moral objection.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In short, the deputation began to suspect, what was the truth, that they
+      were a day after the fair, and that all the electioneering rips that swarm
+      in the purlieus of political clubs during an impending dissolution of
+      Parliament, men who become political characters in their small circle
+      because they have been talked of as once having an intention to stand for
+      places for which they never offered themselves, or for having stood for
+      places where they never could by any circumstance have succeeded, were in
+      fact nibbling at their dainty morsel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this moment of despair, a ray of hope was imparted to them by a
+      confidential note from a secretary of the Treasury, who wished to see them
+      at the Reform Club on the morrow. You may be sure they were punctual to
+      their appointment. The secretary received them with great consideration.
+      He had got them a candidate, and one of high mark, the son of a Peer, and
+      connected with the highest Whig houses. Their eyes sparkled. A real
+      honourable. If they liked he would introduce them immediately to the
+      Honourable Alberic de Crecy. He had only to introduce them, as there was
+      no difficulty either as to means or opinions, expenses or pledges.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The secretary returned with a young gentleman, whose diminutive stature
+      would seem, from his smooth and singularly puerile countenance, to be
+      merely the consequence of his very tender years; but Mr. De Crecy was
+      really of age, or at least would be by nomination-day. He did not say a
+      word, but looked like the rosebud which dangled in the button-hole of his
+      frock-coat. The aldermen and town-councillors were what is sometimes
+      emphatically styled flabbergasted; they were speechless from bewilderment.
+      &lsquo;Mr. De Crecy will go for the ballot,&rsquo; said the secretary of the Treasury,
+      with an audacious eye and a demure look, &lsquo;and for Total and Immediate, if
+      you press him hard; but don&rsquo;t, if you can help it, because he has an
+      uncle, an old county member, who has prejudices, and might disinherit him.
+      However, we answer for him. And I am very happy that I have been the means
+      of bringing about an arrangement which, I feel, will be mutually
+      advantageous.&rsquo; And so saying, the secretary effected his escape.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Circumstances, however, retarded for a season the political career of the
+      Honourable Alberic de Crecy. While the Liberal party at Darlford were
+      suffering under the daily inflictions of Mr. Rigby&rsquo;s slashing style, and
+      the post brought them very unsatisfactory prospects of a champion, one
+      offered himself, and in an address which intimated that he was no man of
+      straw, likely to recede from any contest in which he chose to embark. The
+      town was suddenly placarded with a letter to the Independent Electors from
+      Mr. Millbank, the new proprietor of Hellingsley.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He expressed himself as one not anxious to obtrude himself on their
+      attention, and founding no claim to their confidence on his recent
+      acquisition; but at the same time as one resolved that the free and
+      enlightened community, with which he must necessarily hereafter be much
+      connected, should not become the nomination borough of any Peer of the
+      realm without a struggle, if they chose to make one. And so he offered
+      himself if they could not find a better candidate, without waiting for the
+      ceremony of a requisition. He was exactly the man they wanted; and though
+      he had &lsquo;no handle to his name,&rsquo; and was somewhat impracticable about
+      pledges, his fortune was so great, and his character so high, that it
+      might be hoped that the people would be almost as content as if they were
+      appealed to by some obscure scion of factitious nobility, subscribing to
+      political engagements which he could not comprehend, and which, in
+      general, are vomited with as much facility as they are swallowed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0043" id="link2HCH0043"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER IV.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The people of Darlford, who, as long as the contest for their
+      representation remained between Mr. Rigby and the abstraction called
+      Liberal Principles, appeared to be very indifferent about the result, the
+      moment they learned that for the phrase had been substituted a substance,
+      and that, too, in the form of a gentleman who was soon to figure as their
+      resident neighbour, became excited, speedily enthusiastic. All the bells
+      of all the churches rang when Mr. Millbank commenced his canvass; the
+      Conservatives, on the alert, if not alarmed, insisted on their champion
+      also showing himself in all directions; and in the course of
+      four-and-twenty hours, such is the contagion of popular feeling, the town
+      was divided into two parties, the vast majority of which were firmly
+      convinced that the country could only be saved by the return of Mr. Rigby,
+      or preserved from inevitable destruction by the election of Mr. Millbank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The results of the two canvasses were such as had been anticipated from
+      the previous reports of the respective agents and supporters. In these
+      days the personal canvass of a candidate is a mere form. The whole country
+      that is to be invaded has been surveyed and mapped out before entry; every
+      position reconnoitred; the chain of communications complete. In the
+      present case, as was not unusual, both candidates were really supported by
+      numerous and reputable adherents; and both had good grounds for believing
+      that they would be ultimately successful. But there was a body of the
+      electors sufficiently numerous to turn the election, who would not promise
+      their votes: conscientious men who felt the responsibility of the duty
+      that the constitution had entrusted to their discharge, and who would not
+      make up their minds without duly weighing the respective merits of the two
+      rivals. This class of deeply meditative individuals are distinguished not
+      only by their pensive turn of mind, but by a charitable vein that seems to
+      pervade their being. Not only will they think of your request, but for
+      their parts they wish both sides equally well. Decision, indeed, as it
+      must dash the hopes of one of their solicitors, seems infinitely painful
+      to them; they have always a good reason for postponing it. If you seek
+      their suffrage during the canvass, they reply, that the writ not having
+      come down, the day of election is not yet fixed. If you call again to
+      inform them that the writ has arrived, they rejoin, that perhaps after all
+      there may not be a contest. If you call a third time, half dead with
+      fatigue, to give them friendly notice that both you and your rival have
+      pledged yourselves to go to the poll, they twitch their trousers, rub
+      their hands, and with a dull grin observe,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, sir, we shall see.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Come, Mr. Jobson,&rsquo; says one of the committee, with an insinuating smile,
+      &lsquo;give Mr. Millbank one.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Jobson, I think you and I know each other,&rsquo; says a most influential
+      supporter, with a knowing nod.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes, Mr. Smith, I should think we did.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Come, come, give us one.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, I have not made up my mind yet, gentlemen.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Jobson!&rsquo; says a solemn voice, &lsquo;didn&rsquo;t you tell me the other night you
+      wished well to this gentleman?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;So I do; I wish well to everybody,&rsquo; replies the imperturbable Jobson.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, Jobson,&rsquo; exclaims another member of the committee, with a sigh,
+      &lsquo;who could have supposed that you would have been an enemy?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I don&rsquo;t wish to be no enemy to no man, Mr. Trip.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Come, Jobson,&rsquo; says a jolly tanner, &lsquo;if I wanted to be a Parliament man,
+      I don&rsquo;t think you could refuse me one!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I don&rsquo;t think I could, Mr. Oakfield.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, then, give it to my friend.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, sir, I&rsquo;ll think about it.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Leave him to me,&rsquo; says another member of the committee, with a
+      significant look. &lsquo;I know how to get round him. It&rsquo;s all right.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes, leave him to Hayfield, Mr. Millbank; he knows how to manage him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But all the same, Jobson continues to look as little tractable and
+      lamb-like as can be well fancied.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And here, in a work which, in an unpretending shape, aspires to take
+      neither an uninformed nor a partial view of the political history of the
+      ten eventful years of the Reform struggle, we should pause for a moment to
+      observe the strangeness, that only five years after the reconstruction of
+      the electoral body by the Whig party, in a borough called into political
+      existence by their policy, a manufacturing town, too, the candidate
+      comprising in his person every quality and circumstance which could
+      recommend him to the constituency, and his opponent the worst specimen of
+      the Old Generation, a political adventurer, who owed the least
+      disreputable part of his notoriety to his opposition to the Reform Bill;
+      that in such a borough, under such circumstances, there should be a
+      contest, and that, too, one of a very doubtful issue.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      What was the cause of this? Are we to seek it in the &lsquo;Reaction&rsquo; of the
+      Tadpoles and the Tapers? That would not be a satisfactory solution.
+      Reaction, to a certain extent, is the law of human existence. In the
+      particular state of affairs before us, England after the Reform Act, it
+      never could be doubtful that Time would gradually, and in some instances
+      rapidly, counteract the national impulse of 1832. There never could have
+      been a question, for example, that the English counties would have
+      reverted to their natural allegiance to their proprietors; but the results
+      of the appeals to the third Estate in 1835 and 1837 are not to be
+      accounted for by a mere readjustment of legitimate influences.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The truth is, that, considerable as are the abilities of the Whig leaders,
+      highly accomplished as many of them unquestionably must be acknowledged in
+      parliamentary debate, experienced in council, sedulous in office, eminent
+      as scholars, powerful from their position, the absence of individual
+      influence, and of the pervading authority of a commanding mind, have been
+      the cause of the fall of the Whig party.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Such a supremacy was generally acknowledged in Lord Grey on the accession
+      of this party to power: but it was the supremacy of a tradition rather
+      than of a fact. Almost at the outset of his authority his successor was
+      indicated. When the crisis arrived, the intended successor was not in the
+      Whig ranks. It is in this virtual absence of a real and recognised leader,
+      almost from the moment that they passed their great measure, that we must
+      seek a chief cause of all that insubordination, all those distempered
+      ambitions, and all those dark intrigues, that finally broke up, not only
+      the Whig government, but the Whig party; demoralised their ranks, and sent
+      them to the country, both in 1835 and 1837, with every illusion, which had
+      operated so happily in their favour in 1832, scattered to the winds. In
+      all things we trace the irresistible influence of the individual.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And yet the interval that elapsed between 1835 and 1837 proved, that there
+      was all this time in the Whig array one entirely competent to the office
+      of leading a great party, though his capacity for that fulfilment was too
+      tardily recognised.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      LORD JOHN RUSSELL has that degree of imagination, which, though evinced
+      rather in sentiment than expression, still enables him to generalise from
+      the details of his reading and experience; and to take those comprehensive
+      views, which, however easily depreciated by ordinary men in an age of
+      routine, are indispensable to a statesman in the conjunctures in which we
+      live. He understands, therefore, his position; and he has the moral
+      intrepidity which prompts him ever to dare that which his intellect
+      assures him is politic. He is consequently, at the same time, sagacious
+      and bold in council. As an administrator he is prompt and indefatigable.
+      He is not a natural orator, and labours under physical deficiencies which
+      even a Demosthenic impulse could scarcely overcome. But he is experienced
+      in debate, quick in reply, fertile in resource, takes large views, and
+      frequently compensates for a dry and hesitating manner by the expression
+      of those noble truths that flash across the fancy, and rise spontaneously
+      to the lip, of men of poetic temperament when addressing popular
+      assemblies. If we add to this, a private life of dignified repute, the
+      accidents of his birth and rank, which never can be severed from the man,
+      the scion of a great historic family, and born, as it were, to the
+      hereditary service of the State, it is difficult to ascertain at what
+      period, or under what circumstances, the Whig party have ever possessed,
+      or could obtain, a more efficient leader.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But we must return to the Darlford election. The class of thoughtful
+      voters was sufficiently numerous in that borough to render the result of
+      the contest doubtful to the last; and on the eve of the day of nomination
+      both parties were equally sanguine.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Nomination-day altogether is an unsatisfactory affair. There is little to
+      be done, and that little mere form. The tedious hours remain, and no one
+      can settle his mind to anything. It is not a holiday, for every one is
+      serious; it is not business, for no one can attend to it; it is not a
+      contest, for there is no canvassing; nor an election, for there is no
+      poll. It is a day of lounging without an object, and luncheons without an
+      appetite; of hopes and fears; confidence and dejection; bravado bets and
+      secret hedging; and, about midnight, of furious suppers of grilled bones,
+      brandy-and-water, and recklessness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The president and vice-president of the Conservative Association, the
+      secretary and the four solicitors who were agents, had impressed upon Mr.
+      Rigby that it was of the utmost importance, and must produce a great moral
+      effect, if he obtain the show of hands. With his powers of eloquence and
+      their secret organisation, they flattered themselves it might be done.
+      With this view, Rigby inflicted a speech of more than two hours&rsquo; duration
+      on the electors, who bore it very kindly, as the mob likes, above all
+      things, that the ceremonies of nomination-day should not be cut short:
+      moreover, there is nothing that the mob likes so much as a speech. Rigby
+      therefore had, on the whole, a far from unfavourable audience, and he
+      availed himself of their forbearance. He brought in his crack theme, the
+      guillotine, and dilated so elaborately upon its qualities, that one of the
+      gentlemen below could not refrain from exclaiming, &lsquo;I wish you may get
+      it.&rsquo; This exclamation gave Mr. Rigby what is called a great opening,
+      which, like a practised speaker, he immediately seized. He denounced the
+      sentiment as &lsquo;un-English,&rsquo; and got much cheered. Excited by this success,
+      Rigby began to call everything else &lsquo;un-English&rsquo; with which he did not
+      agree, until menacing murmurs began to rise, when he shifted the subject,
+      and rose into a grand peroration, in which he assured them that the eyes
+      of the whole empire were on this particular election; cries of &lsquo;That&rsquo;s
+      true,&rsquo; from all sides; and that England expected every man to do his duty.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And who do you expect to do yours?&rsquo; inquired a gentleman below, &lsquo;about
+      that &rsquo;ere pension?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Rigby,&rsquo; screeched a hoarse voice, &lsquo;don&rsquo;t you mind; you guv it them well.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Rigby, keep up your spirits, old chap: we will have you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Now!&rsquo; said a stentorian voice; and a man as tall as Saul looked round
+      him. This was the engaged leader of the Conservative mob; the eye of every
+      one of his minions was instantly on him. &lsquo;Now! Our young Queen and our Old
+      Institutions! Rigby for ever!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This was a signal for the instant appearance of the leader of the Liberal
+      mob. Magog Wrath, not so tall as Bully Bluck, his rival, had a voice
+      almost as powerful, a back much broader, and a countenance far more
+      forbidding. &lsquo;Now, my boys, the Queen and Millbank for ever!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These rival cries were the signals for a fight between the two bands of
+      gladiators in the face of the hustings, the body of the people little
+      interfering. Bully Bluck seized Magog Wrath&rsquo;s colours; they wrestled, they
+      seized each other; their supporters were engaged in mutual contest; it
+      appeared to be a most alarming and perilous fray; several ladies from the
+      windows screamed, one fainted; a band of special constables pushed their
+      way through the mob; you heard their staves resounded on the skulls of all
+      who opposed them, especially the little boys: order was at length
+      restored; and, to tell the truth, the only hurts inflicted were those
+      which came from the special constables. Bully Bluck and Magog Wrath, with
+      all their fierce looks, flaunting colours, loud cheers, and desperate
+      assaults, were, after all, only a couple of Condottieri, who were cautious
+      never to wound each other. They were, in fact, a peaceful police, who kept
+      the town in awe, and prevented others from being mischievous who were more
+      inclined to do harm. Their hired gangs were the safety-valves for all the
+      scamps of the borough, who, receiving a few shillings per head for their
+      nominal service, and as much drink as they liked after the contest, were
+      bribed and organised into peace and sobriety on the days in which their
+      excesses were most to be apprehended.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now Mr. Millbank came forward: he was brief compared with Mr. Rigby; but
+      clear and terse. No one could misunderstand him. He did not favour his
+      hearers with any history, but gave them his views about taxes, free trade,
+      placemen, and pensioners, whoever and wherever they might be.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Hilloa, Rigby, about that &lsquo;ere pension?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Millbank for ever! We will have him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Never mind, Rigby, you&rsquo;ll come in next time.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Millbank was energetic about resident representatives, but did not
+      understand that a resident representative meant the nominee of a great
+      Lord, who lived in a great castle; great cheering. There was a Lord once
+      who declared that, if he liked, he would return his negro valet to
+      Parliament; but Mr. Millbank thought those days were over. It remained for
+      the people of Darlford to determine whether he was mistaken.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Never!&rsquo; exclaimed the mob. &lsquo;Millbank for ever! Rigby in the river! No
+      niggers, no walets!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Three groans for Rigby.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;His language ain&rsquo;t as purty as the Lunnun chap&rsquo;s,&rsquo; said a critic below;
+      &lsquo;but he speaks from his &lsquo;art: and give me the man who &lsquo;as got a &lsquo;art.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;That&rsquo;s your time of day, Mr. Robinson.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Now!&rsquo; said Magog Wrath, looking around. &lsquo;Now, the Queen and Millbank for
+      ever! Hurrah!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The show of hands was entirely in favour of Mr. Millbank. Scarcely a hand
+      was held up for Mr. Rigby below, except by Bully Bluck and his
+      praetorians. The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Conservative
+      Association, the Secretary, and the four agents, severally and
+      respectively went up to Mr. Rigby and congratulated him on the result, as
+      it was a known fact, &lsquo;that the show of hands never won.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The eve of polling-day was now at hand. This is the most critical period
+      of an election. All night parties in disguise were perambulating the
+      different wards, watching each other&rsquo;s tactics; masks, wigs, false noses,
+      gentles in livery coats, men in female attire, a silent carnival of
+      manoeuvre, vigilance, anxiety, and trepidation. The thoughtful voters
+      about this time make up their minds; the enthusiasts who have told you
+      twenty times a-day for the last fortnight, that they would get up in the
+      middle of the night to serve you, require the most watchful cooping; all
+      the individuals who have assured you that &lsquo;their word is their bond,&rsquo;
+      change sides.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Two of the Rigbyites met in the market-place about an hour after midnight.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, how goes it?&rsquo; said one.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have been the rounds. The blunt&rsquo;s going like the ward-pump. I saw a man
+      come out of Moffatt&rsquo;s house, muffled up with a mask on. I dodged him. It
+      was Biggs.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You don&rsquo;t mean that, do you? D&mdash;&mdash;e, I&rsquo;ll answer for Moffatt.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I never thought he was a true man.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Told Robins?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I could not see him; but I met young Gunning and told him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Young Gunning! That won&rsquo;t do.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I thought he was as right as the town clock.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;So did I, once. Hush! who comes here? The enemy, Franklin and Sampson
+      Potts. Keep close.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I&rsquo;ll speak to them. Good night, Potts. Up rather late to-night?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;All fair election time. You ain&rsquo;t snoring, are you?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, I hope the best man will win.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sure he will.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You must go for Moffatt early, to breakfast at the White Lion; that&rsquo;s
+      your sort. Don&rsquo;t leave him, and poll him your-self. I am going off to
+      Solomon Lacey&rsquo;s. He has got four Millbankites cooped up very drunk, and I
+      want to get them quietly into the country before daybreak.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Tis polling-day! The candidates are roused from their slumbers at an
+      early hour by the music of their own bands perambulating the town, and
+      each playing the &lsquo;conquering hero&rsquo; to sustain the courage of their jaded
+      employers, by depriving them of that rest which can alone tranquillise the
+      nervous system. There is something in that matin burst of music, followed
+      by a shrill cheer from the boys of the borough, the only inhabitants yet
+      up, that is very depressing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The committee-rooms of each candidate are soon rife with black reports;
+      each side has received fearful bulletins of the preceding night campaign;
+      and its consequences as exemplified in the morning, unprecedented
+      tergiversations, mysterious absences; men who breakfast with one side and
+      vote with the other; men who won&rsquo;t come to breakfast; men who won&rsquo;t leave
+      breakfast.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At ten o&rsquo;clock Mr. Rigby was in a majority of twenty-eight.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The polling was brisk and equal until the middle of the day, when it
+      became slack. Mr. Rigby kept a majority, but an inconsiderable one. Mr.
+      Millbank&rsquo;s friends were not disheartened, as it was known that the leading
+      members of Mr. Rigby&rsquo;s committee had polled; whereas his opponent&rsquo;s were
+      principally reserved. At a quarter-past two there was great cheering and
+      uproar. The four voters in favour of Millbank, whom Solomon Lacey had
+      cooped up, made drunk, and carried into the country, had recovered iheir
+      senses, made their escape, and voted as they originally intended. Soon
+      after this, Mr. Millbank was declared by his committee to be in a majority
+      of one, but the committee of Mr. Rigby instantly posted a placard, in
+      large letters, to announce that, on the contrary, their man was in a
+      majority of nine.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If we could only have got another registration,&rsquo; whispered the principal
+      agent to Mr. Rigby, at a quarter-past four.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You think it&rsquo;s all over, then?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why, I do not see now how we can win. We have polled all our dead men,
+      and Millbank is seven ahead.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have no doubt we shall be able to have a good petition,&rsquo; said the
+      consoling chairman of the Conservative Association.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0044" id="link2HCH0044"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER V.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      It was not with feelings of extreme satisfaction that Mr. Rigby returned
+      to London. The loss of Hellingsley, followed by the loss of the borough to
+      Hellingsley&rsquo;s successful master, were not precisely the incidents which
+      would be adduced as evidence of Mr. Rigby&rsquo;s good management or good
+      fortune. Hitherto that gentleman had persuaded the world that he was not
+      only very clever, but that he was also always in luck; a quality which
+      many appreciate more even than capacity. His reputation was unquestionably
+      damaged, both with his patron and his party. But what the Tapers and the
+      Tadpoles thought or said, what even might be the injurious effect on his
+      own career of the loss of this election, assumed an insignificant
+      character when compared with its influence on the temper and disposition
+      of the Marquess of Monmouth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And yet his carriage is now entering the courtyard of Monmouth House, and,
+      in all probability, a few minutes would introduce him to that presence
+      before which he had, ere this, trembled. The Marquess was at home, and
+      anxious to see Mr. Rigby. In a few minutes that gentleman was ascending
+      the private staircase, entering the antechamber, and waiting to be
+      received in the little saloon, exactly as our Coningsby did more than five
+      years ago, scarcely less agitated, but by feelings of a very different
+      character.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, you made a good fight of it,&rsquo; exclaimed the Marquess, in a cheerful
+      and cordial tone, as Mr. Rigby entered his dressing-room. &lsquo;Patience! We
+      shall win next time.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This reception instantly reassured the defeated candidate, though its
+      contrast to that which he expected rather perplexed him. He entered into
+      the details of the election, talked rapidly of the next registration, the
+      propriety of petitioning; accustomed himself to hearing his voice with its
+      habitual volubility in a chamber where he had feared it might not sound
+      for some time.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;D&mdash;&mdash;n politics!&rsquo; said the Marquess. &lsquo;These fellows are in for
+      this Parliament, and I am really weary of the whole affair. I begin to
+      think the Duke was right, and it would have been best to have left them to
+      themselves. I am glad you have come up at once, for I want you. The fact
+      is, I am going to be married.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This was not a startling announcement to Mr. Rigby; he was prepared for
+      it, though scarcely could have hoped that he would have been favoured with
+      it on the present occasion, instead of a morose comment on his
+      misfortunes. Marriage, then, was the predominant idea of Lord Monmouth at
+      the present moment, in whose absorbing interest all vexations were
+      forgotten. Fortunate Rigby! Disgusted by the failure of his political
+      combinations, his disappointments in not dictating to the county and not
+      carrying the borough, and the slight prospect at present of obtaining the
+      great object of his ambition, Lord Monmouth had resolved to precipitate
+      his fate, was about to marry immediately, and quit England.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You will be wanted, Rigby,&rsquo; continued the Marquess. &lsquo;We must have a
+      couple of trustees, and I have thought of you as one. You know you are my
+      executor; and it is better not to bring in unnecessarily new names into
+      the management of my affairs. Lord Eskdale will act with you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rigby then, after all, was a lucky man. After such a succession of
+      failures, he had returned only to receive fresh and the most delicate
+      marks of his patron&rsquo;s good feeling and consideration. Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s
+      trustee and executor! &lsquo;You know you are my executor.&rsquo; Sublime truth! It
+      ought to be blazoned in letters of gold in the most conspicuous part of
+      Rigby&rsquo;s library, to remind him perpetually of his great and impending
+      destiny. Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s executor, and very probably one of his residuary
+      legatees! A legatee of some sort he knew he was. What a splendid <i>memento
+      mori</i>! What cared Rigby for the borough of Darlford? And as for his
+      political friends, he wished them joy of their barren benches. Nothing was
+      lost by not being in this Parliament.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was then with sincerity that Rigby offered his congratulations to his
+      patron. He praised the judicious alliance, accompanied by every
+      circumstance conducive to worldly happiness; distinguished beauty, perfect
+      temper, princely rank. Rigby, who had hardly got out of his hustings&rsquo;
+      vein, was most eloquent in his praises of Madame Colonna.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;An amiable woman,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth, &lsquo;and very handsome. I always
+      admired her; and an agreeable person too; I dare say a very good temper,
+      but I am not going to marry her.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Might I then ask who is&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Her step-daughter, the Princess Lucretia,&rsquo; replied the Marquess, quietly,
+      and looking at his ring.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Here was a thunderbolt! Rigby had made another mistake. He had been
+      working all this time for the wrong woman! The consciousness of being a
+      trustee alone sustained him. There was an inevitable pause. The Marquess
+      would not speak however, and Rigby must. He babbled rather incoherently
+      about the Princess Lucretia being admired by everybody; also that she was
+      the most fortunate of women, as well as the most accomplished; he was just
+      beginning to say he had known her from a child, when discretion stopped
+      his tongue, which had a habit of running on somewhat rashly; but Rigby,
+      though he often blundered in his talk, had the talent of extricating
+      himself from the consequence of his mistakes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And Madame must be highly gratified by all this?&rsquo; observed Mr. Rigby,
+      with an enquiring accent. He was dying to learn how she had first received
+      the intelligence, and congratulated himself that his absence at his
+      contest had preserved him from the storm.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Madame Colonna knows nothing of our intentions,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth. &lsquo;And
+      by the bye, that is the very business on which I wish to see you, Rigby. I
+      wish you to communicate them to her. We are to be married, and
+      immediately. It would gratify me that the wife of Lucretia&rsquo;s father should
+      attend our wedding. You understand exactly what I mean, Rigby; I must have
+      no scenes. Always happy to see the Princess Colonna under my roof; but
+      then I like to live quietly, particularly at present; harassed as I have
+      been by the loss of these elections, by all this bad management, and by
+      all these disappointments on subjects in which I was led to believe
+      success was certain. Madame Colonna is at home;&rsquo; and the Marquess bowed
+      Mr. Rigby out of the room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0045" id="link2HCH0045"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VI.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The departure of Sidonia from Coningsby Castle, in the autumn, determined
+      the Princess Lucretia on a step which had for some time before his arrival
+      occupied her brooding imagination. Nature had bestowed on this lady an
+      ambitious soul and a subtle spirit; she could dare much and could execute
+      finely. Above all things she coveted power; and though not free from the
+      characteristic susceptibility of her sex, the qualities that could engage
+      her passions or fascinate her fancy must partake of that intellectual
+      eminence which distinguished her. Though the Princess Lucretia in a short
+      space of time had seen much of the world, she had as yet encountered no
+      hero. In the admirers whom her rank, and sometimes her intelligence,
+      assembled around her, her master had not yet appeared. Her heart had not
+      trembled before any of those brilliant forms whom she was told her sex
+      admired; nor did she envy any one the homage which she did not appreciate.
+      There was, therefore, no disturbing element in the worldly calculations
+      which she applied to that question which is, to woman, what a career is to
+      man, the question of marriage. She would marry to gain power, and
+      therefore she wished to marry the powerful. Lord Eskdale hovered around
+      her, and she liked him. She admired his incomparable shrewdness; his
+      freedom from ordinary prejudices; his selfishness which was always
+      good-natured, and the imperturbability that was not callous. But Lord
+      Eskdale had hovered round many; it was his easy habit. He liked clever
+      women, young, but who had seen something of the world. The Princess
+      Lucretia pleased him much; with the form and mind of a woman even in the
+      nursery. He had watched her development with interest; and had witnessed
+      her launch in that world where she floated at once with as much dignity
+      and consciousness of superior power, as if she had braved for seasons its
+      waves and its tempests.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Musing over Lord Eskdale, the mind of Lucretia was drawn to the image of
+      his friend; her friend; the friend of her parents. And why not marry Lord
+      Monmouth? The idea pleased her. There was something great in the
+      conception; difficult and strange. The result, if achieved, would give her
+      all that she desired. She devoted her mind to this secret thought. She had
+      no confidants. She concentrated her intellect on one point, and that was
+      to fascinate the grandfather of Coningsby, while her step-mother was
+      plotting that she should marry his grandson. The volition of Lucretia
+      Colonna was, if not supreme, of a power most difficult to resist. There
+      was something charm-like and alluring in the conversation of one who was
+      silent to all others; something in the tones of her low rich voice which
+      acted singularly on the nervous system. It was the voice of the serpent;
+      indeed, there was an undulating movement in Lucretia, when she approached
+      you, which irresistibly reminded you of that mysterious animal.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth was not insensible to the spell, though totally unconscious
+      of its purpose. He found the society of Lucretia very agreeable to him;
+      she was animated, intelligent, original; her inquiries were stimulating;
+      her comments on what she saw, and heard, and read, racy and often
+      indicating a fine humour. But all this was reserved for his ear. Before
+      her parents, as before all others, Lucretia was silent, a little scornful,
+      never communicating, neither giving nor seeking amusement, shut up in
+      herself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth fell therefore into the habit of riding and driving with
+      Lucretia alone. It was an arrangement which he found made his life more
+      pleasant. Nor was it displeasing to Madame Colonna. She looked upon Lord
+      Monmouth&rsquo;s fancy for Lucretia as a fresh tie for them all. Even the
+      Prince, when his wife called his attention to the circumstance, observed
+      it with satisfaction. It was a circumstance which represented in his mind
+      a continuance of good eating and good drinking, fine horses, luxurious
+      baths, unceasing billiards.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In this state of affairs appeared Sidonia, known before to her
+      step-mother, but seen by Lucretia for the first time. Truly, he came, saw,
+      and conquered. Those eyes that rarely met another&rsquo;s were fixed upon his
+      searching yet unimpassioned glance. She listened to that voice, full of
+      music yet void of tenderness; and the spirit of Lucretia Colonna bowed
+      before an intelligence that commanded sympathy, yet offered none.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lucretia naturally possessed great qualities as well as great talents.
+      Under a genial influence, her education might have formed a being capable
+      of imparting and receiving happiness. But she found herself without a
+      guide. Her father offered her no love; her step-mother gained from her no
+      respect. Her literary education was the result of her own strong mind and
+      inquisitive spirit. She valued knowledge, and she therefore acquired it.
+      But not a single moral principle or a single religious truth had ever been
+      instilled into her being. Frequent absence from her own country had by
+      degrees broken off even an habitual observance of the forms of her creed;
+      while a life of undisturbed indulgence, void of all anxiety and care,
+      while it preserved her from many of the temptations to vice, deprived her
+      of that wisdom &lsquo;more precious than rubies,&rsquo; which adversity and
+      affliction, the struggles and the sorrows of existence, can alone impart.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lucretia had passed her life in a refined, but rather dissolute society.
+      Not indeed that a word that could call forth a maiden blush, conduct that
+      could pain the purest feelings, could be heard or witnessed in those
+      polished and luxurious circles. The most exquisite taste pervaded their
+      atmosphere; and the uninitiated who found themselves in those perfumed
+      chambers and those golden saloons, might believe, from all that passed
+      before them, that their inhabitants were as pure, as orderly, and as
+      irreproachable as their furniture. But among the habitual dwellers in
+      these delicate halls there was a tacit understanding, a prevalent doctrine
+      that required no formal exposition, no proofs and illustrations, no
+      comment and no gloss; which was indeed rather a traditional conviction
+      than an imparted dogma; that the exoteric public were, on many subjects,
+      the victims of very vulgar prejudices, which these enlightened personages
+      wished neither to disturb nor to adopt.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A being of such a temper, bred in such a manner; a woman full of intellect
+      and ambition, daring and lawless, and satiated with prosperity, is not
+      made for equable fortunes and an uniform existence. She would have
+      sacrificed the world for Sidonia, for he had touched the fervent
+      imagination that none before could approach; but that inscrutable man
+      would not read the secret of her heart; and prompted alike by pique, the
+      love of power, and a weariness of her present life, Lucretia resolved on
+      that great result which Mr. Rigby is now about to communicate to the
+      Princess Colonna.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      About half-an-hour after Mr. Rigby had entered that lady&rsquo;s apartments it
+      seemed that all the bells of Monmouth House were ringing at the same time.
+      The sound even reached the Marquess in his luxurious recess; who
+      immediately took a pinch of snuff, and ordered his valet to lock the door
+      of the ante-chamber. The Princess Lucretia, too, heard the sounds; she was
+      lying on a sofa, in her boudoir, reading the <i>Inferno</i>, and
+      immediately mustered her garrison in the form of a French maid, and gave
+      directions that no one should be admitted. Both the Marquess and his
+      intended bride felt that a crisis was at hand, and resolved to participate
+      in no scenes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The ringing ceased; there was again silence. Then there was another ring;
+      a short, hasty, and violent pull; followed by some slamming of doors. The
+      servants, who were all on the alert, and had advantages of hearing and
+      observation denied to their secluded master, caught a glimpse of Mr. Rigby
+      endeavouring gently to draw back into her apartment Madame Colonna,
+      furious amid his deprecatory exclamations.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;For heaven&rsquo;s sake, my dear Madame; for your own sake; now really; now I
+      assure you; you are quite wrong; you are indeed; it is a complete
+      misapprehension; I will explain everything. I entreat, I implore, whatever
+      you like, just what you please; only listen.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the lady, with a mantling visage and flashing eye, violently closing
+      the door, was again lost to their sight. A few minutes after there was a
+      moderate ring, and Mr. Rigby, coming out of the apartments, with his
+      cravat a little out of order, as if he had had a violent shaking, met the
+      servant who would have entered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Order Madame Colonna&rsquo;s travelling carriage,&rsquo; he exclaimed in a loud
+      voice, &lsquo;and send Mademoiselle Conrad here directly. I don&rsquo;t think the
+      fellow hears me,&rsquo; added Mr. Rigby, and following the servant, he added in
+      a low tone and with a significant glance, &lsquo;no travelling carriage; no
+      Mademoiselle Conrad; order the britska round as usual.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Nearly another hour passed; there was another ring; very moderate indeed.
+      The servant was informed that Madame Colonna was coming down, and she
+      appeared as usual. In a beautiful morning dress, and leaning on the arm of
+      Mr. Rigby, she descended the stairs, and was handed into her carriage by
+      that gentleman, who, seating himself by her side, ordered them to drive to
+      Richmond.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth having been informed that all was calm, and that Madame
+      Colonna, attended by Mr. Rigby, had gone to Richmond, ordered his
+      carriage, and accompanied by Lucretia and Lucian Gay, departed immediately
+      for Blackwall, where, in whitebait, a quiet bottle of claret, the society
+      of his agreeable friends, and the contemplation of the passing steamers,
+      he found a mild distraction and an amusing repose.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Rigby reported that evening to the Marquess on his return, that all
+      was arranged and tranquil. Perhaps he exaggerated the difficulties, to
+      increase the service; but according to his account they were considerable.
+      It required some time to make Madame Colonna comprehend the nature of his
+      communication. All Rigby&rsquo;s diplomatic skill was expended in the gradual
+      development. When it was once fairly put before her, the effect was
+      appalling. That was the first great ringing of bells. Rigby softened a
+      little what he had personally endured; but he confessed she sprang at him
+      like a tigress balked of her prey, and poured forth on him a volume of
+      epithets, many of which Rigby really deserved. But after all, in the
+      present instance, he was not treacherous, only base, which he always was.
+      Then she fell into a passion of tears, and vowed frequently that she was
+      not weeping for herself, but only for that dear Mr. Coningsby, who had
+      been treated so infamously and robbed of Lucretia, and whose heart she
+      knew must break. It seemed that Rigby stemmed the first violence of her
+      emotion by mysterious intimations of an important communication that he
+      had to make; and piquing her curiosity, he calmed her passion. But really
+      having nothing to say, he was nearly involved in fresh dangers. He took
+      refuge in the affectation of great agitation which prevented exposition.
+      The lady then insisted on her travelling carriage being ordered and
+      packed, as she was determined to set out for Rome that afternoon. This
+      little occurrence gave Rigby some few minutes to collect himself, at the
+      end of which he made the Princess several announcements of intended
+      arrangements, all of which pleased her mightily, though they were so
+      inconsistent with each other, that if she had not been a woman in a
+      passion, she must have detected that Rigby was lying. He assured her
+      almost in the same breath, that she was never to be separated from them,
+      and that she was to have any establishment in any country she liked. He
+      talked wildly of equipages, diamonds, shawls, opera-boxes; and while her
+      mind was bewildered with these dazzling objects, he, with intrepid
+      gravity, consulted her as to the exact amount she would like to have
+      apportioned, independent of her general revenue, for the purposes of
+      charity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At the end of two hours, exhausted by her rage and soothed by these
+      visions, Madame Colonna having grown calm and reasonable, sighed and
+      murmured a complaint, that Lord Monmouth ought to have communicated this
+      important intelligence in person. Upon this Rigby instantly assured her,
+      that Lord Monmouth had been for some time waiting to do so, but in
+      consequence of her lengthened interview with Rigby, his Lordship had
+      departed for Richmond with Lucretia, where he hoped that Madame Colonna
+      and Mr. Rigby would join him. So it ended, with a morning drive and
+      suburban dinner; Rigby, after what he had gone through, finding no
+      difficulty in accounting for the other guests not being present, and
+      bringing home Madame Colonna in the evening, at times almost as gay and
+      good-tempered as usual, and almost oblivious of her disappointment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the Marquess met Madame Colonna he embraced her with great
+      courtliness, and from that time consulted her on every arrangement. He
+      took a very early occasion of presenting her with a diamond necklace of
+      great value. The Marquess was fond of making presents to persons to whom
+      he thought he had not behaved very well, and who yet spared him scenes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The marriage speedily followed, by special license, at the villa of the
+      Right Hon. Nicholas Rigby, who gave away the bride. The wedding was very
+      select, but brilliant as the diamond necklace: a royal Duke and Duchess,
+      Lady St. Julians, and a few others. Mr. Ormsby presented the bride with a
+      bouquet of precious stones, and Lord Eskdale with a French fan in a
+      diamond frame. It was a fine day; Lord Monmouth, calm as if he were
+      winning the St. Leger; Lucretia, universally recognised as a beauty; all
+      the guests gay, the Princess Colonna especially.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The travelling carriage is at the door which is to bear away the happy
+      pair. Madame Colonna embraces Lucretia; the Marquess gives a grand bow:
+      they are gone. The guests remain awhile. A Prince of the blood will
+      propose a toast; there is another glass of champagne quaffed, another
+      ortolan devoured; and then they rise and disperse. Madame Colonna leaves
+      with Lady St. Julians, whose guest for a while she is to become. And in a
+      few minutes their host is alone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Rigby retired into his library: the repose of the chamber must have
+      been grateful to his feelings after all this distraction. It was spacious,
+      well-stored, classically adorned, and opened on a beautiful lawn. Rigby
+      threw himself into an ample chair, crossed his legs, and resting his head
+      on his arm, apparently fell into deep contemplation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He had some cause for reflection, and though we did once venture to affirm
+      that Rigby never either thought or felt, this perhaps may be the exception
+      that proves the rule.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He could scarcely refrain from pondering over the strange event which he
+      had witnessed, and at which he had assisted.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was an incident that might exercise considerable influence over his
+      fortunes. His patron married, and married to one who certainly did not
+      offer to Mr. Rigby such a prospect of easy management as her step-mother!
+      Here were new influences arising; new characters, new situations, new
+      contingencies. Was he thinking of all this? He suddenly jumps up, hurries
+      to a shelf and takes down a volume. It is his interleaved peerage, of
+      which for twenty years he had been threatening an edition. Turning to the
+      Marquisate of Monmouth, he took up his pen and thus made the necessary
+      entry:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;<i>Married, second time, August 3rd, 1837, The Princess Lucretia Colonna,
+      daughter of Prince Paul Colonna, born at Rome, February 16th, 1819.</i>&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      That was what Mr. Rigby called &lsquo;a great fact.&rsquo; There was not a
+      peerage-compiler in England who had that date save himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Before we close this slight narrative of the domestic incidents that
+      occurred in the family of his grandfather since Coningsby quitted the
+      Castle, we must not forget to mention what happened to Villebecque and
+      Flora. Lord Monmouth took a great liking to the manager. He found him very
+      clever in many things independently of his profession; he was useful to
+      Lord Monmouth, and did his work in an agreeable manner. And the future
+      Lady Monmouth was accustomed to Flora, and found her useful too, and did
+      not like to lose her. And so the Marquess, turning all the circumstances
+      in his mind, and being convinced that Villebecque could never succeed to
+      any extent in England in his profession, and probably nowhere else,
+      appointed him, to Villebecque&rsquo;s infinite satisfaction, intendant of his
+      household, with a considerable salary, while Flora still lived with her
+      kind step-father.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0046" id="link2HCH0046"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Another year elapsed; not so fruitful in incidents to Coningsby as the
+      preceding ones, and yet not unprofitably passed. It had been spent in the
+      almost unremitting cultivation of his intelligence. He had read deeply and
+      extensively, digested his acquisitions, and had practised himself in
+      surveying them, free from those conventional conclusions and those
+      traditionary inferences that surrounded him. Although he had renounced his
+      once cherished purpose of trying for University honours, an aim which he
+      found discordant with the investigations on which his mind was bent, he
+      had rarely quitted Cambridge. The society of his friends, the great
+      convenience of public libraries, and the general tone of studious life
+      around, rendered an University for him a genial residence. There is a
+      moment in life, when the pride and thirst of knowledge seem to absorb our
+      being, and so it happened now to Coningsby, who felt each day stronger in
+      his intellectual resources, and each day more anxious and avid to increase
+      them. The habits of public discussion fostered by the Debating Society
+      were also for Coningsby no Inconsiderable tie to the University. This was
+      the arena in which he felt himself at home. The promise of his Eton days
+      was here fulfilled. And while his friends listened to his sustained
+      argument or his impassioned declamation, the prompt reply or the apt
+      retort, they looked forward with pride through the vista of years to the
+      time when the hero of the youthful Club should convince or dazzle in the
+      senate. It is probable then that he would have remained at Cambridge with
+      slight intervals until he had taken his degree, had not circumstances
+      occurred which gave altogether a new turn to his thoughts.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Lord Monmouth had fixed his wedding-day he had written himself to
+      Coningsby to announce his intended marriage, and to request his grandson&rsquo;s
+      presence at the ceremony. The letter was more than kind; it was warm and
+      generous. He assured his grandson that this alliance should make no
+      difference in the very ample provision which he had long intended for him;
+      that he should ever esteem Coningsby his nearest relative; and that, while
+      his death would bring to Coningsby as considerable an independence as an
+      English gentleman need desire, so in his lifetime Coningsby should ever be
+      supported as became his birth, breeding, and future prospects. Lord
+      Monmouth had mentioned to Lucretia, that he was about to invite his
+      grandson to their wedding, and the lady had received the intimation with
+      satisfaction. It so happened that a few hours after, Lucretia, who now
+      entered the private rooms of Lord Monmouth without previously announcing
+      her arrival, met Villebecque with the letter to Coningsby in his hand.
+      Lucretia took it away from him, and said it should be posted with her own
+      letters. It never reached its destination. Our friend learnt the marriage
+      from the newspapers, which somewhat astounded him; but Coningsby was fond
+      of his grandfather, and he wrote Lord Monmouth a letter of congratulation,
+      full of feeling and ingenuousness, and which, while it much pleased the
+      person to whom it was addressed, unintentionally convinced him that
+      Coningsby had never received his original communication. Lord Monmouth
+      spoke to Villebecque, who could throw sufficient light upon the subject,
+      but it was never mentioned to Lady Monmouth. The Marquess was a man who
+      always found out everything, and enjoyed the secret.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rather more than a year after the marriage, when Coningsby had completed
+      his twenty-first year, the year which he had passed so quietly at
+      Cambridge, he received a letter from his grandfather, informing him that
+      after a variety of movements Lady Monmouth and himself were established in
+      Paris for the season, and desiring that he would not fail to come over as
+      soon as practicable, and pay them as long a visit as the regulations of
+      the University would permit. So, at the close of the December term,
+      Coningsby quitted Cambridge for Paris.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Passing through London, he made his first visit to his banker at Charing
+      Cross, on whom he had periodically drawn since he commenced his college
+      life. He was in the outer counting-house, making some inquiries about a
+      letter of credit, when one of the partners came out from an inner room,
+      and invited him to enter. This firm had been for generations the bankers
+      of the Coningsby family; and it appeared that there was a sealed box in
+      their possession, which had belonged to the father of Coningsby, and they
+      wished to take this opportunity of delivering it to his son. This
+      communication deeply interested him; and as he was alone in London, at an
+      hotel, and on the wing for a foreign country, he requested permission at
+      once to examine it, in order that he might again deposit it with them: so
+      he was shown into a private room for that purpose. The seal was broken;
+      the box was full of papers, chiefly correspondence: among them was a
+      packet described as letters from &lsquo;my dear Helen,&rsquo; the mother of Coningsby.
