"What you probably mean," said Grindley, "is that Vavasor was not returned for Chelsea last February; but you've seen him since that.

"What you probably mean," said Grindley, "is that Vavasor did not win the seat at Chelsea last February.


Are you going to try it again, Vavasor?"


"I don't see what on earth a man gains by going into the house," said Calder Jones.

"I don't see what a man gains by going into the House," said Calder Jones.


"I couldn't help myself as it happened, but, upon my word it's a deuce of a bore.

"I couldn't help myself, but it's a dead bore.


A fellow thinks he can do as he likes about going,--but he can't.


It wouldn't do for me to give it up, because--"

It wouldn't do for me to give it up, because-"


"Oh no, of course not; where should we all be?"


"It's you and me, Grindems," said Maxwell.


"D---- parliament, and now let's have a rubber."

"D-- parliament, and now let's have a rubber of whist."


They played till three and Mr. Calder Jones lost a good deal of money,--a good deal of money in a little way, for they never played above ten-shilling points, and no bet was made for more than a pound or two.

They played till three, and Mr. Calder Jones lost a good deal of money.


But Vavasor was the winner, and when he left the room he became the subject of some ill-natured remarks.


"I wonder he likes coming in here," said Grindley, who had himself been the man to invite him to belong to the club, and who had at one time indulged the ambition of an intimacy with George Vavasor.

"I wonder he likes coming in here," said Grindley, the man who had first invited him to belong to the club, and who had hoped to become his friend.


"I can't understand it," said Calder Jones, who was a little bitter about his money.

"I can't understand it," said Calder Jones, a little bitter about his money.


"Last year he seemed to walk in just when he liked, as though he were one of us."


"He's a bad sort of fellow," said Grindley; "he's so uncommonly dark.


I don't know where on earth he gets his money from, He was heir to some small property in the north, but he lost every shilling of that when he was in the wine trade."

I don't know where on earth he gets his money from. He was heir to some property in the north, but he lost every shilling in the wine trade."


"You're wrong there, Grindems," said Maxwell,--making use of a playful nickname which he had invented for his friend.

"You're wrong there, Grindems," said Maxwell.


"He made a pot of money at the wine business, and had he stuck to it he would have been a rich man."

"He made a pot of money at the wine business."


"He's lost it all since then, and that place in the north into the bargain."


If old Vavasor were to die to-morrow, Vavasor Hall would go just as he might choose to leave it.

If old Vavasor were to die tomorrow, Vavasor Hall would go to him.


George may be a ruined man for aught I know--"


"There's no doubt about that, I believe," said Grindley.


"Perhaps not, Grindems; but he can't have lost Vavasor Hall because he has never as yet had an interest in it.


He's the natural heir, and will probably get it some day."


"All the same," said Calder Jones, "isn't it rather odd he should come in here?"


"We've asked him often enough," said Maxwell; "not because we like him, but because we want him so often to make up a rubber.

"We've asked him often enough," said Maxwell, "to make up a rubber.


I don't like George Vavasor, and I don't know who does; but I like him better than dummy.


And I'd sooner play whist with men I don't like, Grindems, than I'd not play at all."

I'd sooner play whist with men I don't like, than not play at all."


A bystander might have thought from the tone of Mr. Maxwell's voice that he was alluding to Mr. Grindley himself, but Mr. Grindley didn't seem to take it in that light.


But I certainly didn't think that he'd make it out for another season."


The club breakfasted the next morning at nine o'clock, in order that they might start at half-past for the meet at Edgehill.

The club breakfasted the next morning at nine o'clock, in order to leave at half-past for the hunting meet at Edgehill.


Edgehill is twelve miles from Roebury, and the hacks would do it in an hour and a half,--or perhaps a little less.

Edgehill is twelve miles from Roebury, and the horses would do it in an hour and a half.


"Does anybody know anything about that brown horse of Vavasor's?"


"I saw him coming into the yard yesterday with that old groom of his."

"I saw him in the yard yesterday with that old groom of his."


"He had a brown horse last season," said Grindley;--"a little thing that went very fast, but wasn't quite sound on the road."

"He had a brown horse last season," said Grindley; "a very fast little thing."


"That was a mare," said Maxwell, "and he sold her to Cinquebars."*


[*Ah, my friend, from whom I have borrowed this scion of the nobility!


Had he been left with us he would have forgiven me my little theft, and now that he has gone I will not change the name.]


"For a hundred and fifty," said Calder Jones, "and she wasn't worth the odd fifty."

"For a hundred and fifty," said Calder Jones, "and she wasn't worth it."


"He won seventy with her at Leamington," said Maxwell, "and I doubt whether he'd take his money now."

"He won seventy with her at Leamington," said Maxwell.


"Is Cinquebars coming down here this year?"


He's the best fellow in the world, but he can't ride, and he don't care for hunting, and he makes more row than any fellow I ever met.

He's the best fellow in the world, but he can't ride.


I wish some fellow could tell me something about that fellow's brown horse."

I wish someone could tell me something about that fellow's brown horse."


"I'd never buy a horse of Vavasor's if I were you," said Grindley.

"I'd never buy a horse of Vavasor's," said Grindley.


"He never has anything that's all right all round."


said Maxwell, as he took into his plate a second mutton chop, which had just been brought up hot into the room especially for him.

said Maxwell, helping himself to a second mutton chop.


"That's the mistake men make about horses, and that's why there's so much cheating.


I never ask for a warranty with a horse, and don't very often have a horse examined.


You can't have perfect horses any more than you can perfect men, or perfect women.

"You can't have perfect horses any more than perfect women.


You put up with red hair, or bad teeth, or big feet,--or sometimes with the devil of a voice.


But a man when he wants a horse won't put up with anything!


Therefore those who've got horses to sell must lie.


When I go into the market with three hundred pounds I expect a perfect animal.


As I never do that now I never expect a perfect animal.


I like 'em to see; I like 'em to have four legs; and I like 'em to have a little wind.

I like 'em to see; I like 'em to have four legs, and decent lungs.


"By Jove you're about right," said Calder Jones.

"By Jove, you're right," said Calder Jones.


The reader will therefore readily see that Mr. Maxwell the banker reigned as king in that club.

The reader will see that Mr. Maxwell the banker reigned as king in that club.


Vavasor had sent two horses on in charge of Bat Smithers, and followed on a pony about fourteen hands high, which he had ridden as a cover hack for the last four years.

Vavasor had sent two horses ahead in the charge of his old groom Bat Smithers, and followed on a big pony which he kept as a hack.


He did not start till near ten, but he was able to catch Bat with his two horses about a mile and a half on that side of Edgehill.

He did not start till near ten, but he was able to catch Bat with his two horses about a mile outside Edgehill.


"Have you managed to come along pretty clean?"


the master asked as he came up with his servant.

the master asked as he joined his servant.


"They be the most beastly roads in all England," said Bat, who always found fault with any county in which he happened to be located.

"They be the most beastly roads in all England," said Bat.


"But I'll warrant I'm cleaner than most on 'em.


What for any county should make such roads as them I never could tell."

But why any county should make such roads I never could tell."


"The roads about there are bad, certainly;--very bad.


But I suppose they would have been better had Providence sent better materials.


And what do you think of the brown horse, Bat?"


He said no more, and that he said with a drawl.


"He's as fine an animal to look at as ever I put my eye on," said George.

"He's as fine an animal to look at as ever I saw," said George.


"And they tell me you can't beat him at jumping."


"They can mostly do that, sir, if they're well handled."


There's no knowing what a 'orse can carry till he's tried."


George asked his groom no more questions, but felt sure that he had better sell his brown horse if he could.


Now I here protest that there was nothing specially amiss with the brown horse.

There was nothing specially amiss with the brown horse.


Towards the end of the preceding season he had overreached himself and had been lame, and had been sold by some owner with more money than brains who had not cared to wait for a cure.

He had gone lame at the end of the preceding season, and had been sold by some owner who had not cared to wait for a cure.


Then there had gone with him a bad character, and a vague suspicion had attached itself to him, as there does to hundreds of horses which are very good animals in their way.

Then there had gone with him a bad character, and a vague suspicion had attached itself to him, as it does to hundreds of horses which are very good animals in their way.


He had come thus to Tattersall's, and Vavasor had bought him cheap, thinking that he might make money of him, from his form and action.


He had found nothing amiss with him,--nor, indeed, had Bat Smithers.


But his character went with him, and therefore Bat Smithers thought it well to be knowing.