+      In the interior of this packet there was a miniature of that mother. He
+      looked at it; put it down; looked at it again and again. He could not be
+      mistaken. There was the same blue fillet in the bright hair. It was an
+      exact copy of that portrait which had so greatly excited his attention
+      when at Millbank! This was a mysterious and singularly perplexing
+      incident. It greatly agitated him. He was alone in the room when he made
+      the discovery. When he had recovered himself, he sealed up the contents of
+      the box, with the exception of his mother&rsquo;s letters and the miniature,
+      which he took away with him, and then re-delivered it to his banker for
+      custody until his return.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby found Lord and Lady Monmouth in a splendid hotel in the Faubourg
+      St. Honoré, near the English Embassy. His grandfather looked at him with
+      marked attention, and received him with evident satisfaction. Indeed, Lord
+      Monmouth was greatly pleased that Harry had come to Paris; it was the
+      University of the World, where everybody should graduate. Paris and London
+      ought to be the great objects of all travellers; the rest was mere
+      landscape.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It cannot be denied that between Lucretia and Coningsby there existed from
+      the first a certain antipathy; and though circumstances for a short time
+      had apparently removed or modified the aversion, the manner of the lady
+      when Coningsby was ushered into her boudoir, resplendent with all that
+      Parisian taste and luxury could devise, was characterised by that frigid
+      politeness which had preceded the days of their more genial acquaintance.
+      If the manner of Lucretia were the same as before her marriage, a
+      considerable change might however be observed in her appearance. Her fine
+      form had become more developed; while her dress, that she once neglected,
+      was elaborate and gorgeous, and of the last mode. Lucretia was the fashion
+      of Paris; a great lady, greatly admired. A guest under such a roof,
+      however, Coningsby was at once launched into the most brilliant circles of
+      Parisian society, which he found fascinating.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The art of society is, without doubt, perfectly comprehended and
+      completely practised in the bright metropolis of France. An Englishman
+      cannot enter a saloon without instantly feeling he is among a race more
+      social than his compatriots. What, for example, is more consummate than
+      the manner in which a French lady receives her guests! She unites graceful
+      repose and unaffected dignity, with the most amiable regard for others.
+      She sees every one; she speaks to every one; she sees them at the right
+      moment; she says the right thing; it is utterly impossible to detect any
+      difference in the position of her guests by the spirit in which she
+      welcomes them. There is, indeed, throughout every circle of Parisian
+      society, from the chateau to the cabaret, a sincere homage to intellect;
+      and this without any maudlin sentiment. None sooner than the Parisians can
+      draw the line between factitious notoriety and honest fame; or sooner
+      distinguished between the counterfeit celebrity and the standard
+      reputation. In England, we too often alternate between a supercilious
+      neglect of genius and a rhapsodical pursuit of quacks. In England when a
+      new character appears in our circles, the first question always is, &lsquo;Who
+      is he?&rsquo; In France it is, &lsquo;What is he?&rsquo; In England, &lsquo;How much a-year?&rsquo; In
+      France, &lsquo;What has he done?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0047" id="link2HCH0047"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VIII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      About a week after Coningsby&rsquo;s arrival in Paris, as he was sauntering on
+      the soft and sunny Boulevards, soft and sunny though Christmas, he met
+      Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;So you are here?&rsquo; said Sidonia. &lsquo;Turn now with me, for I see you are only
+      lounging, and tell me when you came, where you are, and what you have done
+      since we parted. I have been here myself but a few days.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was much to tell. And when Coningsby had rapidly related all that
+      had passed, they talked of Paris. Sidonia had offered him hospitality,
+      until he learned that Lord Monmouth was in Paris, and that Coningsby was
+      his guest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sorry you cannot come to me,&rsquo; he remarked; &lsquo;I would have shown you
+      everybody and everything. But we shall meet often.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have already seen many remarkable things,&rsquo; said Coningsby; &lsquo;and met
+      many celebrated persons. Nothing strikes me more in this brilliant city
+      than the tone of its society, so much higher than our own. What an absence
+      of petty personalities! How much conversation, and how little gossip! Yet
+      nowhere is there less pedantry. Here all women are as agreeable as is the
+      remarkable privilege in London of some half-dozen. Men too, and great men,
+      develop their minds. A great man in England, on the contrary, is generally
+      the dullest dog in company. And yet, how piteous to think that so fair a
+      civilisation should be in such imminent peril!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes! that is a common opinion: and yet I am somewhat sceptical of its
+      truth,&rsquo; replied Sidonia. &lsquo;I am inclined to believe that the social system
+      of England is in infinitely greater danger than that of France. We must
+      not be misled by the agitated surface of this country. The foundations of
+      its order are deep and sure. Learn to understand France. France is a
+      kingdom with a Republic for its capital. It has been always so, for
+      centuries. From the days of the League to the days of the Sections, to the
+      days of 1830. It is still France, little changed; and only more national,
+      for it is less Frank and more Gallic; as England has become less Norman
+      and more Saxon.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And it is your opinion, then, that the present King may maintain
+      himself?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Every movement in this country, however apparently discordant, seems to
+      tend to that inevitable end. He would not be on the throne if the nature
+      of things had not demanded his presence. The Kingdom of France required a
+      Monarch; the Republic of Paris required a Dictator. He comprised in his
+      person both qualifications; lineage and intellect; blood for the
+      provinces, brains for the city.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What a position! what an individual!&rsquo; exclaimed Coningsby. &lsquo;Tell me,&rsquo; he
+      added, eagerly, &lsquo;what is he? This Prince of whom one hears in all
+      countries at all hours; on whose existence we are told the tranquillity,
+      almost the civilisation, of Europe depends, yet of whom we receive
+      accounts so conflicting, so contradictory; tell me, you who can tell me,
+      tell me what he is.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sidonia smiled at his earnestness. &lsquo;I have a creed of mine own,&rsquo; he
+      remarked, &lsquo;that the great characters of antiquity are at rare epochs
+      reproduced for our wonder, or our guidance. Nature, wearied with
+      mediocrity, pours the warm metal into an heroic mould. When circumstances
+      at length placed me in the presence of the King of France, I recognised,
+      ULYSSES!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But is there no danger,&rsquo; resumed Coningsby, after the pause of a few
+      moments, &lsquo;that the Republic of Paris may absorb the Kingdom of France?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I suspect the reverse,&rsquo; replied Sidonia. &lsquo;The tendency of advanced
+      civilisation is in truth to pure Monarchy. Monarchy is indeed a government
+      which requires a high degree of civilisation for its full development. It
+      needs the support of free laws and manners, and of a widely-diffused
+      intelligence. Political compromises are not to be tolerated except at
+      periods of rude transition. An educated nation recoils from the imperfect
+      vicariate of what is called a representative government. Your House of
+      Commons, that has absorbed all other powers in the State, will in all
+      probability fall more rapidly than it rose. Public opinion has a more
+      direct, a more comprehensive, a more efficient organ for its utterance,
+      than a body of men sectionally chosen. The Printing-press is a political
+      element unknown to classic or feudal times. It absorbs in a great degree
+      the duties of the Sovereign, the Priest, the Parliament; it controls, it
+      educates, it discusses. That public opinion, when it acts, would appear in
+      the form of one who has no class interests. In an enlightened age the
+      Monarch on the throne, free from the vulgar prejudices and the corrupt
+      interests of the subject, becomes again divine!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this moment they reached that part of the Boulevards which leads into
+      the Place of the Madeleine, whither Sidonia was bound; and Coningsby was
+      about to quit his companion, when Sidonia said:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am only going a step over to the Rue Tronchet to say a few words to a
+      friend of mine, M. P&mdash;&mdash;s. I shall not detain you five minutes;
+      and you should know him, for he has some capital pictures, and a
+      collection of Limoges ware that is the despair of the dilettanti.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So saying they turned down by the Place of the Madeleine, and soon entered
+      the court of the hotel of M. P&mdash;&mdash;s. That gentleman received
+      them in his gallery. After some general conversation, Coningsby turned
+      towards the pictures, and left Sidonia with their host. The collection was
+      rare, and interested Coningsby, though unacquainted with art. He sauntered
+      on from picture to picture until he reached the end of the gallery, where
+      an open door invited him into a suite of rooms also full of pictures and
+      objects of curiosity and art. As he was entering a second chamber, he
+      observed a lady leaning back in a cushioned chair, and looking earnestly
+      on a picture. His entrance was unheard and unnoticed, for the lady&rsquo;s back
+      was to the door; yet Coningsby, advancing in an angular direction,
+      obtained nearly a complete view of her countenance. It was upraised,
+      gazing on the picture with an expression of delight; the bonnet thrown
+      back, while the large sable cloak of the gazer had fallen partly off. The
+      countenance was more beautiful than the beautiful picture. Those glowing
+      shades of the gallery to which love, and genius, and devotion had lent
+      their inspiration, seemed without life and lustre by the radiant
+      expression and expressive presence which Coningsby now beheld.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The finely-arched brow was a little elevated, the soft dark eyes were
+      fully opened, the nostril of the delicate nose slightly dilated, the
+      small, yet rich, full lips just parted; and over the clear, transparent
+      visage, there played a vivid glance of gratified intelligence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The lady rose, advanced towards the picture, looked at it earnestly for a
+      few moments, and then, turning in a direction opposite to Coningsby,
+      walked away. She was somewhat above the middle stature, and yet could
+      scarcely be called tall; a quality so rare, that even skilful dancers do
+      not often possess it, was hers; that elastic gait that is so winning, and
+      so often denotes the gaiety and quickness of the spirit.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The fair object of his observation had advanced into other chambers, and
+      as soon as it was becoming, Coningsby followed her. She had joined a lady
+      and gentleman, who were examining an ancient carving in ivory. The
+      gentleman was middle-aged and portly; the elder lady tall and elegant, and
+      with traces of interesting beauty. Coningsby heard her speak; the words
+      were English, but the accent not of a native.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the remotest part of the room, Coningsby, apparently engaged in
+      examining some of that famous Limoges ware of which Sidonia had spoken,
+      watched with interest and intentness the beautiful being whom he had
+      followed, and whom he concluded to be the child of her companions. After
+      some little time, they quitted the apartment on their return to the
+      gallery; Coningsby remained behind, caring for none of the rare and
+      fanciful objects that surrounded him, yet compelled, from the fear of
+      seeming obtrusive, for some minutes to remain. Then he too returned to the
+      gallery, and just as he had gained its end, he saw the portly gentleman in
+      the distance shaking hands with Sidonia, the ladies apparently expressing
+      their thanks and gratification to M. P&mdash;&mdash;s, and then all
+      vanishing by the door through which Coningsby had originally entered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What a beautiful countrywoman of yours!&rsquo; said M. P&mdash;&mdash;s, as
+      Coningsby approached him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Is she my countrywoman? I am glad to hear it; I have been admiring her,&rsquo;
+      he replied.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes,&rsquo; said M. P&mdash;&mdash;s, &lsquo;it is Sir Wallinger: one of your
+      deputies; don&rsquo;t you know him?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Sir Wallinger!&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;no, I have not that honour.&rsquo; He looked
+      at Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Sir Joseph Wallinger,&rsquo; said Sidonia, &lsquo;one of the new Whig baronets, and
+      member for &mdash;&mdash;. I know him. He married a Spaniard. That is not
+      his daughter, but his niece; the child of his wife&rsquo;s sister. It is not
+      easy to find any one more beautiful.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      END OF BOOK V.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0057" id="link2H_4_0057"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      BOOK VI.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0048" id="link2HCH0048"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER I.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The knowledge that Sidonia was in Paris greatly agitated Lady Monmouth.
+      She received the intimation indeed from Coningsby at dinner with
+      sufficient art to conceal her emotion. Lord Monmouth himself was quite
+      pleased at the announcement. Sidonia was his especial favourite; he knew
+      so much, had such an excellent judgment, and was so rich. He had always
+      something to tell you, was the best man in the world to bet on, and never
+      wanted anything. A perfect character according to the Monmouth ethics.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the evening of the day that Coningsby met Sidonia, Lady Monmouth made a
+      little visit to the charming Duchess de G&mdash;&mdash;t who was &lsquo;at home&rsquo;
+      every other night in her pretty hotel, with its embroidered white satin
+      draperies, its fine old cabinets, and ancestral portraits of famous name,
+      brave marshals and bright princesses of the olden time, on its walls.
+      These receptions without form, yet full of elegance, are what English &lsquo;at
+      homes&rsquo; were before the Continental war, though now, by a curious
+      perversion of terms, the easy domestic title distinguishes in England a
+      formally-prepared and elaborately-collected assembly, in which everything
+      and every person are careful to be as little &lsquo;homely&rsquo; as possible. In
+      France, on the contrary, &lsquo;tis on these occasions, and in this manner, that
+      society carries on that degree and kind of intercourse which in England we
+      attempt awkwardly to maintain by the medium of that unpopular species of
+      visitation styled a morning call; which all complain that they have either
+      to make or to endure.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Nowhere was this species of reception more happily conducted than at the
+      Duchess de G&mdash;&mdash;t&rsquo;s. The rooms, though small, decorated with
+      taste, brightly illumined; a handsome and gracious hostess, the Duke the
+      very pearl of gentlemen, and sons and daughters worthy of such parents.
+      Every moment some one came in, and some one went away. In your way from a
+      dinner to a ball, you stopped to exchange agreeable <i>on dits</i>. It
+      seemed that every woman was pretty, every man a wit. Sure you were to find
+      yourself surrounded by celebrities, and men were welcomed there, if they
+      were clever, before they were famous, which showed it was a house that
+      regarded intellect, and did not seek merely to gratify its vanity by being
+      surrounded by the distinguished.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Enveloped in a rich Indian shawl, and leaning back on a sofa, Lady
+      Monmouth was engaged in conversation with the courtly and classic Count M&mdash;&mdash;é,
+      when, on casually turning her head, she observed entering the saloon,
+      Sidonia. She just caught his form bowing to the Duchess, and instantly
+      turned her head and replunged into her conversation with increased
+      interest. Lady Monmouth was a person who had the power of seeing all about
+      her, everything and everybody, without appearing to look. She was
+      conscious that Sidonia was approaching her neighbourhood. Her heart beat
+      in tumult; she dreaded to catch the eye of that very individual whom she
+      was so anxious to meet. He was advancing towards the sofa. Instinctively,
+      Lady Monmouth turned from the Count, and began speaking earnestly to her
+      other neighbour, a young daughter of the house, innocent and beautiful,
+      not yet quite fledged, trying her wings in society under the maternal eye.
+      She was surprised by the extreme interest which her grand neighbour
+      suddenly took in all her pursuits, her studies, her daily walks in the
+      Bois de Boulogne. Sidonia, as the Marchioness had anticipated, had now
+      reached the sofa. But no, it was to the Count, and not to Lady Monmouth
+      that he was advancing; and they were immediately engaged in conversation.
+      After some little time, when she had become accustomed to his voice, and
+      found her own heart throbbing with less violence, Lucretia turned again,
+      as if by accident, to the Count, and met the glance of Sidonia. She meant
+      to have received him with haughtiness, but her self-command deserted her;
+      and slightly rising from the sofa, she welcomed him with a countenance of
+      extreme pallor and with some awkwardness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His manner was such as might have assisted her, even had she been more
+      troubled. It was marked by a degree of respectful friendliness. He
+      expressed without reserve his pleasure at meeting her again; inquired much
+      how she had passed her time since they last parted; asked more than once
+      after the Marquess. The Count moved away; Sidonia took his seat. His ease
+      and homage combined greatly relieved her. She expressed to him how kind
+      her Lord would consider his society, for the Marquess had suffered in
+      health since Sidonia last saw him. His periodical gout had left him, which
+      made him ill and nervous. The Marquess received his friends at dinner
+      every day. Sidonia, particularly amiable, offered himself as a guest for
+      the following one.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And do you go to the great ball to-morrow?&rsquo; inquired Lucretia, delighted
+      with all that had occurred.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I always go to their balls,&rsquo; said Sidonia, &lsquo;I have promised.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a momentary pause; Lucretia happier than she had been for a long
+      time, her face a little flushed, and truly in a secret tumult of sweet
+      thoughts, remembered she had been long there, and offering her hand to
+      Sidonia, bade him adieu until to-morrow, while he, as was his custom, soon
+      repaired to the refined circle of the Countess de C-s-l-ne, a lady whose
+      manners he always mentioned as his fair ideal, and whose house was his
+      favourite haunt.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Before to-morrow comes, a word or two respecting two other characters of
+      this history connected with the family of Lord Monmouth. And first of
+      Flora. La Petite was neither very well nor very happy. Her hereditary
+      disease developed itself; gradually, but in a manner alarming to those who
+      loved her. She was very delicate, and suffered so much from the weakness
+      of her chest, that she was obliged to relinquish singing. This was really
+      the only tie between her and the Marchioness, who, without being a petty
+      tyrant, treated her often with unfeeling haughtiness. She was, therefore,
+      now rarely seen in the chambers of the great. In her own apartments she
+      found, indeed, some distraction in music, for which she had a natural
+      predisposition, but this was a pursuit that only fed the morbid passion of
+      her tender soul. Alone, listening only to sweet sounds, or indulging in
+      soft dreams that never could be realised, her existence glided away like a
+      vision, and she seemed to become every day more fair and fragile. Alas!
+      hers was the sad and mystic destiny to love one whom she never met, and by
+      whom, if she met him, she would scarcely, perhaps, be recognised. Yet in
+      that passion, fanciful, almost ideal, her life was absorbed; nor for her
+      did the world contain an existence, a thought, a sensation, beyond those
+      that sprang from the image of the noble youth who had sympathised with her
+      in her sorrows, and had softened the hard fortunes of dependence by his
+      generous sensibility. Happy that, with many mortifications, it was still
+      her lot to live under the roof of one who bore his name, and in whose
+      veins flowed the same blood! She felt indeed for the Marquess, whom she so
+      rarely saw, and from whom she had never received much notice, prompted, it
+      would seem, by her fantastic passion, a degree of reverence, almost of
+      affection, which seemed occasionally, even to herself, as something
+      inexplicable and without reason.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As for her fond step-father, M. Villebecque, the world fared very
+      differently with him. His lively and enterprising genius, his ready and
+      multiform talents, and his temper which defied disturbance, had made their
+      way. He had become the very right hand of Lord Monmouth; his only
+      counsellor, his only confidant; his secret agent; the minister of his
+      will. And well did Villebecque deserve this trust, and ably did he
+      maintain himself in the difficult position which he achieved. There was
+      nothing which Villebecque did not know, nothing which he could not do,
+      especially at Paris. He was master of his subject; in all things the
+      secret of success, and without which, however they may from accident
+      dazzle the world, the statesman, the orator, the author, all alike feel
+      the damning consciousness of being charlatans.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby had made a visit to M. Villebecque and Flora the day after his
+      arrival. It was a recollection and a courtesy that evidently greatly
+      gratified them. Villebecque talked very much and amusingly; and Flora,
+      whom Coningsby frequently addressed, very little, though she listened with
+      great earnestness. Coningsby told her that he thought, from all he heard,
+      she was too much alone, and counselled her to gaiety. But nature, that had
+      made her mild, had denied her that constitutional liveliness of being
+      which is the graceful property of French women. She was a lily of the
+      valley, that loved seclusion and the tranquillity of virgin glades. Almost
+      every day, as he passed their <i>entresol</i>, Coningsby would look into
+      Villebecque&rsquo;s apartments for a moment, to ask after Flora.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0049" id="link2HCH0049"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER II.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Sidonia was to dine at Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s the day after he met Lucretia, and
+      afterwards they were all to meet at a ball much talked of, and to which
+      invitations were much sought; and which was to be given that evening by
+      the Baroness S. de R&mdash;&mdash;d.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s dinners at Paris were celebrated. It was generally agreed
+      that they had no rivals; yet there were others who had as skilful cooks,
+      others who, for such a purpose, were equally profuse in their expenditure.
+      What, then, was the secret spell of his success? The simplest in the
+      world, though no one seemed aware of it. His Lordship&rsquo;s plates were always
+      hot: whereas at Paris, in the best appointed houses, and at dinners which,
+      for costly materials and admirable art in their preparation, cannot be
+      surpassed, the effect is always considerably lessened, and by a mode the
+      most mortifying: by the mere circumstance that every one at a French
+      dinner is served on a cold plate. The reason of a custom, or rather a
+      necessity, which one would think a nation so celebrated for their
+      gastronomical taste would recoil from, is really, it is believed, that the
+      ordinary French porcelain is so very inferior that it cannot endure the
+      preparatory heat for dinner. The common white pottery, for example, which
+      is in general use, and always found at the cafés, will not bear vicinage
+      to a brisk kitchen fire for half-an-hour. Now, if we only had that treaty
+      of commerce with France which has been so often on the point of
+      completion, the fabrics of our unrivalled potteries, in exchange for their
+      capital wines, would be found throughout France. The dinners of both
+      nations would be improved: the English would gain a delightful beverage,
+      and the French, for the first time in their lives, would dine off hot
+      plates. An unanswerable instance of the advantages of commercial
+      reciprocity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The guests at Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s to-day were chiefly Carlists, individuals
+      bearing illustrious names, that animate the page of history, and are
+      indissolubly bound up with the glorious annals of their great country.
+      They are the phantoms of a past, but real Aristocracy; an Aristocracy that
+      was founded on an intelligible principle; which claimed great privileges
+      for great purposes; whose hereditary duties were such, that their
+      possessors were perpetually in the eye of the nation, and who maintained,
+      and, in a certain point of view justified, their pre-eminence by constant
+      illustration.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It pleased Lord Monmouth to show great courtesies to a fallen race with
+      whom he sympathised; whose fathers had been his friends in the days of his
+      hot youth; whose mothers he had made love to; whose palaces had been his
+      home; whose brilliant fêtes he remembered; whose fanciful splendour
+      excited his early imagination; and whose magnificent and wanton luxury had
+      developed his own predisposition for boundless enjoyment. Soubise and his
+      suppers; his cutlets and his mistresses; the profuse and embarrassed De
+      Lauragais, who sighed for &lsquo;entire ruin,&rsquo; as for a strange luxury, which
+      perpetually eluded his grasp; these were the heroes of the olden time that
+      Lord Monmouth worshipped; the wisdom of our ancestors which he
+      appreciated; and he turned to their recollection for relief from the
+      vulgar prudence of the degenerate days on which he had fallen: days when
+      nobles must be richer than other men, or they cease to have any
+      distinction.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was impossible not to be struck by the effective appearance of Lady
+      Monmouth as she received her guests in grand toilet preparatory to the
+      ball; white satin and minever, a brilliant tiara. Her fine form, her
+      costume of a fashion as perfect as its materials were sumptuous, and her
+      presence always commanding and distinguished, produced a general effect to
+      which few could be insensible. It was the triumph of mien over mere beauty
+      of countenance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The hotel of Madame S. de R&mdash;&mdash;d is not more distinguished by
+      its profuse decoration, than by the fine taste which has guided the vast
+      expenditure. Its halls of arabesque are almost without a rival; there is
+      not the slightest embellishment in which the hand and feeling of art are
+      not recognised. The rooms were very crowded; everybody distinguished in
+      Paris was there: the lady of the Court, the duchess of the Faubourg, the
+      wife of the financier, the constitutional Throne, the old Monarchy, the
+      modern Bourse, were alike represented. Marshals of the Empire, Ministers
+      of the Crown, Dukes and Marquesses, whose ancestors lounged in the Oeil de
+      Boeuf; diplomatists of all countries, eminent foreigners of all nations,
+      deputies who led sections, members of learned and scientific academies,
+      occasionally a stray poet; a sea of sparkling tiaras, brilliant bouquets,
+      glittering stars, and glowing ribbons, many beautiful faces, many famous
+      ones: unquestionably the general air of a firstrate Parisian saloon, on a
+      great occasion, is not easily equalled. In London there is not the variety
+      of guests; nor the same size and splendour of saloons. Our houses are too
+      small for reception.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby, who had stolen away from his grandfather&rsquo;s before the rest of
+      the guests, was delighted with the novelty of the splendid scene. He had
+      been in Paris long enough to make some acquaintances, and mostly with
+      celebrated personages. In his long fruitless endeavour to enter the saloon
+      in which they danced, he found himself hustled against the illustrious
+      Baron von H&mdash;&mdash;t, whom he had sat next to at dinner a few days
+      before at Count M&mdash;&mdash;é&rsquo;s.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is more difficult than cutting through the Isthmus of Panama, Baron,&rsquo;
+      said Coningsby, alluding to a past conversation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Infinitely,&rsquo; replied M. de H., smiling; &lsquo;for I would undertake to cut
+      through the Isthmus, and I cannot engage that I shall enter this
+      ball-room.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Time, however, brought Coningsby into that brilliant chamber. What a blaze
+      of light and loveliness! How coquettish are the costumes! How vivid the
+      flowers! To sounds of stirring melody, beautiful beings move with grace.
+      Grace, indeed, is beauty in action.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Here, where all are fair and everything is attractive, his eye is suddenly
+      arrested by one object, a form of surpassing grace among the graceful,
+      among the beauteous a countenance of unrivalled beauty.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She was young among the youthful; a face of sunshine amid all that
+      artificial light; her head placed upon her finely-moulded shoulders with a
+      queen-like grace; a coronet of white roses on her dark brown hair; her
+      only ornament. It was the beauty of the picture-gallery.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The eye of Coningsby never quitted her. When the dance ceased, he had an
+      opportunity of seeing her nearer. He met her walking with her cavalier,
+      and he was conscious that she observed him. Finally he remarked that she
+      resumed a seat next to the lady whom he had mistaken for her mother, but
+      had afterwards understood to be Lady Wallinger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby returned to the other saloons: he witnessed the entrance and
+      reception of Lady Monmouth, who moved on towards the ball-room. Soon after
+      this, Sidonia arrived; he came in with the still handsome and ever
+      courteous Duke D&mdash;&mdash;s. Observing Coningsby, he stopped to
+      present him to the Duke. While thus conversing, the Duke, who is fond of
+      the English, observed, &lsquo;See, here is your beautiful countrywoman that all
+      the world are talking of. That is her uncle. He brings to me letters from
+      one of your lords, whose name I cannot recollect.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And Sir Joseph and his lovely niece veritably approached. The Duke
+      addressed them: asked them in the name of his Duchess to a concert on the
+      next Thursday; and, after a thousand compliments, moved on. Sidonia
+      stopped; Coningsby could not refrain from lingering, but stood a little
+      apart, and was about to move away, when there was a whisper, of which,
+      without hearing a word, he could not resist the impression that he was the
+      subject. He felt a little embarrassed, and was retiring, when he heard
+      Sidonia reply to an inquiry of the lady, &lsquo;The same,&rsquo; and then, turning to
+      Coningsby, said aloud, &lsquo;Coningsby, Miss Millbank says that you have
+      forgotten her.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby started, advanced, coloured a little, could not conceal his
+      surprise. The lady, too, though more prepared, was not without confusion,
+      and for an instant looked down. Coningsby recalled at that moment the long
+      dark eyelashes, and the beautiful, bashful countenance that had so charmed
+      him at Millbank; but two years had otherwise effected a wonderful change
+      in the sister of his school-day friend, and transformed the silent,
+      embarrassed girl into a woman of surpassing beauty and of the most
+      graceful and impressive mien.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is not surprising that Mr. Coningsby should not recollect my niece,&rsquo;
+      said Sir Joseph, addressing Sidonia, and wishing to cover their mutual
+      embarrassment; &lsquo;but it is impossible for her, or for anyone connected with
+      her, not to be anxious at all times to express to him our sense of what we
+      all owe him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby and Miss Millbank were now in full routine conversation,
+      consisting of questions; how long she had been at Paris; when she had
+      heard last from Millbank; how her father was; also, how was her brother.
+      Sidonia made an observation to Sir Joseph on a passer-by, and then himself
+      moved on; Coningsby accompanying his new friends, in a contrary direction,
+      to the refreshment-room, to which they were proceeding.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And you have passed a winter at Rome,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;How I envy you! I
+      feel that I shall never be able to travel.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And why not?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Life has become so stirring, that there is ever some great cause that
+      keeps one at home.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Life, on the contrary, so swift, that all may see now that of which they
+      once could only read.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The golden and silver sides of the shield,&rsquo; said Coningsby, with a smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And you, like a good knight, will maintain your own.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No, I would follow yours.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have not heard lately from Oswald?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh, yes; I think there are no such faithful correspondents as we are; I
+      only wish we could meet.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You will soon; but he is such a devotee of Oxford; quite a monk; and you,
+      too, Mr. Coningsby, are much occupied.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes, and at the same time as Millbank. I was in hopes, when I once paid
+      you a visit, I might have found your brother.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But that was such a rapid visit,&rsquo; said Miss Millbank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I always remember it with delight,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You were willing to be pleased; but Millbank, notwithstanding Rome,
+      commands my affections, and in spite of this surrounding splendour, I
+      could have wished to have passed my Christmas in Lancashire.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Mr. Millbank has lately purchased a very beautiful place in the county. I
+      became acquainted with Hellingsley when staying at my grandfather&rsquo;s.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! I have never seen it; indeed, I was much surprised that papa became
+      its purchaser, because he never will live there; and Oswald, I am sure,
+      could never be tempted to quit Millbank. You know what enthusiastic ideas
+      he has of his order?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Like all his ideas, sound, and high, and pure. I always duly appreciated
+      your brother&rsquo;s great abilities, and, what is far more important, his lofty
+      mind. When I recollect our Eton days, I cannot understand how more than
+      two years have passed away without our being together. I am sure the fault
+      is mine. I might now have been at Oxford instead of Paris. And yet,&rsquo; added
+      Coningsby, &lsquo;that would have been a sad mistake, since I should not have
+      had the happiness of being here.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh, yes, that would have been a sad mistake,&rsquo; said Miss Millbank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Edith,&rsquo; said Sir Joseph, rejoining his niece, from whom he had been
+      momentarily separated, &lsquo;Edith, that is Monsieur Thiers.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the meantime Sidonia reached the ball-room, and sitting near the
+      entrance was Lady Monmouth, who immediately addressed him. He was, as
+      usual, intelligent and unimpassioned, and yet not without a delicate
+      deference which is flattering to women, especially if not altogether
+      unworthy of it. Sidonia always admired Lucretia, and preferred her society
+      to that of most persons. But the Lady was in error in supposing that she
+      had conquered or could vanquish his heart. Sidonia was one of those men,
+      not so rare as may be supposed, who shrink, above all things, from an
+      adventure of gallantry with a woman in a position. He had neither time nor
+      temper for sentimental circumvolutions. He detested the diplomacy of
+      passion: protocols, protracted negotiations, conferences, correspondence,
+      treaties projected, ratified, violated. He had no genius for the tactics
+      of intrigue; your reconnoiterings, and marchings, and countermarchings,
+      sappings, and minings, assaults, sometimes surrenders, and sometimes
+      repulses. All the solemn and studied hypocrisies were to him infinitely
+      wearisome; and if the movements were not merely formal, they irritated
+      him, distracted his feelings, disturbed the tenor of his mind, deranged
+      his nervous system. Something of the old Oriental vein influenced him in
+      his carriage towards women. He was oftener behind the scenes of the
+      Opera-house than in his box; he delighted, too, in the society of <i>etairai</i>;
+      Aspasia was his heroine. Obliged to appear much in what is esteemed pure
+      society, he cultivated the acquaintance of clever women, because they
+      interested him; but in such saloons his feminine acquaintances were merely
+      psychological. No lady could accuse him of trifling with her feelings,
+      however decided might be his predilection for her conversation. He yielded
+      at once to an admirer; never trespassed by any chance into the domain of
+      sentiment; never broke, by any accident or blunder, into the irregular
+      paces of flirtation; was a man who notoriously would never diminish by
+      marriage the purity of his race; and one who always maintained that
+      passion and polished life were quite incompatible. He liked the
+      drawing-room, and he liked the Desert, but he would not consent that
+      either should trench on their mutual privileges.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Princess Lucretia had yielded herself to the spell of Sidonia&rsquo;s
+      society at Coningsby Castle, when she knew that marriage was impossible.
+      But she loved him; and with an Italian spirit. Now they met again, and she
+      was the Marchioness of Monmouth, a very great lady, very much admired, and
+      followed, and courted, and very powerful. It is our great moralist who
+      tells us, in the immortal page, that an affair of gallantry with a great
+      lady is more delightful than with ladies of a lower degree. In this he
+      contradicts the good old ballad; but certain it is that Dr. Johnson
+      announced to Boswell, &lsquo;Sir, in the case of a Countess the imagination is
+      more excited.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But Sidonia was a man on whom the conventional superiorities of life
+      produced as little effect as a flake falling on the glaciers of the high
+      Alps. His comprehension of the world and human nature was too vast and
+      complete; he understood too well the relative value of things to
+      appreciate anything but essential excellence; and that not too much. A
+      charming woman was not more charming to him because she chanced to be an
+      empress in a particular district of one of the smallest planets; a
+      charming woman under any circumstances was not an unique animal. When
+      Sidonia felt a disposition to be spellbound, he used to review in his
+      memory all the charming women of whom he had read in the books of all
+      literatures, and whom he had known himself in every court and clime, and
+      the result of his reflections ever was, that the charming woman in
+      question was by no means the paragon, which some who had read, seen, and
+      thought less, might be inclined to esteem her. There was, indeed, no
+      subject on which Sidonia discoursed so felicitously as on woman, and none
+      on which Lord Eskdale more frequently endeavoured to attract him. He would
+      tell you Talmudical stories about our mother Eve and the Queen of Sheba,
+      which would have astonished you. There was not a free lady of Greece,
+      Leontium and Phryne, Lais, Danae, and Lamia, the Egyptian girl Thonis,
+      respecting whom he could not tell you as many diverting tales as if they
+      were ladies of Loretto; not a nook of Athenseus, not an obscure scholiast,
+      not a passage in a Greek orator, that could throw light on these
+      personages, which was not at his command. What stories he would tell you
+      about Marc Antony and the actress Cytheris in their chariot drawn by
+      tigers! What a character would he paint of that Flora who gave her gardens
+      to the Roman people! It would draw tears to your eyes. No man was ever so
+      learned in the female manners of the last centuries of polytheism as
+      Sidonia. You would have supposed that he had devoted his studies
+      peculiarly to that period if you had not chanced to draw him to the
+      Italian middle ages. And even these startling revelations were almost
+      eclipsed by his anecdotes of the Court of Henry III. of France, with every
+      character of which he was as familiar as with the brilliant groups that at
+      this moment filled the saloons of Madame de R&mdash;&mdash;d.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0050" id="link2HCH0050"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER III.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The image of Edith Millbank was the last thought of Coningsby, as he sank
+      into an agitated slumber. To him had hitherto in general been accorded the
+      precious boon of dreamless sleep. Homer tells us these phantasms come from
+      Jove; they are rather the children of a distracted soul. Coningsby this
+      night lived much in past years, varied by painful perplexities of the
+      present, which he could neither subdue nor comprehend. The scene flitted
+      from Eton to the castle of his grandfather; and then he found himself
+      among the pictures of the Rue de Tronchet, but their owner bore the
+      features of the senior Millbank. A beautiful countenance that was
+      alternately the face in the mysterious picture, and then that of Edith,
+      haunted him under all circumstances. He woke little refreshed; restless,
+      and yet sensible of some secret joy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He woke to think of her of whom he had dreamed. The light had dawned on
+      his soul. Coningsby loved.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Ah! what is that ambition that haunts our youth, that thirst for power or
+      that lust of fame that forces us from obscurity into the sunblaze of the
+      world, what are these sentiments so high, so vehement, so ennobling? They
+      vanish, and in an instant, before the glance of a woman!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby had scarcely quitted her side the preceding eve. He hung upon
+      the accents of that clear sweet voice, and sought, with tremulous
+      fascination, the gleaming splendour of those soft dark eyes. And now he
+      sat in his chamber, with his eyes fixed on vacancy. All thoughts and
+      feelings, pursuits, desires, life, merge in one absorbing sentiment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It is impossible to exist without seeing her again, and instantly. He had
+      requested and gained permission to call on Lady Wallinger; he would not
+      lose a moment in availing himself of it. As early as was tolerably
+      decorous, and before, in all probability, they could quit their hotel,
+      Coningsby repaired to the Rue de Rivoli to pay his respects to his new
+      friends.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As he walked along, he indulged in fanciful speculations which connected
+      Edith and the mysterious portrait of his mother. He felt himself, as it
+      were, near the fulfilment of some fate, and on the threshold of some
+      critical discovery. He recalled the impatient, even alarmed, expressions
+      of Rigby at Montem six years ago, when he proposed to invite young
+      Millbank to his grandfather&rsquo;s dinner; the vindictive feud that existed
+      between the two families, and for which political opinion, or even party
+      passion, could not satisfactorily account; and he reasoned himself into a
+      conviction, that the solution of many perplexities was at hand, and that
+      all would be consummated to the satisfaction of every one, by his
+      unexpected but inevitable agency.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby found Sir Joseph alone. The worthy Baronet was at any rate no
+      participator in Mr. Millbank&rsquo;s vindictive feelings against Lord Monmouth.
+      On the contrary, he had a very high respect for a Marquess, whatever might
+      be his opinions, and no mean consideration for a Marquess&rsquo; grandson.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sir Joseph had inherited a large fortune made by commerce, and had
+      increased it by the same means. He was a middle-class Whig, had faithfully
+      supported that party in his native town during the days they wandered in
+      the wilderness, and had well earned his share of the milk and honey when
+      they had vanquished the promised land. In the springtide of Liberalism,
+      when the world was not analytical of free opinions, and odious
+      distinctions were not drawn between Finality men and progressive
+      Reformers, Mr. Wallinger had been the popular leader of a powerful body of
+      his fellow-citizens, who had returned him to the first Reformed
+      Parliament, and where, in spite of many a menacing registration, he had
+      contrived to remain. He had never given a Radical vote without the
+      permission of the Secretary of the Treasury, and was not afraid of giving
+      an unpopular one to serve his friends. He was not like that distinguished
+      Liberal, who, after dining with the late Whig Premier, expressed his
+      gratification and his gratitude, by assuring his Lordship that he might
+      count on his support on all popular questions.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I want men who will support the government on all unpopular questions,&rsquo;
+      replied the witty statesman.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Wallinger was one of these men. His high character and strong purse
+      were always in the front rank in the hour of danger. His support in the
+      House was limited to his votes; but in other places equally important, at
+      a meeting at a political club, or in Downing Street, he could find his
+      tongue, take what is called a &lsquo;practical&rsquo; view of a question, adopt what
+      is called an &lsquo;independent tone,&rsquo; reanimate confidence in ministers, check
+      mutiny, and set a bright and bold example to the wavering. A man of his
+      property, and high character, and sound views, so practical and so
+      independent, this was evidently the block from which a Baronet should be
+      cut, and in due time he figured Sir Joseph.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A Spanish gentleman of ample means, and of a good Catalan family, flying
+      during a political convulsion to England, arrived with his two daughters
+      at Liverpool, and bore letters of introduction to the house of Wallinger.
+      Some little time after this, by one of those stormy vicissitudes of
+      political fortune, of late years not unusual in the Peninsula, he returned
+      to his native country, and left his children, and the management of that
+      portion of his fortune that he had succeeded in bringing with him, under
+      the guardianship of the father of the present Sir Joseph. This gentleman
+      was about again to become an exile, when he met with an untimely end in
+      one of those terrible tumults of which Barcelona is the frequent scene.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The younger Wallinger was touched by the charms of one of his father&rsquo;s
+      wards. Her beauty of a character to which he was unaccustomed, her
+      accomplishments of society, and the refinement of her manners, conspicuous
+      in the circle in which he lived, captivated him; and though they had no
+      heir, the union had been one of great felicity. Sir Joseph was proud of
+      his wife; he secretly considered himself, though his &lsquo;tone&rsquo; was as liberal
+      and independent as in old days, to be on the threshold of aristocracy, and
+      was conscious that Lady Wallinger played her part not unworthily in the
+      elevated circles in which they now frequently found themselves. Sir Joseph
+      was fond of great people, and not averse to travel; because, bearing a
+      title, and being a member of the British Parliament, and always moving
+      with the appendages of wealth, servants, carriages, and couriers, and
+      fortified with no lack of letters from the Foreign Office, he was
+      everywhere acknowledged, and received, and treated as a personage; was
+      invited to court-balls, dined with ambassadors, and found himself and his
+      lady at every festival of distinction.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The elder Millbank had been Joseph Wallinger&rsquo;s youthful friend. Different
+      as were their dispositions and the rate of their abilities, their
+      political opinions were the same; and commerce habitually connected their
+      interests. During a visit to Liverpool, Millbank had made the acquaintance
+      of the sister of Lady Wallinger, and had been a successful suitor for her
+      hand. This lady was the mother of Edith and of the schoolfellow of
+      Coningsby. It was only within a very few years that she had died; she had
+      scarcely lived long enough to complete the education of her daughter, to
+      whom she was devoted, and on whom she lavished the many accomplishments
+      that she possessed. Lady Wallinger having no children, and being very fond
+      of her niece, had watched over Edith with infinite solicitude, and finally
+      had persuaded Mr. Millbank, that it would be well that his daughter should
+      accompany them in their somewhat extensive travels. It was not, therefore,
+      only that nature had developed a beautiful woman out of a bashful girl
+      since Coningsby&rsquo;s visit to Millbank; but really, every means and every
+      opportunity that could contribute to render an individual capable of
+      adorning the most accomplished circles of life, had naturally, and without
+      effort, fallen to the fortunate lot of the manufacturer&rsquo;s daughter. Edith
+      possessed an intelligence equal to those occasions. Without losing the
+      native simplicity of her character, which sprang from the heart, and which
+      the strong and original bent of her father&rsquo;s mind had fostered, she had
+      imbibed all the refinement and facility of the polished circles in which
+      she moved. She had a clear head, a fine taste, and a generous spirit; had
+      received so much admiration, that, though by no means insensible to
+      homage, her heart was free; was strongly attached to her family; and,
+      notwithstanding all the splendour of Rome, and the brilliancy of Paris,
+      her thoughts were often in her Saxon valley, amid the green hills and busy
+      factories of Millbank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sir Joseph, finding himself alone with the grandson of Lord Monmouth, was
+      not very anxious that the ladies should immediately appear. He thought
+      this a good opportunity of getting at what are called &lsquo;the real feelings
+      of the Tory party;&rsquo; and he began to pump with a seductive semblance of
+      frankness. For his part, he had never doubted that a Conservative
+      government was ultimately inevitable; had told Lord John so two years ago,
+      and, between themselves, Lord John was of the same opinion. The present
+      position of the Whigs was the necessary fate of all progressive parties;
+      could not see exactly how it would end; thought sometimes it must end in a
+      fusion of parties; but could not well see how that could be brought about,
+      at least at present. For his part, should be happy to witness an union of
+      the best men of all parties, for the preservation of peace and order,
+      without any reference to any particular opinions. And, in that sense of
+      the word, it was not at all impossible he might find it his duty some day
+      to support a Conservative government.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sir Joseph was much astonished when Coningsby, who being somewhat
+      impatient for the entrance of the ladies was rather more abrupt than his
+      wont, told the worthy Baronet that he looked, upon a government without
+      distinct principles of policy as only a stop-gap to a wide-spread and
+      demoralising anarchy; that he for one could not comprehend how a free
+      government could endure without national opinions to uphold it; and that
+      governments for the preservation of peace and order, and nothing else, had
+      better be sought in China, or among the Austrians, the Chinese of Europe.