; but his character went with him, and therefore Bat Smithers thought it well to be knowing.


George Vavasor knew as much of horses as most men can,--as, perhaps, as any man can who is not a dealer, or a veterinary surgeon; but he, like all men, doubted his own knowledge, though on that subject he would never admit that he doubted it.

George Vavasor knew as much of horses as most men, but he doubted his own knowledge.


Therefore he took Bat's word and felt sure that the horse was wrong.

Therefore he took Bat's word and felt sure that something was wrong with the horse.


"We shall have a run from the big wood," said George.


"If they make un break, you will, sir," said Bat.


"At any rate I'll ride the brown horse," said George.


Then, as soon as that was settled between them, the Roebury Club overtook them.


There was now a rush of horses on the road altogether, and they were within a quarter of a mile of Edgehill church, close to which was the meet.

There was now a rush of horses on the road to Edgehill church.


Bat with his two hunters fell a little behind, and the others trotted on together.

Bat, with his two hunters, fell a little behind, and the others trotted on together.


The other grooms with their animals were on in advance, and were by this time employed in combing out forelocks, and rubbing stirrup leathers and horses' legs free from the dirt of the roads;--but Bat Smithers was like his master, and did not congregate much with other men, and Vavasor was sure to give orders to his servant different from the orders given by others.


"No, indeed; I never was what I call well mounted yet.


I generally have one horse and three or four cripples.


That brown horse behind there is pretty good, I believe."


"I see your man has got the old chestnut mare with him."

"I see your man has got the old chestnut mare."


"She's one of the cripples,--not but what she's as sound as a bell, and as good a hunter as ever I wish to ride; but she makes a little noise when she's going."

"She's one of the cripples - sound as a bell, and a good hunter; but she makes a noise when she's going."


"So that you can hear her three fields off," said Grindley.


"Five if the fields are small enough and your ears are sharp enough," said Vavasor.

"Five if the fields are small enough," said Vavasor.


"All the same I wouldn't change her for the best horse I ever saw under you."


"Had you there, Grindems," said Maxwell.


"Your horses, Grindley, are always up to all the work they have to do," said George; "and I don't know what any man wants more than that."

"Your horses, Grindley, are up to all the work they have to do," said George; "and I don't know what any man wants more than that."


"Had you again, Grindems," said Maxwell.


"I can ride against him any day," said Grindley.


"Yes; or against a brick wall either, if your horse didn't know any better," said George.


Whereupon Mr. Grindley trotted on, round the corner by the church, and into the field in which the hounds were assembled.

And he trotted round the corner by the church, and into the field in which the hounds were assembled,


The fire had become too hot for him, and he thought it best to escape.


Had it been Vavasor alone he would have turned upon him and snarled, but he could not afford to exhibit any ill temper to the king of the club.


Mr. Grindley was not popular, and were Maxwell to turn openly against him his sporting life down at Roebury would decidedly be a failure.

Mr. Grindley was not popular, and he did not wish Maxwell to turn openly against him.


The lives of such men as Mr. Grindley,--men who are tolerated in the daily society of others who are accounted their superiors, do not seem to have many attractions.


And yet how many such men does one see in almost every set?


Why Mr. Grindley should have been inferior to Mr. Maxwell the banker, or to Stone, or to Prettyman who were brewers, or even to Mr. Pollock the heavy-weight literary gentleman, I can hardly say.


An attorney by his trade is at any rate as good as a brewer, and there are many attorneys who hold their heads high anywhere.


Grindley was a rich man,--or at any rate rich enough for the life he led.


I don't know much about his birth, but I believe it was as good as Maxwell's.


He was not ignorant, or a fool;--whereas I rather think Maxwell was a fool.

and not ignorant, or a fool; whereas I rather think Maxwell was a fool.


Grindley had made his own way in the world, but Maxwell would certainly not have made himself a banker if his father had not been a banker before him; nor could the bank have gone on and prospered had there not been partners there who were better men of business than our friend.

Grindley had made his own way in the world, but Maxwell would certainly not have made a banker if his father had not been a banker before him; there were many better men of business.


Grindley knew that he had a better intellect than Maxwell; and yet he allowed Maxwell to snub him, and he toadied Maxwell in return.

Grindley knew this, yet he allowed Maxwell to snub him.


It was not on the score of riding that Maxwell claimed and held his superiority, for Grindley did not want pluck, and every one knew that Maxwell had lived freely and that his nerves were not what they had been.

Maxwell was not even a better rider; but one looked imposing and


I think it had come from the outward look of the men, from the form of each, from the gait and visage which in one was good and in the other insignificant.


The nature of such dominion of man over man is very singular, but this is certain that when once obtained in manhood it may be easily held.


Among boys at school the same thing is even more conspicuous, because boys have less of conscience than men, are more addicted to tyranny, and when weak are less prone to feel the misery and disgrace of succumbing.


Who has been through a large school and does not remember the Maxwells and Grindleys,--the tyrants and the slaves,--those who domineered and those who submitted?


Nor was it, even then, personal strength, nor always superior courage, that gave the power of command.


Nor was it intellect, or thoughtfulness, nor by any means such qualities as make men and boys lovable.


It is said by many who have had to deal with boys, that certain among them claim and obtain ascendancy by the spirit within them; but I doubt whether the ascendancy is not rather thrust on them than claimed by them.


Here again I think the outward gait of the boy goes far towards obtaining for him the submission of his fellows.


But the tyrant boy does not become the tyrant man, or the slave boy the slave man, because the outward visage, that has been noble or mean in the one, changes and becomes so often mean or noble in the other.


said Maxwell, as he rode into the field by the church.

said Maxwell, as he rode into the field.


"I'll bet half a crown that he's come down from London this morning, that he was up all night last night, and that he tells us so three times before the hounds go out of the paddock."

"I'll bet half a crown that he's come down from London this morning, that he was up all night, and that he tells us so three times before the hounds leave the paddock."


Mr. Pollock was the heavy-weight sporting literary gentleman.


Kate and Alice, as they drew near to their journey's end, were both a little flurried, and I cannot but own that there was cause for nervousness.

Kate and Alice, as they drew near to their journey's end, were both a little flurried and nervous.


Kate Vavasor was to meet Mr. Grey for the first time.

Kate was to meet Mr. Grey for the first time.


Mr. Grey was now staying at Matching and was to remain there until a week of his marriage.

He was now staying at Matching and was to remain there until a week before his marriage.


He was then to return to Cambridgeshire for a day or two, and after that was to become a guest at the rector's house at Matching the evening before the ceremony.

He would then return to Cambridgeshire for a day or two, and after that was to be a guest at the rector's house at Matching the evening before the ceremony.


Mr. Palliser, though a Radical in public life, would not for worlds transgress the social laws of his ancestors; and so the matter was settled.

But Mr. Palliser, though a Radical in public life, would not for worlds transgress the social laws of his ancestors.


Kate on this very day of her arrival at Matching would thus see Mr. Grey for the first time, and she could not but feel that she had been the means of doing Mr. Grey much injury.

Kate could not help feeling that she had been the means of doing Mr. Grey much injury.


She had moreover something,--not much indeed, but still something,--of that feeling which made the Pallisers terrible to the imagination, because of their rank and wealth.

She was awed by the Pallisers, because of their rank and wealth


She was a little afraid of the Pallisers, but of Mr. Grey she was very much afraid.

; but of Mr. Grey she was very much afraid.


She would fain have prevented so very quick a marriage had she not felt that now,--after all the trouble that she had caused,--there was nothing left for her but to do as others wished.


When a day had been named she had hardly dared to demur, and had allowed Lady Glencora to settle everything as she had wished.


But it was not only the suddenness of her marriage which dismayed her.


Its nature and attributes were terrible to her.


Both Lady Midlothian and the Marchioness of Auld Reekie were coming.


When this was told to her by letter she had no means of escape.


"Lady Macleod is right in nearly all that she says," Lady Glencora had written to her.


"At any rate, you needn't be such a fool as to run away from your cousins, simply because they have handles to their names.

"At any rate, you needn't be such a fool as to run away from your cousins, simply because they have titles."


Lady Glencora, moreover, had settled for her the list of bridesmaids.

Lady Glencora, moreover, had settled the list of bridesmaids.


Alice had made a petition that she might be allowed to go through the ceremony with only one,--with none but Kate to back her.

Alice had asked that she might have only one - Kate.


But she ought to have known that when she consented to be married at Matching,--and indeed she had had very little power of resisting that proposition,--all such questions would be decided for her.