+      As for Conservative government, the natural question was, What do you mean
+      to conserve? Do you mean to conserve things or only names, realities or
+      merely appearances? Or, do you mean to continue the system commenced in
+      1834, and, with a hypocritical reverence for the principles, and a
+      superstitious adhesion to the forms, of the old exclusive constitution,
+      carry on your policy by latitudinarian practice?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sir Joseph stared; it was the first time that any inkling of the views of
+      the New Generation had caught his ear. They were strange and unaccustomed
+      accents. He was extremely perplexed; could by no means make out what his
+      companion was driving at; at length, with a rather knowing smile,
+      expressive as much of compassion as comprehension, he remarked,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! I see; you are a regular Orangeman.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I look upon an Orangeman,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;as a pure Whig; the only
+      professor and practiser of unadulterated Whiggism.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This was too much for Sir Joseph, whose political knowledge did not reach
+      much further back than the ministry of the Mediocrities; hardly touched
+      the times of the Corresponding Society. But he was a cautious man, and
+      never replied in haste. He was about feeling his way, when he experienced
+      the golden advantage of gaining time, for the ladies entered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The heart of Coningsby throbbed as Edith appeared. She extended to him her
+      hand; her face radiant with kind expression. Lady Wallinger seemed
+      gratified also by his visit. She had much elegance in her manner; a calm,
+      soft address; and she spoke English with a sweet Doric irregularity. They
+      all sat down, talked of the last night&rsquo;s ball, of a thousand things. There
+      was something animating in the frank, cheerful spirit of Edith. She had a
+      quick eye both for the beautiful and the ridiculous, and threw out her
+      observations in terse and vivid phrases. An hour, and more than an hour,
+      passed away, and Coningsby still found some excuse not to depart. It
+      seemed that on this morning they were about to make an expedition into the
+      antique city of Paris, to visit some old hotels which retained their
+      character; especially they had heard much of the hotel of the Archbishop
+      of Sens, with its fortified courtyard. Coningsby expressed great interest
+      in the subject, and showed some knowledge. Sir Joseph invited him to join
+      the party, which of all things in the world was what he most desired.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0051" id="link2HCH0051"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER IV.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Not a day elapsed without Coningsby being in the company of Edith. Time
+      was precious for him, for the spires and pinnacles of Cambridge already
+      began to loom in the distance, and he resolved to make the most determined
+      efforts not to lose a day of his liberty. And yet to call every morning in
+      the Rue de Rivoli was an exploit which surpassed even the audacity of
+      love! More than once, making the attempt, his courage failed him, and he
+      turned into the gardens of the Tuileries, and only watched the windows of
+      the house. Circumstances, however, favoured him: he received a letter from
+      Oswald Millbank; he was bound to communicate in person this evidence of
+      his friend&rsquo;s existence; and when he had to reply to the letter, he must
+      necessarily inquire whether his friend&rsquo;s relatives had any message to
+      transmit to him. These, however, were only slight advantages. What
+      assisted Coningsby in his plans and wishes was the great pleasure which
+      Sidonia, with whom he passed a great deal of his time, took in the society
+      of the Wallingers and their niece. Sidonia presented Lady Wallinger with
+      his opera-box during her stay at Paris; invited them frequently to his
+      agreeable dinner-parties; and announced his determination to give a ball,
+      which Lady Wallinger esteemed a delicate attention to Edith; while Lady
+      Monmouth flattered herself that the festival sprang from the desire she
+      had expressed of seeing the celebrated hotel of Sidonia to advantage.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby was very happy. His morning visits to the Rue de Rivoli seemed
+      always welcome, and seldom an evening elapsed in which he did not find
+      himself in the society of Edith. She seemed not to wish to conceal that
+      his presence gave her pleasure, and though she had many admirers, and had
+      an airy graciousness for all of them, Coningsby sometimes indulged the
+      exquisite suspicion that there was a flattering distinction in her
+      carriage to himself. Under the influence of these feelings, he began daily
+      to be more conscious that separation would be an intolerable calamity; he
+      began to meditate upon the feasibility of keeping a half term, and of
+      postponing his departure to Cambridge to a period nearer the time when
+      Edith would probably return to England.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the meanwhile, the Parisian world talked much of the grand fete which
+      was about to be given by Sidonia. Coningsby heard much of it one day when
+      dining at his grandfather&rsquo;s. Lady Monmouth seemed very intent on the
+      occasion. Even Lord Monmouth half talked of going, though, for his part,
+      he wished people would come to him, and never ask him to their houses.
+      That was his idea of society. He liked the world, but he liked to find it
+      under his own roof. He grudged them nothing, so that they would not insist
+      upon the reciprocity of cold-catching, and would eat his good dinners
+      instead of insisting on his eating their bad ones.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But Monsieur Sidonia&rsquo;s cook is a gem, they say,&rsquo; observed an Attaché of
+      an embassy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have no doubt of it; Sidonia is a man of sense, almost the only man of
+      sense I know. I never caught him tripping. He never makes a false move.
+      Sidonia is exactly the sort of man I like; you know you cannot deceive
+      him, and that he does not want to deceive you. I wish he liked a rubber
+      more. Then he would be perfect.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;They say he is going to be married,&rsquo; said the Attaché.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Poh!&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Married!&rsquo; exclaimed Lady Monmouth. &lsquo;To whom?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;To your beautiful countrywoman, &ldquo;la belle Anglaise,&rdquo; that all the world
+      talks of,&rsquo; said the Attaché.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And who may she be, pray?&rsquo; said the Marquess. &lsquo;I have so many beautiful
+      countrywomen.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Mademoiselle Millbank,&rsquo; said the Attaché.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Millbank!&rsquo; said the Marquess, with a lowering brow. &lsquo;There are so many
+      Millbanks. Do you know what Millbank this is, Harry?&rsquo; he inquired of his
+      grandson, who had listened to the conversation with a rather embarrassed
+      and even agitated spirit.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What, sir; yes, Millbank?&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I say, do you know who this Millbank is?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! Miss Millbank: yes, I believe, that is, I know a daughter of the
+      gentleman who purchased some property near you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! that fellow! Has he got a daughter here?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The most beautiful girl in Paris,&rsquo; said the Attaché.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Lady Monmouth, have you seen this beauty, that Sidonia is going to
+      marry?&rsquo; he added, with a fiendish laugh.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have seen the young lady,&rsquo; said Lady Monmouth; &lsquo;but I had not heard
+      that Monsieur Sidonia was about to marry her.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Is she so very beautiful?&rsquo; inquired another gentleman.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes,&rsquo; said Lady Monmouth, calm, but pale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Poh!&rsquo; said the Marquess again.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I assure you that it is a fact,&rsquo; said the Attaché, &lsquo;not at least an <i>on-dit</i>.
+      I have it from a quarter that could not well be mistaken.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Behold a little snatch of ordinary dinner gossip that left a very painful
+      impression on the minds of three individuals who were present.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The name of Millbank revived in Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s mind a sense of defeat,
+      discomfiture, and disgust; Hellingsley, lost elections, and Mr. Rigby;
+      three subjects which Lord Monmouth had succeeded for a time in expelling
+      from his sensations. His lordship thought that, in all probability, this
+      beauty of whom they spoke so highly was not really the daughter of his
+      foe; that it was some confusion which had arisen from the similarity of
+      names: nor did he believe that Sidonia was going to marry her, whoever she
+      might be; but a variety of things had been said at dinner, and a number of
+      images had been raised in his mind that touched his spleen. He took his
+      wine freely, and, the usual consequence of that proceeding with Lord
+      Monmouth, became silent and sullen. As for Lady Monmouth, she had learnt
+      that Sidonia, whatever might be the result, was paying very marked
+      attention to another woman, for whom undoubtedly he was giving that very
+      ball which she had flattered herself was a homage to her wishes, and for
+      which she had projected a new dress of eclipsing splendour.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby felt quite sure that the story of Sidonia&rsquo;s marriage with Edith
+      was the most ridiculous idea that ever entered into the imagination of
+      man; at least he thought he felt quite sure. But the idlest and wildest
+      report that the woman you love is about to marry another is not
+      comfortable. Besides, he could not conceal from himself that, between the
+      Wallingers and Sidonia there existed a remarkable intimacy, fully extended
+      to their niece. He had seen her certainly on more than one occasion in
+      lengthened and apparently earnest conversation with Sidonia, who,
+      by-the-bye, spoke with her often in Spanish, and never concealed his
+      admiration of her charms or the interest he found in her society. And
+      Edith; what, after all, had passed between Edith and himself which should
+      at all gainsay this report, which he had been particularly assured was not
+      a mere report, but came from a quarter that could not well be mistaken?
+      She had received him with kindness. And how should she receive one who was
+      the friend and preserver of her only brother, and apparently the intimate
+      and cherished acquaintance of her future husband? Coningsby felt that
+      sickness of the heart that accompanies one&rsquo;s first misfortune. The
+      illusions of life seemed to dissipate and disappear. He was miserable; he
+      had no confidence in himself, in his future. After all, what was he? A
+      dependent on a man of very resolute will and passions. Could he forget the
+      glance with which Lord Monmouth caught the name of Millbank, and received
+      the intimation of Hellingsley? It was a glance for a Spagnoletto or a
+      Caravaggio to catch and immortalise. Why, if Edith were not going to marry
+      Sidonia, how was he ever to marry her, even if she cared for him? Oh! what
+      a future of unbroken, continuous, interminable misery awaited him! Was
+      there ever yet born a being with a destiny so dark and dismal? He was the
+      most forlorn of men, utterly wretched! He had entirely mistaken his own
+      character. He had no energy, no abilities, not a single eminent quality.
+      All was over!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0052" id="link2HCH0052"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER V.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      It was fated that Lady Monmouth should not be present at that ball, the
+      anticipation of which had occasioned her so much pleasure and some pangs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On the morning after that slight conversation, which had so disturbed the
+      souls, though unconsciously to each other, of herself and Coningsby, the
+      Marquess was driving Lucretia up the avenue Marigny in his phaeton. About
+      the centre of the avenue the horses took fright, and started off at a wild
+      pace. The Marquess was an experienced whip, calm, and with exertion still
+      very powerful. He would have soon mastered the horses, had not one of the
+      reins unhappily broken. The horses swerved; the Marquess kept his seat;
+      Lucretia, alarmed, sprang up, the carriage was dashed against the trunk of
+      a tree, and she was thrown out of it, at the very instant that one of the
+      outriders had succeeded in heading the equipage and checking the horses.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Marchioness was senseless. Lord Monmouth had descended from the
+      phaeton; several passengers had assembled; the door of a contiguous house
+      was opened; there were offers of service, sympathy, inquiries, a babble of
+      tongues, great confusion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Get surgeons and send for her maid,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth to one of his
+      servants.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the midst of this distressing tumult, Sidonia, on horseback, followed
+      by a groom, came up the avenue from the Champs Elysées. The empty phaeton,
+      reins broken, horses held by strangers, all the appearances of a
+      misadventure, attracted him. He recognised the livery. He instantly
+      dismounted. Moving aside the crowd, he perceived Lady Monmouth senseless
+      and prostrate, and her husband, without assistance, restraining the
+      injudicious efforts of the bystanders.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Let us carry her in, Lord Monmouth,&rsquo; said Sidonia, exchanging a
+      recognition as he took Lucretia in his arms, and bore her into the
+      dwelling that was at hand. Those who were standing at the door assisted
+      him. The woman of the house and Lord Monmouth only were present.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I would hope there is no fracture,&rsquo; said Sidonia, placing her on a sofa,
+      &lsquo;nor does it appear to me that the percussion of the head, though
+      considerable, could have been fatally violent. I have caught her pulse.
+      Keep her in a horizontal position, and she will soon come to herself.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Marquess seated himself in a chair by the side of the sofa, which
+      Sidonia had advanced to the middle of the room. Lord Monmouth was silent
+      and very serious. Sidonia opened the window, and touched the brow of
+      Lucretia with water. At this moment M. Villebecque and a surgeon entered
+      the chamber.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The brain cannot be affected, with that pulse,&rsquo; said the surgeon; &lsquo;there
+      is no fracture.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;How pale she is!&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth, as if he were examining a picture.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The colour seems to me to return,&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The surgeon applied some restoratives which he had brought with him. The
+      face of the Marchioness showed signs of life; she stirred.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;She revives,&rsquo; said the surgeon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Marchioness breathed with some force; again; then half-opened her
+      eyes, and then instantly closed them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If I could but get her to take this draught,&rsquo; said the surgeon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Stop! moisten her lips first,&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They placed the draught to her mouth; in a moment she put forth her hand
+      as if to repress them, then opened her eyes again, and sighed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;She is herself,&rsquo; said the surgeon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Lucretia!&rsquo; said the Marquess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Sidonia!&rsquo; said the Marchioness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth looked round to invite his friend to come forward.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Lady Monmouth!&rsquo; said Sidonia, in a gentle voice.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She started, rose a little on the sofa, stared around her. &lsquo;Where am I?&rsquo;
+      she exclaimed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;With me,&rsquo; said the Marquess; and he bent forward to her, and took her
+      hand.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Sidonia!&rsquo; she again exclaimed, in a voice of inquiry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Is here,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth. &lsquo;He carried you in after our accident.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Accident! Why is he going to marry?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Marquess took a pinch of snuff.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was an awkward pause in the chamber.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think now,&rsquo; said Sidonia to the surgeon, &lsquo;that Lady Monmouth would take
+      the draught.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She refused it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Try you, Sidonia,&rsquo; said the Marquess, rather dryly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You feel yourself again?&rsquo; said Sidonia, advancing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Would I did not!&rsquo; said the Marchioness, with an air of stupor. &lsquo;What has
+      happened? Why am I here? Are you married?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;She wanders a little,&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Marquess took another pinch of snuff.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I could have borne even repulsion,&rsquo; said Lady Monmouth, in a voice of
+      desolation, &lsquo;but not for another!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;M. Villebecque!&rsquo; said the Marquess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My Lord?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth looked at him with that irresistible scrutiny which would
+      daunt a galley-slave; and then, after a short pause, said, &lsquo;The carriage
+      should have arrived by this time. Let us get home.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0053" id="link2HCH0053"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VI.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      After the conversation at dinner which we have noticed, the restless and
+      disquieted Coningsby wandered about Paris, vainly seeking in the
+      distraction of a great city some relief from the excitement of his mind.
+      His first resolution was immediately to depart for England; but when, on
+      reflection, he was mindful that, after all, the assertion which had so
+      agitated him might really be without foundation, in spite of many
+      circumstances that to his regardful fancy seemed to accredit it, his firm
+      resolution began to waver.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These were the first pangs of jealousy that Coningsby had ever
+      experienced, and they revealed to him the immensity of the stake which he
+      was hazarding on a most uncertain die.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The next morning he called in the Rue Rivoli, and was informed that the
+      family were not at home. He was returning under the arcades, towards the
+      Rue St. Florentin, when Sidonia passed him in an opposite direction, on
+      horseback, and at a rapid rate. Coningsby, who was not observed by him,
+      could not resist a strange temptation to watch for a moment his progress.
+      He saw him enter the court of the hotel where the Wallinger family were
+      staying. Would he come forth immediately? No. Coningsby stood still and
+      pale. Minute followed minute. Coningsby flattered himself that Sidonia was
+      only speaking to the porter. Then he would fain believe Sidonia was
+      writing a note. Then, crossing the street, he mounted by some steps the
+      terrace of the Tuileries, nearly opposite the Hotel of the Minister of
+      Finance, and watched the house. A quarter of an hour elapsed; Sidonia did
+      not come forth. They were at home to him; only to him. Sick at heart,
+      infinitely wretched, scarcely able to guide his steps, dreading even to
+      meet an acquaintance, and almost feeling that his tongue would refuse the
+      office of conversation, he contrived to reach his grandfather&rsquo;s hotel, and
+      was about to bury himself in his chamber, when on the staircase he met
+      Flora.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby had not seen her for the last fortnight. Seeing her now, his
+      heart smote him for his neglect, excusable as it really was. Any one else
+      at this time he would have hurried by without a recognition, but the
+      gentle and suffering Flora was too meek to be rudely treated by so kind a
+      heart as Coningsby&rsquo;s.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He looked at her; she was pale and agitated. Her step trembled, while she
+      still hastened on.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What is the matter?&rsquo; inquired Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My Lord, the Marchioness, are in danger, thrown from their carriage.&rsquo;
+      Briefly she detailed to Coningsby all that had occurred; that M.
+      Villebecque had already repaired to them; that she herself only this
+      moment had learned the intelligence that seemed to agitate her to the
+      centre. Coningsby instantly turned with her; but they had scarcely emerged
+      from the courtyard when the carriage approached that brought Lord and Lady
+      Monmouth home. They followed it into the court. They were immediately at
+      its door.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;All is right, Harry,&rsquo; said the Marquess, calm and grave.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby pressed his grandfather&rsquo;s hand. Then he assisted Lucretia to
+      alight.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am quite well,&rsquo; she said, &lsquo;now.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But you must lean on me, dearest Lady Monmouth,&rsquo; Coningsby said in a tone
+      of tenderness, as he felt Lucretia almost sinking from him. And he
+      supported her into the hall of the hotel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth had lingered behind. Flora crept up to him, and with
+      unwonted boldness offered her arm to the Marquess. He looked at her with a
+      glance of surprise, and then a softer expression, one indeed of an almost
+      winning sweetness, which, though rare, was not a stranger to his
+      countenance, melted his features, and taking the arm so humbly presented,
+      he said,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ma Petite, you look more frightened than any of us. Poor child!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He had reached the top of the flight of steps; he withdrew his arm from
+      Flora, and thanked her with all his courtesy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You are not hurt, then, sir?&rsquo; she ventured to ask with a look that
+      expressed the infinite solicitude which her tongue did not venture to
+      convey.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By no means, my good little girl;&rsquo; and he extended his hand to her, which
+      she reverently bent over and embraced.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0054" id="link2HCH0054"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      When Coningsby had returned to his grandfather&rsquo;s hotel that morning, it
+      was with a determination to leave Paris the next day for England; but the
+      accident to Lady Monmouth, though, as it ultimately appeared, accompanied
+      by no very serious consequences, quite dissipated this intention. It was
+      impossible to quit them so crudely at such a moment. So he remained
+      another day, and that was the day preceding Sidonia&rsquo;s fête, which he
+      particularly resolved not to attend. He felt it quite impossible that he
+      could again endure the sight of either Sidonia or Edith. He looked upon
+      them as persons who had deeply injured him; though they really were
+      individuals who had treated him with invariable kindness. But he felt
+      their existence was a source of mortification and misery to him. With
+      these feelings, sauntering away the last hours at Paris, disquieted,
+      uneasy; no present, no future; no enjoyment, no hope; really, positively,
+      undeniably unhappy; unhappy too for the first time in his life; the first
+      unhappiness; what a companion piece for the first love! Coningsby, of all
+      places in the world, in the gardens of the Luxembourg, encountered Sir
+      Joseph Wallinger and Edith.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To avoid them was impossible; they met face to face; and Sir Joseph
+      stopped, and immediately reminded him that it was three days since they
+      had seen him, as if to reproach him for so unprecedented a neglect. And it
+      seemed that Edith, though she said not as much, felt the same. And
+      Coningsby turned round and walked with them. He told them he was going to
+      leave Paris on the morrow.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And miss Monsieur de Sidonia&rsquo;s fête, of which we have all talked so
+      much!&rsquo; said Edith, with unaffected surprise, and an expression of
+      disappointment which she in vain attempted to conceal.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The festival will not be less gay for my absence,&rsquo; said Coningsby, with
+      that plaintive moroseness not unusual to despairing lovers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If we were all to argue from the same premises, and act accordingly,&rsquo;
+      said Edith, &lsquo;the saloons would be empty. But if any person&rsquo;s absence would
+      be remarked, I should really have thought it would be yours. I thought you
+      were one of Monsieur de Sidonia&rsquo;s great friends?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He has no friends,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;No wise man has. What are friends?
+      Traitors.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Edith looked much astonished. And then she said,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sure you have not quarrelled with Monsieur de Sidonia, for we have
+      just parted with him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have no doubt you have,&rsquo; thought Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And it is impossible to speak of another in higher terms than he spoke of
+      you.&rsquo; Sir Joseph observed how unusual it was for Monsieur de Sidonia to
+      express himself so warmly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Sidonia is a great man, and carries everything before him,&rsquo; said
+      Coningsby. &lsquo;I am nothing; I cannot cope with him; I retire from the
+      field.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What field?&rsquo; inquired Sir Joseph, who did not clearly catch the drift of
+      these observations. &lsquo;It appears to me that a field for action is exactly
+      what Sidonia wants. There is no vent for his abilities and intelligence.
+      He wastes his energy in travelling from capital to capital like a King&rsquo;s
+      messenger. The morning after his fête he is going to Madrid.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This brought some reference to their mutual movements. Edith spoke of her
+      return to Lancashire, of her hope that Mr. Coningsby would soon see
+      Oswald; but Mr. Coningsby informed her that though he was going to leave
+      Paris, he had no intention of returning to England; that he had not yet
+      quite made up his mind whither he should go; but thought that he should
+      travel direct to St. Petersburg. He wished to travel overland to
+      Astrachan. That was the place he was particularly anxious to visit.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After this incomprehensible announcement, they walked on for some minutes
+      in silence, broken only by occasional monosyllables, with which Coningsby
+      responded at hazard to the sound remarks of Sir Joseph. As they approached
+      the Palace a party of English who were visiting the Chamber of Peers, and
+      who were acquainted with the companions of Coningsby, encountered them.
+      Amid the mutual recognitions, Coningsby, was about to take his leave
+      somewhat ceremoniously, but Edith held forth her hand, and said,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Is this indeed farewell?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His heart was agitated, his countenance changed; he retained her hand amid
+      the chattering tourists, too full of their criticisms and their
+      egotistical commonplaces to notice what was passing. A sentimental
+      ebullition seemed to be on the point of taking place. Their eyes met. The
+      look of Edith was mournful and inquiring.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We will say farewell at the ball,&rsquo; said Coningsby, and she rewarded him
+      with a radiant smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0055" id="link2HCH0055"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VIII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Sidonia lived in the Faubourg St. Germain, in a large hotel that, in old
+      days, had belonged to the Crillons; but it had received at his hands such
+      extensive alterations, that nothing of the original decoration, and little
+      of its arrangement, remained.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A flight of marble steps, ascending from a vast court, led into a hall of
+      great dimensions, which was at the same time an orangery and a gallery of
+      sculpture. It was illumined by a distinct, yet soft and subdued light,
+      which harmonised with the beautiful repose of the surrounding forms, and
+      with the exotic perfume that was wafted about. A gallery led from this
+      hall to an inner hall of quite a different character; fantastic,
+      glittering, variegated; full of strange shapes and dazzling objects.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The roof was carved and gilt in that honeycomb style prevalent in the
+      Saracenic buildings; the walls were hung with leather stamped in rich and
+      vivid patterns; the floor was a flood of mosaic; about were statues of
+      negroes of human size with faces of wild expression, and holding in their
+      outstretched hands silver torches that blazed with an almost painful
+      brilliancy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      From this inner hall a double staircase of white marble led to the grand
+      suite of apartments.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These saloons, lofty, spacious, and numerous, had been decorated
+      principally in encaustic by the most celebrated artists of Munich. The
+      three principal rooms were only separated from each other by columns,
+      covered with rich hangings, on this night drawn aside. The decoration of
+      each chamber was appropriate to its purpose. On the walls of the ball-room
+      nymphs and heroes moved in measure in Sicilian landscapes, or on the azure
+      shores of Aegean waters. From the ceiling beautiful divinities threw
+      garlands on the guests, who seemed surprised that the roses, unwilling to
+      quit Olympus, would not descend on earth. The general effect of this fair
+      chamber was heightened, too, by that regulation of the house which did not
+      permit any benches in the ball-room. That dignified assemblage who are
+      always found ranged in precise discipline against the wall, did not here
+      mar the flowing grace of the festivity. The chaperons had no cause to
+      complain. A large saloon abounded in ottomans and easy chairs at their
+      service, where their delicate charges might rest when weary, or find
+      distraction when not engaged.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All the world were at this fête of Sidonia. It exceeded in splendour and
+      luxury every entertainment that had yet been given. The highest rank, even
+      Princes of the blood, beauty, fashion, fame, all assembled in a
+      magnificent and illuminated palace, resounding with exquisite melody.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby, though somewhat depressed, was not insensible to the magic of
+      the scene. Since the passage in the gardens of the Luxembourg, that tone,
+      that glance, he had certainly felt much relieved, happier. And yet if all
+      were, with regard to Sidonia, as unfounded as he could possibly desire,
+      where was he then? Had he forgotten his grandfather, that fell look, that
+      voice of intense detestation? What was Millbank to him? Where, what was
+      the mystery? for of some he could not doubt. The Spanish parentage of
+      Edith had only more perplexed Coningsby. It offered no solution. There
+      could be no connection between a Catalan family and his mother, the
+      daughter of a clergyman in a midland county. That there was any
+      relationship between the Millbank family and his mother was contradicted
+      by the conviction in which he had been brought up, that his mother had no
+      relations; that she returned to England utterly friendless; without a
+      relative, a connection, an acquaintance to whom she could appeal. Her
+      complete forlornness was stamped upon his brain. Tender as were his years
+      when he was separated from her, he could yet recall the very phrases in
+      which she deplored her isolation; and there were numerous passages in her
+      letters which alluded to it. Coningsby had taken occasion to sound the
+      Wallingers on this subject; but he felt assured, from the manner in which
+      his advances were met, that they knew nothing of his mother, and
+      attributed the hostility of Mr. Millbank to his grandfather, solely to
+      political emulation and local rivalries. Still there were the portrait and
+      the miniature. That was a fact; a clue which ultimately, he was persuaded,
+      must lead to some solution.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby had met with great social success at Paris. He was at once a
+      favourite. The Parisian dames decided in his favour. He was a specimen of
+      the highest style of English beauty, which is popular in France. His air
+      was acknowledged as distinguished. The men also liked him; he had not
+      quite arrived at that age when you make enemies. The moment, therefore,
+      that he found himself in the saloons of Sidonia, he was accosted by many
+      whose notice was flattering; but his eye wandered, while he tried to be
+      courteous and attempted to be sprightly. Where was she? He had nearly
+      reached the ball-room when he met her. She was on the arm of Lord
+      Beaumanoir, who had made her acquaintance at Rome, and originally claimed
+      it as the member of a family who, as the reader may perhaps not forget,
+      had experienced some kindnesses from the Millbanks.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There were mutual and hearty recognitions between the young men; great
+      explanations where they had been, what they were doing, where they were
+      going. Lord Beaumanoir told Coningsby he had introduced steeple-chases at
+      Rome, and had parted with Sunbeam to the nephew of a Cardinal. Coningsby
+      securing Edith&rsquo;s hand for the next dance, they all moved on together to
+      her aunt.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lady Wallinger was indulging in some Roman reminiscences with the
+      Marquess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And you are not going to Astrachan to-morrow?&rsquo; said Edith.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Not to-morrow,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You know that you said once that life was too stirring in these days to
+      permit travel to a man?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wish nothing was stirring,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;I wish nothing to change.
+      All that I wish is, that this fête should never end.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Is it possible that you can be capricious? You perplex me very much.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Am I capricious because I dislike change?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But Astrachan?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It was the air of the Luxembourg that reminded me of the Desert,&rsquo; said
+      Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Soon after this Coningsby led Edith to the dance. It was at a ball that he
+      had first met her at Paris, and this led to other reminiscences; all most
+      interesting. Coningsby was perfectly happy. All mysteries, all
+      difficulties, were driven from his recollection; he lived only in the
+      exciting and enjoyable present. Twenty-one and in love!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Some time after this, Coningsby, who was inevitably separated from Edith,
+      met his host.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Where have you been, child,&rsquo; said Sidonia, &lsquo;that I have not seen you for
+      some days? I am going to Madrid tomorrow.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And I must think, I suppose, of Cambridge.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, you have seen something; you will find it more profitable when you
+      have digested it: and you will have opportunity. That&rsquo;s the true spring of
+      wisdom: meditate over the past. Adventure and Contemplation share our
+      being like day and night.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The resolute departure for England on the morrow had already changed into
+      a supposed necessity of thinking of returning to Cambridge. In fact,
+      Coningsby felt that to quit Paris and Edith was an impossibility. He
+      silenced the remonstrance of his conscience by the expedient of keeping a
+      half-term, and had no difficulty in persuading himself that a short delay
+      in taking his degree could not really be of the slightest consequence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was the hour for supper. The guests at a French ball are not seen to
+      advantage at this period. The custom of separating the sexes for this
+      refreshment, and arranging that the ladies should partake of it by
+      themselves, though originally founded in a feeling of consideration and
+      gallantry, and with the determination to secure, under all circumstances,
+      the convenience and comfort of the fair sex, is really, in its appearance
+      and its consequences, anything but European, and produces a scene which
+      rather reminds one of the harem of a sultan than a hall of chivalry. To
+      judge from the countenances of the favoured fair, they are not themselves
+      particularly pleased; and when their repast is over they necessarily
+      return to empty halls, and are deprived of the dance at the very moment
+      when they may feel most inclined to participate in its graceful
+      excitement.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These somewhat ungracious circumstances, however, were not attendant on
+      the festival of this night. There was opened in the Hotel of Sidonia for
+      the first time a banqueting-room which could contain with convenience all
+      the guests. It was a vast chamber of white marble, the golden panels of
+      the walls containing festive sculptures by Schwanthaler, relieved by
+      encaustic tinting. In its centre was a fountain, a group of Bacchantes
+      encircling Dionysos; and from this fountain, as from a star, diverged the
+      various tables from which sprang orange-trees in fruit and flower.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The banquet had but one fault; Coningsby was separated from Edith. The
+      Duchess of Grand Cairo, the beautiful wife of the heir of one of the
+      Imperial illustrations, had determined to appropriate Coningsby as her
+      cavalier for the moment. Distracted, he made his escape; but his wandering
+      eye could not find the object of its search; and he fell prisoner to the
+      charming Princess de Petitpoix, a Carlist chieftain, whose witty words
+      avenged the cause of fallen dynasties and a cashiered nobility.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Behold a scene brilliant in fancy, magnificent in splendour! All the
+      circumstances of his life at this moment were such as acted forcibly on
+      the imagination of Coningsby. Separated from Edith, he had still the
+      delight of seeing her the paragon of that bright company, the consummate
+      being whom he adored! and who had spoken to him in a voice sweeter than a
+      serenade, and had bestowed on him a glance softer than moonlight! The lord
+      of the palace, more distinguished even for his capacity than his boundless
+      treasure, was his chosen friend; gained under circumstances of romantic
+      interest, when the reciprocal influence of their personal qualities was
+      affected by no accessory knowledge of their worldly positions. He himself
+      was in the very bloom of youth and health; the child of a noble house,
+      rich for his present wants, and with a future of considerable fortunes.
+      Entrancing love and dazzling friendship, a high ambition and the pride of
+      knowledge, the consciousness of a great prosperity, the vague, daring
+      energies of the high pulse of twenty-one, all combined to stimulate his
+      sense of existence, which, as he looked around him at the beautiful
+      objects and listened to the delicious sounds, seemed to him a dispensation
+      of almost supernatural ecstasy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      About an hour after this, the ball-room still full, but the other saloons
+      gradually emptying, Coningsby entered a chamber which seemed deserted. Yet
+      he heard sounds, as it were, of earnest conversation. It was the voice
+      that invited his progress; he advanced another step, then suddenly
+      stopped. There were two individuals in the room, by whom he was unnoticed.
+      They were Sidonia and Miss Millbank. They were sitting on a sofa, Sidonia
+      holding her hand and endeavouring, as it seemed, to soothe her. Her tones
+      were tremulous; but the expression of her face was fond and confiding. It
+      was all the work of a moment. Coningsby instantly withdrew, yet could not
+      escape hearing an earnest request from Edith to her companion that he
+      would write to her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In a few seconds Coningsby had quitted the hotel of Sidonia, and the next
+      day found him on his road to England.
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      END OF BOOK VI.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0066" id="link2H_4_0066"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      BOOK VII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0056" id="link2HCH0056"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER I.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      It was one of those gorgeous and enduring sunsets that seemed to linger as
+      if they wished to celebrate the mid-period of the year. Perhaps the
+      beautiful hour of impending twilight never exercises a more effective
+      influence on the soul than when it descends on the aspect of some distant
+      and splendid city. What a contrast between the serenity and repose of our
+      own bosoms and the fierce passions and destructive cares girt in the walls
+      of that multitude whose domes and towers rise in purple lustre against the
+      resplendent horizon!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And yet the disturbing emotions of existence and the bitter inheritance of
+      humanity should exercise but a modified sway, and entail but a light
+      burden, within the circle of the city into which the next scene of our
+      history leads us. For it is the sacred city of study, of learning, and of
+      faith; and the declining beam is resting on the dome of the Radcliffe,
+      lingering on the towers of Christchurch and Magdalen, sanctifying the
+      spires and pinnacles of holy St. Mary&rsquo;s.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A young Oxonian, who had for some time been watching the city in the
+      sunset, from a rising ground in its vicinity, lost, as it would seem, in
+      meditation, suddenly rose, and looking at his watch, as if remindful of
+      some engagement, hastened his return at a rapid pace. He reached the High
+      Street as the Blenheim light post coach dashed up to the Star Hotel, with
+      that brilliant precision which even the New Generation can remember, and
+      yet which already ranks among the traditions of English manners. A
+      peculiar and most animating spectacle used to be the arrival of a
+      firstrate light coach in a country town! The small machine, crowded with
+      so many passengers, the foaming and curvetting leaders, the wheelers more
+      steady and glossy, as if they had not done their ten miles in the hour,
+      the triumphant bugle of the guard, and the haughty routine with which the
+      driver, as he reached his goal, threw his whip to the obedient ostlers in
+      attendance; and, not least, the staring crowd, a little awestruck, and
+      looking for the moment at the lowest official of the stable with
+      considerable respect, altogether made a picture which one recollects with
+      cheerfulness, and misses now in many a dreary market-town.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Our Oxonian was a young man about the middle height, and naturally of a
+      thoughtful expression and rather reserved mien. The general character of
+      his countenance was, indeed, a little stern, but it broke into an almost
+      bewitching smile, and a blush suffused his face, as he sprang forward and
+      welcomed an individual about the same age, who had jumped off the
+      Blenheim.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, Coningsby!&rsquo; he exclaimed, extending both his hands.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By Jove! my dear Millbank, we have met at last,&rsquo; said his friend.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And here we must for a moment revert to what had occurred to Coningsby
+      since he so suddenly quitted Paris at the beginning of the year. The wound
+      he had received was deep to one unused to wounds. Yet, after all, none had
+      outraged his feelings, no one had betrayed his hopes. He had loved one who
+      had loved another. Misery, but scarcely humiliation. And yet &lsquo;tis a bitter
+      pang under any circumstances to find another preferred to yourself. It is
+      about the same blow as one would probably feel if falling from a balloon.
+      Your Icarian flight melts into a grovelling existence, scarcely superior
+      to that of a sponge or a coral, or redeemed only from utter insensibility
+      by your frank detestation of your rival. It is quite impossible to conceal
+      that Coningsby had imbibed for Sidonia a certain degree of aversion,
+      which, in these days of exaggerated phrase, might even be described as
+      hatred. And Edith was so beautiful! And there had seemed between them a
+      sympathy so native and spontaneous, creating at once the charm of intimacy
+      without any of the disenchanting attributes that are occasionally its
+      consequence. He would recall the tones of her voice, the expression of her
+      soft dark eye, the airy spirit and frank graciousness, sometimes even the
+      flattering blush, with which she had ever welcomed one of whom she had
+      heard so long and so kindly. It seemed, to use a sweet and homely phrase,
+      that they were made for each other; the circumstances of their mutual
+      destinies might have combined into one enchanting fate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And yet, had she accorded him that peerless boon, her heart, with what
+      aspect was he to communicate this consummation of all his hopes to his
+      grandfather, ask Lord Monmouth for his blessing, and the gracious favour
+      of an establishment for the daughter of his foe, of a man whose name was
+      never mentioned except to cloud his visage? Ah! what was that mystery that
+      connected the haughty house of Coningsby with the humble blood of the
+      Lancashire manufacturer? Why was the portrait of his mother beneath the
+      roof of Millbank? Coningsby had delicately touched upon the subject both
+      with Edith and the Wallingers, but the result of his inquiries only
+      involved the question in deeper gloom. Edith had none but maternal
+      relatives: more than once she had mentioned this, and the Wallingers, on
+      other occasions, had confirmed the remark. Coningsby had sometimes drawn
+      the conversation to pictures, and he would remind her with playfulness of
+      their first unconscious meeting in the gallery of the Rue Tronchet; then
+      he remembered that Mr. Millbank was fond of pictures; then he recollected
+      some specimens of Mr. Millbank&rsquo;s collection, and after touching on several
+      which could not excite suspicion, he came to &lsquo;a portrait, a portrait of a
+      lady; was it a portrait or an ideal countenance?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Edith thought she had heard it was a portrait, but she was by no means
+      certain, and most assuredly was quite unacquainted with the name of the
+      original, if there were an original.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby addressed himself to the point with Sir Joseph. He inquired of
+      the uncle explicitly whether he knew anything on the subject. Sir Joseph
+      was of opinion that it was something that Millbank had somewhere &lsquo;picked
+      up.&rsquo; Millbank used often to &lsquo;pick up&rsquo; pictures.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Disappointed in his love, Coningsby sought refuge in the excitement of
+      study, and in the brooding imagination of an aspiring spirit. The softness
+      of his heart seemed to have quitted him for ever. He recurred to his
+      habitual reveries of political greatness and public distinction. And as it
+      ever seemed to him that no preparation could be complete for the career
+      which he planned for himself, he devoted himself with increased ardour to
+      that digestion of knowledge which converts it into wisdom. His life at
+      Cambridge was now a life of seclusion. With the exception of a few Eton
+      friends, he avoided all society. And, indeed, his acquisitions during this
+      term were such as few have equalled, and could only have been mastered by
+      a mental discipline of a severe and exalted character. At the end of the
+      term Coningsby took his degree, and in a few days was about to quit that
+      university where, on the whole, he had passed three serene and happy years
+      in the society of fond and faithful friends, and in ennobling pursuits. He
+      had many plans for his impending movements, yet none of them very mature
+      ones. Lord Vere wished Coningsby to visit his family in the north, and
+      afterwards to go to Scotland together: Coningsby was more inclined to
+      travel for a year. Amid this hesitation a circumstance occurred which
+      decided him to adopt neither of these courses.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was Commencement, and coming out of the quadrangle of St. John&rsquo;s,
+      Coningsby came suddenly upon Sir Joseph and Lady Wallinger, who were
+      visiting the marvels and rarities of the university. They were alone.
+      Coningsby was a little embarrassed, for he could not forget the abrupt
+      manner in which he had parted from them; but they greeted him with so much
+      cordiality that he instantly recovered himself, and, turning, became their
+      companion. He hardly ventured to ask after Edith: at length, in a
+      depressed tone and a hesitating manner, he inquired whether they had
+      lately seen Miss Millbank. He was himself surprised at the extreme
+      light-heartedness which came over him the moment he heard she was in
+      England, at Millbank, with her family. He always very much liked Lady
+      Wallinger, but this morning he hung over her like a lover, lavished on her
+      unceasing and the most delicate attentions, seemed to exist only in the
+      idea of making the Wallingers enjoy and understand Cambridge; and no one
+      else was to be their guide at any place or under any circumstances. He
+      told them exactly what they were to see; how they were to see it; when
+      they were to see it. He told them of things which nobody did see, but
+      which they should. He insisted that Sir Joseph should dine with him in
+      hall; Sir Joseph could not think of leaving Lady Wallinger; Lady Wallinger
+      could not think of Sir Joseph missing an opportunity that might never
+      offer again. Besides, they might both join her after dinner. Except to
+      give her husband a dinner, Coningsby evidently intended never to leave her
+      side.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And the next morning, the occasion favourable, being alone with the lady,
+      Sir Joseph bustling about a carriage, Coningsby said suddenly, with a
+      countenance a little disturbed, and in a low voice, &lsquo;I was pleased, I mean
+      surprised, to hear that there was still a Miss Millbank; I thought by this
+      time she might have borne another name?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lady Wallinger looked at him with an expression of some perplexity, and
+      then said, &lsquo;Yes, Edith was much admired; but she need not be precipitate
+      in marrying. Marriage is for a woman <i>the</i> event. Edith is too
+      precious to be carelessly bestowed.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But I understood,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;when I left Paris,&rsquo; and here, he
+      became very confused, &lsquo;that Miss Millbank was engaged, on the point of
+      marriage.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;With whom?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Our friend Sidonia.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sure that Edith would never marry Monsieur de Sidonia, nor Monsieur
+      de Sidonia, Edith. &lsquo;Tis a preposterous idea!&rsquo; said Lady Wallinger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But he very much admired her?&rsquo; said Coningsby with a searching eye.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Possibly,&rsquo; said Lady Wallinger; &lsquo;but he never even intimated his
+      admiration.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But he was very attentive to Miss Millbank?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Not more than our intimate friendship authorised, and might expect.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have known Sidonia a long time?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It was Monsieur de Sidonia&rsquo;s father who introduced us to the care of Mr.
+      Wallinger,&rsquo; said Lady Wallinger, &lsquo;and therefore I have ever entertained
+      for his son a sincere regard. Besides, I look upon him as a compatriot.
+      Recently he has been even more than usually kind to us, especially to
+      Edith. While we were at Paris he recovered for her a great number of
+      jewels which had been left to her by her uncle in Spain; and, what she
+      prized infinitely more, the whole of her mother&rsquo;s correspondence which she
+      maintained with this relative since her marriage. Nothing but the
+      influence of Sidonia could have effected this. Therefore, of course, Edith
+      is attached to him almost as much as I am. In short, he is our dearest
+      friend; our counsellor in all our cares. But as for marrying him, the idea
+      is ridiculous to those who know Monsieur Sidonia. No earthly consideration
+      would ever induce him to impair that purity of race on which he prides
+      himself. Besides, there are other obvious objections which would render an
+      alliance between him and my niece utterly impossible: Edith is quite as
+      devoted to her religion as Monsieur Sidonia can be to his race.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A ray of light flashed on the brain of Coningsby as Lady Wallinger said
+      these words. The agitated interview, which never could be explained away,
+      already appeared in quite a different point of view. He became pensive,
+      remained silent, was relieved when Sir Joseph, whose return he had
+      hitherto deprecated, reappeared. Coningsby learnt in the course of the day
+      that the Wallingers were about to make, and immediately, a visit to
+      Hellingsley; their first visit; indeed, this was the first year that Mr.
+      Millbank had taken up his abode there. He did not much like the change of
+      life, Sir Joseph told Coningsby, but Edith was delighted with Hellingsley,
+      which Sir Joseph understood was a very distinguished place, with fine
+      gardens, of which his niece was particularly fond.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Coningsby returned to his rooms, those rooms which he was soon about
+      to quit for ever, in arranging some papers preparatory to his removal, his
+      eye lighted on a too-long unanswered letter of Oswald Millbank. Coningsby
+      had often projected a visit to Oxford, which he much desired to make, but
+      hitherto it had been impossible for him to effect it, except in the
+      absence of Millbank; and he had frequently postponed it that he might
+      combine his first visit to that famous seat of learning with one to his
+      old schoolfellow and friend. Now that was practicable. And immediately
+      Coningsby wrote to apprise Millbank that he had taken his degree, was
+      free, and prepared to pay him immediately the long-projected visit. Three
+      years and more had elapsed since they had quitted Eton. How much had
+      happened in the interval! What new ideas, new feelings, vast and novel
+      knowledge! Though they had not met, they were nevertheless familiar with
+      the progress and improvement of each other&rsquo;s minds. Their suggestive
+      correspondence was too valuable to both of them to have been otherwise
+      than cherished. And now they were to meet on the eve of entering that
+      world for which they had made so sedulous a preparation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0057" id="link2HCH0057"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER II.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      There are few things in life more interesting than an unrestrained
+      interchange of ideas with a congenial spirit, and there are few things
+      more rare. How very seldom do you encounter in the world a man of great
+      abilities, acquirements, experience, who will unmask his mind, unbutton
+      his brains, and pour forth in careless and picturesque phrase all the
+      results of his studies and observation; his knowledge of men, books, and
+      nature. On the contrary, if a man has by any chance what he conceives an
+      original idea, he hoards it as if it were old gold; and rather avoids the
+      subject with which he is most conversant, from fear that you may
+      appropriate his best thoughts. One of the principal causes of our renowned
+      dulness in conversation is our extreme intellectual jealousy. It must be
+      admitted that in this respect authors, but especially poets, bear the
+      palm. They never think they are sufficiently appreciated, and live in
+      tremor lest a brother should distinguish himself. Artists have the repute
+      of being nearly as bad. And as for a small rising politician, a clever
+      speech by a supposed rival or suspected candidate for office destroys his
+      appetite and disturbs his slumbers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One of the chief delights and benefits of travel is, that one is
+      perpetually meeting men of great abilities, of original mind, and rare
+      acquirements, who will converse without reserve. In these discourses the
+      intellect makes daring leaps and marvellous advances. The tone that
+      colours our afterlife is often caught in these chance colloquies, and the
+      bent given that shapes a career.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And yet perhaps there is no occasion when the heart is more open, the
+      brain more quick, the memory more rich and happy, or the tongue more
+      prompt and eloquent, than when two school-day friends, knit by every
+      sympathy of intelligence and affection, meet at the close of their college
+      careers, after a long separation, hesitating, as it were, on the verge of
+      active life, and compare together their conclusions of the interval;
+      impart to each other all their thoughts and secret plans and projects;
+      high fancies and noble aspirations; glorious visions of personal fame and
+      national regeneration.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Ah! why should such enthusiasm ever die! Life is too short to be little.
+      Man is never so manly as when he feels deeply, acts boldly, and expresses
+      himself with frankness and with fervour.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Most assuredly there never was a congress of friendship wherein more was
+      said and felt than in this meeting, so long projected, and yet perhaps on
+      the whole so happily procrastinated, between Coningsby and Millbank. In a
+      moment they seemed as if they had never parted. Their faithful
+      correspondence indeed had maintained the chain of sentiment unbroken. But
+      details are only for conversation. Each poured forth his mind without
+      stint. Not an author that had influenced their taste or judgment but was
+      canvassed and criticised; not a theory they had framed or a principle they
+      had adopted that was not confessed. Often, with boyish glee still
+      lingering with their earnest purpose, they shouted as they discovered that
+      they had formed the same opinion or adopted the same conclusion. They
+      talked all day and late into the night. They condensed into a week the
+      poignant conclusions of three years of almost unbroken study. And one
+      night, as they sat together in Millbank&rsquo;s rooms at Oriel, their
+      conversation having for some time taken a political colour, Millbank said,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Now tell me, Coningsby, exactly what you conceive to be the state of
+      parties in this country; for it seems to me that if we penetrate the
+      surface, the classification must be more simple than their many names
+      would intimate.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The principle of the exclusive constitution of England having been
+      conceded by the Acts of 1827-8-32,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;a party has arisen in
+      the State who demand that the principle of political liberalism shall
+      consequently be carried to its extent; which it appears to them is
+      impossible without getting rid of the fragments of the old constitution
+      that remain. This is the destructive party; a party with distinct and
+      intelligible principles. They seek a specific for the evils of our social
+      system in the general suffrage of the population.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;They are resisted by another party, who, having given up exclusion, would
+      only embrace as much liberalism as is necessary for the moment; who,
+      without any embarrassing promulgation of principles, wish to keep things
+      as they find them as long as they can, and then will manage them as they
+      find them as well as they can; but as a party must have the semblance of
+      principles, they take the names of the things that they have destroyed.
+      Thus they are devoted to the prerogatives of the Crown, although in truth
+      the Crown has been stripped of every one of its prerogatives; they affect
+      a great veneration for the constitution in Church and State, though every
+      one knows that the constitution in Church and State no longer exists; they
+      are ready to stand or fall with the &ldquo;independence of the Upper House of
+      Parliament&rdquo;, though, in practice, they are perfectly aware that, with
+      their sanction, &ldquo;the Upper House&rdquo; has abdicated its initiatory functions,
+      and now serves only as a court of review of the legislation of the House
+      of Commons. Whenever public opinion, which this party never attempts to
+      form, to educate, or to lead, falls into some violent perplexity, passion,
+      or caprice, this party yields without a struggle to the impulse, and, when
+      the storm has passed, attempts to obstruct and obviate the logical and,
+      ultimately, the inevitable results of the very measures they have
+      themselves originated, or to which they have consented. This is the
+      Conservative party.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I care not whether men are called Whigs or Tories, Radicals or Chartists,
+      or by what nickname a bustling and thoughtless race may designate
+      themselves; but these two divisions comprehend at present the English
+      nation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;With regard to the first school, I for one have no faith in the remedial
+      qualities of a government carried on by a neglected democracy, who, for
+      three centuries, have received no education. What prospect does it offer
+      us of those high principles of conduct with which we have fed our
+      imaginations and strengthened our will? I perceive none of the elements of
+      government that should secure the happiness of a people and the greatness
+      of a realm.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But in my opinion, if Democracy be combated only by Conservatism,
+      Democracy must triumph, and at no distant date. This, then, is our
+      position. The man who enters public life at this epoch has to choose
+      between Political Infidelity and a Destructive Creed.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;This, then,&rsquo; said Millbank, &lsquo;is the dilemma to which we are brought by
+      nearly two centuries of Parliamentary Monarchy and Parliamentary Church.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;&rsquo;Tis true,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;We cannot conceal it from ourselves, that
+      the first has made Government detested, and the second Religion
+      disbelieved.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Many men in this country,&rsquo; said Millbank, &lsquo;and especially in the class to
+      which I belong, are reconciled to the contemplation of democracy; because
+      they have accustomed themselves to believe, that it is the only power by
+      which we can sweep away those sectional privileges and interests that
+      impede the intelligence and industry of the community.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And yet,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;the only way to terminate what, in the
+      language of the present day, is called Class Legislation, is not to
+      entrust power to classes. You would find a Locofoco majority as much
+      addicted to Class Legislation as a factitious aristocracy. The only power
+      that has no class sympathy is the Sovereign.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But suppose the case of an arbitrary Sovereign, what would be your check
+      against him?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The same as against an arbitrary Parliament.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But a Parliament is responsible.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;To whom?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;To their constituent body.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Suppose it was to vote itself perpetual?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But public opinion would prevent that.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And is public opinion of less influence on an individual than on a body?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But public opinion may be indifferent. A nation may be misled, may be
+      corrupt.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If the nation that elects the Parliament be corrupt, the elected body
+      will resemble it. The nation that is corrupt deserves to fall. But this
+      only shows that there is something to be considered beyond forms of
+      government, national character. And herein mainly should we repose our
+      hopes. If a nation be led to aim at the good and the great, depend upon
+      it, whatever be its form, the government will respond to its convictions
+      and its sentiments.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Do you then declare against Parliamentary government.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Far from it: I look upon political change as the greatest of evils, for
+      it comprehends all. But if we have no faith in the permanence of the
+      existing settlement, if the very individuals who established it are, year
+      after year, proposing their modifications or their reconstructions; so
+      also, while we uphold what exists, ought we to prepare ourselves for the
+      change we deem impending?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Now I would not that either ourselves, or our fellow-citizens, should be
+      taken unawares as in 1832, when the very men who opposed the Reform Bill
+      offered contrary objections to it which destroyed each other, so ignorant
+      were they of its real character, its historical causes, its political
+      consequences. We should now so act that, when the occasions arrives, we
+      should clearly comprehend what we want, and have formed an opinion as to
+      the best means by which that want can be supplied.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;For this purpose I would accustom the public mind to the contemplation of
+      an existing though torpid power in the constitution, capable of removing
+      our social grievances, were we to transfer to it those prerogatives which
+      the Parliament has gradually usurped, and used in a manner which has
+      produced the present material and moral disorganisation. The House of
+      Commons is the house of a few; the Sovereign is the sovereign of all. The
+      proper leader of the people is the individual who sits upon the throne.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Then you abjure the Representative principle?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why so? Representation is not necessarily, or even in a principal sense,
+      Parliamentary. Parliament is not sitting at this moment, and yet the
+      nation is represented in its highest as well as in its most minute
+      interests. Not a grievance escapes notice and redress. I see in the
+      newspaper this morning that a pedagogue has brutally chastised his pupil.
+      It is a fact known over all England. We must not forget that a principle
+      of government is reserved for our days that we shall not find in our
+      Aristotles, or even in the forests of Tacitus, nor in our Saxon
+      Wittenagemotes, nor in our Plantagenet parliaments. Opinion is now
+      supreme, and Opinion speaks in print. The representation of the Press is
+      far more complete than the representation of Parliament. Parliamentary
+      representation was the happy device of a ruder age, to which it was
+      admirably adapted: an age of semi-civilisation, when there was a leading
+      class in the community; but it exhibits many symptoms of desuetude. It is
+      controlled by a system of representation more vigorous and comprehensive;
+      which absorbs its duties and fulfils them more efficiently, and in which
+      discussion is pursued on fairer terms, and often with more depth and
+      information.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And to what power would you entrust the function of Taxation?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;To some power that would employ it more discreetly than in creating our
+      present amount of debt, and in establishing our present system of imposts.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;In a word, true wisdom lies in the policy that would effect its ends by
+      the influence of opinion, and yet by the means of existing forms.
+      Nevertheless, if we are forced to revolutions, let us propose to our
+      consideration the idea of a free monarchy, established on fundamental
+      laws, itself the apex of a vast pile of municipal and local government,
+      ruling an educated people, represented by a free and intellectual press.
+      Before such a royal authority, supported by such a national opinion, the
+      sectional anomalies of our country would disappear. Under such a system,
+      where qualification would not be parliamentary, but personal, even
+      statesmen would be educated; we should have no more diplomatists who could
+      not speak French, no more bishops ignorant of theology, no more
+      generals-in-chief who never saw a field.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Now there is a polity adapted to our laws, our institutions, our
+      feelings, our manners, our traditions; a polity capable of great ends and
+      appealing to high sentiments; a polity which, in my opinion, would render
+      government an object of national affection, which would terminate
+      sectional anomalies, assuage religious heats, and extinguish Chartism.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You said to me yesterday,&rsquo; said Millbank after a pause, &lsquo;quoting the
+      words of another, which you adopted, that Man was made to adore and to
+      obey. Now you have shown to me the means by which you deem it possible
+      that government might become no longer odious to the subject; you have
+      shown how man may be induced to obey. But there are duties and interests
+      for man beyond political obedience, and social comfort, and national
+      greatness, higher interests and greater duties. How would you deal with
+      their spiritual necessities? You think you can combat political infidelity
+      in a nation by the principle of enlightened loyalty; how would you
+      encounter religious infidelity in a state? By what means is the principle
+      of profound reverence to be revived? How, in short, is man to be led to
+      adore?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! that is a subject which I have not forgotten,&rsquo; replied Coningsby. &lsquo;I
+      know from your letters how deeply it has engaged your thoughts. I confess
+      to you that it has often filled mine with perplexity and depression. When
+      we were at Eton, and both of us impregnated with the contrary prejudices
+      in which we had been brought up, there was still between us one common
+      ground of sympathy and trust; we reposed with confidence and affection in
+      the bosom of our Church. Time and thought, with both of us, have only
+      matured the spontaneous veneration of our boyhood. But time and thought
+      have also shown me that the Church of our heart is not in a position, as
+      regards the community, consonant with its original and essential
+      character, or with the welfare of the nation.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The character of a Church is universality,&rsquo; replied Millbank. &lsquo;Once the
+      Church in this country was universal in principle and practice; when
+      wedded to the State, it continued at least universal in principle, if not
+      in practice. What is it now? All ties between the State and the Church are
+      abolished, except those which tend to its danger and degradation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What can be more anomalous than the present connection between State and
+      Church? Every condition on which it was originally consented to has been
+      cancelled. That original alliance was, in my view, an equal calamity for
+      the nation and the Church; but, at least, it was an intelligible compact.
+      Parliament, then consisting only of members of the Established Church,
+      was, on ecclesiastical matters, a lay synod, and might, in some points of
+      view, be esteemed a necessary portion of Church government. But you have
+      effaced this exclusive character of Parliament; you have determined that a
+      communion with the Established Church shall no longer be part of the
+      qualification for sitting in the House of Commons. There is no reason, so
+      far as the constitution avails, why every member of the House of Commons
+      should not be a dissenter. But the whole power of the country is
+      concentrated in the House of Commons. The House of Lords, even the Monarch
+      himself, has openly announced and confessed, within these ten years, that
+      the will of the House of Commons is supreme. A single vote of the House of
+      Commons, in 1832, made the Duke of Wellington declare, in the House of
+      Lords, that he was obliged to abandon his sovereign in &ldquo;the most difficult
+      and distressing circumstances.&rdquo; The House of Commons is absolute. It is
+      the State. &ldquo;L&rsquo;Etat c&rsquo;est moi.&rdquo; The House of Commons virtually appoints the
+      bishops. A sectarian assembly appoints the bishops of the Established
+      Church. They may appoint twenty Hoadleys. James II was expelled the throne
+      because he appointed a Roman Catholic to an Anglican see. A Parliament
+      might do this to-morrow with impunity. And this is the constitution in
+      Church and State which Conservative dinners toast! The only consequences
+      of the present union of Church and State are, that, on the side of the
+      State, there is perpetual interference in ecclesiastical government, and
+      on the side of the Church a sedulous avoidance of all those principles on
+      which alone Church government can be established, and by the influence of
+      which alone can the Church of England again become universal.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But it is urged that the State protects its revenues?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No ecclesiastical revenues should be safe that require protection. Modern
+      history is a history of Church spoliation. And by whom? Not by the people;
+      not by the democracy. No; it is the emperor, the king, the feudal baron,
+      the court minion. The estate of the Church is the estate of the people, so
+      long as the Church is governed on its real principles. The Church is the
+      medium by which the despised and degraded classes assert the native
+      equality of man, and vindicate the rights and power of intellect. It made,
+      in the darkest hour of Norman rule, the son of a Saxon pedlar Primate of
+      England, and placed Nicholas Breakspear, a Hertfordshire peasant, on the
+      throne of the Caesars. It would do as great things now, if it were
+      divorced from the degrading and tyrannical connection that enchains it.
+      You would have other sons of peasants Bishops of England, instead of men
+      appointed to that sacred office solely because they were the needy scions
+      of a factitious aristocracy; men of gross ignorance, profligate habits,
+      and grinding extortion, who have disgraced the episcopal throne, and
+      profaned the altar.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But surely you cannot justly extend such a description to the present
+      bench?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Surely not: I speak of the past, of the past that has produced so much
+      present evil. We live in decent times; frigid, latitudinarian, alarmed,
+      decorous. A priest is scarcely deemed in our days a fit successor to the
+      authors of the gospels, if he be not the editor of a Greek play; and he
+      who follows St. Paul must now at least have been private tutor of some
+      young nobleman who has taken a good degree! And then you are all
+      astonished that the Church is not universal! Why! nothing but the
+      indestructibleness of its principles, however feebly pursued, could have
+      maintained even the disorganised body that still survives.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And yet, my dear Coningsby, with all its past errors and all its present
+      deficiencies, it is by the Church; I would have said until I listened to
+      you to-night; by the Church alone that I see any chance of regenerating
+      the national character. The parochial system, though shaken by the fatal
+      poor-law, is still the most ancient, the most comprehensive, and the most
+      popular institution of the country; the younger priests are, in general,
+      men whose souls are awake to the high mission which they have to fulfil,
+      and which their predecessors so neglected; there is, I think, a rising
+      feeling in the community, that parliamentary intercourse in matters
+      ecclesiastical has not tended either to the spiritual or the material
+      elevation of the humbler orders. Divorce the Church from the State, and
+      the spiritual power that struggled against the brute force of the dark
+      ages, against tyrannical monarchs and barbarous barons, will struggle
+      again in opposition to influences of a different form, but of a similar
+      tendency; equally selfish, equally insensible, equally barbarising. The
+      priests of God are the tribunes of the people. O, ignorant! that with such
+      a mission they should ever have cringed in the antechambers of ministers,
+      or bowed before parliamentary committees!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The Utilitarian system is dead,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;It has passed through
+      the heaven of philosophy like a hailstorm, cold, noisy, sharp, and
+      peppering, and it has melted away. And yet can we wonder that it found
+      some success, when we consider the political ignorance and social torpor
+      which it assailed? Anointed kings turned into chief magistrates, and
+      therefore much overpaid; estates of the realm changed into parliaments of
+      virtual representation, and therefore requiring real reform; holy Church
+      transformed into national establishment, and therefore grumbled at by all
+      the nation for whom it was not supported. What an inevitable harvest of
+      sedition, radicalism, infidelity! I really think there is no society,
+      however great its resources, that could long resist the united influences
+      of chief magistrate, virtual representation, and Church establishment!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have immense faith in the new generation,&rsquo; said Millbank, eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is a holy thing to see a state saved by its youth,&rsquo; said Coningsby;
+      and then he added, in a tone of humility, if not of depression, &lsquo;But what
+      a task! What a variety of qualities, what a combination of circumstances
+      is requisite! What bright abilities and what noble patience! What
+      confidence from the people, what favour from the Most High!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But He will favour us,&rsquo; said Millbank. &lsquo;And I say to you as Nathan said
+      unto David, &ldquo;Thou art the man!&rdquo; You were our leader at Eton; the friends
+      of your heart and boyhood still cling and cluster round you! they are all
+      men whose position forces them into public life. It is a nucleus of
+      honour, faith, and power. You have only to dare. And will you not dare? It
+      is our privilege to live in an age when the career of the highest ambition
+      is identified with the performance of the greatest good. Of the present
+      epoch it may be truly said, &ldquo;Who dares to be good, dares to be great.&rdquo;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Heaven is above all,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;The curtain of our fate is still
+      undrawn. We are happy in our friends, dear Millbank, and whatever lights,
+      we will stand together. For myself, I prefer fame to life; and yet, the
+      consciousness of heroic deeds to the most wide-spread celebrity.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0058" id="link2HCH0058"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER III.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The beautiful light of summer had never shone on a scene and surrounding
+      landscape which recalled happier images of English nature, and better
+      recollections of English manners, than that to which we would now
+      introduce our readers. One of those true old English Halls, now unhappily
+      so rare, built in the time of the Tudors, and in its elaborate
+      timber-framing and decorative woodwork indicating, perhaps, the scarcity
+      of brick and stone at the period of its structure, as much as the
+      grotesque genius of its fabricator, rose on a terrace surrounded by
+      ancient and very formal gardens. The hall itself, during many generations,
+      had been vigilantly and tastefully preserved by its proprietors. There was
+      not a point which was not as fresh as if it had been renovated but
+      yesterday. It stood a huge and strange blending of Grecian, Gothic, and
+      Italian architecture, with a wild dash of the fantastic in addition. The
+      lantern watch-towers of a baronial castle were placed in juxtaposition
+      with Doric columns employed for chimneys, while under oriel windows might
+      be observed Italian doorways with Grecian pediments. Beyond the extensive
+      gardens an avenue of Spanish chestnuts at each point of the compass
+      approached the mansion, or led into a small park which was table-land, its
+      limits opening on all sides to beautiful and extensive valleys, sparkling
+      with cultivation, except at one point, where the river Darl formed the
+      boundary of the domain, and then spread in many a winding through the rich
+      country beyond.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Such was Hellingsley, the new home that Oswald Millbank was about to visit
+      for the first time. Coningsby and himself had travelled together as far as
+      Darlford, where their roads diverged, and they had separated with an
+      engagement on the part of Coningsby to visit Hellingsley on the morrow. As
+      they had travelled along, Coningsby had frequently led the conversation to
+      domestic topics; gradually he had talked, and talked much of Edith.
+      Without an obtrusive curiosity, he extracted, unconsciously to his
+      companion, traits of her character and early days, which filled him with a
+      wild and secret interest. The thought that in a few hours he was to meet
+      her again, infused into his being a degree of transport, which the very
+      necessity of repressing before his companion rendered more magical and
+      thrilling. How often it happens in life that we have with a grave face to
+      discourse of ordinary topics, while all the time our heart and memory are
+      engrossed with some enchanting secret!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The castle of his grandfather presented a far different scene on the
+      arrival of Coningsby from that which it had offered on his first visit.
+      The Marquess had given him a formal permission to repair to it at his
+      pleasure, and had instructed the steward accordingly. But he came without
+      notice, at a season of the year when the absence of all sports made his
+      arrival unexpected. The scattered and sauntering household roused
+      themselves into action, and contemplated the conviction that it might be
+      necessary to do some service for their wages. There was a stir in that
+      vast, sleepy castle. At last the steward was found, and came forward to
+      welcome their young master, whose simple wants were limited to the rooms
+      he had formerly occupied.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby reached the castle a little before sunset, almost the same hour
+      that he had arrived there more than three years ago. How much had happened
+      in the interval! Coningsby had already lived long enough to find interest
+      in pondering over the past. That past too must inevitably exercise a great
+      influence over his present. He recalled his morning drive with his
+      grandfather, to the brink of that river which was the boundary between his
+      own domain and Hellingsley. Who dwelt at Hellingsley now?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Restless, excited, not insensible to the difficulties, perhaps the dangers
+      of his position, yet full of an entrancing emotion in which all thoughts
+      and feelings seemed to merge, Coningsby went forth into the fair gardens
+      to muse over his love amid objects as beautiful. A rosy light hung over
+      the rare shrubs and tall fantastic trees; while a rich yet darker tint
+      suffused the distant woods. This euthanasia of the day exercises a strange
+      influence on the hearts of those who love. Who has not felt it? Magical
+      emotions that touch the immortal part!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But as for Coningsby, the mitigating hour that softens the heart made his
+      spirit brave. Amid the ennobling sympathies of nature, the pursuits and
+      purposes of worldly prudence and conventional advantage subsided into
+      their essential nothingness. He willed to blend his life and fate with a
+      being beautiful as that nature that subdued him, and he felt in his own
+      breast the intrinsic energies that in spite of all obstacles should mould
+      such an imagination into reality.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He descended the slopes, now growing dimmer in the fleeting light, into
+      the park. The stillness was almost supernatural; the jocund sounds of day
+      had died, and the voices of the night had not commenced. His heart too was
+      still. A sacred calm had succeeded to that distraction of emotion which
+      had agitated him the whole day, while he had mused over his love and the
+      infinite and insurmountable barriers that seemed to oppose his will. Now
+      he felt one of those strong groundless convictions that are the
+      inspirations of passion, that all would yield to him as to one holding an
+      enchanted wand.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Onward he strolled; it seemed without purpose, yet always proceeding. A
+      pale and then gleaming tint stole over the masses of mighty timber; and
+      soon a glittering light flooded the lawns and glades. The moon was high in
+      her summer heaven, and still Coningsby strolled on. He crossed the broad
+      lawns, he traversed the bright glades: amid the gleaming and shadowy
+      woods, he traced his prescient way.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He came to the bank of a rushing river, foaming in the moonlight, and
+      wafting on its blue breast the shadow of a thousand stars.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;O river!&rsquo; he said, &lsquo;that rollest to my mistress, bear her, bear her my
+      heart!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0059" id="link2HCH0059"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER IV.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Lady Wallinger and Edith were together in the morning room of Hellingsley,
+      the morrow after the arrival of Oswald. Edith was arranging flowers in a
+      vase, while her aunt was embroidering a Spanish peasant in correct
+      costume. The daughter of Millbank looked as bright and fragrant as the
+      fair creations that surrounded her. Beautiful to watch her as she arranged
+      their forms and composed their groups; to mark her eye glance with
+      gratification at some happy combination of colour, or to listen to her
+      delight as they wafted to her in gratitude their perfume. Oswald and Sir
+      Joseph were surveying the stables; Mr. Millbank, who had been daily
+      expected for the last week from the factories, had not yet arrived.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I must say he gained my heart from the first,&rsquo; said Lady Wallinger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wish the gardener would send us more roses,&rsquo; said Edith.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He is so very superior to any young man I ever met,&rsquo; continued Lady
+      Wallinger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think we must have this vase entirely of roses; don&rsquo;t you think so,
+      aunt?&rsquo; inquired her niece.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am fond of roses,&rsquo; said Lady Wallinger. &lsquo;What beautiful bouquets Mr.
+      Coningsby gave us at Paris, Edith!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Beautiful!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I must say, I was very happy when I met Mr. Coningsby again at
+      Cambridge,&rsquo; said Lady Wallinger. &lsquo;It gave me much greater pleasure than
+      seeing any of the colleges.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;How delighted Oswald seems at having Mr. Coningsby for a companion
+      again!&rsquo; said Edith.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And very naturally,&rsquo; said Lady Wallinger. &lsquo;Oswald ought to deem himself
+      fortunate in having such a friend. I am sure the kindness of Mr. Coningsby
+      when we met him at Cambridge is what I never shall forget. But he always
+      was my favourite from the first time I saw him at Paris. Do you know,
+      Edith, I liked him best of all your admirers.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! no, aunt,&rsquo; said Edith, smiling, &lsquo;not more than Lord Beaumanoir; you
+      forget your great favourite, Lord Beaumanoir.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But I did not know Mr. Coningsby at Rome,&rsquo; said Lady Wallinger; &lsquo;I cannot
+      agree that anybody is equal to Mr. Coningsby. I cannot tell you how
+      pleased I am that he is our neighbour!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As Lady Wallinger gave a finishing stroke to the jacket of her Andalusian,
+      Edith, vividly blushing, yet speaking in a voice of affected calmness,
+      said,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Here is Mr. Coningsby, aunt.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And, truly, at this moment our hero might be discerned, approaching the
+      hall by one of the avenues; and in a few minutes there was a ringing at
+      the hall bell, and then, after a short pause, the servants announced Mr.
+      Coningsby, and ushered him into the morning room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Edith was embarrassed; the frankness and the gaiety of her manner had
+      deserted her; Coningsby was rather earnest than self-possessed. Each felt
+      at first that the presence of Lady Wallinger was a relief. The ordinary
+      topics of conversation were in sufficient plenty; reminiscences of Paris,
+      impressions of Hellingsley, his visit to Oxford, Lady Wallinger&rsquo;s visit to
+      Cambridge. In ten minutes their voices seemed to sound to each other as
+      they did in the Rue de Rivoli, and their mutual perplexity had in a great
+      degree subsided.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Oswald and Sir Joseph now entered the room, and the conversation became
+      general. Hellingsley was the subject on which Coningsby dwelt; he was
+      charmed with all that he had seen! wished to see more. Sir Joseph was
+      quite prepared to accompany him; but Lady Wallinger, who seemed to read
+      Coningsby&rsquo;s wishes in his eyes, proposed that the inspection should be
+      general; and in the course of half an hour Coningsby was walking by the
+      side of Edith, and sympathising with all the natural charms to which her
+      quick taste and lively expression called his notice and appreciation. Few
+      things more delightful than a country ramble with a sweet companion!
+      Exploring woods, wandering over green commons, loitering in shady lanes,
+      resting on rural stiles; the air full of perfume, the heart full of bliss!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It seemed to Coningsby that he had never been happy before. A thrilling
+      joy pervaded his being. He could have sung like a bird. His heart was as
+      sunny as the summer scene. Past and Future were absorbed in the flowing
+      hour; not an allusion to Paris, not a speculation on what might arrive;
+      but infinite expressions of agreement, sympathy; a multitude of slight
+      phrases, that, however couched, had but one meaning, congeniality. He felt
+      each moment his voice becoming more tender; his heart gushing in soft
+      expressions; each moment he was more fascinated; her step was grace, her
+      glance was beauty. Now she touched him by some phrase of sweet simplicity;
+      or carried him spell-bound by her airy merriment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Oswald assumed that Coningsby remained to dine with them. There was not
+      even the ceremony of invitation. Coningsby could not but remember his
+      dinner at Millbank, and the timid hostess whom he then addressed so often
+      in vain, as he gazed upon the bewitching and accomplished woman whom he
+      now passionately loved. It was a most agreeable dinner. Oswald, happy in
+      his friend being his guest, under his own roof, indulged in unwonted
+      gaiety.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The ladies withdrew; Sir Joseph began to talk politics, although the young
+      men had threatened their fair companions immediately to follow them. This
+      was the period of the Bed-Chamber Plot, when Sir Robert Peel accepted and
+      resigned power in the course of three days. Sir Joseph, who had originally
+      made up his mind to support a Conservative government when he deemed it
+      inevitable, had for the last month endeavoured to compensate for this
+      trifling error by vindicating the conduct of his friends, and reprobating
+      the behaviour of those who would deprive her Majesty of the
+      &lsquo;friends-of-her-youth.&rsquo; Sir Joseph was a most chivalrous champion of the
+      &lsquo;friends-of-her-youth&rsquo; principle. Sir Joseph, who was always moderate and
+      conciliatory in his talk, though he would go, at any time, any lengths for
+      his party, expressed himself to-day with extreme sobriety, as he was
+      determined not to hurt the feelings of Mr. Coningsby, and he principally
+      confined himself to urging temperate questions, somewhat in the following
+      fashion:&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I admit that, on the whole, under ordinary circumstances, it would
+      perhaps have been more convenient that these appointments should have
+      remained with Sir Robert; but don&rsquo;t you think that, under the peculiar
+      circumstances, being friends of her Majesty&rsquo;s youth?&rsquo; &amp;c. &amp;c.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sir Joseph was extremely astonished when Coningsby replied that he
+      thought, under no circumstances, should any appointment in the Royal
+      Household be dependent on the voice of the House of Commons, though he was
+      far from admiring the &lsquo;friends-of-her-youth&rsquo; principle, which he looked
+      upon as impertinent.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But surely,&rsquo; said Sir Joseph, &lsquo;the Minister being responsible to
+      Parliament, it must follow that all great offices of State should be
+      filled at his discretion.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But where do you find this principle of Ministerial responsibility?&rsquo;
+      inquired Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And is not a Minister responsible to his Sovereign?&rsquo; inquired Millbank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sir Joseph seemed a little confused. He had always heard that Ministers
+      were responsible to Parliament; and he had a vague conviction,
+      notwithstanding the reanimating loyalty of the Bed-Chamber Plot, that the
+      Sovereign of England was a nonentity. He took refuge in indefinite
+      expressions, and observed, &lsquo;The Responsibility of Ministers is surely a
+      constitutional doctrine.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The Ministers of the Crown are responsible to their master; they are not
+      the Ministers of Parliament.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But then you know virtually,&rsquo; said Sir Joseph, &lsquo;the Parliament, that is,
+      the House of Commons, governs the country.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It did before 1832,&rsquo; said Coningsby; &lsquo;but that is all past now. We got
+      rid of that with the Venetian Constitution.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The Venetian Constitution!&rsquo; said Sir Joseph.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;To be sure,&rsquo; said Millbank. &lsquo;We were governed in this country by the
+      Venetian Constitution from the accession of the House of Hanover. But that
+      yoke is past. And now I hope we are in a state of transition from the
+      Italian Dogeship to the English Monarchy.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;King, Lords, and Commons, the Venetian Constitution!&rsquo; exclaimed Sir
+      Joseph.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But they were phrases,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;not facts. The King was a Doge;
+      the Cabinet the Council of Ten. Your Parliament, that you call Lords and
+      Commons, was nothing more than the Great Council of Nobles.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The resemblance was complete,&rsquo; said Millbank, &lsquo;and no wonder, for it was
+      not accidental; the Venetian Constitution was intentionally copied.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We should have had the Venetian Republic in 1640,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;had
+      it not been for the Puritans. Geneva beat Venice.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sure these ideas are not very generally known,&rsquo; said Sir Joseph,
+      bewildered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Because you have had your history written by the Venetian party,&rsquo; said
+      Coningsby, &lsquo;and it has been their interest to conceal them.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I will venture to say that there are very few men on our side in the
+      House of Commons,&rsquo; said Sir Joseph, &lsquo;who are aware that they were born
+      under a Venetian Constitution.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Let us go to the ladies,&rsquo; said Millbank, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Edith was reading a letter as they entered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A letter from papa,&rsquo; she exclaimed, looking up at her brother with great
+      animation. &lsquo;We may expect him every day; and yet, alas! he cannot fix
+      one.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They now all spoke of Millbank, and Coningsby was happy that he was
+      familiar with the scene. At length he ventured to say to Edith, &lsquo;You once
+      made me a promise which you never fulfilled. I shall claim it to-night.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And what can that be?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The song that you promised me at Millbank more than three years ago.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Your memory is good.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It has dwelt upon the subject.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then they spoke for a while of other recollections, and then Coningsby
+      appealing to Lady Wallinger for her influence, Edith rose and took up her
+      guitar. Her voice was rich and sweet; the air she sang gay, even
+      fantastically frolic, such as the girls of Granada chaunt trooping home
+      from some country festival; her soft, dark eye brightened with joyous
+      sympathy; and ever and anon, with an arch grace, she beat the guitar, in
+      chorus, with her pretty hand.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The moon wanes; and Coningsby must leave these enchanted halls. Oswald
+      walked homeward with him until he reached the domain of his grandfather.
+      Then mounting his horse, Coningsby bade his friend farewell till the
+      morrow, and made his best way to the Castle.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0060" id="link2HCH0060"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER V.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      There is a romance in every life. The emblazoned page of Coningsby&rsquo;s
+      existence was now open. It had been prosperous before, with some moments
+      of excitement, some of delight; but they had all found, as it were, their
+      origin in worldly considerations, or been inevitably mixed up with them.
+      At Paris, for example, he loved, or thought he loved. But there not an
+      hour could elapse without his meeting some person, or hearing something,
+      which disturbed the beauty of his emotions, or broke his spell-bound
+      thoughts. There was his grandfather hating the Millbanks, or Sidonia
+      loving them; and common people, in the common world, making common
+      observations on them; asking who they were, or telling who they were; and
+      brushing the bloom off all life&rsquo;s fresh delicious fancies with their
+      coarse handling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But now his feelings were ethereal. He loved passionately, and he loved in
+      a scene and in a society as sweet, as pure, and as refined as his
+      imagination and his heart. There was no malicious gossip, no callous
+      chatter to profane his ear and desecrate his sentiment. All that he heard
+      or saw was worthy of the summer sky, the still green woods, the gushing
+      river, the gardens and terraces, the stately and fantastic dwellings,
+      among which his life now glided as in some dainty and gorgeous masque.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All the soft, social, domestic sympathies of his nature, which, however
+      abundant, had never been cultivated, were developed by the life he was now
+      leading. It was not merely that he lived in the constant presence, and
+      under the constant influence of one whom he adored, that made him so
+      happy. He was surrounded by beings who found felicity in the interchange
+      of kind feelings and kind words, in the cultivation of happy talents and
+      refined tastes, and the enjoyment of a life which their own good sense and
+      their own good hearts made them both comprehend and appreciate. Ambition
+      lost much of its splendour, even his lofty aspirations something of their
+      hallowing impulse of paramount duty, when Coningsby felt how much
+      ennobling delight was consistent with the seclusion of a private station;
+      and mused over an existence to be passed amid woods and waterfalls with a
+      fair hand locked in his, or surrounded by his friends in some ancestral
+      hall.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The morning after his first visit to Hellingsley Coningsby rejoined his
+      friends, as he had promised Oswald at their breakfast-table; and day after
+      day he came with the early sun, and left them only when the late moon
+      silvered the keep of Coningsby Castle. Mr. Millbank, who wrote daily, and
+      was daily to be expected, did not arrive. A week, a week of unbroken
+      bliss, had vanished away, passed in long rides and longer walks, sunset
+      saunterings, and sometimes moonlit strolls; talking of flowers, and
+      thinking of things even sweeter; listening to delicious songs, and
+      sometimes reading aloud some bright romance or some inspiring lay.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One day Coningsby, who arrived at the hall unexpectedly late; indeed it
+      was some hours past noon, for he had been detained by despatches which
+      arrived at the Castle from Mr. Rigby, and which required his
+      interposition; found the ladies alone, and was told that Sir Joseph and
+      Oswald were at the fishing-cottage where they wished him to join them. He
+      was in no haste to do this; and Lady Wallinger proposed that when they
+      felt inclined to ramble they should all walk down to the fishing-cottage
+      together. So, seating himself by the side of Edith, who was tinting a
+      sketch which she had made of a rich oriel of Hellingsley, the morning
+      passed away in that slight and yet subtle talk in which a lover delights,
+      and in which, while asking a thousand questions, that seem at the first
+      glance sufficiently trifling, he is indeed often conveying a meaning that
+      is not expressed, or attempting to discover a feeling that is hidden. And
+      these are occasions when glances meet and glances are withdrawn: the
+      tongue may speak idly, the eye is more eloquent, and often more true.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby looked up; Lady Wallinger, who had more than once announced that
+      she was going to put on her bonnet, was gone. Yet still he continued to
+      talk trifles; and still Edith listened.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Of all that you have told me,&rsquo; said Edith, &lsquo;nothing pleases me so much as
+      your description of St. Geneviève. How much I should like to catch the
+      deer at sunset on the heights! What a pretty drawing it would make!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You would like Eustace Lyle,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;He is so shy and yet so
+      ardent.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have such a band of friends! Oswald was saying this morning there was
+      no one who had so many devoted friends.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We are all united by sympathy. It is the only bond of friendship; and yet
+      friendship&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Edith,&rsquo; said Lady Wallinger, looking into the room from the garden, with
+      her bonnet on, &lsquo;you will find me roaming on the terrace.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We come, dear aunt.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And yet they did not move. There were yet a few pencil touches to be given
+      to the tinted sketch; Coningsby would cut the pencils.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Would you give me,&rsquo; he said, &lsquo;some slight memorial of Hellingsley and
+      your art? I would not venture to hope for anything half so beautiful as
+      this; but the slightest sketch. It would make me so happy when away to
+      have it hanging in my room.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A blush suffused the cheek of Edith; she turned her head a little aside,
+      as if she were arranging some drawings. And then she said, in a somewhat
+      hushed and hesitating voice,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sure I will do so; and with pleasure. A view of the Hall itself; I
+      think that would be the best memorial. Where shall we take it from? We
+      will decide in our walk?&rsquo; and she rose, and promised immediately to
+      return, left the room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby leant over the mantel-piece in deep abstraction, gazing vacantly
+      on a miniature of the father of Edith. A light step roused him; she had
+      returned. Unconsciously he greeted her with a glance of ineffable
+      tenderness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They went forth; it was a grey, sultry day. Indeed it was the covered sky
+      which had led to the fishing scheme of the morning. Sir Joseph was an
+      expert and accomplished angler, and the Darl was renowned for its sport.
+      They lingered before they reached the terrace where they were to find Lady
+      Wallinger, observing the different points of view which the Hall
+      presented, and debating which was to form the subject of Coningsby&rsquo;s
+      drawing; for already it was to be not merely a sketch, but a drawing, the
+      most finished that the bright and effective pencil of Edith could achieve.
+      If it really were to be placed in his room, and were to be a memorial of
+      Hellingsley, her artistic reputation demanded a masterpiece.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They reached the terrace: Lady Wallinger was not there, nor could they
+      observe her in the vicinity. Coningsby was quite certain that she had gone
+      onward to the fishing-cottage, and expected them to follow her; and he
+      convinced Edith of the justness of his opinion. To the fishing-cottage,
+      therefore, they bent their steps. They emerged from the gardens into the
+      park, sauntering over the table-land, and seeking as much as possible the
+      shade, in the soft but oppressive atmosphere. At the limit of the
+      table-land their course lay by a wild but winding path through a gradual
+      and wooded declivity. While they were yet in this craggy and romantic
+      woodland, the big fervent drops began to fall. Coningsby urged Edith to
+      seek at once a natural shelter; but she, who knew the country, assured him
+      that the fishing-cottage was close by, and that they might reach it before
+      the rain could do them any harm.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And truly, at this moment emerging from the wood, they found themselves in
+      the valley of the Darl. The river here was narrow and winding, but full of
+      life; rushing, and clear but for the dark sky it reflected; with high
+      banks of turf and tall trees; the silver birch, above all others, in
+      clustering groups; infinitely picturesque. At the turn of the river, about
+      two hundred yards distant, Coningsby observed the low, dark roof of the
+      fishing-cottage on its banks. They descended from the woods to the margin
+      of the stream by a flight of turfen steps, Coningsby holding Edith&rsquo;s hand
+      as he guided her progress.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The drops became thicker. They reached, at a rapid pace, the cottage. The
+      absent boat indicated that Sir Joseph and Oswald were on the river. The
+      cottage was an old building of rustic logs, with a shelving roof, so that
+      you might obtain sufficient shelter without entering its walls. Coningsby
+      found a rough garden seat for Edith. The shower was now violent.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Nature, like man, sometimes weeps from gladness. It is the joy and
+      tenderness of her heart that seek relief; and these are summer showers. In
+      this instance the vehemence of her emotion was transient, though the tears
+      kept stealing down her cheek for a long time, and gentle sighs and sobs
+      might for some period be distinguished. The oppressive atmosphere had
+      evaporated; the grey, sullen tint had disappeared; a soft breeze came
+      dancing up the stream; a glowing light fell upon the woods and waters; the
+      perfume of trees and flowers and herbs floated around. There was a
+      carolling of birds; a hum of happy insects in the air; freshness and stir,
+      and a sense of joyous life, pervaded all things; it seemed that the heart
+      of all creation opened.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby, after repeatedly watching the shower with Edith, and
+      speculating on its progress, which did not much annoy them, had seated
+      himself on a log almost at her feet. And assuredly a maiden and a youth
+      more beautiful and engaging had seldom met before in a scene more fresh
+      and fair. Edith on her rustic seat watched the now blue and foaming river,
+      and the birch-trees with a livelier tint, and quivering in the sunset air;
+      an expression of tranquil bliss suffused her beautiful brow, and spoke
+      from the thrilling tenderness of her soft dark eye. Coningsby gazed on
+      that countenance with a glance of entranced rapture. His cheek was
+      flushed, his eye gleamed with dazzling lustre. She turned her head; she
+      met that glance, and, troubled, she withdrew her own.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Edith!&rsquo; he said in a tone of tremulous passion, &lsquo;Let me call you Edith!
+      Yes,&rsquo; he continued, gently taking her hand, let me call you my Edith! I
+      love you!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She did not withdraw her hand; but turned away a face flushed as the
+      impending twilight.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0061" id="link2HCH0061"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VI.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      It was past the dinner hour when Edith and Coningsby reached the Hall; an
+      embarrassing circumstance, but mitigated by the conviction that they had
+      not to encounter a very critical inspection. What, then, were their
+      feelings when the first servant that they met informed them that Mr.
+      Millbank had arrived! Edith never could have believed that the return of
+      her beloved father to his home could ever have been to her other than a
+      cause of delight. And yet now she trembled when she heard the
+      announcement. The mysteries of love were fast involving her existence. But
+      this was not the season of meditation. Her heart was still agitated by the
+      tremulous admission that she responded to that fervent and adoring love
+      whose eloquent music still sounded in her ear, and the pictures of whose
+      fanciful devotion flitted over her agitated vision. Unconsciously she
+      pressed the arm of Coningsby as the servant spoke, and then, without
+      looking into his face, whispering him to be quick, she sprang away.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As for Coningsby, notwithstanding the elation of his heart, and the
+      ethereal joy which flowed in all his veins, the name of Mr. Millbank
+      sounded, something like a knell. However, this was not the time to
+      reflect. He obeyed the hint of Edith; made the most rapid toilet that ever
+      was consummated by a happy lover, and in a few minutes entered the
+      drawing-room of Hellingsley, to encounter the gentleman whom he hoped by
+      some means or other, quite inconceivable, might some day be transformed
+      into his father-in-law, and the fulfilment of his consequent duties
+      towards whom he had commenced by keeping him waiting for dinner.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;How do you do, sir,&rsquo; said Mr. Millbank, extending his hand to Coningsby.
+      &lsquo;You seem to have taken a long walk.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby looked round to the kind Lady Wallinger, and half addressed his
+      murmured answer to her, explaining how they had lost her, and their way,
+      and were caught in a storm or a shower, which, as it terminated about
+      three hours back, and the fishing-cottage was little more than a mile from
+      the Hall, very satisfactorily accounted for their not being in time for
+      dinner.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lady Wallinger then said something about the lowering clouds having
+      frightened her from the terrace, and Sir Joseph and Oswald talked a little
+      of their sport, and of their having seen an otter; but there was, or at
+      least there seemed to Coningsby, a tone of general embarrassment which
+      distressed him. The fact is, keeping people from dinner under any
+      circumstances is distressing. They are obliged to talk at the very moment
+      when they wish to use their powers of expression for a very different
+      purpose. They are faint, and conversation makes them more exhausted. A
+      gentleman, too, fond of his family, who in turn are devoted to him, making
+      a great and inconvenient effort to reach them by dinner time, to please
+      and surprise them; and finding them all dispersed, dinner so late that he
+      might have reached home in good time without any great inconvenient
+      effort; his daughter, whom he had wished a thousand times to embrace,
+      taking a singularly long ramble with no other companion than a young
+      gentleman, whom he did not exactly expect to see; all these are
+      circumstances, individually perhaps slight, and yet, encountered
+      collectively, it may be doubted they would not a little ruffle even the
+      sweetest temper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Millbank, too, had not the sweetest temper, though not a bad one; a
+      little quick and fiery. But then he had a kind heart. And when Edith, who
+      had providentially sent down a message to order dinner, entered and
+      embraced him at the very moment that dinner was announced, her father
+      forgot everything in his joy in seeing her, and his pleasure in being
+      surrounded by his friends. He gave his hand to Lady Wallinger, and Sir
+      Joseph led away his niece. Coningsby put his arm around the astonished
+      neck of Oswald, as if they were once more in the playing fields of Eton.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By Jove! my dear fellow,&rsquo; he exclaimed, &lsquo;I am so sorry we kept your
+      father from dinner.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As Edith headed her father&rsquo;s table, according to his rigid rule, Coningsby
+      was on one side of her. They never spoke so little; Coningsby would have
+      never unclosed his lips, had he followed his humour. He was in a stupor of
+      happiness; the dining room took the appearance of the fishing-cottage; and
+      he saw nothing but the flowing river. Lady Wallinger was however next to
+      him, and that was a relief; for he felt always she was his friend. Sir
+      Joseph, a good-hearted man, and on subjects with which he was acquainted
+      full of sound sense, was invaluable to-day, for he entirely kept up the
+      conversation, speaking of things which greatly interested Mr. Millbank.