But she should have known that when she consented to be married at Matching, all such questions would be decided for her.


Two daughters therefore of Lady Midlothian were to act, Lady Jane and Lady Mary, and the one daughter of the Marchioness, who was also a Lady Jane, and there were to be two Miss Howards down from London,--girls who were known both to Alice and to Lady Glencora, and who were in some distant way connected with them both.

So two daughters of Lady Midlothian were to act, Lady Jane and Lady Mary, and the daughter of the Marchioness, who was also a Lady Jane, and there were to be two Miss Howards who were distant relations.


A great attempt was made to induce the two Miss Pallisers to join the bevy, but they had frankly pleaded their age.


"No woman should stand up as a bridesmaid," said the strong-minded Sophy, "who doesn't mean to get married if she can.


Now I don't mean to get married, and I won't put myself among the young people."


Lady Glencora was therefore obliged to submit to do the work with only six.


But she swore that they should be very smart.

swore that the bridesmaids should be very smart.


She was to give all the dresses, and Mr. Palliser was to give a brooch and an armlet to each.


"She is the only person in the world I want to pet, except yourself," Lady Glencora had said to her husband, and he had answered by giving her _carte blanche_ as regards expense.


[Illustration: Alice and her bridesmaids.]


All this was very terrible to Kate, who had not much feminine taste for finery.

All this was very terrible to Kate, who had not much taste for finery.


Of the dress she had heard,--of the dress which was waiting at Matching to be made up after her arrival,--though as yet she knew nothing of the trinkets.

There was a dress waiting at Matching to be made up after her arrival, though as yet she knew nothing of the trinkets.


There are many girls who could submit themselves at a moment to the kindness of such a woman as Lady Glencora.


Perhaps most girls would do so, for of all such women in the world, Lady Glencora was the least inclined to patronize or to be condescending in her kindnesses.

Although Lady Glencora was not inclined to patronize or condescend in her kindnesses,


But Kate Vavasor was one to whom such submission would not come easily.


"I wish I was out of this boat," she said to Alice in the train.


When the day of action comes you will be taken away, up to heaven, upon the clouds.


"You'll find that Glencora will not desert you.


"I'd sooner be bridesmaid to Charlie Fairstairs.


My place in the world is not among Cabinet Ministers and old countesses."

My place in the world is not among Cabinet Ministers and countesses."


"Yes; it seems that yours is to be there.


They are your cousins, and you have made at any rate one great friend among them,--one who is to be the biggest of them all."

they are your cousins, and you have made one great friend at least among them."


"And you are going to throw me over, Kate?"


"To tell the truth, Alice, I sometimes think you had better throw me over.


I know it would be sad,--sad for both, but perhaps it would be better.

I know it would be sad, but perhaps it would be better.


I have done you much harm and no good; and now where I am going I shall disgrace you."

I have done you much harm and no good; and now I shall disgrace you."


She talked even of getting out at some station and returning, and would have done so had not Alice made it impossible.

She even talked of getting out at some station, and would have done so if Alice had not made it impossible.


As it was, the evening found her and Alice together entering the park-gate at Matching, in Lady Glencora's carriage.

As it was, that evening they entered the park-gate at Matching in Lady Glencora's carriage.


Lady Glencora had sent a note to the station.


"She could not come herself," she said, "because Mr. Palliser was a little fussy.


You'll understand, dear, but don't say a word."


Alice didn't say a word, having been very anxious not to lower Mr. Palliser in her cousin's respect.


None of the Lady Janes and Lady Marys were at Matching when they arrived.

None of the Lady Janes and Lady Marys were there when they arrived.


Indeed, there was no guest there but Mr. Grey, for which Kate felt herself to be extremely grateful.

Indeed, there was no guest but Mr. Grey, for which Kate felt extremely grateful.


Mr. Grey came into the hall, standing behind Mr. Palliser, who stood behind his wife.

Mr. Grey came into the hall behind Mr. Palliser,


Alice passed by them both, and was at once in her lover's arms.

and Alice was at once in her lover's arms.


"Then I must introduce myself," said Lady Glencora to Kate, "and my husband also."

"I must introduce myself," said Lady Glencora to Kate, "and my husband also.


This she did, and no woman in England could have excelled her in the manner of doing it.


"I have heard so much about you," said she, still keeping Kate's hand, "and I know how good you've been;--and how wicked you have been," she added in a whisper.

I have heard so much about you, and I know how good you've been; and how wicked you have been," she added in a whisper.


Then Mr. Grey was brought up to her, and they were introduced.


It was not till some days had passed over them that she felt herself at all at her ease with Mr. Grey, and I doubt whether she ever reached that point with Mr. Palliser; but Lady Glencora she knew, and liked, and almost loved, from the first moment of their meeting.

It was not for some days that she felt at her ease with Mr. Grey, and I doubt whether she ever reached that point with Mr. Palliser; but Lady Glencora she knew, and liked, and almost loved, from the first moment of their meeting.


said Lady Glencora to Alice, the first minute that they were alone.


Alice, of course, had not heard the news.


"Mr. Bott is going to marry Mrs. Marsham.


I never knew him so disgusted in my life.


Of course I don't dare to tell him so, but I am so heartily rejoiced.

Of course I don't dare to tell him, but I am so happy.


You know how I love them both, and I could not possibly wish any better reward for either."

You know how I love them both, and I could not wish any better reward for either."


Alice, who had personally known more of Mr. Bott than of Mrs. Marsham, said that she couldn't but be sorry for the lady.

Alice, who had known more of Mr. Bott than of Mrs. Marsham, said that she was sorry for the lady.


"She's old enough to be his mother," said Lady Glencora, "otherwise I really don't know any people better suited to each other.


The best is, that Mr. Bott is doing it to regain his footing with Mr. Palliser!

The best of it is, that Mr. Bott is doing it to regain his footing with Mr. Palliser!


I am sure of that;--and Plantagenet will never speak to him again.

I am sure of that - and Plantagenet will never speak to him again.


"It is hardly news yet, and of course I am very wicked to tell you.


But I feel sure Mr. Grey knows all about it, and if I didn't tell, he would."

But I feel sure Mr. Grey knows all about it, and if he


"He hasn't had time; and when he does, you mustn't pretend to know.

tells you, you must pretend not to know.


I believe Mr. Palliser will certainly be Chancellor of the Exchequer before next month, and, if so, he'll never come in for Silverbridge again."

I believe Mr. Palliser will certainly be Chancellor of the Exchequer before next month, and, if so, he'll never stand for Silverbridge again."


"But he'll be in Parliament; will he not?"


There is a man going out for the county,--for Barsetshire,--some man whom the Duke used to favour, and he wants Plantagenet to come in for that.

There is a man going out for Barsetshire, and the Duke wants Plantagenet to stand there.


I can't understand what difference it makes."


But who do you suppose is to be the new Member for Silverbridge?"


But he told me that he had been with the Duke, and asked the Duke to let Jeffrey have the seat.


The Duke became as black as thunder, and said that Jeffrey had no fortune.


we must try to do something for him, but I really don't know how.


Then the Duke said, that Plantagenet should put in for Silverbridge some friend who would support himself; and I fancy,--mind it's only fancy,--but I fancy that Plantagenet mentioned to his Grace--one Mr. Grey."

Then the Duke said that Plantagenet should put in for Silverbridge some friend who would support himself; and I think that Plantagenet mentioned - one Mr. Grey."


"They've been talking together till sometimes I think Mr. Grey is worse than Plantagenet.


When Mr. Grey began to say something the other night in the drawing-room about sugar, I knew it was all up with you.


He'll be a financial Secretary; you see if he isn't; or a lord of something, or an under-somebody of State; and then some day he'll go mad, either because he does or because he doesn't get into the Cabinet."

He'll be a financial Secretary; you see if he isn't; or an under-somebody of State; and then some day he'll go mad, either because he does or doesn't get into the Cabinet."


Lady Glencora, as she said all this, knew well that the news she was giving would please her cousin better than any other tidings that could be told.

Lady Glencora, as she said all this, knew well that the news she was giving would please her cousin better than any other.


The two Miss Howards were the first, and they expressed themselves as delighted with Lady Glencora's taste and with Mr. Palliser's munificence,--for at that time the brooches and armlets had been produced.

: the two Miss Howards first, who expressed themselves delighted with Lady Glencora's taste and with Mr. Palliser's generosity with the trinkets.


Kate had said very little about these matters, but the Miss Howards were loud in their thanks.