+      And so their host soon recovered his good temper; he addressed several
+      times his observations to Coningsby, and was careful to take wine with
+      him. On the whole, affairs went on flowingly enough. The gentlemen,
+      indeed, stayed much longer over their wine than on the preceding days, and
+      Coningsby did not venture on the liberty of quitting the room before his
+      host. It was as well. Edith required repose. She tried to seek it on the
+      bosom of her aunt, as she breathed to her the delicious secret of her
+      life. When the gentlemen returned to the drawing-room the ladies were not
+      there.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This rather disturbed Mr. Millbank again; he had not seen enough of his
+      daughter; he wished to hear her sing. But Edith managed to reappear; and
+      even to sing. Then Coningsby went up to her and asked her to sing the song
+      of the Girls of Granada. She said in a low voice, and with a fond yet
+      serious look,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am not in the mood for such a song, but if you wish me&mdash;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She sang it, and with inexpressible grace, and with an arch vivacity, that
+      to a fine observer would have singularly contrasted with the almost solemn
+      and even troubled expression of her countenance a moment afterwards.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The day was about to die; the day the most important, the most precious in
+      the lives of Harry Coningsby and Edith Millbank. Words had been spoken,
+      vows breathed, which were to influence their careers for ever. For them
+      hereafter there was to be but one life, one destiny, one world. Each of
+      them was still in such a state of tremulous excitement, that neither had
+      found time or occasion to ponder over the mighty result. They both
+      required solitude; they both longed to be alone. Coningsby rose to depart.
+      He pressed the soft hand of Edith, and his glance spoke his soul.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We shall see you at breakfast to-morrow, Coningsby!&rsquo; said Oswald, very
+      loud, knowing that the presence of his father would make Coningsby
+      hesitate about coming. Edith&rsquo;s heart fluttered; but she said nothing. It
+      was with delight she heard her father, after a moment&rsquo;s pause, say,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! I beg we may have that pleasure.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Not quite at so early an hour,&rsquo; said Coningsby; &lsquo;but if you will permit
+      me, I hope to have the pleasure of hearing from you to-morrow, sir, that
+      your journey has not fatigued you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0062" id="link2HCH0062"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      To be alone; to have no need of feigning a tranquillity he could not feel;
+      of coining common-place courtesy when his heart was gushing with rapture;
+      this was a great relief to Coningsby, though gained by a separation from
+      Edith.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The deed was done; he had breathed his long-brooding passion, he had
+      received the sweet expression of her sympathy, he had gained the
+      long-coveted heart. Youth, beauty, love, the innocence of unsophisticated
+      breasts, and the inspiration of an exquisite nature, combined to fashion
+      the spell that now entranced his life. He turned to gaze upon the moonlit
+      towers and peaked roofs of Hellingsley. Silent and dreamlike, the
+      picturesque pile rested on its broad terrace flooded with the silver light
+      and surrounded by the quaint bowers of its fantastic gardens tipped with
+      the glittering beam. Half hid in deep shadow, half sparkling in the
+      midnight blaze, he recognised the oriel window that had been the subject
+      of the morning&rsquo;s sketch. Almost he wished there should be some sound to
+      assure him of his reality. But nothing broke the all-pervading stillness.
+      Was his life to be as bright and as tranquil? And what was to be his life?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Whither was he to bear the beautiful bride he had gained? Were the portals
+      of Coningsby the proud and hospitable gates that were to greet her? How
+      long would they greet him after the achievement of the last
+      four-and-twenty hours was known to their lord? Was this the return for the
+      confiding kindness of his grandsire? That he should pledge his troth to
+      the daughter of that grandsire&rsquo;s foe?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Away with such dark and scaring visions! Is it not the noon of a summer
+      night fragrant with the breath of gardens, bright with the beam that
+      lovers love, and soft with the breath of Ausonian breezes? Within that
+      sweet and stately residence, dwells there not a maiden fair enough to
+      revive chivalry; who is even now thinking of him as she leans on her
+      pensive hand, or, if perchance she dream, recalls him in her visions? And
+      himself, is he one who would cry craven with such a lot? What avail his
+      golden youth, his high blood, his daring and devising spirit, and all his
+      stores of wisdom, if they help not now? Does not he feel the energy divine
+      that can confront Fate and carve out fortunes? Besides it is nigh
+      Midsummer Eve, and what should fairies reign for but to aid such a bright
+      pair as this?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He recalls a thousand times the scene, the moment, in which but a few
+      hours past he dared to tell her that he loved; he recalls a thousand times
+      the still, small voice, that murmured her agitated felicity: more than a
+      thousand times, for his heart clenched the idea as a diver grasps a gem,
+      he recalls the enraptured yet gentle embrace, that had sealed upon her
+      blushing cheek his mystical and delicious sovereignty.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0063" id="link2HCH0063"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VIII
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The morning broke lowering and thunderous; small white clouds, dull and
+      immovable, studded the leaden sky; the waters of the rushing Darl seemed
+      to have become black and almost stagnant; the terraces of Hellingsley
+      looked like the hard lines of a model; and the mansion itself had a harsh
+      and metallic character. Before the chief portal of his Hall, the elder
+      Millbank, with an air of some anxiety, surveyed the landscape and the
+      heavens, as if he were speculating on the destiny of the day.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Often his eye wandered over the park; often with an uneasy and restless
+      step he paced the raised walk before him. The clock of Hellingsley church
+      had given the chimes of noon. His son and Coningsby appeared at the end of
+      one of the avenues. His eye lightened; his lip became compressed; he
+      advanced to meet them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Are you going to fish to-day, Oswald?&rsquo; he inquired of his son.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We had some thoughts of it, sir.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A fine day for sport, I should think,&rsquo; he observed, as he turned towards
+      the Hall with them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby remarked the fanciful beauty of the portal; its twisted columns,
+      and Caryatides carved in dark oak.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes, it&rsquo;s very well,&rsquo; said Millbank; &lsquo;but I really do not know why I came
+      here; my presence is an effort. Oswald does not care for the place; none
+      of us do, I believe.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! I like it now, father; and Edith doats on it.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;She was very happy at Millbank,&rsquo; said the father, rather sharply.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We are all of us happy at Millbank,&rsquo; said Oswald.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I was much struck with the valley and the whole settlement when I first
+      saw it,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Suppose you go and see about the tackle, Oswald,&rsquo; said Mr. Millbank, &lsquo;and
+      Mr. Coningsby and I will take a stroll on the terrace in the meantime.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The habit of obedience, which was supreme in this family, instantly
+      carried Oswald away, though he was rather puzzled why his father should be
+      so anxious about the preparation of the fishing-tackle, as he rarely used
+      it. His son had no sooner departed than Mr. Millbank turned to Coningsby,
+      and said very abruptly,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have never seen my own room here, Mr. Coningsby; step in, for I wish
+      to say a word to you.&rsquo; And thus speaking, he advanced before the
+      astonished, and rather agitated Coningsby, and led the way through a door
+      and long passage to a room of moderate dimensions, partly furnished as a
+      library, and full of parliamentary papers and blue-books. Shutting the
+      door with some earnestness and pointing to a chair, he begged his guest to
+      be seated. Both in their chairs, Mr. Millbank, clearing his throat, said
+      without preface, &lsquo;I have reason to believe, Mr. Coningsby, that you are
+      attached to my daughter?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have been attached to her for a long time most ardently,&rsquo; replied
+      Coningsby, in a calm and rather measured tone, but looking very pale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And I have reason to believe that she returns your attachment?&rsquo; said Mr.
+      Millbank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I believe she deigns not to disregard it,&rsquo; said Coningsby, his white
+      cheek becoming scarlet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is then a mutual attachment, which, if cherished, must produce mutual
+      unhappiness,&rsquo; said Mr. Millbank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I would fain believe the reverse,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why?&rsquo; inquired Mr. Millbank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Because I believe she possesses every charm, quality, and virtue, that
+      can bless man; and because, though I can make her no equivalent return, I
+      have a heart, if I know myself, that would struggle to deserve her.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I know you to be a man of sense; I believe you to be a man of honour,&rsquo;
+      replied Mr. Millbank. &lsquo;As the first, you must feel that an union between
+      you and my daughter is impossible; what then should be your duty as a man
+      of correct principle is obvious.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I could conceive that our union might be attended with difficulties,&rsquo;
+      said Coningsby, in a somewhat deprecating tone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Sir, it is impossible,&rsquo; repeated Mr. Millbank, interrupting him, though
+      not with harshness; &lsquo;that is to say, there is no conceivable marriage
+      which could be effected at greater sacrifices, and which would occasion
+      greater misery.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The sacrifices are more apparent to me than the misery,&rsquo; said Coningsby,
+      &lsquo;and even they may be imaginary.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The sacrifices and the misery are certain and inseparable,&rsquo; said Mr.
+      Millbank. &lsquo;Come now, see how we stand! I speak without reserve, for this
+      is a subject which cannot permit misconception, but with no feelings
+      towards you, sir, but fair and friendly ones. You are the grandson of my
+      Lord Monmouth; at present enjoying his favour, but dependent on his
+      bounty. You may be the heir of his wealth to-morrow, and to-morrow you may
+      be the object of his hatred and persecution. Your grandfather and myself
+      are foes; bitter, irreclaimable, to the death. It is idle to mince
+      phrases; I do not vindicate our mutual feelings, I may regret that they
+      have ever arisen; I may regret it especially at this exigency. They are
+      not the feelings of good Christians; they may be altogether to be deplored
+      and unjustifiable; but they exist, mutually exist; and have not been
+      confined to words. Lord Monmouth would crush me, had he the power, like a
+      worm; and I have curbed his proud fortunes often. Were it not for this
+      feeling I should not be here; I purchased this estate merely to annoy him,
+      as I have done a thousand other acts merely for his discomfiture and
+      mortification. In our long encounter I have done him infinitely more
+      injury than he could do me; I have been on the spot, I am active,
+      vigilant, the maker of my fortunes. He is an epicurean, continually in
+      foreign parts, obliged to leave the fulfilment of his will to others. But,
+      for these very reasons, his hate is more intense. I can afford to hate him
+      less than he hates me; I have injured him more. Here are feelings to exist
+      between human beings! But they do exist; and now you are to go to this
+      man, and ask his sanction to marry my daughter!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But I would appease these hatreds; I would allay these dark passions, the
+      origin of which I know not, but which never could justify the end, and
+      which lead to so much misery. I would appeal to my grandfather; I would
+      show him Edith.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He has looked upon as fair even as Edith,&rsquo; said Mr. Millbank, rising
+      suddenly from his seat, and pacing the room, &lsquo;and did that melt his heart?
+      The experience of your own lot should have guarded you from the perils
+      that you have so rashly meditated encountering, and the misery which you
+      have been preparing for others besides yourself. Is my daughter to be
+      treated like your mother? And by the same hand? Your mother&rsquo;s family were
+      not Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s foes. They were simple and innocent people, free from
+      all the bad passions of our nature, and ignorant of the world&rsquo;s ways. But
+      because they were not noble, because they could trace no mystified descent
+      from a foreign invader, or the sacrilegious minion of some spoliating
+      despot, their daughter was hunted from the family which should have
+      exulted to receive her, and the land of which she was the native ornament.
+      Why should a happier lot await you than fell to your parents? You are in
+      the same position as your father; you meditate the same act. The only
+      difference being aggravating circumstances in your case, which, even if I
+      were a member of the same order as my Lord Monmouth, would prevent the
+      possibility of a prosperous union. Marry Edith, and you blast all the
+      prospects of your life, and entail on her a sense of unceasing
+      humiliation. Would you do this? Should I permit you to do this?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby, with his head resting on his arm, his face a little shaded, his
+      eyes fixed on the ground, listened in silence. There was a pause; broken
+      by Coningsby, as in a low voice, without changing his posture or raising
+      his glance, he said, &lsquo;It seems, sir, that you were acquainted with my
+      mother!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I knew sufficient of her,&rsquo; replied Mr. Millbank, with a kindling cheek,
+      &lsquo;to learn the misery that a woman may entail on herself by marrying out of
+      her condition. I have bred my children in a respect for their class. I
+      believe they have imbibed my feeling; though it is strange how in the
+      commerce of the world, chance, in their friendships, has apparently
+      baffled my designs.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! do not say it is chance, sir,&rsquo; said Coningsby, looking up, and
+      speaking with much fervour. &lsquo;The feelings that animate me towards your
+      family are not the feelings of chance: they are the creation of sympathy;
+      tried by time, tested by thought. And must they perish? Can they perish?
+      They were inevitable; they are indestructible. Yes, sir, it is in vain to
+      speak of the enmities that are fostered between you and my grandfather;
+      the love that exists between your daughter and myself is stronger than all
+      your hatreds.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You speak like a young man, and a young man that is in love,&rsquo; said Mr.
+      Millbank. &lsquo;This is mere rhapsody; it will vanish in an instant before the
+      reality of life. And you have arrived at that reality,&rsquo; he continued,
+      speaking with emphasis, leaning over the back of his chair, and looking
+      steadily at Coningsby with his grey, sagacious eye; &lsquo;my daughter and
+      yourself can meet no more.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is impossible you can be so cruel!&rsquo; exclaimed Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;So kind; kind to you both; for I wish to be kind to you as well as to
+      her. You are entitled to kindness from us all; though I will tell you now,
+      that, years ago, when the news arrived that my son&rsquo;s life had been saved,
+      and had been saved by one who bore the name of Coningsby, I had a
+      presentiment, great as was the blessing, that it might lead to
+      unhappiness.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I can answer for the misery of one,&rsquo; said Coningsby, in a tone of great
+      despondency. &lsquo;I feel as if my sun were set. Oh! why should there be such
+      wretchedness? Why are there family hatreds and party feuds? Why am I the
+      most wretched of men?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My good young friend, you will live, I doubt not, to be a happy one.
+      Happiness is not, as we are apt to fancy, entirely dependent on these
+      contingencies. It is the lot of most men to endure what you are now
+      suffering, and they can look back to such conjunctures through the vista
+      of years with calmness.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I may see Edith now?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Frankly, I should say, no. My daughter is in her room; I have had some
+      conversation with her. Of course she suffers not less than yourself. To
+      see her again will only aggravate woe. You leave under this roof, sir,
+      some sad memories, but no unkind ones. It is not likely that I can serve
+      you, or that you may want my aid; but whatever may be in my power,
+      remember you may command it; without reserve and without restraint. If I
+      control myself now, it is not because I do not respect your affliction,
+      but because, in the course of my life, I have felt too much not to be able
+      to command my feelings.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You never could have felt what I feel now,&rsquo; said Coningsby, in a tone of
+      anguish.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You touch on delicate ground,&rsquo; said Millbank; &lsquo;yet from me you may learn
+      to suffer. There was a being once, not less fair than the peerless girl
+      that you would fain call your own, and her heart was my proud possession.
+      There were no family feuds to baffle our union, nor was I dependent on
+      anything, but the energies which had already made me flourishing. What
+      happiness was mine! It was the first dream of my life, and it was the
+      last; my solitary passion, the memory of which softens my heart. Ah! you
+      dreaming scholars, and fine gentlemen who saunter through life, you think
+      there is no romance in the loves of a man who lives in the toil and
+      turmoil of business. You are in deep error. Amid my career of travail,
+      there was ever a bright form which animated exertion, inspired my
+      invention, nerved my energy, and to gain whose heart and life I first made
+      many of those discoveries, and entered into many of those speculations,
+      that have since been the foundation of my wide prosperity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Her faith was pledged to me; I lived upon her image; the day was even
+      talked of when I should bear her to the home that I had proudly prepared
+      for her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There came a young noble, a warrior who had never seen war, glittering
+      with gewgaws. He was quartered in the town where the mistress of my heart,
+      who was soon to share my life and my fortunes, resided. The tale is too
+      bitter not to be brief. He saw her, he sighed; I will hope that he loved
+      her; she gave him with rapture the heart which perhaps she found she had
+      never given to me; and instead of bearing the name I had once hoped to
+      have called her by, she pledged her faith at the altar to one who, like
+      you, was called, CONINGSBY.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My mother!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You see, I too have had my griefs.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Dear sir,&rsquo; said Coningsby, rising and taking Mr. Millbank&rsquo;s hand, &lsquo;I am
+      most wretched; and yet I wish to part from you even with affection. You
+      have explained circumstances that have long perplexed me. A curse, I fear,
+      is on our families. I have not mind enough at this moment even to ponder
+      on my situation. My head is a chaos. I go; yes, I quit this Hellingsley,
+      where I came to be so happy, where I have been so happy. Nay, let me go,
+      dear sir! I must be alone, I must try to think. And tell her, no, tell her
+      nothing. God will guard over us!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Proceeding down the avenue with a rapid and distempered step, his
+      countenance lost, as it were, in a wild abstraction, Coningsby encountered
+      Oswald Millbank. He stopped, collected his turbulent thoughts, and
+      throwing on Oswald one look that seemed at the same time to communicate
+      woe and to demand sympathy, flung himself into his arms.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My friend!&rsquo; he exclaimed, and then added, in a broken voice, &lsquo;I need a
+      friend.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then in a hurried, impassioned, and somewhat incoherent strain, leaning on
+      Oswald&rsquo;s arm, as they walked on together, he poured forth all that had
+      occurred, all of which he had dreamed; his baffled bliss, his actual
+      despair. Alas! there was little room for solace, and yet all that earnest
+      affection could inspire, and a sagacious brain and a brave spirit, were
+      offered for his support, if not his consolation, by the friend who was
+      devoted to him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the midst of this deep communion, teeming with every thought and
+      sentiment that could enchain and absorb the spirit of man, they came to
+      one of the park-gates of Coningsby. Millbank stopped. The command of his
+      father was peremptory, that no member of his family, under any
+      circumstances, or for any consideration, should set his foot on that
+      domain. Lady Wallinger had once wished to have seen the Castle, and
+      Coningsby was only too happy in the prospect of escorting her and Edith
+      over the place; but Oswald had then at once put his veto on the project,
+      as a thing forbidden; and which, if put in practice, his father would
+      never pardon. So it passed off, and now Oswald himself was at the gates of
+      that very domain with his friend who was about to enter them, his friend
+      whom he might never see again; that Coningsby who, from their boyish days,
+      had been the idol of his life; whom he had lived to see appeal to his
+      affections and his sympathy, and whom Oswald was now going to desert in
+      the midst of his lonely and unsolaced woe.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I ought not to enter here,&rsquo; said Oswald, holding the hand of Coningsby as
+      he hesitated to advance; &lsquo;and yet there are duties more sacred even than
+      obedience to a father. I cannot leave you thus, friend of my best heart!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The morning passed away in unceasing yet fruitless speculation on the
+      future. One moment something was to happen, the next nothing could occur.
+      Sometimes a beam of hope flashed over the fancy of Coningsby, and jumping
+      up from the turf, on which they were reclining, he seemed to exult in his
+      renovated energies; and then this sanguine paroxysm was succeeded by a fit
+      of depression so dark and dejected that nothing but the presence of Oswald
+      seemed to prevent Coningsby from flinging himself into the waters of the
+      Darl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The day was fast declining, and the inevitable moment of separation was at
+      hand. Oswald wished to appear at the dinner-table of Hellingsley, that no
+      suspicion might arise in the mind of his father of his having accompanied
+      Coningsby home. But just as he was beginning to mention the necessity of
+      his departure, a flash of lightning seemed to transfix the heavens. The
+      sky was very dark; though studded here and there with dingy spots. The
+      young men sprang up at the same time.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We had better get out of these trees,&rsquo; said Oswald.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We had better get to the Castle,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A clap of thunder that seemed to make the park quake broke over their
+      heads, followed by some thick drops. The Castle was close at hand; Oswald
+      had avoided entering it; but the impending storm was so menacing that,
+      hurried on by Coningsby, he could make no resistance; and, in a few
+      minutes, the companions were watching the tempest from the windows of a
+      room in Coningsby Castle.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The fork-lightning flashed and scintillated from every quarter of the
+      horizon: the thunder broke over the Castle, as if the keep were rocking
+      with artillery: amid the momentary pauses of the explosion, the rain was
+      heard descending like dissolving water-spouts.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Nor was this one of those transient tempests that often agitate the
+      summer. Time advanced, and its fierceness was little mitigated. Sometimes
+      there was a lull, though the violence of the rain never appeared to
+      diminish; but then, as in some pitched fight between contending hosts,
+      when the fervour of the field seems for a moment to allay, fresh squadrons
+      arrive and renew the hottest strife, so a low moaning wind that was now at
+      intervals faintly heard bore up a great reserve of electric vapour, that
+      formed, as it were, into field in the space between the Castle and
+      Hellingsley, and then discharged its violence on that fated district.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby and Oswald exchanged looks. &lsquo;You must not think of going home at
+      present, my dear fellow,&rsquo; said the first. &lsquo;I am sure your father would not
+      be displeased. There is not a being here who even knows you, and if they
+      did, what then?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The servant entered the room, and inquired whether the gentlemen were
+      ready for dinner.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By all means; come, my dear Millbank, I feel reckless as the tempest; let
+      us drown our cares in wine!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby, in fact, was exhausted by all the agitation of the day, and all
+      the harassing spectres of the future. He found wine a momentary solace. He
+      ordered the servants away, and for a moment felt a degree of wild
+      satisfaction in the company of the brother of Edith.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Thus they sat for a long time, talking only of one subject, and repeating
+      almost the same things, yet both felt happier in being together. Oswald
+      had risen, and opening the window, examined the approaching night. The
+      storm had lulled, though the rain still fell; in the west was a streak of
+      light. In a quarter of an hour, he calculated on departing. As he was
+      watching the wind he thought he heard the sound of wheels, which reminded
+      him of Coningsby&rsquo;s promise to lend him a light carriage for his return.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They sat down once more; they had filled their glasses for the last time;
+      to pledge to their faithful friendship, and the happiness of Coningsby and
+      Edith; when the door of the room opened, and there appeared, MR. RIGBY!
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      END OF BOOK VII.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0075" id="link2H_4_0075"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      BOOK VIII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0064" id="link2HCH0064"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER I.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      It was the heart of the London season, nearly four years ago, twelve
+      months having almost elapsed since the occurrence of those painful
+      passages at Hellingsley which closed the last book of this history, and
+      long lines of carriages an hour before midnight, up the classic mount of
+      St. James and along Piccadilly, intimated that the world were received at
+      some grand entertainment in Arlington Street.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was the town mansion of the noble family beneath whose roof at
+      Beaumanoir we have more than once introduced the reader, to gain whose
+      courtyard was at this moment the object of emulous coachmen, and to enter
+      whose saloons was to reward the martyr-like patience of their lords and
+      ladies.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Among the fortunate who had already succeeded in bowing to their hostess
+      were two gentlemen, who, ensconced in a good position, surveyed the scene,
+      and made their observations on the passing guests. They were gentlemen
+      who, to judge from their general air and the great consideration with
+      which they were treated by those who were occasionally in their vicinity,
+      were personages whose criticism bore authority.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I say, Jemmy,&rsquo; said the eldest, a dandy who had dined with the Regent,
+      but who was still a dandy, and who enjoyed life almost as much as in the
+      days when Carlton House occupied the terrace which still bears its name.
+      &lsquo;I say, Jemmy, what a load of young fellows there are! Don&rsquo;t know their
+      names at all. Begin to think fellows are younger than they used to be.
+      Amazing load of young fellows, indeed!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this moment an individual who came under the fortunate designation of a
+      young fellow, but whose assured carriage hardly intimated that this was
+      his first season in London, came up to the junior of the two critics, and
+      said, &lsquo;A pretty turn you played us yesterday at White&rsquo;s, Melton. We waited
+      dinner nearly an hour.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My dear fellow, I am infinitely sorry; but I was obliged to go down to
+      Windsor, and I missed the return train. A good dinner? Who had you?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A capital party, only you were wanted. We had Beaumanoir and Vere, and
+      Jack Tufton and Spraggs.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Was Spraggs rich?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Wasn&rsquo;t he! I have not done laughing yet. He told us a story about the
+      little Biron who was over here last year; I knew her at Paris; and an
+      Indian screen. Killing! Get him to tell it you. The richest thing you ever
+      heard!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Who&rsquo;s your friend?&rsquo; inquired Mr. Melton&rsquo;s companion, as the young man
+      moved away.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Sir Charles Buckhurst.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A&mdash;h! That is Sir Charles Buckhurst. Glad to have seen him. They say
+      he is going it.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He knows what he is about.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Egad! so they all do. A young fellow now of two or three and twenty knows
+      the world as men used to do after as many years of scrapes. I wonder where
+      there is such a thing as a greenhorn. Effie Crabbs says the reason he
+      gives up his house is, that he has cleaned out the old generation, and
+      that the new generation would clean him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Buckhurst is not in that sort of way: he swears by Henry Sydney, a
+      younger son of the Duke, whom you don&rsquo;t know; and young Coningsby; a sort
+      of new set; new ideas and all that sort of thing. Beau tells me a good
+      deal about it; and when I was staying with the Everinghams, at Easter,
+      they were full of it. Coningsby had just returned from his travels, and
+      they were quite on the <i>qui vive</i>. Lady Everingham is one of their
+      set. I don&rsquo;t know what it is exactly; but I think we shall hear more of
+      it.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A sort of animal magnetism, or unknown tongues, I take it from your
+      description,&rsquo; said his companion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, I don&rsquo;t know what it is,&rsquo; said Mr. Melton; &lsquo;but it has got hold of
+      all the young fellows who have just come out. Beau is a little bit
+      himself. I had some idea of giving my mind to it, they made such a fuss
+      about it at Everingham; but it requires a devilish deal of history, I
+      believe, and all that sort of thing.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! that&rsquo;s a bore,&rsquo; said his companion. &lsquo;It is difficult to turn to with
+      a new thing when you are not in the habit of it. I never could manage
+      charades.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Ormsby, passing by, stopped. &lsquo;They told me you had the gout,
+      Cassilis?&rsquo; he said to Mr. Melton&rsquo;s companion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;So I had; but I have found out a fellow who cures the gout instanter. Tom
+      Needham sent him to me. A German fellow. Pumicestone pills; sort of a
+      charm, I believe, and all that kind of thing: they say it rubs the gout
+      out of you. I sent him to Luxborough, who was very bad; cured him
+      directly. Luxborough swears by him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Luxborough believes in the Millennium,&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But here&rsquo;s a new thing that Melton has been telling me of, that all the
+      world is going to believe in,&rsquo; said Mr. Cassilis, &lsquo;something patronised by
+      Lady Everingham.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A very good patroness,&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Have you heard anything about it?&rsquo; continued Mr. Cassilis. &lsquo;Young
+      Coningsby brought it from abroad; didn&rsquo;t you you say so, Jemmy?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No, no, my dear fellow; it is not at all that sort of thing.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But they say it requires a deuced deal of history,&rsquo; continued Mr.
+      Cassilis. &lsquo;One must brush up one&rsquo;s Goldsmith. Canterton used to be the
+      fellow for history at White&rsquo;s. He was always boring one with William the
+      Conqueror, Julius Caesar, and all that sort of thing.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I tell you what,&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby, looking both sly and solemn, &lsquo;I should
+      not be surprised if, some day or another, we have a history about Lady
+      Everingham and young Coningsby.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Poh!&rsquo; said Mr. Melton; &lsquo;he is engaged to be married to her sister, Lady
+      Theresa.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The deuce!&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby; &lsquo;well, you are a friend of the family, and I
+      suppose you know.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He is a devilish good-looking fellow, that young Coningsby,&rsquo; said Mr.
+      Cassilis. &lsquo;All the women are in love with him, they say. Lady Eleanor
+      Ducie quite raves about him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By-the-bye, his grandfather has been very unwell,&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby,
+      looking mysteriously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I saw Lady Monmouth here just now,&rsquo; said Mr. Melton.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! he is quite well again,&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Got an odd story at White&rsquo;s that Lord Monmouth was going to separate from
+      her,&rsquo; said Mr. Cassilis.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No foundation,&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby, shaking his head.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;They are not going to separate, I believe,&rsquo; said Mr. Melton; &lsquo;but I
+      rather think there was a foundation for the rumour.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Ormsby still shook his head.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well,&rsquo; continued Mr. Melton, &lsquo;all I know is, that it was looked upon last
+      winter at Paris as a settled thing.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There was some story about some Hungarian,&rsquo; said Mr. Cassilis.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No, that blew over,&rsquo; said Mr. Melton; &lsquo;it was Trautsmansdorff the row was
+      about.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All this time Mr. Ormsby, as the friend of Lord and Lady Monmouth,
+      remained shaking his head; but as a member of society, and therefore
+      delighting in small scandal, appropriating the gossip with the greatest
+      avidity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I should think old Monmouth was not the sort of fellow to blow up a
+      woman,&rsquo; said Mr. Cassilis.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Provided she would leave him quietly,&rsquo; said Mr. Melton.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes, Lord Monmouth never could live with a woman more than two years,&rsquo;
+      said Mr. Ormsby, pensively. &lsquo;And that I thought at the time rather an
+      objection to his marriage.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      We must now briefly revert to what befell our hero after those unhappy
+      occurrences in the midst of whose first woe we left him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The day after the arrival of Mr. Rigby at the Castle, Coningsby quitted it
+      for London, and before a week had elapsed had embarked for Cadiz. He felt
+      a romantic interest in visiting the land to which Edith owed some blood,
+      and in acquiring the language which he had often admired as she spoke it.
+      A favourable opportunity permitted him in the autumn to visit Athens and
+      the AEgean, which he much desired. In the pensive beauties of that
+      delicate land, where perpetual autumn seems to reign, Coningsby found
+      solace. There is something in the character of Grecian scenery which
+      blends with the humour of the melancholy and the feelings of the
+      sorrowful. Coningsby passed his winter at Rome. The wish of his
+      grandfather had rendered it necessary for him to return to England
+      somewhat abruptly. Lord Monmouth had not visited his native country since
+      his marriage; but the period that had elapsed since that event had
+      considerably improved the prospects of his party. The majority of the Whig
+      Cabinet in the House of Commons by 1840 had become little more than
+      nominal; and though it was circulated among their friends, as if from the
+      highest authority, that &lsquo;one was enough,&rsquo; there seemed daily a better
+      chance of their being deprived even of that magical unit. For the first
+      time in the history of this country since the introduction of the system
+      of parliamentary sovereignty, the Government of England depended on the
+      fate of single elections; and indeed, by a single vote, it is remarkable
+      to observe, the fate of the Whig Government was ultimately decided.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This critical state of affairs, duly reported to Lord Monmouth, revived
+      his political passions, and offered him that excitement which he was ever
+      seeking, and yet for which he had often sighed. The Marquess, too, was
+      weary of Paris. Every day he found it more difficult to be amused.
+      Lucretia had lost her charm. He, from whom nothing could be concealed,
+      perceived that often, while she elaborately attempted to divert him, her
+      mind was wandering elsewhere. Lord Monmouth was quite superior to all
+      petty jealousy and the vulgar feelings of inferior mortals, but his
+      sublime selfishness required devotion. He had calculated that a wife or a
+      mistress who might be in love with another man, however powerfully their
+      interests might prompt them, could not be so agreeable or amusing to their
+      friends and husbands as if they had no such distracting hold upon their
+      hearts or their fancy. Latterly at Paris, while Lucretia became each day
+      more involved in the vortex of society, where all admired and some adored
+      her, Lord Monmouth fell into the easy habit of dining in his private
+      rooms, sometimes tête-à-tête with Villebecque, whose inexhaustible tales
+      and adventures about a kind of society which Lord Monmouth had always
+      preferred infinitely to the polished and somewhat insipid circles in which
+      he was born, had rendered him the prime favourite of his great patron.
+      Sometimes Villebecque, too, brought a friend, male or otherwise, whom he
+      thought invested with the rare faculty of distraction: Lord Monmouth cared
+      not who or what they were, provided they were diverting.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Villebecque had written to Coningsby at Rome, by his grandfather&rsquo;s desire,
+      to beg him to return to England and meet Lord Monmouth there. The letter
+      was couched with all the respect and good feeling which Villebecque really
+      entertained for him whom he addressed; still a letter on such a subject
+      from such a person was not agreeable to Coningsby, and his reply to it was
+      direct to his grandfather; Lord Monmouth, however, had entirely given over
+      writing letters.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby had met at Paris, on his way to England, Lord and Lady
+      Everingham, and he had returned with them. This revival of an old
+      acquaintance was both agreeable and fortunate for our hero. The vivacity
+      of a clever and charming woman pleasantly disturbed the brooding memory of
+      Coningsby. There is no mortification however keen, no misery however
+      desperate, which the spirit of woman cannot in some degree lighten or
+      alleviate. About, too, to make his formal entrance into the great world,
+      he could not have secured a more valuable and accomplished female friend.
+      She gave him every instruction, every intimation that was necessary;
+      cleared the social difficulties which in some degree are experienced on
+      their entrance into the world even by the most highly connected, unless
+      they have this benign assistance; planted him immediately in the position
+      which was expedient; took care that he was invited at once to the right
+      houses; and, with the aid of her husband, that he should become a member
+      of the right clubs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And who is to have the blue ribbon, Lord Eskdale?&rsquo; said the Duchess to
+      that nobleman, as he entered and approached to pay his respects.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If I were Melbourne, I would keep it open,&rsquo; replied his Lordship. &lsquo;It is
+      a mistake to give away too quickly.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But suppose they go out,&rsquo; said her Grace.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! there is always a last day to clear the House. But they will be in
+      another year. The cliff will not be sapped before then. We made a mistake
+      last year about the ladies.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I know you always thought so.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Quarrels about women are always a mistake. One should make it a rule to
+      give up to them, and then they are sure to give up to us.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have no great faith in our firmness?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Male firmness is very often obstinacy: women have always something
+      better, worth all qualities; they have tact.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A compliment to the sex from so finished a critic as Lord Eskdale is
+      appreciated.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But at this moment the arrival of some guests terminated the conversation,
+      and Lord Eskdale moved away, and approached a group which Lady Everingham
+      was enlightening.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My dear Lord Fitz-booby,&rsquo; her Ladyship observed, &lsquo;in politics we require
+      faith as well as in all other things.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Fitz-booby looked rather perplexed; but, possessed of considerable
+      official experience, having held high posts, some in the cabinet, for
+      nearly a quarter of a century, he was too versed to acknowledge that he
+      had not understood a single word that had been addressed to him for the
+      last ten minutes. He looked on with the same grave, attentive stolidity,
+      occasionally nodding his head, as he was wont of yore when he received a
+      deputation on sugar duties or joint-stock banks, and when he made, as was
+      his custom when particularly perplexed, an occasional note on a sheet of
+      foolscap paper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;An Opposition in an age of revolution,&rsquo; continued Lady Everingham, &lsquo;must
+      be founded on principles. It cannot depend on mere personal ability and
+      party address taking advantage of circumstances. You have not enunciated a
+      principle for the last ten years; and when you seemed on the point of
+      acceding to power, it was not on a great question of national interest,
+      but a technical dispute respecting the constitution of an exhausted sugar
+      colony.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If you are a Conservative party, we wish to know what you want to
+      conserve,&rsquo; said Lord Vere.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;If it had not been for the Whig abolition of slavery,&rsquo; said Lord
+      Fitz-booby, goaded into repartee, &lsquo;Jamaica would not have been an
+      exhausted sugar colony.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Then what you do want to conserve is slavery?&rsquo; said Lord Vere.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No,&rsquo; said Lord Fitz-booby, &lsquo;I am never for retracing our steps.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But will you advance, will you move? And where will you advance, and how
+      will you move?&rsquo; said Lady Everingham.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think we have had quite enough of advancing,&rsquo; said his Lordship. &lsquo;I had
+      no idea your Ladyship was a member of the Movement party,&rsquo; he added, with
+      a sarcastic grin.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But if it were bad, Lord Fitz-booby, to move where we are, as you and
+      your friends have always maintained, how can you reconcile it to principle
+      to remain there?&rsquo; said Lord Vere.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I would make the best of a bad bargain,&rsquo; said Lord Fitz-booby. &lsquo;With a
+      Conservative government, a reformed Constitution would be less dangerous.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why?&rsquo; said Lady Everingham. &lsquo;What are your distinctive principles that
+      render the peril less?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I appeal to Lord Eskdale,&rsquo; said Lord Fitz-booby; &lsquo;there is Lady
+      Everingham turned quite a Radical, I declare. Is not your Lordship of
+      opinion that the country must be safer with a Conservative government than
+      with a Liberal?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think the country is always tolerably secure,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lady Theresa, leaning on the arm of Mr. Lyle, came up at this moment, and
+      unconsciously made a diversion in favour of Lord Fitz-booby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Pray, Theresa,&rsquo; said Lady Everingham, &lsquo;where is Mr. Coningsby?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Let us endeavour to ascertain. It so happened that on this day Coningsby
+      and Henry Sydney dined at Grillion&rsquo;s, at an university club, where, among
+      many friends whom Coningsby had not met for a long time, and among
+      delightful reminiscences, the unconscious hours stole on. It was late when
+      they quitted Grillion&rsquo;s, and Coningsby&rsquo;s brougham was detained for a
+      considerable time before its driver could insinuate himself into the line,
+      which indeed he would never have succeeded in doing had not he fortunately
+      come across the coachman of the Duke of Agincourt, who being of the same
+      politics as himself, belonging to the same club, and always black-balling
+      the same men, let him in from a legitimate party feeling; so they arrived
+      in Arlington Street at a very late hour.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby was springing up the staircase, now not so crowded as it had
+      been, and met a retiring party; he was about to say a passing word to a
+      gentleman as he went by, when, suddenly, Coningsby turned deadly pale. The
+      gentleman could hardly be the cause, for it was the gracious and handsome
+      presence of Lord Beaumanoir: the lady resting on his arm was Edith. They
+      moved on while he was motionless; yet Edith and himself had exchanged
+      glances. His was one of astonishment; but what was the expression of hers?
+      She must have recognised him before he had observed her. She was
+      collected, and she expressed the purpose of her mind in a distant and
+      haughty recognition. Coningsby remained for a moment stupefied; then
+      suddenly turning back, he bounded downstairs and hurried into the
+      cloak-room. He met Lady Wallinger; he spoke rapidly, he held her hand, did
+      not listen to her answers, his eyes wandered about. There were many
+      persons present, at length he recognised Edith enveloped in her mantle. He
+      went forward, he looked at her, as if he would have read her soul; he said
+      something. She changed colour as he addressed her, but seemed instantly by
+      an effort to rally and regain her equanimity; replied to his inquiries
+      with extreme brevity, and Lady Wallinger&rsquo;s carriage being announced, moved
+      away with the same slight haughty salute as before, on the arm of Lord
+      Beaumanoir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0065" id="link2HCH0065"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER II.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Sadness fell over the once happy family of Millbank after the departure of
+      Coningsby from Hellingsley. When the first pang was over, Edith had found
+      some solace in the sympathy of her aunt, who had always appreciated and
+      admired Coningsby; but it was a sympathy which aspired only to soften
+      sorrow, and not to create hope. But Lady Wallinger, though she lengthened
+      her visit for the sake of her niece, in time quitted them; and then the
+      name of Coningsby was never heard by Edith. Her brother, shortly after the
+      sorrowful and abrupt departure of his friend, had gone to the factories,
+      where he remained, and of which, in future, it was intended that he should
+      assume the principal direction. Mr. Millbank himself, sustained at first
+      by the society of his friend Sir Joseph, to whom he was attached, and
+      occupied with daily reports from his establishment and the transaction of
+      the affairs with his numerous and busy constituents, was for a while
+      scarcely conscious of the alteration which had taken place in the
+      demeanour of his daughter. But when they were once more alone together, it
+      was impossible any longer to be blind to the great change. That happy and
+      equable gaiety of spirit, which seemed to spring from an innocent
+      enjoyment of existence, and which had ever distinguished Edith, was
+      wanting. Her sunny glance was gone. She was not indeed always moody and
+      dispirited, but she was fitful, unequal in her tone. That temper whose
+      sweetness had been a domestic proverb had become a little uncertain. Not
+      that her affection for her father was diminished, but there were snatches
+      of unusual irritability which momentarily escaped her, followed by bursts
+      of tenderness that were the creatures of compunction. And often, after
+      some hasty word, she would throw her arms round her father&rsquo;s neck with the
+      fondness of remorse. She pursued her usual avocations, for she had really
+      too well-regulated a mind, she was in truth a person of too strong an
+      intellect, to neglect any source of occupation and distraction. Her
+      flowers, her pencil, and her books supplied her with these; and music
+      soothed, and at times beguiled, her agitated thoughts. But there was no
+      joy in the house, and in time Mr. Millbank felt it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Millbank was vexed, irritated, grieved. Edith, his Edith, the pride
+      and delight of his existence, who had been to him only a source of
+      exultation and felicity, was no longer happy, was perhaps pining away; and
+      there was the appearance, the unjust appearance that he, her fond father,
+      was the cause and occasion of all this wretchedness. It would appear that
+      the name of Coningsby, to which he now owed a great debt of gratitude, was
+      still doomed to bear him mortification and misery. Truly had the young man
+      said that there was a curse upon their two families. And yet, on
+      reflection, it still seemed to Mr. Millbank that he had acted with as much
+      wisdom and real kindness as decision. How otherwise was he to have acted?
+      The union was impossible; the speedier their separation, therefore,
+      clearly the better. Unfortunate, indeed, had been his absence from
+      Hellingsley; unquestionably his presence might have prevented the
+      catastrophe. Oswald should have hindered all this. And yet Mr. Millbank
+      could not shut his eyes to the devotion of his son to Coningsby. He felt
+      he could count on no assistance in this respect from that quarter. Yet how
+      hard upon him that he should seem to figure as a despot or a tyrant to his
+      own children, whom he loved, when he had absolutely acted in an inevitable
+      manner! Edith seemed sad, Oswald sullen; all was changed. All the objects
+      for which this clear-headed, strong-minded, kind-hearted man had been
+      working all his life, seemed to be frustrated. And why? Because a young
+      man had made love to his daughter, who was really in no manner entitled to
+      do so.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As the autumn drew on, Mr. Millbank found Hellingsley, under existing
+      circumstances, extremely wearisome; and he proposed to his daughter that
+      they should pay a visit to their earlier home. Edith assented without
+      difficulty, but without interest. And yet, as Mr. Millbank immediately
+      perceived, the change was a judicious one; for certainly the spirits of
+      Edith seemed to improve after her return to their valley. There were more
+      objects of interest: change, too, is always beneficial. If Mr. Millbank
+      had been aware that Oswald had received a letter from Coningsby, written
+      before he quitted Spain, perhaps he might have recognised a more
+      satisfactory reason for the transient liveliness of his daughter which had
+      so greatly gratified him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      About a month after Christmas, the meeting of Parliament summoned Mr.
+      Millbank up to London; and he had wished Edith to accompany him. But
+      London in February to Edith, without friends or connections, her father
+      always occupied and absent from her day and night, seemed to them all, on
+      reflection, to be a life not very conducive to health or cheerfulness, and
+      therefore she remained with her brother. Oswald had heard from Coningsby
+      again from Rome; but at the period he wrote he did not anticipate his
+      return to England. His tone was affectionate, but dispirited.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lady Wallinger went up to London after Easter for the season, and Mr.
+      Millbank, now that there was a constant companion for his daughter, took a
+      house and carried Edith back with him to London. Lady Wallinger, who had
+      great wealth and great tact, had obtained by degrees a not inconsiderable
+      position in society. She had a fine house in a fashionable situation, and
+      gave profuse entertainments. The Whigs were under obligations to her
+      husband, and the great Whig ladies were gratified to find in his wife a
+      polished and pleasing person, to whom they could be courteous without any
+      annoyance. So that Edith, under the auspices of her aunt, found herself at
+      once in circles which otherwise she might not easily have entered, but
+      which her beauty, grace, and experience of the most refined society of the
+      Continent, qualified her to shine in. One evening they met the Marquis of
+      Beaumanoir, their friend of Rome and Paris, and admirer of Edith, who from
+      that time was seldom from their side. His mother, the Duchess, immediately
+      called both on the Millbanks and the Wallingers; glad, not only to please
+      her son, but to express that consideration for Mr. Millbank which the Duke
+      always wished to show. It was, however, of no use; nothing would induce
+      Mr. Millbank ever to enter what he called aristocratic society. He liked
+      the House of Commons; never paired off; never missed a moment of it;
+      worked at committees all the morning, listened attentively to debates all
+      the night; always dined at Bellamy&rsquo;s when there was a house; and when
+      there was not, liked dining at the Fishmongers&rsquo; Company, the Russia
+      Company, great Emigration banquets, and other joint-stock festivities.
+      That was his idea of rational society; business and pleasure combined; a
+      good dinner, and good speeches afterwards.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Edith was aware that Coningsby had returned to England, for her brother
+      had heard from him on his arrival; but Oswald had not heard since. A
+      season in London only represented in the mind of Edith the chance, perhaps
+      the certainty, of meeting Coningsby again; of communing together over the
+      catastrophe of last summer; of soothing and solacing each other&rsquo;s
+      unhappiness, and perhaps, with the sanguine imagination of youth,
+      foreseeing a more felicitous future. She had been nearly a fortnight in
+      town, and though moving frequently in the same circles as Coningsby, they
+      had not yet met. It was one of those results which could rarely occur; but
+      even chance enters too frequently in the league against lovers. The
+      invitation to the assembly at &mdash;&mdash; House was therefore
+      peculiarly gratifying to Edith, since she could scarcely doubt that if
+      Coningsby were in town, which her casual inquiries of Lord Beaumanoir
+      induced her to believe was the case, he would be present. Never,
+      therefore, had she repaired to an assembly with such a flattering spirit;
+      and yet there was a fascinating anxiety about it that bewilders the young
+      heart.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In vain Edith surveyed the rooms to catch the form of that being, whom for
+      a moment she had never ceased to cherish and muse over. He was not there;
+      and at the very moment when, disappointed and mortified, she most required
+      solace, she learned from Mr. Melton that Lady Theresa Sydney, whom she
+      chanced to admire, was going to be married, and to Mr. Coningsby!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      What a revelation! His silence, perhaps his shunning of her were no longer
+      inexplicable. What a return for all her romantic devotion in her sad
+      solitude at Hellingsley. Was this the end of their twilight rambles, and
+      the sweet pathos of their mutual loves? There seemed to be no truth in
+      man, no joy in life! All the feelings that she had so generously lavished,
+      all returned upon herself. She could have burst into a passion of tears
+      and buried herself in a cloister.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Instead of that, civilisation made her listen with a serene though
+      tortured countenance; but as soon as it was in her power, pleading a
+      headache to Lady Wallinger, she effected, or thought she had effected, her
+      escape from a scene which harrowed her heart.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As for Coningsby, he passed a sleepless night, agitated by the unexpected
+      presence of Edith and distracted by the manner in which she had received
+      him. To say that her appearance had revived all his passionate affection
+      for her would convey an unjust impression of the nature of his feelings.
+      His affection had never for a moment swerved; it was profound and firm.
+      But unquestionably this sudden vision had brought before him, in startling
+      and more vivid colours, the relations that subsisted between them. There
+      was the being whom he loved and who loved him; and whatever were the
+      barriers which the circumstances of life placed against their union, they
+      were partakers of the solemn sacrament of an unpolluted heart.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby, as we have mentioned, had signified to Oswald his return to
+      England: he had hitherto omitted to write again; not because his spirit
+      faltered, but he was wearied of whispering hope without foundation, and
+      mourning over his chagrined fortunes. Once more in England, once more
+      placed in communication with his grandfather, he felt with increased
+      conviction the difficulties which surrounded him. The society of Lady
+      Everingham and her sister, who had been at the same time her visitor, had
+      been a relaxation, and a beneficial one, to a mind suffering too much from
+      the tension of one idea. But Coningsby had treated the matrimonial project
+      of his gay-minded hostess with the courteous levity in which he believed
+      it had first half originated. He admired and liked Lady Theresa; but there
+      was a reason why he should not marry her, even had his own heart not been
+      absorbed by one of those passions from which men of deep and earnest
+      character never emancipate themselves.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After musing and meditating again and again over everything that had
+      occurred, Coningsby fell asleep when the morning had far advanced,
+      resolved to rise when a little refreshed and find out Lady Wallinger, who,
+      he felt sure, would receive him with kindness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Yet it was fated that this step should not be taken, for while he was at
+      breakfast, his servant brought him a letter from Monmouth House, apprising
+      him that his grandfather wished to see him as soon as possible on urgent
+      business.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0066" id="link2HCH0066"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER III.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth was sitting in the same dressing-room in which he was first
+      introduced to the reader; on the table were several packets of papers that
+      were open and in course of reference; and he dictated his observations to
+      Monsieur Villebecque, who was writing at his left hand.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Thus were they occupied when Coningsby was ushered into the room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You see, Harry,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth, &lsquo;that I am much occupied to-day, yet
+      the business on which I wish to communicate with you is so pressing that
+      it could not be postponed.&rsquo; He made a sign to Villebecque, and his
+      secretary instantly retired.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I was right in pressing your return to England,&rsquo; continued Lord Monmouth
+      to his grandson, who was a little anxious as to the impending
+      communication, which he could not in any way anticipate. &lsquo;These are not
+      times when young men should be out of sight. Your public career will
+      commence immediately. The Government have resolved on a dissolution. My
+      information is from the highest quarter. You may be astonished, but it is
+      a fact. They are going to dissolve their own House of Commons.
+      Notwithstanding this and the Queen&rsquo;s name, we can beat them; but the race
+      requires the finest jockeying. We can&rsquo;t give a point. Tadpole has been
+      here to me about Darlford; he came specially with a message, I may say an
+      appeal, from one to whom I can refuse nothing; the Government count on the
+      seat, though with the new Registration &lsquo;tis nearly a tie. If we had a good
+      candidate we could win. But Rigby won&rsquo;t do. He is too much of the old
+      clique; used up; a hack; besides, a beaten horse. We are assured the name
+      of Coningsby would be a host; there is a considerable section who support
+      the present fellow who will not vote against a Coningsby. They have
+      thought of you as a fit person, and I have approved of the suggestion. You
+      will, therefore, be the candidate for Darlford with my entire sanction and
+      support, and I have no doubt you will be successful. You may be sure I
+      shall spare nothing: and it will be very gratifying to me, after being
+      robbed of all our boroughs, that the only Coningsby who cares to enter
+      Parliament, should nevertheless be able to do so as early as I could
+      fairly desire.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby the rival of Mr. Millbank on the hustings of Darlford!
+      Vanquished or victorious, equally a catastrophe! The fierce passions, the
+      gross insults, the hot blood and the cool lies, the ruffianism and the
+      ribaldry, perhaps the domestic discomfiture and mortification, which he
+      was about to be the means of bringing on the roof he loved best in the
+      world, occurred to him with anguish. The countenance of Edith, haughty and
+      mournful last night, rose to him again. He saw her canvassing for her
+      father, and against him. Madness! And for what was he to make this
+      terrible and costly sacrifice For his ambition? Not even for that Divinity
+      or Daemon for which we all immolate so much! Mighty ambition, forsooth, to
+      succeed to the Rigbys! To enter the House of Commons a slave and a tool;
+      to move according to instructions, and to labour for the low designs of
+      petty spirits, without even the consolation of being a dupe. What sympathy
+      could there exist between Coningsby and the &lsquo;great Conservative party,&rsquo;
+      that for ten years in an age of revolution had never promulgated a
+      principle; whose only intelligible and consistent policy seemed to be an
+      attempt, very grateful of course to the feelings of an English Royalist,
+      to revive Irish Puritanism; who when in power in 1835 had used that power
+      only to evince their utter ignorance of Church principles; and who were at
+      this moment, when Coningsby was formally solicited to join their ranks, in
+      open insurrection against the prerogatives of the English Monarchy?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Do you anticipate then an immediate dissolution, sir?&rsquo; inquired Coningsby
+      after a moment&rsquo;s pause.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We must anticipate it; though I think it doubtful. It may be next month;
+      it may be in the autumn; they may tide over another year, as Lord Eskdale
+      thinks, and his opinion always weighs with me. He is very safe. Tadpole
+      believes they will dissolve at once. But whether they dissolve now, or in
+      a month&rsquo;s time, or in the autumn, or next year, our course is clear. We
+      must declare our intentions immediately. We must hoist our flag. Monday
+      next, there is a great Conservative dinner at Darlford. You must attend
+      it; that will be the finest opportunity in the world for you to announce
+      yourself.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Don&rsquo;t you think, sir,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;that such an announcement would
+      be rather premature? It is, in fact, embarking in a contest which may last
+      a year; perhaps more.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What you say is very true,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth; &lsquo;no doubt it is very
+      troublesome; very disgusting; any canvassing is. But we must take things
+      as we find them. You cannot get into Parliament now in the good old
+      gentlemanlike way; and we ought to be thankful that this interest has been
+      fostered for our purpose.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby looked on the carpet, cleared his throat as if about to speak,
+      and then gave something like a sigh.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think you had better be off the day after to-morrow,&rsquo; said Lord
+      Monmouth. &lsquo;I have sent instructions to the steward to do all he can in so
+      short a time, for I wish you to entertain the principal people.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You are most kind, you are always most kind to me, dear sir,&rsquo; said
+      Coningsby, in a hesitating tone, and with an air of great embarrassment,
+      &lsquo;but, in truth, I have no wish to enter Parliament.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What?&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I feel that I am not sufficiently prepared for so great a responsibility
+      as a seat in the House of Commons,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Responsibility!&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth, smiling. &lsquo;What responsibility is
+      there? How can any one have a more agreeable seat? The only person to whom
+      you are responsible is your own relation, who brings you in. And I don&rsquo;t
+      suppose there can be any difference on any point between us. You are
+      certainly still young; but I was younger by nearly two years when I first
+      went in; and I found no difficulty. There can be no difficulty. All you
+      have got to do is to vote with your party. As for speaking, if you have a
+      talent that way, take my advice; don&rsquo;t be in a hurry. Learn to know the
+      House; learn the House to know you. If a man be discreet, he cannot enter
+      Parliament too soon.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is not exactly that, sir,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Then what is it, my dear Harry? You see to-day I have much to do; yet as
+      your business is pressing, I would not postpone seeing you an hour. I
+      thought you would have been very much gratified.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You mentioned that I had nothing to do but to vote with my party, sir,&rsquo;
+      replied Coningsby. &lsquo;You mean, of course, by that term what is understood
+      by the Conservative party.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Of course; our friends.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sorry,&rsquo; said Coningsby, rather pale, but speaking with firmness, &lsquo;I
+      am sorry that I could not support the Conservative party.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;By &mdash;&mdash;!&rsquo; exclaimed Lord Monmouth, starting in his seat, &lsquo;some
+      woman has got hold of him, and made him a Whig!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No, my dear grandfather,&rsquo; said Coningsby, scarcely able to repress a
+      smile, serious as the interview was becoming, &lsquo;nothing of the kind, I
+      assure you. No person can be more anti-Whig.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I don&rsquo;t know what you are driving at, sir,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth, in a
+      hard, dry tone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wish to be frank, sir,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;and am very sensible of your
+      goodness in permitting me to speak to you on the subject. What I mean to
+      say is, that I have for a long time looked upon the Conservative party as
+      a body who have betrayed their trust; more from ignorance, I admit, than
+      from design; yet clearly a body of individuals totally unequal to the
+      exigencies of the epoch, and indeed unconscious of its real character.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You mean giving up those Irish corporations?&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth. &lsquo;Well,
+      between ourselves, I am quite of the same opinion. But we must mount
+      higher; we must go to &lsquo;28 for the real mischief. But what is the use of
+      lamenting the past? Peel is the only man; suited to the times and all
+      that; at least we must say so, and try to believe so; we can&rsquo;t go back.
+      And it is our own fault that we have let the chief power out of the hands
+      of our own order. It was never thought of in the time of your
+      great-grandfather, sir. And if a commoner were for a season permitted to
+      be the nominal Premier to do the detail, there was always a secret
+      committee of great 1688 nobles to give him his instructions.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I should be very sorry to see secret committees of great 1688 nobles
+      again,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Then what the devil do you want to see?&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Political faith,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;instead of political infidelity.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Hem!&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Before I support Conservative principles,&rsquo; continued Coningsby, &lsquo;I merely
+      wish to be informed what those principles aim to conserve. It would not
+      appear to be the prerogative of the Crown, since the principal portion of
+      a Conservative oration now is an invective against a late royal act which
+      they describe as a Bed-chamber plot. Is it the Church which they wish to
+      conserve? What is a threatened Appropriation Clause against an actual
+      Church Commission in the hands of Parliamentary Laymen? Could the Long
+      Parliament have done worse? Well, then, if it is neither the Crown nor the
+      Church, whose rights and privileges this Conservative party propose to
+      vindicate, is it your House, the House of Lords, whose powers they are
+      prepared to uphold? Is it not notorious that the very man whom you have
+      elected as your leader in that House, declares among his Conservative
+      adherents, that henceforth the assembly that used to furnish those very
+      Committees of great revolution nobles that you mention, is to initiate
+      nothing; and, without a struggle, is to subside into that undisturbed
+      repose which resembles the Imperial tranquillity that secured the
+      frontiers by paying tribute?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;All this is vastly fine,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth; &lsquo;but I see no means by
+      which I can attain my object but by supporting Peel. After all, what is
+      the end of all parties and all politics? To gain your object. I want to
+      turn our coronet into a ducal one, and to get your grandmother&rsquo;s barony
+      called out of abeyance in your favour. It is impossible that Peel can
+      refuse me. I have already purchased an ample estate with the view of
+      entailing it on you and your issue. You will make a considerable alliance;
+      you may marry, if you please, Lady Theresa Sydney. I hear the report with
+      pleasure. Count on my at once entering into any arrangement conducive to
+      your happiness.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My dear grandfather, you have ever been to me only too kind and
+      generous.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;To whom should I be kind but to you, my own blood, that has never crossed
+      me, and of whom I have reason to be proud? Yes, Harry, it gratifies me to
+      hear you admired and to learn your success. All I want now is to see you
+      in Parliament. A man should be in Parliament early. There is a sort of
+      stiffness about every man, no matter what may be his talents, who enters
+      Parliament late in life; and now, fortunately, the occasion offers. You
+      will go down on Friday; feed the notabilities well; speak out; praise
+      Peel; abuse O&rsquo;Connell and the ladies of the Bed-chamber; anathematise all
+      waverers; say a good deal about Ireland; stick to the Irish Registration
+      Bill, that&rsquo;s a good card; and, above all, my dear Harry, don&rsquo;t spare that
+      fellow Millbank. Remember, in turning him out you not only gain a vote for
+      the Conservative cause and our coronet, but you crush my foe. Spare
+      nothing for that object; I count on you, boy.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I should grieve to be backward in anything that concerned your interest
+      or your honour, sir,&rsquo; said Coningsby, with an air of great embarrassment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sure you would, I am sure you would,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth, in a tone
+      of some kindness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And I feel at this moment,&rsquo; continued Coningsby, &lsquo;that there is no
+      personal sacrifice which I am not prepared to make for them, except one.
+      My interests, my affections, they should not be placed in the balance, if
+      yours, sir, were at stake, though there are circumstances which might
+      involve me in a position of as much mental distress as a man could well
+      endure; but I claim for my convictions, my dear grandfather, a generous
+      tolerance.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I can&rsquo;t follow you, sir,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth, again in his hard tone.
+      &lsquo;Our interests are inseparable, and therefore there can never be any
+      sacrifice of conduct on your part. What you mean by sacrifice of
+      affections, I don&rsquo;t comprehend; but as for your opinions, you have no
+      business to have any other than those I uphold. You are too young to form
+      opinions.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sure I wish to express them with no unbecoming confidence,&rsquo; replied
+      Coningsby; &lsquo;I have never intruded them on your ear before; but this being
+      an occasion when you yourself said, sir, I was about to commence my public
+      career, I confess I thought it was my duty to be frank; I would not entail
+      on myself long years of mortification by one of those ill-considered
+      entrances into political life which so many public men have cause to
+      deplore.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You go with your family, sir, like a gentleman; you are not to consider
+      your opinions, like a philosopher or a political adventurer.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes, sir,&rsquo; said Coningsby, with animation, &lsquo;but men going with their
+      families like gentlemen, and losing sight of every principle on which the
+      society of this country ought to be established, produced the Reform
+      Bill.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;D&mdash;&mdash; the Reform Bill!&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth; &lsquo;if the Duke had
+      not quarrelled with Lord Grey on a Coal Committee, we should never have
+      had the Reform Bill. And Grey would have gone to Ireland.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You are in as great peril now as you were in 1830,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No, no, no,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth; &lsquo;the Tory party is organised now; they
+      will not catch us napping again: these Conservative Associations have done
+      the business.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But what are they organised for?&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;At the best to turn
+      out the Whigs. And when you have turned out the Whigs, what then? You may
+      get your ducal coronet, sir. But a duke now is not so great a man as a
+      baron was but a century back. We cannot struggle against the irresistible
+      stream of circumstances. Power has left our order; this is not an age for
+      factitious aristocracy. As for my grandmother&rsquo;s barony, I should look upon
+      the termination of its abeyance in my favour as the act of my political
+      extinction. What we want, sir, is not to fashion new dukes and furbish up
+      old baronies, but to establish great principles which may maintain the
+      realm and secure the happiness of the people. Let me see authority once
+      more honoured; a solemn reverence again the habit of our lives; let me see
+      property acknowledging, as in the old days of faith, that labour is his
+      twin brother, and that the essence of all tenure is the performance of
+      duty; let results such as these be brought about, and let me participate,
+      however feebly, in the great fulfilment, and public life then indeed
+      becomes a noble career, and a seat in Parliament an enviable distinction.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I tell you what it is, Harry,&rsquo; said Lord Monmouth, very drily, &lsquo;members
+      of this family may think as they like, but they must act as I please. You
+      must go down on Friday to Darlford and declare yourself a candidate for
+      the town, or I shall reconsider our mutual positions. I would say, you
+      must go to-morrow; but it is only courteous to Rigby to give him a
+      previous intimation of your movement. And that cannot be done to-day. I
+      sent for Rigby this morning on other business which now occupies me, and
+      find he is out of town. He will return to-morrow; and will be here at
+      three o&rsquo;clock, when you can meet him. You will meet him, I doubt not, like
+      a man of sense,&rsquo; added Lord Monmouth, looking at Coningsby with a glance
+      such as he had never before encountered, &lsquo;who is not prepared to sacrifice
+      all the objects of life for the pursuit of some fantastical puerilities.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His Lordship rang a bell on his table for Villebecque; and to prevent any
+      further conversation, resumed his papers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0067" id="link2HCH0067"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER IV.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      It would have been difficult for any person, unconscious of crime, to have
+      felt more dejected than Coningsby when he rode out of the court-yard of
+      Monmouth House. The love of Edith would have consoled him for the
+      destruction of his prosperity; the proud fulfilment of his ambition might
+      in time have proved some compensation for his crushed affections; but his
+      present position seemed to offer no single source of solace. There came
+      over him that irresistible conviction that is at times the dark doom of
+      all of us, that the bright period of our life is past; that a future
+      awaits us only of anxiety, failure, mortification, despair; that none of
+      our resplendent visions can ever be realised: and that we add but one more
+      victim to the long and dreary catalogue of baffled aspirations.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Nor could he indeed by any combination see the means to extricate himself
+      from the perils that were encompassing him. There was something about his
+      grandfather that defied persuasion. Prone as eloquent youth generally is
+      to believe in the resistless power of its appeals, Coningsby despaired at
+      once of ever moving Lord Monmouth. There had been a callous dryness in his
+      manner, an unswerving purpose in his spirit, that at once baffled all
+      attempts at influence. Nor could Coningsby forget the look he received
+      when he quitted the room. There was no possibility of mistaking it; it
+      said at once, without periphrasis, &lsquo;Cross my purpose, and I will crush
+      you!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This was the moment when the sympathy, if not the counsels, of friendship
+      might have been grateful. A clever woman might have afforded even more
+      than sympathy; some happy device that might have even released him from
+      the mesh in which he was involved. And once Coningsby had turned his
+      horse&rsquo;s head to Park Lane to call on Lady Everingham. But surely if there
+      were a sacred secret in the world, it was the one which subsisted between
+      himself and Edith. No, that must never be violated. Then there was Lady
+      Wallinger; he could at least speak with freedom to her. He resolved to
+      tell her all. He looked in for a moment at a club to take up the &lsquo;Court
+      Guide&rsquo; and find her direction. A few men were standing in a bow window. He
+      heard Mr. Cassilis say,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;So Beau, they say, is booked at last; the new beauty, have you heard?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I saw him very sweet on her last night,&rsquo; rejoined his companion. &lsquo;Has she
+      any tin?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Deuced deal, they say,&rsquo; replied Mr. Cassilis.&rsquo; The father is a cotton
+      lord, and they all have loads of tin, you know. Nothing like them now.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He is in Parliament, is not he?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;&rsquo;Gad, I believe he is,&rsquo; said Mr. Cassilis; &lsquo;I never know who is in
+      Parliament in these days. I remember when there were only ten men in the
+      House of Commons who were not either members of Brookes&rsquo; or this place.
+      Everything is so deuced changed.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I hear &lsquo;tis an old affair of Beau,&rsquo; said another gentleman. &lsquo;It was all
+      done a year ago at Rome or Paris.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;They say she refused him then,&rsquo; said Mr. Cassilis.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, that is tolerably cool for a manufacturer&rsquo;s daughter,&rsquo; said his
+      friend. &lsquo;What next?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wonder how the Duke likes it?&rsquo; said Mr. Cassilis.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Or the Duchess?&rsquo; added one of his friends.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Or the Everinghams?&rsquo; added the other.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The Duke will be deuced glad to see Beau settled, I take it,&rsquo; said Mr.
+      Cassilis.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A good deal depends on the tin,&rsquo; said his friend.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby threw down the &lsquo;Court Guide&rsquo; with a sinking heart. In spite of
+      every insuperable difficulty, hitherto the end and object of all his
+      aspirations and all his exploits, sometimes even almost unconsciously to
+      himself, was Edith. It was over. The strange manner of last night was
+      fatally explained. The heart that once had been his was now another&rsquo;s. To
+      the man who still loves there is in that conviction the most profound and
+      desolate sorrow of which our nature is capable. All the recollection of
+      the past, all the once-cherished prospects of the future, blend into one
+      bewildering anguish. Coningsby quitted the club, and mounting his horse,
+      rode rapidly out of town, almost unconscious of his direction. He found
+      himself at length in a green lane near Willesden, silent and undisturbed;
+      he pulled up his horse, and summoned all his mind to the contemplation of
+      his prospects.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Edith was lost. Now, should he return to his grandfather, accept his
+      mission, and go down to Darlford on Friday? Favour and fortune, power,
+      prosperity, rank, distinction would be the consequence of this step; might
+      not he add even vengeance? Was there to be no term to his endurance? Might
+      not he teach this proud, prejudiced manufacturer, with all his virulence
+      and despotic caprices, a memorable lesson? And his daughter, too, this
+      betrothed, after all, of a young noble, with her flush futurity of
+      splendour and enjoyment, was she to hear of him only, if indeed she heard
+      of him at all, as of one toiling or trifling in the humbler positions of
+      existence; and wonder, with a blush, that he ever could have been the hero
+      of her romantic girlhood? What degradation in the idea? His cheek burnt at
+      the possibility of such ignominy!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was a conjuncture in his life that required decision. He thought of his
+      companions who looked up to him with such ardent anticipations of his
+      fame, of delight in his career, and confidence in his leading; were all
+      these high and fond fancies to be balked? On the very threshold of life
+      was he to blunder? &lsquo;Tis the first step that leads to all, and his was to
+      be a wilful error. He remembered his first visit to his grandfather, and
+      the delight of his friends at Eton at his report on his return. After
+      eight years of initiation was he to lose that favour then so highly
+      prized, when the results which they had so long counted on were on the
+      very eve of accomplishment? Parliament and riches, and rank and power;
+      these were facts, realities, substances, that none could mistake. Was he
+      to sacrifice them for speculations, theories, shadows, perhaps the vapours
+      of a green and conceited brain? No, by heaven, no! He was like Caesar by
+      the starry river&rsquo;s side, watching the image of the planets on its fatal
+      waters. The die was cast.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The sun set; the twilight spell fell upon his soul; the exaltation of his
+      spirit died away. Beautiful thoughts, full of sweetness and tranquillity
+      and consolation, came clustering round his heart like seraphs. He thought
+      of Edith in her hours of fondness; he thought of the pure and solemn
+      moments when to mingle his name with the heroes of humanity was his
+      aspiration, and to achieve immortal fame the inspiring purpose of his
+      life. What were the tawdry accidents of vulgar ambition to him? No
+      domestic despot could deprive him of his intellect, his knowledge, the
+      sustaining power of an unpolluted conscience. If he possessed the
+      intelligence in which he had confidence, the world would recognise his
+      voice even if not placed upon a pedestal. If the principles of his
+      philosophy were true, the great heart of the nation would respond to their
+      expression. Coningsby felt at this moment a profound conviction which
+      never again deserted him, that the conduct which would violate the
+      affections of the heart, or the dictates of the conscience, however it may
+      lead to immediate success, is a fatal error. Conscious that he was perhaps
+      verging on some painful vicissitude of his life, he devoted himself to a
+      love that seemed hopeless, and to a fame that was perhaps a dream.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was under the influence of these solemn resolutions that he wrote, on
+      his return home, a letter to Lord Monmouth, in which he expressed all that
+      affection which he really felt for his grandfather, and all the pangs
+      which it cost him to adhere to the conclusions he had already announced.
+      In terms of tenderness, and even humility, he declined to become a
+      candidate for Darlford, or even to enter Parliament, except as the master
+      of his own conduct.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0068" id="link2HCH0068"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER V.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Lady Monmouth was reclining on a sofa in that beautiful boudoir which had
+      been fitted up under the superintendence of Mr. Rigby, but as he then
+      believed for the Princess Colonna. The walls were hung with amber satin,
+      painted by Delaroche with such subjects as might be expected from his
+      brilliant and picturesque pencil. Fair forms, heroes and heroines in
+      dazzling costume, the offspring of chivalry merging into what is commonly
+      styled civilisation, moved in graceful or fantastic groups amid palaces
+      and gardens. The ceiling, carved in the deep honeycomb fashion of the
+      Saracens, was richly gilt and picked out in violet. Upon a violet carpet
+      of velvet was represented the marriage of Cupid and Psyche.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was about two hours after Coningsby had quitted Monmouth House, and
+      Flora came in, sent for by Lady Monmouth as was her custom, to read to her
+      as she was employed with some light work.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;&rsquo;Tis a new book of Sue,&rsquo; said Lucretia. &lsquo;They say it is good.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Flora, seated by her side, began to read. Reading was an accomplishment
+      which distinguished Flora; but to-day her voice faltered, her expression
+      was uncertain; she seemed but imperfectly to comprehend her page. More
+      than once Lady Monmouth looked round at her with an inquisitive glance.
+      Suddenly Flora stopped and burst into tears.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;O! madam,&rsquo; she at last exclaimed, &lsquo;if you would but speak to Mr.
+      Coningsby, all might be right!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What is this?&rsquo; said Lady Monmouth, turning quickly on the sofa; then,
+      collecting herself in an instant, she continued with less abruptness, and
+      more suavity than usual, &lsquo;Tell me, Flora, what is it; what is the matter?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My Lord,&rsquo; sobbed Flora, &lsquo;has quarrelled with Mr. Coningsby.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      An expression of eager interest came over the countenance of Lucretia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why have they quarrelled?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I do not know they have quarrelled; it is not, perhaps, a right term; but
+      my Lord is very angry with Mr. Coningsby.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Not very angry, I should think, Flora; and about what?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! very angry, madam,&rsquo; said Flora, shaking her head mournfully. &lsquo;My Lord
+      told M. Villebecque that perhaps Mr. Coningsby would never enter the house
+      again.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Was it to-day?&rsquo; asked Lucretia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;This morning. Mr. Coningsby has only left this hour or two. He will not
+      do what my Lord wishes, about some seat in the Chamber. I do not know
+      exactly what it is; but my Lord is in one of his moods of terror: my
+      father is frightened even to go into his room when he is so.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Has Mr. Rigby been here to-day?&rsquo; asked Lucretia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Mr. Rigby is not in town. My father went for Mr. Rigby this morning
+      before Mr. Coningsby came, and he found that Mr. Rigby was not in town.
+      That is why I know it.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lady Monmouth rose from her sofa, and walked once or twice up and down the
+      room. Then turning to Flora, she said, &lsquo;Go away now: the book is stupid;
+      it does not amuse me. Stop: find out all you can for me about the quarrel
+      before I speak to Mr. Coningsby.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Flora quitted the room. Lucretia remained for some time in meditation;
+      then she wrote a few lines, which she despatched at once to Mr. Rigby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0069" id="link2HCH0069"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VI.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      What a great man was the Right Honourable Nicholas Rigby! Here was one of
+      the first peers of England, and one of the finest ladies in London, both
+      waiting with equal anxiety his return to town; and unable to transact two
+      affairs of vast importance, yet wholly unconnected, without his
+      interposition! What was the secret of the influence of this man, confided
+      in by everybody, trusted by none? His counsels were not deep, his
+      expedients were not felicitous; he had no feeling, and he could create no
+      sympathy. It is that, in most of the transactions of life, there is some
+      portion which no one cares to accomplish, and which everybody wishes to be
+      achieved. This was always the portion of Mr. Rigby. In the eye of the
+      world he had constantly the appearance of being mixed up with high
+      dealings, and negotiations and arrangements of fine management, whereas in
+      truth, notwithstanding his splendid livery and the airs he gave himself in
+      the servants&rsquo; hall, his real business in life had ever been, to do the
+      dirty work.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Rigby had been shut up much at his villa of late. He was concocting,
+      you could not term it composing, an article, a &lsquo;very slashing article,&rsquo;
+      which was to prove that the penny postage must be the destruction of the
+      aristocracy. It was a grand subject, treated in his highest style. His
+      parallel portraits of Rowland Hill the conqueror of Almarez and Rowland
+      Hill the deviser of the cheap postage were enormously fine. It was full of
+      passages in italics, little words in great capitals, and almost drew
+      tears. The statistical details also were highly interesting and novel.
+      Several of the old postmen, both twopenny and general, who had been in
+      office with himself, and who were inspired with an equal zeal against that
+      spirit of reform of which they had alike been victims, supplied him with
+      information which nothing but a breach of ministerial duty could have
+      furnished. The prophetic peroration as to the irresistible progress of
+      democracy was almost as powerful as one of Rigby&rsquo;s speeches on Aldborough
+      or Amersham. There never was a fellow for giving a good hearty kick to the
+      people like Rigby. Himself sprung from the dregs of the populace, this was
+      disinterested. What could be more patriotic and magnanimous than his
+      Jeremiads over the fall of the Montmorencis and the Crillons, or the
+      possible catastrophe of the Percys and the Manners! The truth of all this
+      hullabaloo was that Rigby had a sly pension which, by an inevitable
+      association of ideas, he always connected with the maintenance of an
+      aristocracy. All his rigmarole dissertations on the French revolution were
+      impelled by this secret influence; and when he wailed over &lsquo;la guerre aux
+      châteaux,&rsquo; and moaned like a mandrake over Nottingham Castle in flames,
+      the rogue had an eye all the while to quarter-day!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Arriving in town the day after Coningsby&rsquo;s interview with his grandfather,
+      Mr. Rigby found a summons to Monmouth House waiting him, and an urgent
+      note from Lucretia begging that he would permit nothing to prevent him
+      seeing her for a few minutes before he called on the Marquess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lucretia, acting on the unconscious intimation of Flora, had in the course
+      of four-and-twenty hours obtained pretty ample and accurate details of the
+      cause of contention between Coningsby and her husband. She could inform
+      Mr. Rigby not only that Lord Monmouth was highly incensed against his
+      grandson, but that the cause of their misunderstanding arose about a seat
+      in the House of Commons, and that seat too the one which Mr. Rigby had
+      long appropriated to himself, and over whose registration he had watched
+      with such affectionate solicitude.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lady Monmouth arranged this information like a firstrate artist, and gave
+      it a grouping and a colour which produced the liveliest effect upon her
+      confederate. The countenance of Rigby was almost ghastly as he received
+      the intelligence; a grin, half of malice, half of terror, played over his
+      features.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I told you to beware of him long ago,&rsquo; said Lady Monmouth. &lsquo;He is, he has
+      ever been, in the way of both of us.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He is in my power,&rsquo; said Rigby. &lsquo;We can crush him!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;How?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He is in love with the daughter of Millbank, the man who bought
+      Hellingsley.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Hah!&rsquo; exclaimed Lady Monmouth, in a prolonged tone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He was at Coningsby all last summer, hanging about her. I found the
+      younger Millbank quite domiciliated at the Castle; a fact which, of
+      itself, if known to Lord Monmouth, would ensure the lad&rsquo;s annihilation.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And you kept this fine news for a winter campaign, my good Mr. Rigby,&rsquo;
+      said Lady Monmouth, with a subtle smile. &lsquo;It was a weapon of service. I
+      give you my compliments.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The time is not always ripe,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But it is now most mature. Let us not conceal it from ourselves that,
+      since his first visit to Coningsby, we have neither of us really been in
+      the same position which we then occupied, or believed we should occupy. My
+      Lord, though you would scarcely believe it, has a weakness for this boy;
+      and though I by my marriage, and you by your zealous ability, have
+      apparently secured a permanent hold upon his habits, I have never doubted
+      that when the crisis comes we shall find that the golden fruit is plucked
+      by one who has not watched the garden. You take me? There is no reason why
+      we two should clash together: we can both of us find what we want, and
+      more securely if we work in company.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I trust my devotion to you has never been doubted, dear madam.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Nor to yourself, dear Mr. Rigby. Go now: the game is before you. Rid me
+      of this Coningsby, and I will secure you all that you want. Doubt not me.
+      There is no reason. I want a firm ally. There must be two.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It shall be done,&rsquo; said Rigby; &lsquo;it must be done. If once the notion gets
+      wind that one of the Castle family may perchance stand for Darlford, all
+      the present combinations will be disorganised. It must be done at once. I
+      know that the Government will dissolve.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;So I hear for certain,&rsquo; said Lucretia. &lsquo;Be sure there is no time to lose.
+      What does he want with you to-day?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I know not: there are so many things.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;To be sure; and yet I cannot doubt he will speak of this quarrel. Let not
+      the occasion be lost. Whatever his mood, the subject may be introduced. If
+      good, you will guide him more easily; if dark, the love for the
+      Hellingsley girl, the fact of the brother being in his castle, drinking
+      his wine, riding his horses, ordering about his servants; you will omit no
+      details: a Millbank quite at home at Coningsby will lash him to madness!
+      &lsquo;Tis quite ripe. Not a word that you have seen me. Go, go, or he may hear
+      that you have arrived. I shall be at home all the morning. It will be but
+      gallant that you should pay me a little visit when you have transacted
+      your business. You understand. <i>Au revoir!</i>&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lady Monmouth took up again her French novel; but her eyes soon glanced
+      over the page, unattached by its contents. Her own existence was too
+      interesting to find any excitement in fiction. It was nearly three years
+      since her marriage; that great step which she ever had a conviction was to
+      lead to results still greater. Of late she had often been filled with a
+      presentiment that they were near at hand; never more so than on this day.
+      Irresistible was the current of associations that led her to meditate on
+      freedom, wealth, power; on a career which should at the same time dazzle
+      the imagination and gratify her heart. Notwithstanding the gossip of
+      Paris, founded on no authentic knowledge of her husband&rsquo;s character or
+      information, based on the haphazard observations of the floating
+      multitude, Lucretia herself had no reason to fear that her influence over
+      Lord Monmouth, if exerted, was materially diminished. But satisfied that
+      he had formed no other tie, with her ever the test of her position, she
+      had not thought it expedient, and certainly would have found it irksome,
+      to maintain that influence by any ostentatious means. She knew that Lord
+      Monmouth was capricious, easily wearied, soon palled; and that on men who
+      have no affections, affection has no hold. Their passions or their
+      fancies, on the contrary, as it seemed to her, are rather stimulated by
+      neglect or indifference, provided that they are not systematic; and the
+      circumstance of a wife being admired by one who is not her husband
+      sometimes wonderfully revives the passion or renovates the respect of him
+      who should be devoted to her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The health of Lord Monmouth was the subject which never was long absent
+      from the vigilance or meditation of Lucretia. She was well assured that
+      his life was no longer secure. She knew that after their marriage he had
+      made a will, which secured to her a large portion of his great wealth in
+      case of their having no issue, and after the accident at Paris all hope in
+      that respect was over. Recently the extreme anxiety which Lord Monmouth
+      had evinced about terminating the abeyance of the barony to which his
+      first wife was a co-heiress in favour of his grandson, had alarmed
+      Lucretia. To establish in the land another branch of the house of
+      Coningsby was evidently the last excitement of Lord Monmouth, and perhaps
+      a permanent one. If the idea were once accepted, notwithstanding the limit
+      to its endowment which Lord Monmouth might at the first start contemplate,
+      Lucretia had sufficiently studied his temperament to be convinced that all
+      his energies and all his resources would ultimately be devoted to its
+      practical fulfilment. Her original prejudice against Coningsby and
+      jealousy of his influence had therefore of late been considerably
+      aggravated; and the intelligence that for the first time there was a
+      misunderstanding between Coningsby and her husband filled her with
+      excitement and hope. She knew her Lord well enough to feel assured that
+      the cause for displeasure in the present instance could not be a light
+      one; she resolved instantly to labour that it should not be transient; and
+      it so happened that she had applied for aid in this endeavour to the very
+      individual in whose power it rested to accomplish all her desire, while in
+      doing so he felt at the same time he was defending his own position and
+      advancing his own interests.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lady Monmouth was now waiting with some excitement the return of Mr.
+      Rigby. His interview with his patron was of unusual length. An hour, and
+      more than an hour, had elapsed. Lady Monmouth again threw aside the book
+      which more than once she had discarded. She paced the room, restless
+      rather than disquieted. She had complete confidence in Rigby&rsquo;s ability for
+      the occasion; and with her knowledge of Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s character, she
+      could not contemplate the possibility of failure, if the circumstances
+      were adroitly introduced to his consideration. Still time stole on: the
+      harassing and exhausting process of suspense was acting on her nervous
+      system. She began to think that Rigby had not found the occasion
+      favourable for the catastrophe; that Lord Monmouth, from apprehension of
+      disturbing Rigby and entailing explanations on himself, had avoided the
+      necessary communication; that her skilful combination for the moment had
+      missed. Two hours had now elapsed, and Lucretia, in a state of
+      considerable irritation, was about to inquire whether Mr. Rigby were with
+      his Lordship when the door of her boudoir opened, and that gentleman
+      appeared.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;How long you have been!&rsquo; exclaimed Lady Monmouth. &lsquo;Now sit down and tell
+      me what has passed.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lady Monmouth pointed to the seat which Flora had occupied.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I thank your Ladyship,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, with a somewhat grave and yet
+      perplexed expression of countenance, and seating himself at some little
+      distance from his companion, &lsquo;but I am very well here.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a pause. Instead of responding to the invitation of Lady
+      Monmouth to communicate with his usual readiness and volubility, Mr. Rigby
+      was silent, and, if it were possible to use such an expression with regard
+      to such a gentleman, apparently embarrassed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well,&rsquo; said Lady Monmouth, &lsquo;does he know about the Millbanks?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Everything,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And what did he say?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;His Lordship was greatly shocked,&rsquo; replied Mr. Rigby, with a pious
+      expression of features. &lsquo;Such monstrous ingratitude! As his Lordship very
+      justly observed, &ldquo;It is impossible to say what is going on under my own
+      roof, or to what I can trust.&rdquo;&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But he made an exception in your favour, I dare say, my dear Mr. Rigby,&rsquo;
+      said Lady Monmouth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Lord Monmouth was pleased to say that I possessed his entire confidence,&rsquo;
+      said Mr. Rigby, &lsquo;and that he looked to me in his difficulties.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Very sensible of him. And what is to become of Mr. Coningsby?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The steps which his Lordship is about to take with reference to the
+      establishment generally,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, &lsquo;will allow the connection that
+      at present subsists between that gentleman and his noble relative, now
+      that Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s eyes are open to his real character, to terminate
+      naturally, without the necessity of any formal explanation.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But what do you mean by the steps he is going to take in his
+      establishment generally?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Lord Monmouth thinks he requires change of scene.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Oh! is he going to drag me abroad again?&rsquo; exclaimed Lady Monmouth, with
+      great impatience.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why, not exactly,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, rather demurely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I hope he is not going again to that dreadful castle in Lancashire.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+‘Lord Monmouth was thinking that, as you were tired of Paris, you might
+find some of the German Baths agreeable.&rsquo;
+
+ &lsquo;Why, there is nothing that Lord Monmouth dislikes so much as a German
+bathing-place!&rsquo;
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Exactly,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Then how capricious in him wanting to go to them?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;He does not want to go to them!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What do you mean, Mr. Rigby?&rsquo; said Lady Monmouth, in a lower voice, and
+      looking him full in the face with a glance seldom bestowed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a churlish and unusual look about Rigby. It was as if malignant,
+      and yet at the same time a little frightened, he had screwed himself into
+      doggedness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I mean what Lord Monmouth means. He suggests that if your Ladyship were
+      to pass the summer at Kissengen, for example, and a paragraph in the <i>Morning
+      Post</i> were to announce that his Lordship was about to join you there,
+      all awkwardness would be removed; and no one could for a moment take the
+      liberty of supposing, even if his Lordship did not ultimately reach you,
+      that anything like a separation had occurred.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A separation!&rsquo; said Lady Monmouth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Quite amicable,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby. &lsquo;I would never have consented to
+      interfere in the affair, but to secure that most desirable point.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I will see Lord Monmouth at once,&rsquo; said Lucretia, rising, her natural
+      pallor aggravated into a ghoul-like tint.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;His Lordship has gone out,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, rather stubbornly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Our conversation, sir, then finishes; I wait his return.&rsquo; She bowed
+      haughtily.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;His Lordship will never return to Monmouth House again.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lucretia sprang from the sofa.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Miserable craven!&rsquo; she exclaimed. &lsquo;Has the cowardly tyrant fled? And he
+      really thinks that I am to be crushed by such an instrument as this! Pah!