Kate had said very little about these, but the Miss Howards were loud in their thanks.


But they were good-humoured, merry girls, and the house was pleasanter after their arrival than it had been before.

They were good-humoured, merry girls, and the house was pleasanter after their arrival.


Then came the dreaded personage,--the guest,--Lady Midlothian!


On the subject of Lady Midlothian Kate had really become curious.

Kate had really become curious about her.


She had a real desire to see the face and gait of the woman, and to hear her voice.


Lady Midlothian came, and with her came Lady Jane and Lady Mary.


I am by no means sure that Lady Jane and Lady Mary were not nearly as old as the two Miss Pallisers; but they were not probably so fully resolved as to the condition of their future modes of living as were those two ladies, and if so, they were not wrong to shine as bridesmaids.


With them Alice had made some slight acquaintance during the last spring in London, and as they were now to attend upon her as the bride they were sufficiently gracious.

, and as they were to be Alice's bridesmaids they were gracious to her.


To Kate, too, they were civil enough, and things, in public, went on very pleasantly at Matching.


A scene there was, of course, between Alice and Lady Midlothian;--a scene in private.

Of course there was a scene in private between Alice and Lady Midlothian.


"You must go through it," Lady Glencora had said, with jocose mournfulness; "and why should you not let her jump upon you a little?

"You must go through it," Lady Glencora had said, with joking mournfulness; "and why should you not let her jump upon you a little?


"But I don't like people to jump upon me," Alice said.


"And why are you to have everything just as you like it?

"Why are you to have everything just as you like it?


If you knew the things she used to say to me, you would not be such a coward.


I was sent down to her for a week, and had no power of helping myself.


And the Marchioness used to be sent for to look at me, for she never talks.


She used to look at me, and groan, and hold up her hands till I hated her the worst of the two.

used to look at me, and groan, and hold up her hands till I hated her the worse of the two.


Think what they did to me, and yet they are my dear friends now.


Alice could not escape altogether, and therefore was closeted with Lady Midlothian for the best part of an hour.


"Did Lady Macleod read to you what I wrote?"


"Yes,--that is, she gave me the letter to read."


If you only suppose so I shall not be contented.


I want you to appreciate my feelings towards you thoroughly.


I want you to know that I am most anxious as to your future life, and that I am thoroughly satisfied with the step you are now taking."

I am most anxious about your future life, and am thoroughly satisfied with the step you are now taking."


The Countess paused, but Alice said nothing.


Her tongue was itching to tell the old woman that she cared nothing for this expression of satisfaction; but she was aware that she had done much that was deserving of punishment, and resolved to take this as part of her penance.


She was being jumped upon, and it was unpleasant; but, after all that had happened, it was only fitting that she should undergo much unpleasantness.


"Thoroughly satisfied," continued the Countess; "and now, I only wish to refer, in the slightest manner possible, to what took place between us when we were both of us under this roof last winter."

"Thoroughly satisfied," continued the Countess; "and now, I only wish to refer, in the slightest manner possible, to what took place between us last winter."


"Why refer to it at all, Lady Midlothian?"


"Because I think it may do good, and because I cannot make you understand that I have thoroughly forgiven everything, unless I tell you that I have forgiven that also.

"Because I think it may do good, and because I wish to tell you that I have forgiven that also.


On that occasion I had come all the way from Scotland on purpose to say a few words to you."


"I am so sorry that you should have had the trouble."


I never do regret doing anything which I believe to have been my duty.

I never do regret doing anything which I believe to be my duty.


There is no knowing how far what I said then may have operated for good."


Alice thought that she knew very well, but she said nothing.


"I must confess that what I then understood to be your obstinacy,--and I must say also, if I tell the truth, your indifference to--to--to all prudential considerations whatever, not to talk of appearances and decorum, and I might say, anything like a high line of duty or moral conduct,--shocked me very much.

I must confess that what I then understood to be your obstinacy, and in truth, your indifference to all prudential considerations, shocked me very much.


Taking it altogether, I don't know that I was ever more shocked in my life.

I don't know that I was ever more shocked in my life!"


Here Lady Midlothian held up one hand in a manner that was truly imposing; "so inscrutable!

Here Lady Midlothian held up one hand in an imposing manner.


What was personally offensive to myself I could easily forgive, and I do forgive it.


Here Lady Midlothian put up both her hands gently, as though wafting the injury away into the air.

Here Lady Midlothian put up both her hands as though wafting the injury away into the air.


"But what I wish specially to say to you is this; your own conduct is forgiven also!"


Here she paused again, and Alice winced.


Who was this dreadful old Countess;--what was the Countess to her, that she should be thus tormented with the old woman's forgiveness?

What was the Countess to her, that she should be thus tormented with the old woman's forgiveness?


John Grey had forgiven her, and of external forgiveness that was enough.

John Grey had forgiven her, and that was enough.


She had not forgiven herself,--would never forgive herself altogether; and the pardon of no old woman in England could assist her in doing so.

She had not forgiven herself; and no old woman in England could help her do so.


She had sinned, but she had not sinned against Lady Midlothian.

She had sinned, but not against Lady Midlothian.


"Let her jump upon you, and have done with it," Lady Glencora had said.


She had resolved that it should be so, but it was very hard to keep her resolution.


"The Marchioness and I have talked it over," continued Lady Midlothian, "and she has asked me to speak for both her and myself."

"The Marchioness and I have talked it over," continued Lady Midlothian, "and she has asked me to speak for her.


There is comfort at any rate in that, thought Alice, who had never yet seen the Marchioness.


"We have resolved that all those little mistakes should be as though they had never been committed.


We shall both be most happy to receive you and your husband, who is, I must say, one of the most gentlemanlike looking men I ever saw.

We shall both be most happy to receive you and your husband, who is, I must say, one of the most gentlemanly men I ever saw.


It seems that he and Mr. Palliser are on most friendly,--I may say, most confidential terms, and that must be quite a pleasure to you."

It seems that he and Mr. Palliser are on most friendly terms, and that must be quite a pleasure to you."


"It's a pleasure to him, which is more to the purpose," said Alice.


And now, my dear, everything is forgiven and shall be forgotten.


Come and give me a kiss, and let me wish you joy."

come and give me a kiss, and let me wish you joy."


Alice did as she was bidden, and accepted the kiss and the congratulations, and a little box of jewellery which Lady Midlothian produced from out of her pocket.

Alice accepted the kiss and the congratulations, and a little box of jewellery which Lady Midlothian produced from out of her pocket.


"The diamonds are from the Marchioness, my dear, whose means, as you doubtless are aware, greatly exceed my own.


I hope they may both be worn long and happily."


I hardly know which was the worst, the lecture, the kiss, or the present.


The latter she would have declined, had it been possible; but it was not possible.

The last Alice would have declined; but it was not possible.


When she had agreed to be married at Matching she had not calculated the amount of punishment which would thereby be inflicted on her.


But I think that, though she bore it impatiently, she was aware that she had deserved it.


Although she fretted herself greatly under the infliction of Lady Midlothian, she acknowledged to herself, even at the time, that she deserved all the lashes she received.

Although she fretted greatly under the infliction of Lady Midlothian, she acknowledged to herself that she deserved all the lashes she received.


She had made a fool of herself in her vain attempt to be greater and grander than other girls, and it was only fair that her folly should be in some sort punished before it was fully pardoned.

She had made a fool of herself in her vain attempt to be greater and grander than other girls, and it was only fair that her folly should be punished before it was fully pardoned.


John Grey punished it after one fashion; by declining to allude to it, or to think of it, or to take any account of it.

John Grey punished it after one fashion, by declining to allude to it, or to take any account of it.


And now Lady Midlothian had punished it after another fashion, and Alice went out of the Countess's presence with sundry inward exclamations of "mea culpa," and with many unseen beatings of the breast.

And now Lady Midlothian had punished it after another fashion.


Two days before the ceremony came the Marchioness and her august daughter.

Two days before the ceremony the Marchioness and her daughter came.


Her Lady Jane was much more august than the other Lady Jane;--very much more august indeed.

Lady Jane was very much more august than the other Lady Jane.


She had very long flaxen hair, and very light blue eyes, which she did not move frequently, and she spoke very little,--one may almost say not at all, and she never seemed to do anything.

She had very long flaxen hair, and very light blue eyes, and she spoke very little, and she never seemed to do anything.


But she was very august, and was, as all the world knew, engaged to marry the Duke of Dumfriesshire, who, though twice her own age, was as yet childless, as soon as he should have completed his mourning for his first wife.

But she was very august, and was engaged to marry the Duke of Dumfriesshire, though he was twice her age, as soon as he had completed his mourning for his first wife.


Kate told her cousin that she did not at all know how she should ever stand up as one in a group with so august a person as this Lady Jane, and Alice herself felt that such an attendant would quite obliterate her.


But Lady Jane and her mother were both harmless.


The Marchioness never spoke to Kate and hardly spoke to Alice, and the Marchioness's Lady Jane was quite as silent as her mother.

The Marchioness never spoke to Kate and hardly spoke to Alice, and Lady Jane was quite as silent as her mother.


On the morning of this day,--the day on which these very august people came,--a telegram arrived at the Priory calling for Mr. Palliser's immediate presence in London.

On the morning after their arrival, a telegram arrived for Mr. Palliser calling for his immediate presence in London.


He came to Alice full of regret, and behaved himself very nicely.


Alice now regarded him quite as a friend.

, who now regarded him quite as a friend.


"Of course I understand," she said, "and I know that the business which takes you up to London pleases you."


I am glad,--I don't mind saying so to you.


But it does not please me to think that I shall be away at your marriage.


Pray make your father understand that it was absolutely unavoidable.


But I shall see him, of course, when I come back.


And I shall see you too before very long."


"Because Mr. Grey must be at Silverbridge for his election.--But perhaps I ought not tell you his secrets."

"Because Mr. Grey must be at Silverbridge for his election. But perhaps I ought not tell you his secrets."


Then he took her into the breakfast-parlour and showed her his present.


It was a service of Svres china,--very precious and beautiful.

It was a service of Svres china, very precious and beautiful.


"I got you these things because Grey likes china."


"So do I like china," said she, with her face brighter than he had ever yet seen it.

"So do I," said she, her face brighter than he had ever yet seen it.


"I thought you would like them best," said he.


Alice looking up at him with her eyes full of tears told him that she did like them best; and then, as he wished her all happiness, and as he was stooping over her to kiss her, Lady Glencora came in.

Alice, looking up at him with her eyes full of tears, told him that she did like them best; and then, as he wished her all happiness, and was stooping over her to kiss her, Lady Glencora came in.


"I beg pardon," said she, "I was just one minute too soon; was I not?"


"She would have them sent here and unpacked," said Mr. Palliser, "though I told her it was foolish."


"Of course I would," said Lady Glencora.


"Everything shall be unpacked and shown.

All the wedding gifts are displayed here.


It's easy to get somebody to pack them again."


Much of the wedding tribute had already been deposited with the china, and among other things there were the jewels that Lady Midlothian had brought.

Among the wedding gifts were the jewels that Lady Midlothian had brought.


"Upon my word, her ladyship's diamonds are not to be sneezed at," said Lady Glencora.


"I don't care for diamonds," said Alice.


Then Lady Glencora took up the Countess's trinkets, and shook her head and turned up her nose.


There was a wonderfully comic expression on her face as she did so.


"To me they are just as good as the others," said Alice.


"To me they are not, then," said Lady Glencora.

"To me they are not," said Lady Glencora.


"Diamonds are diamonds, and garnets are garnets; and I am not so romantic but what I know the difference."

"Diamonds are diamonds, and garnets are garnets."


On the evening before the marriage Alice and Lady Glencora walked for the last time through the Priory ruins.

On the evening before the wedding Alice and Lady Glencora walked for the last time through the Priory ruins.


It was now September, and the evenings were still long, so that the ladies could get out upon the lawn after dinner.

It was now September, and the evenings were still long.


Whether Lady Glencora would have been allowed to walk through the ruins so late as half-past eight in the evening if her husband had been there may be doubtful, but her husband was away and she took this advantage of his absence.

Whether Lady Glencora would have been allowed to walk through the ruins at half-past eight in the evening if her husband had been there may be doubtful, but her husband was away.


"Do you remember that night we were here?"


"When shall I forget it; or how is it possible that such a night should ever be forgotten?"


"Oh dear, what wonderful things have happened since that!


"And he liked you too, young woman; and, what was more, young woman, I thought at one time that, perhaps, you were going to like him in earnest."

"And he liked you too; and, what was more, I thought at one time that you were going to like him in earnest."


"You've done much better, of course; especially as poor Jeffrey's chance of promotion doesn't look so good now.


If I have a boy, I wonder whether he'll hate me?"

If I have a boy, I wonder whether Jeffrey will hate me?


Have you seen the difference it makes in him already?"


"Of course it makes a difference;--the greatest difference in the world."

"Of course it makes a difference; the greatest difference in the world."


"And think what it will be to me, Alice.


I used to lie in bed and wish myself dead, and make up my mind to drown myself,--if I could only dare.


I shan't think any more of that poor fellow now."


Then she told Alice what had been done for Burgo; how his uncle had paid his bills once again, and had agreed to give him a small income.

Then she told Alice what had been done for Burgo.


said Lady Glencora, "it won't do more than buy him gloves, you know."

said Lady Glencora, "that allowance won't do more than buy him gloves, you know."


The marriage was magnificent, greatly to the dismay of Alice and to the discomfort of Mr. Vavasor, who came down on the eve of the ceremony,--arriving while his daughter and Lady Glencora were in the ruins.

The wedding was magnificent, greatly to the dismay of Alice and to the discomfort of Mr. Vavasor, who arrived while his daughter and Lady Glencora were in the ruins.


Mr. Grey seemed to take it all very easily, and, as Lady Glencora said, played his part exactly as though he were in the habit of being married, at any rate, once a year.

Mr. Grey seemed to take it all very easily, and, as Lady Glencora said, played his part exactly as though he were in the habit of being married once a year.


"Nothing on earth will ever put him out, so you need not try, my dear," she said, as Alice stood with her a moment alone in the dressing-room up-stairs before her departure.

"Nothing on earth will ever put him out, so you need not try, my dear," she said, as Alice stood with her a moment alone.


"I know that," said Alice, "and therefore I shall never try."

"I know," said Alice, "and therefore I shall never try."


It was the butler who had knocked,--showing that the knock was of more importance than it would have been had it been struck by the knuckles of the footman in livery.

Chapter 59: The Duke of St. Bungay in Search of a Minister


"If you please, sir, the Duke of St. Bungay is here."


said Mr. Palliser, becoming rather red as he heard the announcement.


He bade me tell you that he particularly wanted to see you; so I told him that you were with my lady."

He says that he particularly wants to see you; so I told him that you were with my lady."


"Quite right; tell his grace that I will be with him in two minutes."


Then the butler retired, and Mr. Palliser was again alone with his wife.


"I must go now, my dear," he said; "and perhaps I shall not see you again till the evening."

"I must go now, my dear," said Mr. Palliser; "and perhaps I shall not see you again till the evening."


"Don't let me put you out in any way," she answered.


You will be dressing, I suppose, about nine."

You will be dressing for dinner, I suppose, about nine."


"I did not mean as to that," she answered.


He has come to tell you that you are wanted in the Cabinet."


"It may be so," he answered, "but though I am wanted, I need not go.


She followed him and took hold of him as he went, so that he was forced to turn to her once again.

She followed him and took hold of him, so that he was forced to turn to her once again.


She managed to get hold of both his hands, and pressed them closely, looking up into his face with her eyes laden with tears.

She managed to get hold of both his hands, and pressed them closely, looking up with her eyes laden with tears.


He smiled at her gently, returned the pressure of the hands, and then left her,--without kissing her.

He smiled at her gently, returned the pressure of the hands, and then left her - without kissing her.


It was not that he was minded not to kiss her.


He would have kissed her willingly enough had he thought that the occasion required it.

He did not think that the occasion required it.


"He says that he loves me," said Lady Glencora to herself, "but he does not know what love means."


But she was quite aware that he had behaved to her with genuine, true nobility.


As soon as she was alone and certain of her solitude, she took out that letter from her pocket, and tearing it into very small fragments, without reading it, threw the pieces on the fire.

As soon as she was alone, she took out Burgo's letter from her pocket, and tearing it into very small fragments, threw the pieces on the fire.


As she did so, her mind seemed to be fixed, at any rate, to one thing,--that she would think no more of Burgo Fitzgerald as her future master.

As she did so, she resolved that she would think no more of Burgo Fitzgerald as her future master.


I think, however, that she had arrived at so much certainty as this, at that moment in which she had been parting with Burgo Fitzgerald, in Lady Monk's dining-room.