+      He may leave Monmouth House, but I shall not. Begone, sir!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Still anxious to secure an amicable separation,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, &lsquo;your
+      Ladyship must allow me to place the circumstances of the case fairly
+      before your excellent judgment. Lord Monmouth has decided upon a course:
+      you know as well as I that he never swerves from his resolutions. He has
+      left peremptory instructions, and he will listen to no appeal. He has
+      empowered me to represent to your Ladyship that he wishes in every way to
+      consider your convenience. He suggests that everything, in short, should
+      be arranged as if his Lordship were himself unhappily no more; that your
+      Ladyship should at once enter into your jointure, which shall be made
+      payable quarterly to your order, provided you can find it convenient to
+      live upon the Continent,&rsquo; added Mr. Rigby, with some hesitation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And suppose I cannot?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why, then, we will leave your Ladyship to the assertion of your rights.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I beg your Ladyship&rsquo;s pardon. I speak as the friend of the family, the
+      trustee of your marriage settlement, well known also as Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s
+      executor,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, his countenance gradually regaining its usual
+      callous confidence, and some degree of self-complacency, as he remembered
+      the good things which he enumerated.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have decided,&rsquo; said Lady Monmouth. &lsquo;I will assert my rights. Your
+      master has mistaken my character and his own position. He shall rue the
+      day that he assailed me.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I should be sorry if there were any violence,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby,
+      &lsquo;especially as everything is left to my management and control. An office,
+      indeed, which I only accepted for your mutual advantage. I think, upon
+      reflection, I might put before your Ladyship some considerations which
+      might induce you, on the whole, to be of opinion that it will be better
+      for us to draw together in this business, as we have hitherto, indeed,
+      throughout an acquaintance now of some years.&rsquo; Rigby was assuming all his
+      usual tone of brazen familiarity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Your self-confidence exceeds even Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s estimate of it,&rsquo; said
+      Lucretia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Now, now, you are unkind. Your Ladyship mistakes my position. I am
+      interfering in this business for your sake. I might have refused the
+      office. It would have fallen to another, who would have fulfilled it
+      without any delicacy and consideration for your feelings. View my
+      interposition in that light, my dear Lady Monmouth, and circumstances will
+      assume altogether a new colour.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I beg that you will quit the house, sir.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Rigby shook his head. &lsquo;I would with pleasure, to oblige you, were it
+      in my power; but Lord Monmouth has particularly desired that I should take
+      up my residence here permanently. The servants are now my servants. It is
+      useless to ring the bell. For your Ladyship&rsquo;s sake, I wish everything to
+      be accomplished with tranquillity, and, if possible, friendliness and good
+      feeling. You can have even a week for the preparations for your departure,
+      if necessary. I will take that upon myself. Any carriages, too, that you
+      desire; your jewels, at least all those that are not at the bankers&rsquo;. The
+      arrangement about your jointure, your letters of credit, even your
+      passport, I will attend to myself; only too happy if, by this painful
+      interference, I have in any way contributed to soften the annoyance which,
+      at the first blush, you may naturally experience, but which, like
+      everything else, take my word, will wear off.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I shall send for Lord Eskdale,&rsquo; said Lady Monmouth. &lsquo;He is a gentleman.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am quite sure,&rsquo; said Mr. Rigby, &lsquo;that Lord Eskdale will give you the
+      same advice as myself, if he only reads your Ladyship&rsquo;s letters,&rsquo; he added
+      slowly, &lsquo;to Prince Trautsmansdorff.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My letters?&rsquo; said Lady Monmouth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Pardon me,&rsquo; said Rigby, putting his hand in his pocket, as if to guard
+      some treasure, &lsquo;I have no wish to revive painful associations; but I have
+      them, and I must act upon them, if you persist in treating me as a foe,
+      who am in reality your best friend; which indeed I ought to be, having the
+      honour of acting as trustee under your marriage settlement, and having
+      known you so many years.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Leave me for the present alone,&rsquo; said Lady Monmouth. &lsquo;Send me my servant,
+      if I have one. I shall not remain here the week which you mention, but
+      quit at once this house, which I wish I had never entered. Adieu! Mr.
+      Rigby, you are now lord of Monmouth House, and yet I cannot help feeling
+      you too will be discharged before he dies.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Rigby made Lady Monmouth a bow such as became the master of the house,
+      and then withdrew.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0070" id="link2HCH0070"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      A paragraph in the <i>Morning Post</i>, a few days after his interview
+      with his grandfather, announcing that Lord and Lady Monmouth had quitted
+      town for the baths of Kissengen, startled Coningsby, who called the same
+      day at Monmouth House in consequence. There he learnt more authentic
+      details of their unexpected movements. It appeared that Lady Monmouth had
+      certainly departed; and the porter, with a rather sceptical visage,
+      informed Coningsby that Lord Monmouth was to follow; but when, he could
+      not tell. At present his Lordship was at Brighton, and in a few days was
+      about to take possession of a villa at Richmond, which had for some time
+      been fitting up for him under the superintendence of Mr. Rigby, who, as
+      Coningsby also learnt, now permanently resided at Monmouth House. All this
+      intelligence made Coningsby ponder. He was sufficiently acquainted with
+      the parties concerned to feel assured that he had not learnt the whole
+      truth. What had really taken place, and what was the real cause of the
+      occurrences, were equally mystical to him: all he was convinced of was,
+      that some great domestic revolution had been suddenly effected.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby entertained for his grandfather a sincere affection. With the
+      exception of their last unfortunate interview, he had experienced from
+      Lord Monmouth nothing but kindness both in phrase and deed. There was also
+      something in Lord Monmouth, when he pleased it, rather fascinating to
+      young men; and as Coningsby had never occasioned him any feelings but
+      pleasurable ones, he was always disposed to make himself delightful to his
+      grandson. The experience of a consummate man of the world, advanced in
+      life, detailed without rigidity to youth, with frankness and facility, is
+      bewitching. Lord Monmouth was never garrulous: he was always pithy, and
+      could be picturesque. He revealed a character in a sentence, and detected
+      the ruling passion with the hand of a master. Besides, he had seen
+      everybody and had done everything; and though, on the whole, too indolent
+      for conversation, and loving to be talked to, these were circumstances
+      which made his too rare communications the more precious.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With these feelings, Coningsby resolved, the moment that he learned that
+      his grandfather was established at Richmond, to pay him a visit. He was
+      informed that Lord Monmouth was at home, and he was shown into a
+      drawing-room, where he found two French ladies in their bonnets, whom he
+      soon discovered to be actresses. They also had come down to pay a visit to
+      his grandfather, and were by no means displeased to pass the interval that
+      must elapse before they had that pleasure in chatting with his grandson.
+      Coningsby found them extremely amusing; with the finest spirits in the
+      world, imperturbable good temper, and an unconscious practical philosophy
+      that defied the devil Care and all his works. And well it was that he
+      found such agreeable companions, for time flowed on, and no summons
+      arrived to call him to his grandfather&rsquo;s presence, and no herald to
+      announce his grandfather&rsquo;s advent. The ladies and Coningsby had exhausted
+      badinage; they had examined and criticised all the furniture, had rifled
+      the vases of their prettiest flowers; and Clotilde, who had already sung
+      several times, was proposing a duet to Ermengarde, when a servant entered,
+      and told the ladies that a carriage was in attendance to give them an
+      airing, and after that Lord Monmouth hoped they would return and dine with
+      him; then turning to Coningsby, he informed him, with his lord&rsquo;s
+      compliments, that Lord Monmouth was sorry he was too much engaged to see
+      him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Nothing was to be done but to put a tolerably good face upon it. &lsquo;Embrace
+      Lord Monmouth for me,&rsquo; said Coningsby to his fair friends, &lsquo;and tell him I
+      think it very unkind that he did not ask me to dinner with you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby said this with a gay air, but really with a depressed spirit. He
+      felt convinced that his grandfather was deeply displeased with him; and as
+      he rode away from the villa, he could not resist the strong impression
+      that he was destined never to re-enter it. Yet it was decreed otherwise.
+      It so happened that the idle message which Coningsby had left for his
+      grandfather, and which he never seriously supposed for a moment that his
+      late companions would have given their host, operated entirely in his
+      favour. Whatever were the feelings with respect to Coningsby at the bottom
+      of Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s heart, he was actuated in his refusal to see him not
+      more from displeasure than from an anticipatory horror of something like a
+      scene. Even a surrender from Coningsby without terms, and an offer to
+      declare himself a candidate for Darlford, or to do anything else that his
+      grandfather wished, would have been disagreeable to Lord Monmouth in his
+      present mood. As in politics a revolution is often followed by a season of
+      torpor, so in the case of Lord Monmouth the separation from his wife,
+      which had for a long period occupied his meditation, was succeeded by a
+      vein of mental dissipation. He did not wish to be reminded by anything or
+      any person that he had still in some degree the misfortune of being a
+      responsible member of society. He wanted to be surrounded by individuals
+      who were above or below the conventional interests of what is called &lsquo;the
+      World.&rsquo; He wanted to hear nothing of those painful and embarrassing
+      influences which from our contracted experience and want of enlightenment
+      we magnify into such undue importance. For this purpose he wished to have
+      about him persons whose knowledge of the cares of life concerned only the
+      means of existence, and whose sense of its objects referred only to the
+      sources of enjoyment; persons who had not been educated in the idolatry of
+      Respectability; that is to say, of realising such an amount of what is
+      termed character by a hypocritical deference to the prejudices of the
+      community as may enable them, at suitable times, and under convenient
+      circumstances and disguises, to plunder the public. This was the Monmouth
+      Philosophy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With these feelings, Lord Monmouth recoiled at this moment from grandsons
+      and relations and ties of all kinds. He did not wish to be reminded of his
+      identity, but to swim unmolested and undisturbed in his Epicurean dream.
+      When, therefore, his fair visitors; Clotilde, who opened her mouth only to
+      breathe roses and diamonds, and Ermengarde, who was so good-natured that
+      she sacrificed even her lovers to her friends; saw him merely to exclaim
+      at the same moment, and with the same voices of thrilling joyousness,&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why did not you ask him to dinner?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And then, without waiting for his reply, entered with that rapidity of
+      elocution which Frenchwomen can alone command into the catalogue of his
+      charms and accomplishments, Lord Monmouth began to regret that he really
+      had not seen Coningsby, who, it appeared, might have greatly contributed
+      to the pleasure of the day. The message, which was duly given, however,
+      settled the business. Lord Monmouth felt that any chance of explanations,
+      or even allusions to the past, was out of the question; and to defend
+      himself from the accusations of his animated guests, he said,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, he shall come to dine with you next time.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There is no end to the influence of woman on our life. It is at the bottom
+      of everything that happens to us. And so it was, that, in spite of all the
+      combinations of Lucretia and Mr. Rigby, and the mortification and
+      resentment of Lord Monmouth, the favourable impression he casually made on
+      a couple of French actresses occasioned Coningsby, before a month had
+      elapsed since his memorable interview at Monmouth House, to receive an
+      invitation again to dine with his grandfather.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The party was agreeable. Clotilde and Ermengarde had wits as sparkling as
+      their eyes. There was a manager of the Opera, a great friend of
+      Villebecque, and his wife, a splendid lady, who had been a prima donna of
+      celebrity, and still had a commanding voice for a chamber; a Carlist
+      nobleman who lived upon his traditions, and who, though without a sou,
+      could tell of a festival given by his family, before the revolution, which
+      had cost a million of francs; and a Neapolitan physician, in whom Lord
+      Monmouth had great confidence, and who himself believed in the elixir
+      vitae, made up the party, with Lucian Gay, Coningsby, and Mr. Rigby. Our
+      hero remarked that Villebecque on this occasion sat at the bottom of the
+      table, but Flora did not appear.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the meantime, the month which brought about this satisfactory and at
+      one time unexpected result was fruitful also in other circumstances still
+      more interesting. Coningsby and Edith met frequently, if to breathe the
+      same atmosphere in the same crowded saloons can be described as meeting;
+      ever watching each other&rsquo;s movements, and yet studious never to encounter
+      each other&rsquo;s glance. The charms of Miss Millbank had become an universal
+      topic, they were celebrated in ball-rooms, they were discussed at clubs:
+      Edith was the beauty of the season. All admired her, many sighed even to
+      express their admiration; but the devotion of Lord Beaumanoir, who always
+      hovered about her, deterred them from a rivalry which might have made the
+      boldest despair. As for Coningsby, he passed his life principally with the
+      various members of the Sydney family, and was almost daily riding with
+      Lady Everingham and her sister, generally accompanied by Lord Henry and
+      his friend Eustace Lyle, between whom, indeed, and Coningsby there were
+      relations of intimacy scarcely less inseparable. Coningsby had spoken to
+      Lady Everingham of the rumoured marriage of her elder brother, and found,
+      although the family had not yet been formally apprised of it, she
+      entertained little doubt of its ultimate occurrence. She admired Miss
+      Millbank, with whom her acquaintance continued slight; and she wished, of
+      course, that her brother should marry and be happy. &lsquo;But Percy is often in
+      love,&rsquo; she would add, &lsquo;and never likes us to be very intimate with his
+      inamoratas. He thinks it destroys the romance; and that domestic
+      familiarity may compromise his heroic character. However,&rsquo; she added, &lsquo;I
+      really believe that will be a match.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On the whole, though he bore a serene aspect to the world, Coningsby
+      passed this month in a state of restless misery. His soul was brooding on
+      one subject, and he had no confidant: he could not resist the spell that
+      impelled him to the society where Edith might at least be seen, and the
+      circle in which he lived was one in which her name was frequently
+      mentioned. Alone, in his solitary rooms in the Albany, he felt all his
+      desolation; and often a few minutes before he figured in the world,
+      apparently followed and courted by all, he had been plunged in the darkest
+      fits of irremediable wretchedness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He had, of course, frequently met Lady Wallinger, but their salutations,
+      though never omitted, and on each side cordial, were brief. There seemed
+      to be a tacit understanding between them not to refer to a subject
+      fruitful in painful reminiscences.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The season waned. In the fulfilment of a project originally formed in the
+      playing-fields of Eton, often recurred to at Cambridge, and cherished with
+      the fondness with which men cling to a scheme of early youth, Coningsby,
+      Henry Sydney, Vere, and Buckhurst had engaged some moors together this
+      year; and in a few days they were about to quit town for Scotland. They
+      had pressed Eustace Lyle to accompany them, but he, who in general seemed
+      to have no pleasure greater than their society, had surprised them by
+      declining their invitation, with some vague mention that he rather thought
+      he should go abroad.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was the last day of July, and all the world were at a breakfast given,
+      at a fanciful cottage situate in beautiful gardens on the banks of the
+      Thames, by Lady Everingham. The weather was as bright as the romances of
+      Boccaccio; there were pyramids of strawberries, in bowls colossal enough
+      to hold orange-trees; and the choicest band filled the air with enchanting
+      strains, while a brilliant multitude sauntered on turf like velvet, or
+      roamed in desultory existence amid the quivering shades of winding walks.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My fête was prophetic,&rsquo; said Lady Everingham, when she saw Coningsby. &lsquo;I
+      am glad it is connected with an incident. It gives it a point.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You are mystical as well as prophetic. Tell me what we are to celebrate.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Theresa is going to be married.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Then I, too, will prophesy, and name the hero of the romance, Eustace
+      Lyle.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have been more prescient than I,&rsquo; said Lady Everingham, &lsquo;perhaps
+      because I was thinking too much of some one else.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It seems to me an union which all must acknowledge perfect. I hardly know
+      which I love best. I have had my suspicions a long time; and when Eustace
+      refused to go to the moors with us, though I said nothing, I was
+      convinced.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;At any rate,&rsquo; said Lady Everingham, sighing, with a rather smiling face,
+      &lsquo;we are kinsfolk, Mr. Coningsby; though I would gladly have wished to have
+      been more.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Were those your thoughts, dear lady? Ever kind to me! Happiness,&rsquo; he
+      added, in a mournful tone, &lsquo;I fear can never be mine.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And why?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! &lsquo;tis a tale too strange and sorrowful for a day when, like Seged, we
+      must all determine to be happy.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have already made me miserable.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Here comes a group that will make you gay,&rsquo; said Coningsby as he moved
+      on. Edith and the Wallingers, accompanied by Lord Beaumanoir, Mr. Melton,
+      and Sir Charles Buckhurst, formed the party. They seemed profuse in their
+      congratulations to Lady Everingham, having already learnt the intelligence
+      from her brother.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby stopped to speak to Lady St. Julians, who had still a daughter
+      to marry. Both Augustina, who was at Coningsby Castle, and Clara Isabella,
+      who ought to have been there, had each secured the right man. But Adelaide
+      Victoria had now appeared, and Lady St. Julians had a great regard for the
+      favourite grandson of Lord Monmouth, and also for the influential friend
+      of Lord Vere and Sir Charles Buckhurst. In case Coningsby did not
+      determine to become her son-in-law himself, he might counsel either of his
+      friends to a judicious decision on an inevitable act.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Strawberries and cream?&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale to Mr. Ormsby, who seemed
+      occupied with some delicacies.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Egad! no, no, no; those days are passed. I think there is a little
+      easterly wind with all this fine appearance.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am for in-door nature myself,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale. &lsquo;Do you know, I do
+      not half like the way Monmouth is going on? He never gets out of that
+      villa of his. He should change his air more. Tell him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is no use telling him anything. Have you heard anything of Miladi?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I had a letter from her to-day: she writes in good spirits. I am sorry it
+      broke up, and yet I never thought it would last so long.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I gave them two years,&rsquo; said Mr. Ormsby. &lsquo;Lord Monmouth lived with his
+      first wife two years. And afterwards with the Mirandola at Milan, at least
+      nearly two years; it was a year and ten months. I must know, for he called
+      me in to settle affairs. I took the lady to the baths at Lucca, on the
+      pretence that Monmouth would meet us there. He went to Paris. All his
+      great affairs have been two years. I remember I wanted to bet Cassilis, at
+      White&rsquo;s, on it when he married; but I thought, being his intimate friend;
+      the oldest friend he has, indeed, and one of his trustees; it was perhaps
+      as well not to do it.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You should have made the bet with himself,&rsquo; said Lord Eskdale, &lsquo;and then
+      there never would have been a separation.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Hah, hah, hah! Do you know, I feel the wind?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      About an hour after this, Coningsby, who had just quitted the Duchess,
+      met, on a terrace by the river, Lady Wallinger, walking with Mrs. Guy
+      Flouncey and a Russian Prince, whom that lady was enchanting. Coningsby
+      was about to pass with some slight courtesy, but Lady Wallinger stopped
+      and would speak to him, on slight subjects, the weather and the fête, but
+      yet adroitly enough managed to make him turn and join her. Mrs. Guy
+      Flouncey walked on a little before with her Russian admirer. Lady
+      Wallinger followed with Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The match that has been proclaimed to-day has greatly surprised me,&rsquo; said
+      Lady Wallinger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Indeed!&rsquo; said Coningsby: &lsquo;I confess I was long prepared for it. And it
+      seems to me the most natural alliance conceivable, and one that every one
+      must approve.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Lady Everingham seems much surprised at it.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! Lady Everingham is a brilliant personage, and cannot deign to observe
+      obvious circumstances.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Do you know, Mr. Coningsby, that I always thought you were engaged to
+      Lady Theresa?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      &lsquo;I!&rsquo;
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Indeed, we were informed more than a month ago that you were positively
+      going to be married to her.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am not one of those who can shift their affections with such rapidity,
+      Lady Wallinger.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lady Wallinger looked distressed. &lsquo;You remember our meeting you on the
+      stairs at &mdash;&mdash; House, Mr. Coningsby?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Painfully. It is deeply graven on my brain.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Edith had just been informed that you were going to be married to Lady
+      Theresa.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Not surely by him to whom she is herself going to be married?&rsquo; said
+      Coningsby, reddening.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am not aware that she is going to be married to any one. Lord
+      Beaumanoir admires her, has always admired her. But Edith has given him no
+      encouragement, at least gave him no encouragement as long as she believed;
+      but why dwell on such an unhappy subject, Mr. Coningsby? I am to blame; I
+      have been to blame perhaps before, but indeed I think it cruel, very
+      cruel, that Edith and you are kept asunder.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have always been my best, my dearest friend, and are the most amiable
+      and admirable of women. But tell me, is it indeed true that Edith is not
+      going to be married?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this moment Mrs. Guy Flouncey turned round, and assuring Lady Wallinger
+      that the Prince and herself had agreed to refer some point to her about
+      the most transcendental ethics of flirtation, this deeply interesting
+      conversation was arrested, and Lady Wallinger, with becoming suavity, was
+      obliged to listen to the lady&rsquo;s lively appeal of exaggerated nonsense and
+      the Prince&rsquo;s affected protests, while Coningsby walked by her side, pale
+      and agitated, and then offered his arm to Lady Wallinger, which she
+      accepted with an affectionate pressure. At the end of the terrace they met
+      some other guests, and soon were immersed in the multitude that thronged
+      the lawn.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There is Sir Joseph,&rsquo; said Lady Wallinger, and Coningsby looked up, and
+      saw Edith on his arm. They were unconsciously approaching them. Lord
+      Beaumanoir was there, but he seemed to shrink into nothing to-day before
+      Buckhurst, who was captivated for the moment by Edith, and hearing that no
+      knight was resolute enough to try a fall with the Marquess, was impelled
+      by his talent for action to enter the lists. He had talked down everybody,
+      unhorsed every cavalier. Nobody had a chance against him: he answered all
+      your questions before you asked them; contradicted everybody with the
+      intrepidity of a Rigby; annihilated your anecdotes by historiettes
+      infinitely more piquant; and if anybody chanced to make a joke which he
+      could not excel, declared immediately that it was a Joe Miller. He was
+      absurd, extravagant, grotesque, noisy; but he was young, rattling, and
+      interesting, from his health and spirits. Edith was extremely amused by
+      him, and was encouraging by her smile his spiritual excesses, when they
+      all suddenly met Lady Wallinger and Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The eyes of Edith and Coningsby met for the first time since they so
+      cruelly encountered on the staircase of &mdash;&mdash; House. A deep,
+      quick blush suffused her face, her eyes gleamed with a sudden coruscation;
+      suddenly and quickly she put forth her hand.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Yes! he presses once more that hand which permanently to retain is the
+      passion of his life, yet which may never be his! It seemed that for the
+      ravishing delight of that moment he could have borne with cheerfulness all
+      the dark and harrowing misery of the year that had passed away since he
+      embraced her in the woods of Hellingsley, and pledged his faith by the
+      waters of the rushing Darl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He seized the occasion which offered itself, a moment to walk by her side,
+      and to snatch some brief instants of unreserved communion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Forgive me!&rsquo; she said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! how could you ever doubt me?&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I was unhappy.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And now we are to each other as before?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And will be, come what come may.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      END OF BOOK VIII.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0083" id="link2H_4_0083"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      BOOK IX.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0071" id="link2HCH0071"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER I.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      It was merry Christmas at St. Geneviève. There was a yule log blazing on
+      every hearth in that wide domain, from the hall of the squire to the
+      peasant&rsquo;s roof. The Buttery Hatch was open for the whole week from noon to
+      sunset; all comers might take their fill, and each carry away as much bold
+      beef, white bread, and jolly ale as a strong man could bear in a basket
+      with one hand. For every woman a red cloak, and a coat of broadcloth for
+      every man. All day long, carts laden with fuel and warm raiment were
+      traversing the various districts, distributing comfort and dispensing
+      cheer. For a Christian gentleman of high degree was Eustace Lyle.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Within his hall, too, he holds his revel, and his beauteous bride welcomes
+      their guests, from her noble parents to the faithful tenants of the house.
+      All classes are mingled in the joyous equality that becomes the season, at
+      once sacred and merry. There are carols for the eventful eve, and mummers
+      for the festive day.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Duke and Duchess, and every member of the family, had consented this
+      year to keep their Christmas with the newly-married couple. Coningsby,
+      too, was there, and all his friends. The party was numerous, gay, hearty,
+      and happy; for they were all united by sympathy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They were planning that Henry Sydney should be appointed Lord of Misrule,
+      or ordained Abbot of Unreason at the least, so successful had been his
+      revival of the Mummers, the Hobby-horse not forgotten. Their host had
+      entrusted to Lord Henry the restoration of many old observances; and the
+      joyous feeling which this celebration of Christmas had diffused throughout
+      an extensive district was a fresh argument in favour of Lord Henry&rsquo;s
+      principle, that a mere mechanical mitigation of the material necessities
+      of the humbler classes, a mitigation which must inevitably be limited, can
+      never alone avail sufficiently to ameliorate their condition; that their
+      condition is not merely &lsquo;a knife and fork question,&rsquo; to use the coarse and
+      shallow phrase of the Utilitarian school; that a simple satisfaction of
+      the grosser necessities of our nature will not make a happy people; that
+      you must cultivate the heart as well as seek to content the belly; and
+      that the surest means to elevate the character of the people is to appeal
+      to their affections.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There is nothing more interesting than to trace predisposition. An
+      indefinite, yet strong sympathy with the peasantry of the realm had been
+      one of the characteristic sensibilities of Lord Henry at Eton. Yet a
+      schoolboy, he had busied himself with their pastimes and the details of
+      their cottage economy. As he advanced in life the horizon of his views
+      expanded with his intelligence and his experience; and the son of one of
+      the noblest of our houses, to whom the delights of life are offered with
+      fatal facility, on the very threshold of his career he devoted his time
+      and thought, labour and life, to one vast and noble purpose, the elevation
+      of the condition of the great body of the people.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I vote for Buckhurst being Lord of Misrule,&rsquo; said Lord Henry: &lsquo;I will be
+      content with being his gentleman usher.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It shall be put to the vote,&rsquo; said Lord Vere.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No one has a chance against Buckhurst,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Now, Sir Charles,&rsquo; said Lady Everingham, &lsquo;your absolute sway is about to
+      commence. And what is your will?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The first thing must be my formal installation,&rsquo; said Buckhurst. &lsquo;I vote
+      the Boar&rsquo;s head be carried in procession thrice round the hall, and Beau
+      shall be the champion to challenge all who may question my right. Duke,
+      you shall be my chief butler, the Duchess my herb-woman. She is to walk
+      before me, and scatter rosemary. Coningsby shall carry the Boar&rsquo;s head;
+      Lady Theresa and Lady Everingham shall sing the canticle; Lord Everingham
+      shall be marshal of the lists, and put all in the stocks who are found
+      sober and decorous; Lyle shall be the palmer from the Holy Land, and Vere
+      shall ride the Hobby-horse. Some must carry cups of Hippocras, some
+      lighted tapers; all must join in chorus.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He ceased his instructions, and all hurried away to carry them into
+      effect. Some hastily arrayed themselves in fanciful dresses, the ladies in
+      robes of white, with garlands of flowers; some drew pieces of armour from
+      the wall, and decked themselves with helm and hauberk; others waved
+      ancient banners. They brought in the Boar&rsquo;s head on a large silver dish,
+      and Coningsby raised it aloft. They formed into procession, the Duchess
+      distributing rosemary; Buckhurst swaggering with all the majesty of
+      Tamerlane, his mock court irresistibly humorous with their servility; and
+      the sweet voice of Lady Everingham chanting the first verse of the
+      canticle, followed in the second by the rich tones of Lady Theresa:
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+  I.
+        Caput Apri defero
+        Reddens laudes Domino.
+  The Boar&rsquo;s heade in hande bring I,
+  With garlandes gay and rosemary:
+  I pray you all singe merrily,
+        Qui estis in convivio.
+
+  II.
+        Caput Apri defero
+        Reddens laudes Domino.
+  The Boar&rsquo;s heade I understande
+  Is the chief servyce in this lande
+  Loke whereever it be fande,
+        Servite cum cantico.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      The procession thrice paraded the hall. Then they stopped; and the Lord of
+      Misrule ascended his throne, and his courtiers formed round him in circle.
+      Behind him they held the ancient banners and waved their glittering arms,
+      and placed on a lofty and illuminated pedestal the Boar&rsquo;s head covered
+      with garlands. It was a good picture, and the Lord of Misrule sustained
+      his part with untiring energy. He was addressing his court in a pompous
+      rhapsody of merry nonsense, when a servant approached Coningsby, and told
+      him that he was wanted without.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Our hero retired unperceived. A despatch had arrived for him from London.
+      Without any prescience of its purpose, he nevertheless broke the seal with
+      a trembling hand. His presence was immediately desired in town: Lord
+      Monmouth was dead.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0072" id="link2HCH0072"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER II.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      This was a crisis in the life of Coningsby; yet, like many critical
+      epochs, the person most interested in it was not sufficiently aware of its
+      character. The first feeling which he experienced at the intelligence was
+      sincere affliction. He was fond of his grandfather; had received great
+      kindness from him, and at a period of life when it was most welcome. The
+      neglect and hardships of his early years, instead of leaving a prejudice
+      against one who, by some, might be esteemed their author, had by their
+      contrast only rendered Coningsby more keenly sensible of the solicitude
+      and enjoyment which had been lavished on his happy youth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The next impression on his mind was undoubtedly a natural and reasonable
+      speculation on the effect of this bereavement on his fortunes. Lord
+      Monmouth had more than once assured Coningsby that he had provided for him
+      as became a near relative to whom he was attached, and in a manner which
+      ought to satisfy the wants and wishes of an English gentleman. The
+      allowance which Lord Monmouth had made him, as considerable as usually
+      accorded to the eldest sons of wealthy peers, might justify him in
+      estimating his future patrimony as extremely ample. He was aware, indeed,
+      that at a subsequent period his grandfather had projected for him fortunes
+      of a still more elevated character. He looked to Coningsby as the future
+      representative of an ancient barony, and had been purchasing territory
+      with the view of supporting the title. But Coningsby did not by any means
+      firmly reckon on these views being realised. He had a suspicion that in
+      thwarting the wishes of his grandfather in not becoming a candidate for
+      Darlford, he had at the moment arrested arrangements which, from the tone
+      of Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s communication, he believed were then in progress for
+      that purpose; and he thought it improbable, with his knowledge of his
+      grandfather&rsquo;s habits, that Lord Monmouth had found either time or
+      inclination to resume before his decease the completion of these plans.
+      Indeed there was a period when, in adopting the course which he pursued
+      with respect to Darlford, Coningsby was well aware that he perilled more
+      than the large fortune which was to accompany the barony. Had not a
+      separation between Lord Monmouth and his wife taken place simultaneously
+      with Coningsby&rsquo;s difference with his grandfather, he was conscious that
+      the consequences might have been even altogether fatal to his prospects;
+      but the absence of her evil influence at such a conjuncture, its permanent
+      removal, indeed, from the scene, coupled with his fortunate though not
+      formal reconciliation with Lord Monmouth, had long ago banished from his
+      memory all those apprehensions to which he had felt it impossible at the
+      time to shut his eyes. Before he left town for Scotland he had made a
+      farewell visit to his grandfather, who, though not as cordial as in old
+      days, had been gracious; and Coningsby, during his excursion to the moors,
+      and his various visits to the country, had continued at intervals to write
+      to his grandfather, as had been for some years his custom. On the whole,
+      with an indefinite feeling which, in spite of many a rational effort, did
+      nevertheless haunt his mind, that this great and sudden event might
+      exercise a vast and beneficial influence on his worldly position,
+      Coningsby could not but feel some consolation in the affliction which he
+      sincerely experienced, in the hope that he might at all events now offer
+      to Edith a home worthy of her charms, her virtues, and her love.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Although he had not seen her since their hurried yet sweet reconciliation
+      in the gardens of Lady Everingham, Coningsby was never long without
+      indirect intelligence of the incidents of her life; and the correspondence
+      between Lady Everingham and Henry Sydney, while they were at the moors,
+      had apprised him that Lord Beaumanoir&rsquo;s suit had terminated unsuccessfully
+      almost immediately after his brother had quitted London.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was late in the evening when Coningsby arrived in town: he called at
+      once on Lord Eskdale, who was one of Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s executors; and he
+      persuaded Coningsby, whom he saw depressed, to dine with him alone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You should not be seen at a club,&rsquo; said the good-natured peer; &lsquo;and I
+      remember myself in old days what was the wealth of an Albanian larder.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Eskdale, at dinner, talked frankly of the disposition of Lord
+      Monmouth&rsquo;s property. He spoke as a matter of course that Coningsby was his
+      grandfather&rsquo;s principal heir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I don&rsquo;t know whether you will be happier with a large fortune?&rsquo; said Lord
+      Eskdale. &lsquo;It is a troublesome thing: nobody is satisfied with what you do
+      with it; very often not yourself. To maintain an equable expenditure; not
+      to spend too much on one thing, too little on another, is an art. There
+      must be a harmony, a keeping, in disbursement, which very few men have.
+      Great wealth wearies. The thing to have is about ten thousand a year, and
+      the world to think you have only five. There is some enjoyment then; one
+      is let alone. But the instant you have a large fortune, duties commence.
+      And then impudent fellows borrow your money; and if you ask them for it
+      again, they go about town saying you are a screw.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Monmouth had died suddenly at his Richmond villa, which latterly he
+      never quitted, at a little supper, with no persons near him but those who
+      were amusing. He suddenly found he could not lift his glass to his lips,
+      and being extremely polite, waited a few minutes before he asked Clotilde,
+      who was singing a sparkling drinking-song, to do him that service. When,
+      in accordance with his request, she reached him, it was too late. The
+      ladies shrieked, being frightened: at first they were in despair, but,
+      after reflection, they evinced some intention of plundering the house.
+      Villebecque, who was absent at the moment, arrived in time; and everybody
+      became orderly and broken-hearted.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The body had been removed to Monmouth House, where it had been embalmed
+      and laid in state. The funeral was not numerously attended. There was
+      nobody in town; some distinguished connections, however, came up from the
+      country, though it was a period inconvenient for such movements. After the
+      funeral, the will was to be read in the principal saloon of Monmouth
+      House, one of those gorgeous apartments that had excited the boyish wonder
+      of Coningsby on his first visit to that paternal roof, and now hung in
+      black, adorned with the escutcheon of the deceased peer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The testamentary dispositions of the late lord were still unknown, though
+      the names of his executors had been announced by his family solicitor, in
+      whose custody the will and codicils had always remained. The executors
+      under the will were Lord Eskdale, Mr. Ormsby, and Mr. Rigby. By a
+      subsequent appointment Sidonia had been added. All these individuals were
+      now present. Coningsby, who had been chief mourner, stood on the right
+      hand of the solicitor, who sat at the end of a long table, round which, in
+      groups, were ranged all who had attended the funeral, including several of
+      the superior members of the household, among them M. Villebecque.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The solicitor rose and explained that though Lord Monmouth had been in the
+      habit of very frequently adding codicils to his will, the original will,
+      however changed or modified, had never been revoked; it was therefore
+      necessary to commence by reading that instrument. So saying, he sat down,
+      and breaking the seals of a large packet, he produced the will of Philip
+      Augustus, Marquess of Monmouth, which had been retained in his custody
+      since its execution.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      By this will, of the date of 1829, the sum of 10,000<i>l.</i> was left to
+      Coningsby, then unknown to his grandfather; the same sum to Mr. Rigby.
+      There was a great number of legacies, none of superior amount, most of
+      them of less: these were chiefly left to old male companions, and women in
+      various countries. There was an almost inconceivable number of small
+      annuities to faithful servants, decayed actors, and obscure foreigners.
+      The residue of his personal estate was left to four gentlemen, three of
+      whom had quitted this world before the legator; the bequests, therefore,
+      had lapsed. The fourth residuary legatee, in whom, according to the terms
+      of the will, all would have consequently centred, was Mr. Rigby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There followed several codicils which did not materially affect the
+      previous disposition; one of them leaving a legacy of 20,000<i>l.</i> to
+      the Princess Colonna; until they arrived at the latter part of the year
+      1832, when a codicil increased the 10,000<i>l.</i> left under the will to
+      Coningsby to 50,000<i>l.</i>.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After Coningsby&rsquo;s visit to the Castle in 1836 a very important change
+      occurred in the disposition of Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s estate. The legacy of
+      50,000<i>l.</i> in his favour was revoked, and the same sum left to the
+      Princess Lucretia. A similar amount was bequeathed to Mr. Rigby; and
+      Coningsby was left sole residuary legatee.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The marriage led to a considerable modification. An estate of about nine
+      thousand a year, which Lord Monmouth had himself purchased, and was
+      therefore in his own disposition, was left to Coningsby. The legacy to Mr.
+      Rigby was reduced to 20,000<i>l.</i>, and the whole of his residue left to
+      his issue by Lady Monmouth. In case he died without issue, the estate
+      bequeathed to Coningsby to be taken into account, and the residue then to
+      be divided equally between Lady Monmouth and his grandson. It was under
+      this instrument that Sidonia had been appointed an executor and to whom
+      Lord Monmouth left, among others, the celebrated picture of the Holy
+      Family by Murillo, as his friend had often admired it. To Lord Eskdale he
+      left all his female miniatures, and to Mr. Ormsby his rare and splendid
+      collection of French novels, and all his wines, except his Tokay, which he
+      left, with his library, to Sir Robert Peel; though this legacy was
+      afterwards revoked, in consequence of Sir Robert&rsquo;s conduct about the Irish
+      corporations.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The solicitor paused and begged permission to send for a glass of water.
+      While this was arranging there was a murmur at the lower part of the room,
+      but little disposition to conversation among those in the vicinity of the
+      lawyer. Coningsby was silent, his brow a little knit. Mr. Rigby was pale
+      and restless, but said nothing. Mr. Ormsby took a pinch of snuff, and
+      offered his box to Lord Eskdale, who was next to him. They exchanged
+      glances, and made some observation about the weather. Sidonia stood apart,
+      with his arms folded. He had not, of course attended the funeral, nor had
+      he as yet exchanged any recognition with Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Now, gentlemen,&rsquo; said the solicitor, &lsquo;if you please, I will proceed.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They came to the year 1839, the year Coningsby was at Hellingsley. This
+      appeared to be a critical period in the fortunes of Lady Monmouth; while
+      Coningsby&rsquo;s reached to the culminating point. Mr. Rigby was reduced to his
+      original legacy under the will of 10,000<i>l.</i>; a sum of equal amount
+      was bequeathed to Armand Villebecque, in acknowledgment of faithful
+      services; all the dispositions in favour of Lady Monmouth were revoked,
+      and she was limited to her moderate jointure of 3,000<i>l.</i> per annum,
+      under the marriage settlement; while everything, without reserve, was left
+      absolutely to Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A subsequent codicil determined that the 10,000<i>l.</i> left to Mr. Rigby
+      should be equally divided between him and Lucian Gay; but as some
+      compensation Lord Monmouth left to the Right Honourable Nicholas Rigby the
+      bust of that gentleman, which he had himself presented to his Lordship,
+      and which, at his desire, had been placed in the vestibule at Coningsby
+      Castle, from the amiable motive that after Lord Monmouth&rsquo;s decease Mr.
+      Rigby might wish, perhaps, to present it to some other friend.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Eskdale and Mr. Ormsby took care not to catch the eye of Mr. Rigby.
+      As for Coningsby, he saw nobody. He maintained, during the extraordinary
+      situation in which he was placed, a firm demeanour; but serene and
+      regulated as he appeared to the spectators, his nerves were really strung
+      to a high pitch.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was yet another codicil. It bore the date of June 1840, and was made
+      at Brighton, immediately after the separation with Lady Monmouth. It was
+      the sight of this instrument that sustained Rigby at this great emergency.
+      He had a wild conviction that, after all, it must set all right. He felt
+      assured that, as Lady Monmouth had already been disposed of, it must
+      principally refer to the disinheritance of Coningsby, secured by Rigby&rsquo;s
+      well-timed and malignant misrepresentations of what had occurred in
+      Lancashire during the preceding summer. And then to whom could Lord
+      Monmouth leave his money? However he might cut and carve up his fortunes,
+      Rigby, and especially at a moment when he had so served him, must come in
+      for a considerable slice.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His prescient mind was right. All the dispositions in favour of &lsquo;my
+      grandson Harry Coningsby&rsquo; were revoked; and he inherited from his
+      grandfather only the interest of the sum of 10,000<i>l.</i> which had been
+      originally bequeathed to him in his orphan boyhood. The executors had the
+      power of investing the principal in any way they thought proper for his
+      advancement in life, provided always it was not placed in &lsquo;the capital
+      stock of any manufactory.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby turned pale; he lost his abstracted look; he caught the eye of
+      Rigby; he read the latent malice of that nevertheless anxious countenance.
+      What passed through the mind and being of Coningsby was thought and
+      sensation enough for a year; but it was as the flash that reveals a whole
+      country, yet ceases to be ere one can say it lightens. There was a
+      revelation to him of an inward power that should baffle these conventional
+      calamities, a natural and sacred confidence in his youth and health, and
+      knowledge and convictions. Even the recollection of Edith was not
+      unaccompanied with some sustaining associations. At least the mightiest
+      foe to their union was departed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All this was the impression of an instant, simultaneous with the reading
+      of the words of form with which the last testamentary disposition of the
+      Marquess of Monmouth left the sum of 30,000<i>l.</i> to Armand
+      Villebecque; and all the rest, residue, and remainder of his unentailed
+      property, wheresoever and whatsoever it might be, amounting in value to
+      nearly a million sterling, was given, devised, and bequeathed to Flora,
+      commonly called Flora Villebecque, the step-child of the said Armand
+      Villebecque, &lsquo;but who is my natural daughter by Marie Estelle Matteau, an
+      actress at the Théâtre Français in the years 1811-15, by the name of
+      Stella.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0073" id="link2HCH0073"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER III.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;This is a crash!&rsquo; said Coningsby, with a grave rather than agitated
+      countenance, to Sidonia, as his friend came up to greet him, without,
+      however, any expression of condolence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;This time next year you will not think so,&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby shrugged his shoulders.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The principal annoyance of this sort of miscarriage,&rsquo; said Sidonia, &lsquo;is
+      the condolence of the gentle world. I think we may now depart. I am going
+      home to dine. Come, and discuss your position. For the present we will not
+      speak of it.&rsquo; So saying, Sidonia good-naturedly got Coningsby out of the
+      room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They walked together to Sidonia&rsquo;s house in Carlton Gardens, neither of
+      them making the slightest allusion to the catastrophe; Sidonia inquiring
+      where he had been, what he had been doing, since they last met, and
+      himself conversing in his usual vein, though with a little more feeling in
+      his manner than was his custom. When they had arrived there, Sidonia
+      ordered their dinner instantly, and during the interval between the
+      command and its appearance, he called Coningsby&rsquo;s attention to an old
+      German painting he had just received, its brilliant colouring and quaint
+      costumes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Eat, and an appetite will come,&rsquo; said Sidonia, when he observed Coningsby
+      somewhat reluctant. &lsquo;Take some of that Chablis: it will put you right; you
+      will find it delicious.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In this way some twenty minutes passed; their meal was over, and they were
+      alone together.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have been thinking all this time of your position,&rsquo; said Sidonia.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;A sorry one, I fear,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I really cannot see that,&rsquo; said his friend. &lsquo;You have experienced this
+      morning a disappointment, but not a calamity. If you had lost your eye it
+      would have been a calamity: no combination of circumstances could have
+      given you another. There are really no miseries except natural miseries;
+      conventional misfortunes are mere illusions. What seems conventionally, in
+      a limited view, a great misfortune, if subsequently viewed in its results,
+      is often the happiest incident in one&rsquo;s life.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I hope the day may come when I may feel this.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Now is the moment when philosophy is of use; that is to say, now is the
+      moment when you should clearly comprehend the circumstances which surround
+      you. Holiday philosophy is mere idleness. You think, for example, that you
+      have just experienced a great calamity, because you have lost the fortune
+      on which you counted?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I must say I do.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I ask you again, which would you have rather lost, your grandfather&rsquo;s
+      inheritance or your right leg?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Most certainly my inheritance,&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Or your left arm?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Still the inheritance.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Would you have received the inheritance on condition that your front
+      teeth should be knocked out?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Would you have given up a year of your life for that fortune trebled?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Even at twenty-three I would have refused the terms.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Come, come, Coningsby, the calamity cannot be very great.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why, you have put it in an ingenious point of view; and yet it is not so
+      easy to convince a man, that he should be content who has lost
+      everything.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have a great many things at this moment that you separately prefer to
+      the fortune that you have forfeited. How then can you be said to have lost
+      everything?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;What have I?&rsquo; said Coningsby, despondingly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have health, youth, good looks, great abilities, considerable
+      knowledge, a fine courage, a lofty spirit, and no contemptible experience.
+      With each of these qualities one might make a fortune; the combination
+      ought to command the highest.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You console me,&rsquo; said Coningsby, with a faint blush and a fainter smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I teach you the truth. That is always solacing. I think you are a most
+      fortunate young man; I should not have thought you more fortunate if you
+      had been your grandfather&rsquo;s heir; perhaps less so. But I wish you to
+      comprehend your position: if you understand it you will cease to lament.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But what should I do?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Bring your intelligence to bear on the right object. I make you no offers
+      of fortune, because I know you would not accept them, and indeed I have no
+      wish to see you a lounger in life. If you had inherited a great patrimony,
+      it is possible your natural character and previous culture might have
+      saved you from its paralysing influence; but it is a question, even with
+      you. Now you are free; that is to say, you are free, if you are not in
+      debt. A man who has not seen the world, whose fancy is harassed with
+      glittering images of pleasures he has never experienced, cannot live on
+      300<i>l.</i> per annum; but you can. You have nothing to haunt your
+      thoughts, or disturb the abstraction of your studies. You have seen the
+      most beautiful women; you have banqueted in palaces; you know what heroes,
+      and wits, and statesmen are made of: and you can draw on your memory
+      instead of your imagination for all those dazzling and interesting objects
+      that make the inexperienced restless, and are the cause of what are called
+      scrapes. But you can do nothing if you be in debt. You must be free.