She had had courage enough,--or shall we rather say sin enough,--to think of going with him,--to tell herself that she would do so; to put herself in the way of doing it; nay, she had had enough of both to enable her to tell her husband that she had resolved that it would be good for her to do so.

already decided it, when she had had courage enough to tell her husband about it.


But she was neither bold enough nor wicked enough to do the thing.

She was neither bold enough nor wicked enough to do the thing.


As she had said of her own idea of destroying herself,--she did not dare to take the plunge.

As she had said of her own idea of destroying herself, she did not dare.


Therefore, knowing now that it was so, she tore up the letter that she had carried so long, and burnt it in the fire.

Therefore she tore up the letter that she had carried so long, and burnt it in the fire.


She had in truth told him everything, believing that in doing so she was delivering her own death-warrant as regarded her future position in his house.

She had in truth told him everything, believing that she was delivering her own death-warrant regarding her future position in his house.


She had done this, not hoping thereby for any escape; not with any purpose as regarded herself, but simply because deceit had been grievous to her, and had become unendurable as soon as his words and manner had in them any feeling of kindness.

She had done this, not hoping for any escape, but simply because deceit had been grievous to her, and had become unbearable as soon as he showed any kindness.


But her confession had no sooner been made than her fault had been forgiven.


She had told him that she did not love him.


She had told him, even, that she had thought of leaving him.


She had justified by her own words any treatment of his, however harsh, which he might choose to practise.


But the result had been--the immediate result--that he had been more tender to her than she had ever remembered him to be before.

But the immediate result was that he had been more tender to her than ever before.


However cold and heartless his home might be to her, it must be her home now.


There could be no further thought of leaving him.


She had gone out into the tiltyard and had tilted with him, and he had been the victor.

She had tilted with him, and he had been the victor.


Mr. Palliser himself had not time for much thought before he found himself closeted with the Duke; but as he crossed the hall and went up the stairs, a thought or two did pass quickly across his mind.

Mr. Palliser had not time for much thought before he found himself closeted with the Duke; but as he went upstairs, a thought or two did pass quickly across his mind.


She had confessed to him, and he had forgiven her.


He did not feel quite sure that he had been right, but he did feel quite sure that the thing had been done.

He did not feel quite sure that he had been right to forgive her, but he did feel quite sure that the thing had been done.


He recognized it for a fact that, as regarded the past, no more was to be said.

He recognized that no more was to be said about the past.


There were to be no reproaches, and there must be some tacit abandoning of Mrs. Marsham's close attendance.

There were to be no reproaches, and Mrs. Marsham's close attendance must abate.


As to Mr. Bott;--he had begun to hate Mr. Bott, and had felt cruelly ungrateful, when that gentleman endeavoured to whisper a word into his ear as he passed through the doorway into Lady Monk's dining-room.

As for Mr. Bott - he had begun to hate Mr. Bott.


And he had offered to go abroad,--to go abroad and leave his politics, and his ambition, and his coming honours.

And he had offered to go abroad, and leave his politics, and his ambition, and his coming honours.


He had persisted in his offer, even after his wife had suggested to him that the Duke of St. Bungay was now in the house with the object of offering him that very thing for which he had so longed!

He had persisted in his offer, even after his wife had suggested to him that the Duke of St. Bungay was in the house to offer him that very thing for which he had so longed!


As he thought of this his heart became heavy within him.

As he thought of this his heart became heavy.


Such chances,--so he told himself,--do not come twice in a man's way.

Such chances - so he told himself - do not come twice in a man's way.


When returning from a twelvemonth's residence abroad he would be nobody in politics.

When he returned from abroad he would be nobody in politics.


He would have lost everything for which he had been working all his life.


But he was a man of his word, and as he opened the library door he was resolute,--he thought that he could be resolute in adhering to his promise.

But he was a man of his word, and as he opened the library door he thought that he could be resolute in keeping to his promise.


"Duke," he said, "I'm afraid I have kept you waiting."


And the two political allies shook each other by the hand.


He was only too glad to find his friend at home.


He had been prepared to wait, even if Mr. Palliser had been out.


"I would rather be told than have to guess," said Mr. Palliser, smiling for a moment.


But the smile quickly passed off his face as he remembered his pledge to his wife.


What was said in the Lords last night made it necessary that he should do so, or that Lord Brock should declare himself able to support him through thick and thin.

What was said in the Lords last night made it necessary that he should do so.


Of course, I can tell you everything now.


He must have gone, or I must have done so.


You know that I don't like him in the Cabinet.

You know that I don't like Finespun in the Cabinet.


I admire his character and his genius, but I think him the most dangerous man in England as a statesman.


He has high principles,--the very highest; but they are so high as to be out of sight to ordinary eyes.


They are too exalted to be of any use for everyday purposes.

they are too exalted to be of any use for everyday purposes.


He is honest as the sun, I'm sure; but it's just like the sun's honesty,--of a kind which we men below can't quite understand or appreciate.


He has no instinct in politics, but reaches his conclusions by philosophical deduction.

He has no instinct in politics, but reaches his conclusions by calculation.


Now, in politics, I would a deal sooner trust to instinct than to calculation.


I think he may probably know how England ought to be governed three centuries hence better than any man living, but of the proper way to govern it now, I think he knows less.

I think he may know how England ought to be governed three centuries hence, but not the proper way to govern now.


Brock half likes him and half fears him.


He likes the support of his eloquence, and he likes the power of the man; but he fears his restless activity, and thoroughly dislikes his philosophy.

his eloquence; but he fears his restlessness, and thoroughly dislikes his philosophy.


At any rate, he has left us, and I am here to ask you to take his place."

At any rate, Finespun has left us, and I am here to ask you to take his place."


The Duke, as he concluded his speech, was quite contented, and almost jovial.


He was thoroughly satisfied with the new political arrangement which he was proposing.

He was thoroughly satisfied with the arrangement which he was proposing.


He regarded Mr. Palliser as a steady, practical man of business, luckily young, and therefore with a deal of work in him, belonging to the race from which English ministers ought, in his opinion, to be taken, and as being, in some respects, his own pupil.

He regarded Mr. Palliser as a steady, practical man, and in some respects, his own pupil.


He had been the first to declare aloud that Plantagenet Palliser was the coming Chancellor of the Exchequer; and it had been long known, though no such declaration had been made aloud, that the Duke did not sit comfortably in the same Cabinet with the gentleman who had now resigned.

He had been the first to declare aloud that Plantagenet Palliser was the future Chancellor of the Exchequer; and


Everything had now gone as the Duke wished; and he was prepared to celebrate some little ovation with his young friend before he left the house in Park Lane.


asked Mr. Palliser, putting off the evil moment of his own decision; but before the Duke could answer him, he had reminded himself that under his present circumstances he had no right to ask such a question.

asked Mr. Palliser, putting off the evil moment of his own decision; but before the Duke could answer, he had reminded himself that he had no right to ask such a question.


His own decision could not rest upon that point.


"But it does not matter," he said; "I am afraid I must decline the offer you bring me."

"It does not matter," he said; "I am afraid I must decline the offer."


said the Duke, who could not have been more surprised had his friend talked of declining heaven.


The Duke had now risen from his chair, and was standing, with both his hands upon the table.

The Duke had now risen from his chair, and was standing with both his hands upon the table.


All his contentment, all his joviality, had vanished.


His fine round face had become almost ludicrously long; his eyes and mouth were struggling to convey reproach, and the reproach was almost drowned in vexation.

His fine round face had become almost ludicrously long; his eyes and mouth expressed reproach and vexation.


Ever since Parliament had met he had been whispering Mr. Palliser's name into the Prime Minister's ear, and now--.


But he could not, and would not, believe it.


"You must have got some false notion into your head.


"There can be no possible reason why you should not join us.


Finespun himself will support us, at any rate for a time."


Mr. Finespun was the gentleman whose retirement from the ministry the Duke of St. Bungay had now announced.


"It is nothing of that kind," said Mr. Palliser, who perhaps felt himself quite equal to the duties proposed to him, even though Mr. Finespun should not support him.


"It is nothing of that kind;--it is no fear of that sort that hinders me."


My dear Palliser, I looked upon you as being as sure in this matter as myself; and I had a right to do so.


You certainly intended to join us a month ago, if the opportunity offered."


I must ask you to listen to me now, and I must tell you what I would not willingly tell to any man."


As Mr. Palliser said this a look of agony came over his face.


There are men who can talk easily of all their most inmost matters, but he was not such a man.

He was not a man who could talk easily of inmost matters


It went sorely against the grain with him to speak of the sorrow of his home, even to such a friend as the Duke; but it was essentially necessary to him that he should justify himself.

; but it was essential to justify himself.


"Upon my word," said the Duke, "I can't understand that there should be any reason strong enough to make you throw your party over."


"I have promised to take my wife abroad."

"I have promised to take my wife abroad, at once."


said the Duke, looking at him with surprise, but at the same time with something of returning joviality in his face.


"Nobody thinks of going abroad at this time of the year.


Of course, you can get away for a time when Parliament breaks up."


"Then, considering your position, you have made a promise which it behoves you to break.

"Then you have made a promise which it behoves you to break.


I am sure Lady Glencora will see it in that light."


"You do not quite understand me, and I am afraid I must trouble you to listen to matters which, under other circumstances, it would be impertinent in me to obtrude upon you."


A certain stiffness of demeanour, and measured propriety of voice, much at variance with his former manner, came upon him as he said this.

A certain stiffness of manner came upon him as he said this.


"Of course, Palliser, I don't want to interfere for a moment."


My wife has told me that, this morning, which makes me feel that absence from England is requisite for her present comfort.

"My wife has told me something, this morning, which makes me feel that absence from England is necessary for her present comfort.


I was with her when you came, and had just promised her that she should go."

I have just promised her that she should go."


If this were a small matter, I would not press you; but a man in your position has public duties.


He has no right to go back, if it be possible that he should so do."


"When a man has given his word, it cannot be right that he should go back from that."


But a man may be absolved from a promise.


Her happiness demands it, and it is partly my fault that it is so.


I cannot explain to you more fully why it is that I must give up the great object for which I have striven with all my strength."


"If you are sure that it is imperative--"

"If you are sure that it is imperative-"


"I could give you twenty-four hours, you know."


Mr. Palliser did not answer at once, and the Duke thought that he saw some sign of hesitation.


"I suppose it would not be possible that I should speak to Lady Glencora?"


She would only declare, at the first word, that she would remain in London; but it would not be the less my duty on that account to take her abroad."

She would declare that she would remain in London; but it would still be my duty to take her abroad."


Such an opportunity may not come twice in a man's life.


You are throwing away from you the finest political position that the world can offer to the ambition of any man.

You are throwing away the finest political position that the world can offer.


No one at your time of life has had such a chance within my memory.

No one as young as you has had such a chance within my memory.


That a man under thirty should be thought fit to be Chancellor of the Exchequer, and should refuse it,--because he wants to take his wife abroad!

That a man under thirty should be thought fit to be Chancellor of the Exchequer, and should refuse it - because he wants to take his wife abroad!


Palliser, if she were dying, you should remain under such an emergency as this.


Mr. Palliser remained silent for a moment or two in his chair; he then rose and walked towards the window, as he spoke.

Mr. Palliser remained silent for a moment or two; he then rose and walked towards the window.


"There are things worse than death," he said, when his back was turned.


His voice was very low, and there was a tear in his eye as he spoke them; the words were indeed whispered, but the Duke heard them, and felt that he could not press him any more on the subject of his wife.

His voice was very low, and there was a tear in his eye as he spoke. The Duke felt that he could not press him any more on the subject.


But your visit here has come so quickly on my resolution to go abroad,--which, in truth, was only made ten minutes before your name was brought to me,--that I believe I ought to ask for a portion of those twenty-four hours which you have offered me.

But your visit here has come so quickly after my resolution to go abroad, that I believe I ought to ask for some of those twenty-four hours which you have offered me.


Will you see me, if I come to you this evening, say at eight?

May I come to you this evening, say at eight?


If the House is up in the Lords I will go to you in St. James's Square."


"We shall be sitting after eight, I think."


And, Duke, I must ask you to think of me in this matter as a friend should think, and not as though we were bound together only by party feeling."


"I have told you what I shall never whisper to any one else."

"I have told you what I shall never whisper to anyone else."


"I think you know that you are safe with me."


And, Duke, I can tell you that the sacrifice to me will be almost more than I can bear.

And, Duke, I can tell you that the sacrifice will be almost more than I can bear.


This thing that you have offered me to-day is the only thing that I have ever coveted.

The post that you have offered me today is the only thing that I have ever coveted.


I have thought of it and worked for it, have hoped and despaired, have for moments been vain enough to think that it was within my strength, and have been wretched for weeks together because I have told myself that it was utterly beyond me."

I have thought of it and worked for it, have hoped and despaired, and have been wretched for weeks together because I have told myself that it was utterly beyond me."


"As to that, neither Brock nor I, nor any of us, have any doubt.

"As to that, neither Brock nor I have any doubt.


Finespun himself says that you are the man."


But I say all this simply that you may understand how imperative is the duty which, as I think, requires me to refuse the offer."

But I say this simply so that you may understand how imperative is the duty which requires me to refuse the offer."


"But you haven't refused as yet," said the Duke.

"But you haven't refused yet," said the Duke.


"I shall wait at the House for you, whether they are sitting or not.


I will say nothing as to that duty of which you speak; but if it can be made compatible with your public service, pray--pray let it be done.


Remember how much such a one as you owes to his country."

Remember what a man like you owes to his country."


Then the Duke went, and Mr. Palliser was alone.


He had not been alone before since the revelation which had been made to him by his wife, and the words she had spoken were still sounding in his ears.

He had not been alone since the revelation which had been made to him by his wife, and the words she had spoken were still sounding in his ears.


They were not pleasant words for a young husband to hear.


Men there are, no doubt, whose nature would make them more miserable under the infliction than it had made Plantagenet Palliser.


He was calm, without strong passion, not prone to give to words a stronger significance than they should bear;--and he was essentially unsuspicious.

was a calm man, without strong passion; and he was essentially unsuspicious.


Never for a moment had he thought, even while those words were hissing in his ears, that his wife had betrayed his honour.


Nevertheless, there was that at his heart, as he remembered those words, which made him feel that the world was almost too heavy for him.

Nevertheless, the memory of those words made him feel that the world was almost too heavy for him.


For the first quarter of an hour after the Duke's departure he thought more of his wife and of Burgo Fitzgerald than he did of Lord Brock and Mr. Finespun.


But of this he was aware,--that he had forgiven his wife; that he had put his arm round her and embraced her after hearing her confession,--and that she, mutely, with her eyes, had promised him that she would do her best for him.

But he was aware that he had forgiven his wife; and she, mutely, with her eyes, had promised him that she would do her best for him.


Then something of an idea of love came across his heart, and he acknowledged to himself that he had married without loving or without requiring love.


Much of all this had been his own fault.


Indeed, had not the whole of it come from his own wrong-doing?


He felt that he could not bear to part with her, even if there were no question of public scandal, or of disgrace.

He felt that he could not bear to part with her.


He had been torn inwardly by that assertion that she loved another man.


She had got at his heart-strings at last.


There are men who may love their wives, though they never can have been in love before their marriage.


When the Duke had been gone about an hour, and when, under ordinary circumstances, it would have been his time to go down to the House, he took his hat and walked into the Park.

When the Duke had been gone about an hour, he took his hat and walked out.


He made his way across Hyde Park, and into Kensington Gardens, and there he remained for an hour, walking up and down beneath the elms.


The quidnuncs of the town, who chanced to see him, and who had heard something of the political movements of the day, thought, no doubt, that he was meditating his future ministerial career.


But he had not been there long before he had resolved that no ministerial career was at present open to him.

He had not been there long before he had resolved that no ministerial career was at present open to him.


"It has been my own fault," he said, as he returned to his house, "and with God's help I will mend it, if it be possible."


But he was a slow man, and he did not go off instantly to the Duke.


He had given himself to eight o'clock, and he took the full time.

He had given himself till eight o'clock, and he took the full time.


He could not go down to the House of Commons because men would make inquiries of him which he would find it difficult to answer.


He had told his wife that he would see her at nine, and before that hour he would not go to her.


He sat alone till it was time for him to get into his brougham, and thought it all over.


That seat in the Cabinet and Chancellorship of the Exchequer, which he had so infinitely desired, were already done with.


It might have been better for him not to have married; but now that he was married, and that things had brought him untowardly to this pass, he knew that his wife's safety was his first duty.

It might have been better for him not to have married; but now that he was married, he knew that his wife's safety was his first duty.


"We will go through Switzerland," he said to himself, "to Baden, and then we will get on to Florence and to Rome.

"We will go through Switzerland," he said to himself, "to Baden, and then on to Florence and to Rome.