+      Before, therefore, we proceed, I must beg you to be frank on this head. If
+      you have any absolute or contingent incumbrances, tell me of them without
+      reserve, and permit me to clear them at once to any amount. You will
+      sensibly oblige me in so doing: because I am interested in watching your
+      career, and if the racer start with a clog my psychological observations
+      will be imperfect.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You are, indeed, a friend; and had I debts I would ask you to pay them. I
+      have nothing of the kind. My grandfather was so lavish in his allowance to
+      me that I never got into difficulties. Besides, there are horses and
+      things without end which I must sell, and money at Drummonds&rsquo;.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;That will produce your outfit, whatever the course you adopt. I conceive
+      there are two careers which deserve your consideration. In the first place
+      there is Diplomacy. If you decide upon that, I can assist you. There exist
+      between me and the Minister such relations that I can at once secure you
+      that first step which is so difficult to obtain. After that, much, if not
+      all, depends on yourself. But I could advance you, provided you were
+      capable. You should, at least, not languish for want of preferment. In an
+      important post, I could throw in your way advantages which would soon
+      permit you to control cabinets. Information commands the world. I doubt
+      not your success, and for such a career, speedy. Let us assume it as a
+      fact. Is it a result satisfactory? Suppose yourself in a dozen years a
+      Plenipotentiary at a chief court, or at a critical post, with a red ribbon
+      and the Privy Council in immediate perspective; and, after a lengthened
+      career, a pension and a peerage. Would that satisfy you? You don&rsquo;t look
+      excited. I am hardly surprised. In your position it would not satisfy me.
+      A Diplomatist is, after all, a phantom. There is a want of nationality
+      about his being. I always look upon Diplomatists as the Hebrews of
+      politics; without country, political creeds, popular convictions, that
+      strong reality of existence which pervades the career of an eminent
+      citizen in a free and great country.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You read my thoughts,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;I should be sorry to sever myself
+      from England.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There remains then the other, the greater, the nobler career,&rsquo; said
+      Sidonia, &lsquo;which in England may give you all, the Bar. I am absolutely
+      persuaded that with the requisite qualifications, and with perseverance,
+      success at the Bar is certain. It may be retarded or precipitated by
+      circumstances, but cannot be ultimately affected. You have a right to
+      count with your friends on no lack of opportunities when you are ripe for
+      them. You appear to me to have all the qualities necessary for the Bar;
+      and you may count on that perseverance which is indispensable, for the
+      reason I have before mentioned, because it will be sustained by your
+      experience.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have resolved,&rsquo; said Coningsby; &lsquo;I will try for the Great Seal.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0074" id="link2HCH0074"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER IV.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Alone in his chambers, no longer under the sustaining influence of
+      Sidonia&rsquo;s converse and counsel, the shades of night descending and bearing
+      gloom to the gloomy, all the excitement of his spirit evaporated, the
+      heart of Coningsby sank. All now depended on himself, and in that self he
+      had no trust. Why should he succeed? Success was the most rare of results.
+      Thousands fail; units triumph. And even success could only be conducted to
+      him by the course of many years. His career, even if prosperous, was now
+      to commence by the greatest sacrifice which the heart of man could be
+      called upon to sustain. Upon the stern altar of his fortunes he must
+      immolate his first and enduring love. Before, he had a perilous position
+      to offer Edith; now he had none. The future might then have aided them;
+      there was no combination which could improve his present. Under any
+      circumstances he must, after all his thoughts and studies, commence a new
+      novitiate, and before he could enter the arena must pass years of silent
+      and obscure preparation. &lsquo;Twas very bitter. He looked up, his eye caught
+      that drawing of the towers of Hellingsley which she had given him in the
+      days of their happy hearts. That was all that was to remain of their
+      loves. He was to bear it to the future scene of his labours, to remind him
+      through revolving years of toil and routine, that he too had had his
+      romance, had roamed in fair gardens, and whispered in willing ears the
+      secrets of his passion. That drawing was to become the altar-piece of his
+      life.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby passed an agitated night of broken sleep, waking often with a
+      consciousness of having experienced some great misfortune, yet with an
+      indefinite conception of its nature. He woke exhausted and dispirited. It
+      was a gloomy day, a raw north-easter blowing up the cloisters of the
+      Albany, in which the fog was lingering, the newspaper on his
+      breakfast-table, full of rumoured particulars of his grandfather&rsquo;s will,
+      which had of course been duly digested by all who knew him. What a
+      contrast to St. Geneviève! To the bright, bracing morn of that merry
+      Christmas! That radiant and cheerful scene, and those gracious and beaming
+      personages, seemed another world and order of beings to the one he now
+      inhabited, and the people with whom he must now commune. The Great Seal
+      indeed! It was the wild excitement of despair, the frenzied hope that
+      blends inevitably with absolute ruin, that could alone have inspired such
+      a hallucination! His unstrung heart deserted him. His energies could rally
+      no more. He gave orders that he was at home to no one; and in his morning
+      gown and slippers, with his feet resting on the fireplace, the once
+      high-souled and noble-hearted Coningsby delivered himself up to despair.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The day passed in a dark trance rather than a reverie. Nothing rose to his
+      consciousness. He was like a particle of chaos; at the best, a glimmering
+      entity of some shadowy Hades. Towards evening the wind changed, the fog
+      dispersed, there came a clear starry night, brisk and bright. Coningsby
+      roused himself, dressed, and wrapping his cloak around him, sallied forth.
+      Once more in the mighty streets, surrounded by millions, his petty griefs
+      and personal fortunes assumed their proper position. Well had Sidonia
+      taught him, view everything in its relation to the rest. &lsquo;Tis the secret
+      of all wisdom. Here was the mightiest of modern cities; the rival even of
+      the most celebrated of the ancient. Whether he inherited or forfeited
+      fortunes, what was it to the passing throng? They would not share his
+      splendour, or his luxury, or his comfort. But a word from his lip, a
+      thought from his brain, expressed at the right time, at the right place,
+      might turn their hearts, might influence their passions, might change
+      their opinions, might affect their destiny. Nothing is great but the
+      personal. As civilisation advances, the accidents of life become each day
+      less important. The power of man, his greatness and his glory, depend on
+      essential qualities. Brains every day become more precious than blood. You
+      must give men new ideas, you must teach them new words, you must modify
+      their manners, you must change their laws, you must root out prejudices,
+      subvert convictions, if you wish to be great. Greatness no longer depends
+      on rentals, the world is too rich; nor on pedigrees, the world is too
+      knowing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The greatness of this city destroys my misery,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;and my
+      genius shall conquer its greatness.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This conviction of power in the midst of despair was a revelation of
+      intrinsic strength. It is indeed the test of a creative spirit. From that
+      moment all petty fears for an ordinary future quitted him. He felt that he
+      must be prepared for great sacrifices, for infinite suffering; that there
+      must devolve on him a bitter inheritance of obscurity, struggle, envy, and
+      hatred, vulgar prejudice, base criticism, petty hostilities, but the dawn
+      would break, and the hour arrive, when the welcome morning hymn of his
+      success and his fame would sound and be re-echoed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He returned to his rooms; calm, resolute. He slept the deep sleep of a man
+      void of anxiety, that has neither hope nor fear to haunt his visions, but
+      is prepared to rise on the morrow collected for the great human struggle.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And the morning came. Fresh, vigorous, not rash or precipitate, yet
+      determined to lose no time in idle meditation, Coningsby already resolved
+      at once to quit his present residence, was projecting a visit to some
+      legal quarter, where he intended in future to reside, when his servant
+      brought him a note. The handwriting was feminine. The note was from Flora.
+      The contents were brief. She begged Mr. Coningsby, with great earnestness,
+      to do her the honour and the kindness of calling on her at his earliest
+      convenience, at the hotel in Brook Street where she now resided.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was an interview which Coningsby would rather have avoided; yet it
+      seemed to him, after a moment&rsquo;s reflection, neither just, nor kind, nor
+      manly, to refuse her request. Flora had not injured him. She was, after
+      all, his kin. Was it for a moment to be supposed that he was envious of
+      her lot? He replied, therefore, that in an hour he would wait upon her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In an hour, then, two individuals are to be brought together whose first
+      meeting was held under circumstances most strangely different. Then
+      Coningsby was the patron, a generous and spontaneous one, of a being
+      obscure, almost friendless, and sinking under bitter mortification. His
+      favour could not be the less appreciated because he was the chosen
+      relative of a powerful noble. That noble was no more; his vast inheritance
+      had devolved on the disregarded, even despised actress, whose suffering
+      emotions Coningsby had then soothed, and whose fortune had risen on the
+      destruction of all his prospects, and the balk of all his aspirations.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Flora was alone when Coningsby was ushered into the room. The extreme
+      delicacy of her appearance was increased by her deep mourning; and seated
+      in a cushioned chair, from which she seemed to rise with an effort, she
+      certainly presented little of the character of a fortunate and prosperous
+      heiress.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You are very good to come to me,&rsquo; she said, faintly smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby extended his hand to her affectionately, in which she placed her
+      own, looking down much embarrassed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You have an agreeable situation here,&rsquo; said Coningsby, trying to break
+      the first awkwardness of their meeting.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Yes; but I hope not to stop here long?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You are going abroad?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No; I hope never to leave England!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a slight pause; and then Flora sighed and said,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I wish to speak to you on a subject that gives me pain; yet of which I
+      must speak. You think I have injured you?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I am sure,&rsquo; said Coningsby, in a tone of great kindness, &lsquo;that you could
+      injure no one.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have robbed you of your inheritance.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It was not mine by any right, legal or moral. There were others who might
+      have urged an equal claim to it; and there are many who will now think
+      that you might have preferred a superior one.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You had enemies; I was not one. They sought to benefit themselves by
+      injuring you. They have not benefited themselves; let them not say that
+      they have at least injured you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We will not care what they say,&rsquo; said Coningsby; &lsquo;I can sustain my lot.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Would that I could mine!&rsquo; said Flora. She sighed again with a downcast
+      glance. Then looking up embarrassed and blushing deeply, she added, &lsquo;I
+      wish to restore to you that fortune of which I have unconsciously and
+      unwillingly deprived you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The fortune is yours, dear Flora, by every right,&rsquo; said Coningsby, much
+      moved; &lsquo;and there is no one who wishes more fervently that it may
+      contribute to your happiness than I do.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is killing me,&rsquo; said Flora, mournfully; then speaking with unusual
+      animation, with a degree of excitement, she continued, &lsquo;I must tell what I
+      feel. This fortune is yours. I am happy in the inheritance, if you
+      generously receive it from me, because Providence has made me the means of
+      baffling your enemies. I never thought to be so happy as I shall be if you
+      will generously accept this fortune, always intended for you. I have lived
+      then for a purpose; I have not lived in vain; I have returned to you some
+      service, however humble, for all your goodness to me in my unhappiness.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You are, as I have ever thought you, the kindest and most tender-hearted
+      of beings. But you misconceive our mutual positions, my gentle Flora. The
+      custom of the world does not permit such acts to either of us as you
+      contemplate. The fortune is yours. It is left you by one on whose
+      affections you had the highest claim. I will not say that so large an
+      inheritance does not bring with it an alarming responsibility; but you are
+      not unequal to it. Have confidence in yourself. You have a good heart; you
+      have good sense; you have a well-principled being. Your spirit will mount
+      with your fortunes, and blend with them. You will be happy.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And you?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I shall soon learn to find content, if not happiness, from other
+      sources,&rsquo; said Coningsby; &lsquo;and mere riches, however vast, could at no time
+      have secured my felicity.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But they may secure that which brings felicity,&rsquo; said Flora, speaking in
+      a choking voice, and not meeting the glance of Coningsby. &lsquo;You had some
+      views in life which displeased him who has done all this; they may be,
+      they must be, affected by this fatal caprice. Speak to me, for I cannot
+      speak, dear Mr. Coningsby; do not let me believe that I, who would
+      sacrifice my life for your happiness, am the cause of such calamities!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Whatever be my lot, I repeat I can sustain it,&rsquo; said Coningsby, with a
+      cheek of scarlet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Ah! he is angry with me,&rsquo; exclaimed Flora; &lsquo;he is angry with me!&rsquo; and the
+      tears stole down her pale cheek.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No, no, no! dear Flora; I have no other feelings to you than those of
+      affection and respect,&rsquo; and Coningsby, much agitated, drew his chair
+      nearer to her, and took her hand. &lsquo;I am gratified by these kind wishes,
+      though they are utterly impracticable; but they are the witnesses of your
+      sweet disposition and your noble spirit. There never shall exist between
+      us, under any circumstances, other feelings than those of kin and
+      kindness.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He rose as if to depart. When she saw that, she started, and seemed to
+      summon all her energies.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You are going,&rsquo; she exclaimed, &lsquo;and I have said nothing, I have said
+      nothing; and I shall never see you again. Let me tell you what I mean.
+      This fortune is yours; it must be yours. It is an arrow in my heart. Do
+      not think I am speaking from a momentary impulse. I know myself. I have
+      lived so much alone, I have had so little to deceive or to delude me, that
+      I know myself. If you will not let me do justice you declare my doom. I
+      cannot live if my existence is the cause of all your prospects being
+      blasted, and the sweetest dreams of your life being defeated. When I die,
+      these riches will be yours; that you cannot prevent. Refuse my present
+      offer, and you seal the fate of that unhappy Flora whose fragile life has
+      hung for years on the memory of your kindness.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;You must not say these words, dear Flora; you must not indulge in these
+      gloomy feelings. You must live, and you must live happily. You have every
+      charm and virtue which should secure happiness. The duties and the
+      affections of existence will fall to your lot. It is one that will always
+      interest me, for I shall ever be your friend. You have conferred on me one
+      of the most delightful of feelings, gratitude, and for that I bless you. I
+      will soon see you again.&rsquo; Mournfully he bade her farewell.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0075" id="link2HCH0075"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER V.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      About a week after this interview with Flora, as Coningsby one morning was
+      about to sally forth from the Albany to visit some chambers in the Temple,
+      to which his notice had been attracted, there was a loud ring, a bustle in
+      the hall, and Henry Sydney and Buckhurst were ushered in.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There never was such a cordial meeting; and yet the faces of his friends
+      were serious. The truth is, the paragraphs in the newspapers had
+      circulated in the country, they had written to Coningsby, and after a
+      brief delay he had confirmed their worst apprehensions. Immediately they
+      came up to town. Henry Sydney, a younger son, could offer little but
+      sympathy, but he declared it was his intention also to study for the bar,
+      so that they should not be divided. Buckhurst, after many embraces and
+      some ordinary talk, took Coningsby aside, and said, &lsquo;My dear fellow, I
+      have no objection to Henry Sydney hearing everything I say, but still
+      these are subjects which men like to be discussed in private. Of course I
+      expect you to share my fortune. There is enough for both. We will have an
+      exact division.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was something in Buckhurst&rsquo;s fervent resolution very lovable and a
+      little humorous, just enough to put one in good temper with human nature
+      and life. If there were any fellow&rsquo;s fortune in the world that Coningsby
+      would share, Buckhurst&rsquo;s would have had the preference; but while he
+      pressed his hand, and with a glance in which a tear and a smile seemed to
+      contend for mastery, he gently indicated why such arrangements were, with
+      our present manners, impossible.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I see,&rsquo; said Buckhurst, after a moment&rsquo;s thought, &lsquo;I quite agree with
+      you. The thing cannot be done; and, to tell you the truth, a fortune is a
+      bore. What I vote that we three do at once is, to take plenty of
+      ready-money, and enter the Austrian service. By Jove! it is the only thing
+      to do.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There is something in that,&rsquo; said Coningsby. &lsquo;In the meantime, suppose
+      you two fellows walk with me to the Temple, for I have an appointment to
+      look at some chambers.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was a fine day, and it was by no means a gloomy walk. Though the two
+      friends had arrived full of indignation against Lord Monmouth, and
+      miserable about their companion, once more in his society, and finding
+      little difference in his carriage, they assumed unconsciously their
+      habitual tone. As for Buckhurst, he was delighted with the Temple, which
+      he visited for the first time. The name enchanted him. The tombs in the
+      church convinced him that the Crusades were the only career. He would have
+      himself become a law student if he might have prosecuted his studies in
+      chain armour. The calmer Henry Sydney was consoled for the misfortunes of
+      Coningsby by a fanciful project himself to pass a portion of his life amid
+      these halls and courts, gardens and terraces, that maintain in the heart
+      of a great city in the nineteenth century, so much of the grave romance
+      and picturesque decorum of our past manners. Henry Sydney was sanguine; he
+      was reconciled to the disinheritance of Coningsby by the conviction that
+      it was a providential dispensation to make him a Lord Chancellor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These faithful friends remained in town with Coningsby until he was
+      established in Paper Buildings, and had become a pupil of a celebrated
+      special pleader. They would have remained longer had not he himself
+      suggested that it was better that they should part. It seemed a terrible
+      catastrophe after all the visions of their boyish days, their college
+      dreams, and their dazzling adventures in the world.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And this is the end of Coningsby, the brilliant Coningsby, that we all
+      loved, that was to be our leader!&rsquo; said Buckhurst to Lord Henry as they
+      quitted him. &lsquo;Well, come what may, life has lost something of its bloom.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;The great thing now,&rsquo; said Lord Henry, &lsquo;is to keep up the chain of our
+      friendship. We must write to him very often, and contrive to be frequently
+      together. It is dreadful to think that in the ways of life our hearts may
+      become estranged. I never felt more wretched than I do at this moment, and
+      yet I have faith that we shall not lose him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Amen!&rsquo; said Buckhurst; &lsquo;but I feel my plan about the Austrian service
+      was, after all, the only thing. The Continent offers a career. He might
+      have been prime minister; several strangers have been; and as for war,
+      look at Brown and Laudohn, and half a hundred others. I had a much better
+      chance of being a field-marshal than he has of being a Lord Chancellor.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I feel quite convinced that Coningsby will be Lord Chancellor,&rsquo; said
+      Henry Sydney, gravely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This change of life for Coningsby was a great social revolution. It was
+      sudden and complete. Within a month after the death of his grandfather his
+      name had been erased from all his fashionable clubs, and his horses and
+      carriages sold, and he had become a student of the Temple. He entirely
+      devoted himself to his new pursuit. His being was completely absorbed in
+      it. There was nothing to haunt his mind; no unexperienced scene or
+      sensation of life to distract his intelligence. One sacred thought alone
+      indeed there remained, shrined in the innermost sanctuary of his heart and
+      consciousness. But it was a tradition, no longer a hope. The moment that
+      he had fairly recovered from the first shock of his grandfather&rsquo;s will;
+      had clearly ascertained the consequences to himself, and had resolved on
+      the course to pursue; he had communicated unreservedly with Oswald
+      Millbank, and had renounced those pretensions to the hand of his sister
+      which it ill became the destitute to prefer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His letter was answered in person. Millbank met Henry Sydney and Buckhurst
+      at the chambers of Coningsby. Once more they were all four together; but
+      under what different circumstances, and with what different prospects from
+      those which attended their separation at Eton! Alone with Coningsby,
+      Millbank spoke to him things which letters could not convey. He bore to
+      him all the sympathy and devotion of Edith; but they would not conceal
+      from themselves that, at this moment, and in the present state of affairs,
+      all was hopeless. In no way did Coningsby ever permit himself to intimate
+      to Oswald the cause of his disinheritance. He was, of course, silent on it
+      to his other friends; as any communication of the kind must have touched
+      on a subject that was consecrated in his inmost soul.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0076" id="link2HCH0076"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VI.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The state of political parties in England in the spring of 1841 offered a
+      most remarkable contrast to their condition at the period commemorated in
+      the first chapter of this work. The banners of the Conservative camp at
+      this moment lowered on the Whig forces, as the gathering host of the
+      Norman invader frowned on the coast of Sussex. The Whigs were not yet
+      conquered, but they were doomed; and they themselves knew it. The mistake
+      which was made by the Conservative leaders in not retaining office in
+      1839; and, whether we consider their conduct in a national and
+      constitutional light, or as a mere question of political tactics and party
+      prudence, it was unquestionably a great mistake; had infused into the
+      corps of Whig authority a kind of galvanic action, which only the
+      superficial could mistake for vitality. Even to form a basis for their
+      future operations, after the conjuncture of &lsquo;39, the Whigs were obliged to
+      make a fresh inroad on the revenue, the daily increasing debility of which
+      was now arresting attention and exciting public alarm. It was clear that
+      the catastrophe of the government would be financial.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Under all the circumstances of the case, the conduct of the Whig Cabinet,
+      in their final propositions, cannot be described as deficient either in
+      boldness or prudence. The policy which they recommended was in itself a
+      sagacious and spirited policy; but they erred in supposing that, at the
+      period it was brought forward, any measure promoted by the Whigs could
+      have obtained general favour in the country. The Whigs were known to be
+      feeble; they were looked upon as tricksters. The country knew they were
+      opposed by a powerful party; and though there certainly never was any
+      authority for the belief, the country did believe that that powerful party
+      were influenced by great principles; had in their view a definite and
+      national policy; and would secure to England, instead of a feeble
+      administration and fluctuating opinions, energy and a creed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The future effect of the Whig propositions of &lsquo;41 will not be detrimental
+      to that party, even if in the interval they be appropriated piecemeal, as
+      will probably be the case, by their Conservative successors. But for the
+      moment, and in the plight in which the Whig party found themselves, it was
+      impossible to have devised measures more conducive to their precipitate
+      fall. Great interests were menaced by a weak government. The consequence
+      was inevitable. Tadpole and Taper saw it in a moment. They snuffed the
+      factious air, and felt the coming storm. Notwithstanding the extreme
+      congeniality of these worthies, there was a little latent jealousy between
+      them. Tadpole worshipped Registration: Taper, adored a Cry. Tadpole always
+      maintained that it was the winnowing of the electoral lists that could
+      alone gain the day; Taper, on the contrary, faithful to ancient
+      traditions, was ever of opinion that the game must ultimately be won by
+      popular clamour. It always seemed so impossible that the Conservative
+      party could ever be popular; the extreme graciousness and personal
+      popularity of the leaders not being sufficiently apparent to be esteemed
+      an adequate set-off against the inveterate odium that attached to their
+      opinions; that the Tadpole philosophy was the favoured tenet in high
+      places; and Taper had had his knuckles well rapped more than once for
+      manoeuvring too actively against the New Poor-law, and for hiring several
+      link-boys to bawl a much-wronged lady&rsquo;s name in the Park when the Court
+      prorogued Parliament.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And now, after all, in 1841, it seemed that Taper was right. There was a
+      great clamour in every quarter, and the clamour was against the Whigs and
+      in favour of Conservative principles. What Canadian timber-merchants meant
+      by Conservative principles, it is not difficult to conjecture; or West
+      Indian planters. It was tolerably clear on the hustings what squires and
+      farmers, and their followers, meant by Conservative principles. What they
+      mean by Conservative principles now is another question: and whether
+      Conservative principles mean something higher than a perpetuation of
+      fiscal arrangements, some of them impolitic, none of them important. But
+      no matter what different bodies of men understood by the cry in which they
+      all joined, the Cry existed. Taper beat Tadpole; and the great
+      Conservative party beat the shattered and exhausted Whigs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Notwithstanding the abstraction of his legal studies, Coningsby could not
+      be altogether insensible to the political crisis. In the political world
+      of course he never mixed, but the friends of his boyhood were deeply
+      interested in affairs, and they lost no opportunity which he would permit
+      them, of cultivating his society. Their occasional fellowship, a visit now
+      and then to Sidonia, and a call sometimes on Flora, who lived at Richmond,
+      comprised his social relations. His general acquaintance did not desert
+      him, but he was out of sight, and did not wish to be remembered. Mr.
+      Ormsby asked him to dinner, and occasionally mourned over his fate in the
+      bow window of White&rsquo;s; while Lord Eskdale even went to see him in the
+      Temple, was interested in his progress, and said, with an encouraging
+      look, that, when he was called to the bar, all his friends must join and
+      get up the steam. Coningsby had once met Mr. Rigby, who was walking with
+      the Duke of Agincourt, which was probably the reason he could not notice a
+      lawyer. Mr. Rigby cut Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Eskdale had obtained from Villebecque accurate details as to the
+      cause of Coningsby being disinherited. Our hero, if one in such fallen
+      fortunes may still be described as a hero, had mentioned to Lord Eskdale
+      his sorrow that his grandfather had died in anger with him; but Lord
+      Eskdale, without dwelling on the subject, had assured him that he had
+      reason to believe that if Lord Monmouth had lived, affairs would have been
+      different. He had altered the disposition of his property at a moment of
+      great and general irritation and excitement; and had been too indolent,
+      perhaps really too indisposed, which he was unwilling ever to acknowledge,
+      to recur to a calmer and more equitable settlement. Lord Eskdale had been
+      more frank with Sidonia, and had told him all about the refusal to become
+      a candidate for Darlford against Mr. Millbank; the communication of Rigby
+      to Lord Monmouth, as to the presence of Oswald Millbank at the castle, and
+      the love of Coningsby for his sister; all these details, furnished by
+      Villebecque to Lord Eskdale, had been truly transferred by that nobleman
+      to his co-executor; and Sidonia, when he had sufficiently digested them,
+      had made Lady Wallinger acquainted with the whole history.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The dissolution of the Whig Parliament by the Whigs, the project of which
+      had reached Lord Monmouth a year before, and yet in which nobody believed
+      to the last moment, at length took place. All the world was dispersed in
+      the heart of the season, and our solitary student of the Temple, in his
+      lonely chambers, notwithstanding all his efforts, found his eye rather
+      wander over the pages of Tidd and Chitty as he remembered that the great
+      event to which he had so looked forward was now occurring, and he, after
+      all, was no actor in the mighty drama. It was to have been the epoch of
+      his life; when he was to have found himself in that proud position for
+      which all the studies, and meditations, and higher impulses of his nature
+      had been preparing him. It was a keen trial of a man. Every one of his
+      friends and old companions were candidates, and with sanguine prospects.
+      Lord Henry was certain for a division of his county; Buckhurst harangued a
+      large agricultural borough in his vicinity; Eustace Lyle and Vere stood in
+      coalition for a Yorkshire town; and Oswald Millbank solicited the
+      suffrages of an important manufacturing constituency. They sent their
+      addresses to Coningsby. He was deeply interested as he traced in them the
+      influence of his own mind; often recognised the very expressions to which
+      he had habituated them. Amid the confusion of a general election, no
+      unimpassioned critic had time to canvass the language of an address to an
+      isolated constituency; yet an intelligent speculator on the movements of
+      political parties might have detected in these public declarations some
+      intimation of new views, and of a tone of political feeling that has
+      unfortunately been too long absent from the public life of this country.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was the end of a sultry July day, the last ray of the sun shooting down
+      Pall Mall sweltering with dust; there was a crowd round the doors of the
+      Carlton and the Reform Clubs, and every now and then an express arrived
+      with the agitating bulletin of a fresh defeat or a new triumph. Coningsby
+      was walking up Pall Mall. He was going to dine at the Oxford and Cambridge
+      Club, the only club on whose list he had retained his name, that he might
+      occasionally have the pleasure of meeting an Eton or Cambridge friend
+      without the annoyance of encountering any of his former fashionable
+      acquaintances. He lighted in his walk on Mr. Tadpole and Mr. Taper, both
+      of whom he knew. The latter did not notice him, but Mr. Tadpole, more
+      good-natured, bestowed on him a rough nod, not unmarked by a slight
+      expression of coarse pity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby ordered his dinner, and then took up the evening papers, where
+      he learnt the return of Vere and Lyle; and read a speech of Buckhurst
+      denouncing the Venetian Constitution, to the amazement of several thousand
+      persons, apparently not a little terrified by this unknown danger, now
+      first introduced to their notice. Being true Englishmen, they were all
+      against Buckhurst&rsquo;s opponent, who was of the Venetian party, and who ended
+      by calling out Buckhurst for his personalities.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby had dined, and was reading in the library, when a waiter brought
+      up a third edition of the <i>Sun</i>, with electioneering bulletins from
+      the manufacturing districts to the very latest hour. Some large letters
+      which expressed the name of Darlford caught his eye. There seemed great
+      excitement in that borough; strange proceedings had happened. The column
+      was headed, &lsquo;Extraordinary Affair! Withdrawal of the Liberal Candidate!
+      Two Tory Candidates in the field!!!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His eye glanced over an animated speech of Mr. Millbank, his countenance
+      changed, his heart palpitated. Mr. Millbank had resigned the
+      representation of the town, but not from weakness; his avocations demanded
+      his presence; he had been requested to let his son supply his place, but
+      his son was otherwise provided for; he should always take a deep interest
+      in the town and trade of Darlford; he hoped that the link between the
+      borough and Hellingsley would be ever cherished; loud cheering; he wished
+      in parting from them to take a step which should conciliate all parties,
+      put an end to local heats and factious contentions, and secure the town an
+      able and worthy representative. For these reasons he begged to propose to
+      them a gentleman who bore a name which many of them greatly honoured; for
+      himself, he knew the individual, and it was his firm opinion that whether
+      they considered his talents, his character, or the ancient connection of
+      his family with the district, he could not propose a candidate more worthy
+      of their confidence than HARRY CONINGSBY, ESQ.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This proposition was received with that wild enthusiasm which occasionally
+      bursts out in the most civilised communities. The contest between Millbank
+      and Rigby was equally balanced, neither party was over-confident. The
+      Conservatives were not particularly zealous in behalf of their champion;
+      there was no Marquess of Monmouth and no Coningsby Castle now to back him;
+      he was fighting on his own resources, and he was a beaten horse. The
+      Liberals did not like the prospect of a defeat, and dreaded the
+      mortification of Rigby&rsquo;s triumph. The Moderate men, who thought more of
+      local than political circumstances, liked the name of Coningsby. Mr.
+      Millbank had dexterously prepared his leading supporters for the
+      substitution. Some traits of the character and conduct of Coningsby had
+      been cleverly circulated. Thus there was a combination of many favourable
+      causes in his favour. In half an hour&rsquo;s time his image was stamped on the
+      brain of every inhabitant of the borough as an interesting and
+      accomplished youth, who had been wronged, and who deserved to be rewarded.
+      It was whispered that Rigby was his enemy. Magog Wrath and his mob offered
+      Mr. Millbank&rsquo;s committee to throw Mr. Rigby into the river, or to burn
+      down his hotel, in case he was prudent enough not to show. Mr. Rigby
+      determined to fight to the last. All his hopes were now staked on the
+      successful result of this contest. It were impossible if he were returned
+      that his friends could refuse him high office. The whole of Lord
+      Monmouth&rsquo;s reduced legacy was devoted to this end. The third edition of
+      the <i>Sun</i> left Mr. Rigby in vain attempting to address an infuriated
+      populace.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Here was a revolution in the fortunes of our forlorn Coningsby! When his
+      grandfather first sent for him to Monmouth House, his destiny was not
+      verging on greater vicissitudes. He rose from his seat, and was surprised
+      that all the silent gentlemen who were about him did not mark his
+      agitation. Not an individual there that he knew. It was now an hour to
+      midnight, and to-morrow the almost unconscious candidate was to go to the
+      poll. In a tumult of suppressed emotion, Coningsby returned to his
+      chambers. He found a letter in his box from Oswald Millbank, who had been
+      twice at the Temple. Oswald had been returned without a contest, and had
+      reached Darlford in time to hear Coningsby nominated. He set off instantly
+      to London, and left at his friend&rsquo;s chambers a rapid narrative of what had
+      happened, with information that he should call on him again on the morrow
+      at nine o&rsquo;clock, when they were to repair together immediately to Darlford
+      in time for Coningsby to be chaired, for no one entertained a doubt of his
+      triumph.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby did not sleep a wink that night, and yet when he rose early felt
+      fresh enough for any exploit, however difficult or hazardous. He felt as
+      an Egyptian does when the Nile rises after its elevation had been
+      despaired of. At the very lowest ebb of his fortunes, an event had
+      occurred which seemed to restore all. He dared not contemplate the
+      ultimate result of all these wonderful changes. Enough for him, that when
+      all seemed dark, he was about to be returned to Parliament by the father
+      of Edith, and his vanquished rival who was to bite the dust before him was
+      the author of all his misfortunes. Love, Vengeance, Justice, the glorious
+      pride of having acted rightly, the triumphant sense of complete and
+      absolute success, here were chaotic materials from which order was at
+      length evolved; and all subsided in an overwhelming feeling of gratitude
+      to that Providence that had so signally protected him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a knock at the door. It was Oswald. They embraced. It seemed
+      that Oswald was as excited as Coningsby. His eye sparkled, his manner was
+      energetic.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;We must talk it all over during our journey. We have not a minute to
+      spare.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      During that journey Coningsby learned something of the course of affairs
+      which gradually had brought about so singular a revolution in his favour.
+      We mentioned that Sidonia had acquired a thorough knowledge of the
+      circumstances which had occasioned and attended the disinheritance of
+      Coningsby. These he had told to Lady Wallinger, first by letter,
+      afterwards in more detail on her arrival in London. Lady Wallinger had
+      conferred with her husband. She was not surprised at the goodness of
+      Coningsby, and she sympathised with all his calamities. He had ever been
+      the favourite of her judgment, and her romance had always consisted in
+      blending his destinies with those of her beloved Edith. Sir Joseph was a
+      judicious man, who never cared to commit himself; a little selfish, but
+      good, just, and honourable, with some impulses, only a little afraid of
+      them; but then his wife stepped in like an angel, and gave them the right
+      direction. They were both absolutely impressed with Coningsby&rsquo;s admirable
+      conduct, and Lady Wallinger was determined that her husband should express
+      to others the convictions which he acknowledged in unison with herself.
+      Sir Joseph spoke to Mr. Millbank, who stared; but Sir Joseph spoke feebly.
+      Lady Wallinger conveyed all this intelligence, and all her impressions, to
+      Oswald and Edith. The younger Millbank talked with his father, who, making
+      no admissions, listened with interest, inveighed against Lord Monmouth,
+      and condemned his will.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After some time, Mr. Millbank made inquiries about Coningsby, took an
+      interest in his career, and, like Lord Eskdale, declared that when he was
+      called to the bar, his friends would have an opportunity to evince their
+      sincerity. Affairs remained in this state, until Oswald thought that
+      circumstances were sufficiently ripe to urge his father on the subject.
+      The position which Oswald had assumed at Millbank had necessarily made him
+      acquainted with the affairs and fortune of his father. When he computed
+      the vast wealth which he knew was at his parent&rsquo;s command, and recalled
+      Coningsby in his humble chambers, toiling after all his noble efforts
+      without any results, and his sister pining in a provincial solitude,
+      Oswald began to curse wealth, and to ask himself what was the use of all
+      their marvellous industry and supernatural skill? He addressed his father
+      with that irresistible frankness which a strong faith can alone inspire.
+      What are the objects of wealth, if not to bless those who possess our
+      hearts? The only daughter, the friend to whom the only son was indebted
+      for his life, here are two beings surely whom one would care to bless, and
+      both are unhappy. Mr. Millbank listened without prejudice, for he was
+      already convinced. But he felt some interest in the present conduct of
+      Coningsby. A Coningsby working for his bread was a novel incident for him.
+      He wished to be assured of its authenticity. He was resolved to convince
+      himself of the fact. And perhaps he would have gone on yet for a little
+      time, and watched the progress of the experiment, already interested and
+      delighted by what had reached him, had not the dissolution brought affairs
+      to a crisis. The misery of Oswald at the position of Coningsby, the silent
+      sadness of Edith, his own conviction, which assured him that he could do
+      nothing wiser or better than take this young man to his heart, so ordained
+      it that Mr. Millbank, who was after all the creature of impulse, decided
+      suddenly, and decided rightly. Never making a single admission to all the
+      representations of his son, Mr. Millbank in a moment did all that his son
+      could have dared to desire.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This is a very imperfect and crude intimation of what had occurred at
+      Millbank and Hellingsley; yet it conveys a faint sketch of the enchanting
+      intelligence that Oswald conveyed to Coningsby during their rapid travel.
+      When they arrived at Birmingham, they found a messenger and a despatch,
+      informing Coningsby, that at mid-day, at Darlford, he was at the head of
+      the poll by an overwhelming majority, and that Mr. Rigby had resigned. He
+      was, however, requested to remain at Birmingham, as they did not wish him
+      to enter Darlford, except to be chaired, so he was to arrive there in the
+      morning. At Birmingham, therefore, they remained.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was Oswald&rsquo;s election to talk of as well as Coningsby&rsquo;s. They had
+      hardly had time for this. Now they were both Members of Parliament. Men
+      must have been at school together, to enjoy the real fun of meeting thus,
+      and realising boyish dreams. Often, years ago, they had talked of these
+      things, and assumed these results; but those were words and dreams, these
+      were positive facts; after some doubts and struggles, in the freshness of
+      their youth, Oswald Millbank and Harry Coningsby were members of the
+      British Parliament; public characters, responsible agents, with a career.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This afternoon, at Birmingham, was as happy an afternoon as usually falls
+      to the lot of man. Both of these companions were labouring under that
+      degree of excitement which is necessary to felicity. They had enough to
+      talk about. Edith was no longer a forbidden or a sorrowful subject. There
+      was rapture in their again meeting under such circumstances. Then there
+      were their friends; that dear Buckhurst, who had just been called out for
+      styling his opponent a Venetian, and all their companions of early days.
+      What a sudden and marvellous change in all their destinies! Life was a
+      pantomime; the wand was waved, and it seemed that the schoolfellows had of
+      a sudden become elements of power, springs of the great machine.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A train arrived; restless they sallied forth, to seek diversion in the
+      dispersion of the passengers. Coningsby and Millbank, with that glance, a
+      little inquisitive, even impertinent, if we must confess it, with which
+      one greets a stranger when he emerges from a public conveyance, were
+      lounging on the platform. The train arrived; stopped; the doors were
+      thrown open, and from one of them emerged Mr. Rigby! Coningsby, who had
+      dined, was greatly tempted to take off his hat and make him a bow, but he
+      refrained. Their eyes met. Rigby was dead beat. He was evidently used up;
+      a man without a resource; the sight of Coningsby his last blow; he had met
+      his fate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;My dear fellow,&rsquo; said Coningsby, &lsquo;I remember I wanted you to dine with my
+      grandfather at Montem, and that fellow would not ask you. Such is life!&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      About eleven o&rsquo;clock the next morning they arrived at the Darlford
+      station. Here they were met by an anxious deputation, who received
+      Coningsby as if he were a prophet, and ushered him into a car covered with
+      satin and blue ribbons, and drawn by six beautiful grey horses,
+      caparisoned in his colours, and riden by postilions, whose very whips were
+      blue and white. Triumphant music sounded; banners waved; the multitude
+      were marshalled; the Freemasons, at the first opportunity, fell into the
+      procession; the Odd Fellows joined it at the nearest corner. Preceded and
+      followed by thousands, with colours flying, trumpets sounding, and endless
+      huzzas, flags and handkerchiefs waving from every window, and every
+      balcony filled with dames and maidens bedecked with his colours, Coningsby
+      was borne through enthusiastic Darlford like Paulus Emilius returning from
+      Macedon. Uncovered, still in deep mourning, his fine figure, and graceful
+      bearing, and his intelligent brow, at once won every female heart.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The singularity was, that all were of the same opinion: everybody cheered
+      him, every house was adorned with his colours. His triumphal return was no
+      party question. Magog Wrath and Bully Bluck walked together like lambs at
+      the head of his procession.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The car stopped before the principal hotel in the High Street. It was Mr.
+      Millbank&rsquo;s committee. The broad street was so crowded, that, as every one
+      declared, you might have walked on the heads of the people. Every window
+      was full; the very roofs were peopled. The car stopped, and the populace
+      gave three cheers for Mr. Millbank. Their late member, surrounded by his
+      friends, stood in the balcony, which was fitted up with Coningsby&rsquo;s
+      colours, and bore his name on the hangings in gigantic letters formed of
+      dahlias. The flashing and inquiring eye of Coningsby caught the form of
+      Edith, who was leaning on her father&rsquo;s arm.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The hustings were opposite the hotel, and here, after a while, Coningsby
+      was carried, and, stepping from his car, took up his post to address, for
+      the first time, a public assembly. Anxious as the people were to hear him,
+      it was long before their enthusiasm could subside into silence. At length
+      that silence was deep and absolute. He spoke; his powerful and rich tones
+      reached every ear. In five minutes&rsquo; time every one looked at his
+      neighbour, and without speaking they agreed that there never was anything
+      like this heard in Darlford before.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He addressed them for a considerable time, for he had a great deal to say;
+      not only to express his gratitude for the unprecedented manner in which he
+      had become their representative, and for the spirit in which they had
+      greeted him, but he had to offer them no niggard exposition of the views
+      and opinions of the member whom they had so confidingly chosen, without
+      even a formal declaration of his sentiments.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He did this with so much clearness, and in a manner so pointed and
+      popular, that the deep attention of the multitude never wavered. His
+      lively illustrations kept them often in continued merriment. But when,
+      towards his close, he drew some picture of what he hoped might be the
+      character of his future and lasting connection with the town, the vast
+      throng was singularly affected. There were a great many present at that
+      moment who, though they had never seen Coningsby before, would willingly
+      have then died for him. Coningsby had touched their hearts, for he had
+      spoken from his own. His spirit had entirely magnetised them. Darlford
+      believed in Coningsby: and a very good creed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And now Coningsby was conducted to the opposite hotel. He walked through
+      the crowd. The progress was slow, as every one wished to shake hands with
+      him. His friends, however, at last safely landed him. He sprang up the
+      stairs; he was met by Mr. Millbank, who welcomed him with the greatest
+      warmth, and offered his hearty congratulations.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is to you, dear sir, that I am indebted for all this,&rsquo; said Coningsby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;No,&rsquo; said Mr. Millbank, &lsquo;it is to your own high principles, great
+      talents, and good heart.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After he had been presented by the late member to the principal personages
+      in the borough, Mr. Millbank said,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think we must now give Mr. Coningsby a little rest. Come with me,&rsquo; he
+      added, &lsquo;here is some one who will be very glad to see you.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Speaking thus, he led our hero a little away, and placing his arm in
+      Coningsby&rsquo;s with great affection opened the door of an apartment. There
+      was Edith, radiant with loveliness and beaming with love. Their agitated
+      hearts told at a glance the tumult of their joy. The father joined their
+      hands, and blessed them with words of tenderness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0077" id="link2HCH0077"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VII.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The marriage of Coningsby and Edith took place early in the autumn. It was
+      solemnised at Millbank, and they passed their first moon at Hellingsley,
+      which place was in future to be the residence of the member for Darlford.
+      The estate was to devolve to Coningsby after the death of Mr. Millbank,
+      who in the meantime made arrangements which permitted the newly-married
+      couple to reside at the Hall in a manner becoming its occupants. All these
+      settlements, as Mr. Millbank assured Coningsby, were effected not only
+      with the sanction, but at the express instance, of his son.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      An event, however, occurred not very long after the marriage of Coningsby,
+      which rendered this generous conduct of his father-in-law no longer
+      necessary to his fortunes, though he never forgot its exercise. The gentle
+      and unhappy daughter of Lord Monmouth quitted a scene with which her
+      spirit had never greatly sympathised. Perhaps she might have lingered in
+      life for yet a little while, had it not been for that fatal inheritance
+      which disturbed her peace and embittered her days, haunting her heart with
+      the recollection that she had been the unconscious instrument of injuring
+      the only being whom she loved, and embarrassing and encumbering her with
+      duties foreign to her experience and her nature. The marriage of Coningsby
+      had greatly affected her, and from that day she seemed gradually to
+      decline. She died towards the end of the autumn, and, subject to an ample
+      annuity to Villebecque, she bequeathed the whole of her fortune to the
+      husband of Edith. Gratifying as it was to him to present such an
+      inheritance to his wife, it was not without a pang that he received the
+      intelligence of the death of Flora. Edith sympathised in his affectionate
+      feelings, and they raised a monument to her memory in the gardens of
+      Hellingsley.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Coningsby passed his next Christmas in his own hall with his beautiful and
+      gifted wife by his side, and surrounded by the friends of his heart and
+      his youth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They stand now on the threshold of public life. They are in the leash, but
+      in a moment they will be slipped. What will be their fate? Will they
+      maintain in august assemblies and high places the great truths which, in
+      study and in solitude, they have embraced? Or will their courage exhaust
+      itself in the struggle, their enthusiasm evaporate before hollow-hearted
+      ridicule, their generous impulses yield with a vulgar catastrophe to the
+      tawdry temptations of a low ambition? Will their skilled intelligence
+      subside into being the adroit tool of a corrupt party? Will Vanity
+      confound their fortunes, or Jealousy wither their sympathies? Or will they
+      remain brave, single, and true; refuse to bow before shadows and worship
+      phrases; sensible of the greatness of their position, recognise the
+      greatness of their duties; denounce to a perplexed and disheartened world
+      the frigid theories of a generalising age that have destroyed the
+      individuality of man, and restore the happiness of their country by
+      believing in their own energies, and daring to be great?
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 6em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Coningsby, by Benjamin Disraeli
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+</pre>
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+  </body>
+</html>
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