She has seen nothing of all these things yet, and the new life will make a change in her.


She shall have her own friend with her."


Then he went down to the House of Lords, and saw the Duke.


"Well, Palliser," said the Duke, when he had listened to him, "of course I cannot argue it with you any more.


I can only say that I am very sorry;--more sorry than perhaps you will believe.


The Duke's voice was very sad, and it might almost have been thought that he was going to shed a tear.


In truth he disliked Mr. Finespun with the strongest political feeling of which he was capable, and had attached himself to Mr. Palliser almost as strongly.

In truth he disliked Mr. Finespun strongly, and had attached himself to Mr. Palliser almost as strongly.


How hard had he not worked to bring about this arrangement, which was now to be upset because a woman had been foolish!


"I never above half liked her," said the Duke to himself, thinking perhaps a little of the Duchess's complaints of her.


"I must go to Brock at once," he said aloud, "and tell him.

"I must go to Brock at once," he said, "and tell him.


We may as well follow this political movement to its end.


The Duke saw Lord Brock that night, and then those two ministers sent for another minister,--another noble Lord, a man of great experience in Cabinets.

The Duke saw Lord Brock that night, and another noble Lord, a man of great experience.


These three discussed the matter together, and on the following day Lord Brock got up in the House, and made a strong speech in defence of his colleague, Mr. Finespun.

These three discussed the matter, and on the following day Lord Brock got up in the House, and made a strong speech in defence of his colleague, Mr. Finespun.


To the end of the Session, at any rate, Mr. Finespun kept his position, and held the seals of the Exchequer while all the quidnuncs of the nation, shaking their heads, spoke of the wonderful power of Mr. Finespun, and declared that Lord Brock did not dare to face the Opposition without him.

Till the end of the Session, at any rate, Mr. Finespun kept his position in the Exchequer.


In the meantime Mr. Palliser had returned to his wife, and told her of his resolution with reference to their tour abroad.

In the meantime Mr. Palliser had returned to his wife, and told her of his resolution to tour abroad.


"We may as well make up our minds to start at once," said he.

"We may as well start at once," said he.


"At any rate, there is nothing on my side to hinder us."

"There is nothing on my side to hinder us."


Mr. Tombe had gained nothing for the cause by his crafty silence.

Mr. Tombe had gained nothing by his crafty silence.

Chapter 52: What Occurred in Suffolk Street, Pall Mall


George Vavasor felt perfectly certain, as he walked out from the little street which runs at the back of Doctors' Commons, that the money which he had been using had come, in some shape, through the hands of John Grey.

George Vavasor felt perfectly certain, as he walked out, that the money had come through the hands of John Grey.


He did not care much to calculate whether the payments had been made from the personal funds of his rival, or whether that rival had been employed to dispense Alice's fortune.

He did not care to speculate whether the payments had been made from his rival's personal funds, or whether his rival had been dispensing Alice's fortune.


Under either view of the case his position was sufficiently bitter.

In either case, his position was bitter enough.


The truth never for a moment occurred to him.


He never dreamed that there might be a conspiracy in the matter, of which Alice was as ignorant as he himself had been.

He never dreamed that there might be a conspiracy in the matter, of which Alice was as ignorant as he himself.


He never reflected that his uncle John, together with John, the lover, whom he so hated, might be the conspirators.


To him it seemed to be certain that Alice and Mr. Grey were in league;--and if they were in league, what must he think of Alice, and of her engagement with himself!

It seemed certain to him that Alice and Mr. Grey were in league; and if they were in league, what must he think of Alice, and of her engagement with himself!


There are men who rarely think well of women,--who hardly think well of any woman.

There are men who rarely think well of any woman.


They put their mothers and sisters into the background,--as though they belonged to some sex or race apart,--and then declare to themselves and to their friends that all women are false,--that no woman can be trusted unless her ugliness protect her; and that every woman may be attacked as fairly as may game in a cover, or deer on a mountain, What man does not know men who have so thought?

They put their mothers and sisters into the background - as though they belonged to some race apart - and then declare that all women are false; that no woman can be trusted unless her ugliness protects her; and that every woman may be attacked as fairly as a deer on a mountain.


I cannot say that such had been Vavasor's creed,--not entirely such.


There had been periods of his life when he had believed implicitly in his cousin Alice;--but then there had been other moments in which he had ridiculed himself for his Quixotism in believing in any woman.

There had been periods of Vavasor's life when he had believed implicitly in his cousin Alice; but then there had been other moments in which he had ridiculed himself for believing in any woman.


And as he had grown older the moments of his Quixotism had become more rare.

As he had grown older the moments of his belief had become more rare.


There would have been no such Quixotism left with him now, had not the various circumstances which I have attempted to describe, filled him, during the last twelve months, with a renewed desire to marry his cousin.


Every man tries to believe in the honesty of his future wife; and, therefore, Vavasor had tried, and had in his way, believed.


He had flattered himself, too, that Alice's heart had, in truth, been more prone to him than to that other suitor.

He had flattered himself, too, that Alice's heart had leaned towards him more than to that other suitor.


Grey, as he thought, had been accepted by her cold prudence; but he thought, also, that she had found her prudence to be too cold, and had therefore returned where she had truly loved.

He thought that she had found her feelings for Grey were too cold, and had therefore returned where she had truly loved.


Vavasor, though he did not love much himself, was willing enough to be the object of love.


This idea of his, however, had been greatly shaken by Alice's treatment of himself personally; but still he had not, hitherto, believed that she was false to him.

This idea had been greatly shaken by Alice's treatment of him; but still he had not thought that she was false to him.


What was there within the compass of such a one to believe?


As he walked out into St. Paul's Churchyard he called her by every name which is most offensive to a woman's ears.


He hated her at this moment with even a more bitter hatred than that which he felt towards John Grey.

He hated her just then even more bitterly than John Grey.


She must have deceived him with unparalleled hypocrisy, and lied to him and to his sister Kate as hardly any woman had ever lied before.

She must have deceived him with unparalleled hypocrisy, and have lied to him and to his sister Kate as hardly any woman had ever lied before.


Or could it be that Kate, also, was lying to him?


If so, Kate also should be included in the punishment.


But why should they have conspired to feed him with these moneys?

But why should they have conspired to give him money?


There had been no deceit, at any rate, in reference to the pounds sterling which Scruby had already swallowed.

There had been no deceit about the pounds which Scruby had already swallowed.


They had been supplied, whatever had been the motives of the suppliers; and he had no doubt that more would be supplied if he would only keep himself quiet.

They had been supplied; and he had no doubt that more would be supplied if he kept quiet.


He was still walking westward as he thought of this, down Ludgate Hill, on his direct line towards Suffolk Street; and he tried to persuade himself that it would be well that he should hide his wrath till after provision should have been made for this other election.

As he walked, he tried to persuade himself that he should hide his anger till after payment had been made for the next election.


They were his enemies,--Alice and Mr. Grey,--and why should he keep any terms with his enemies?


It was still a trouble to him to think that he should have been in any way beholden to John Grey; but the terrible thing had been done, the evil had occurred.

It was still troubling to think that he should owe anything to John Grey; but


What would he gain by staying his hand now?


Still, however, he walked on quickly along Fleet Street, and along the Strand, and was already crossing under the Picture Galleries towards Pall Mall East before he had definitely decided what steps he would take on this very day.

He walked quickly along Fleet Street and the Strand, and was near Pall Mall East before he had decided what to do.


Exactly at the corner of Suffolk Street he met John Grey.

At the corner of Suffolk Street he met John Grey.


"Mr. Grey," he said, stopping himself suddenly, "I was this moment going to call on you at your lodgings."

"Mr. Grey," he said, "I was this moment going to call on you at your lodgings."


"If you please," said Vavasor, leading the way up Suffolk Street.


There had been no other greeting than this between them.

There was no other greeting between them.


Mr. Grey himself, though a man very courteous in his general demeanour, would probably have passed Vavasor in the street with no more than the barest salutation.

Mr. Grey himself, though a courteous man generally, would probably have passed Vavasor in the street with no more than the barest


Situated as they were towards each other there could hardly be any show of friendship between them; but when Vavasor had spoken to him, he had dressed his face in that guise of civility which men always use who do not intend to be offensive;--but Vavasor dressed his as men dress theirs who do mean to be offensive; and Mr. Grey had thoroughly appreciated the dressing.

greeting; but Vavasor had spoken to him with a civil appearance, as if he did not intend to be offensive.


"If you will allow me, I have the key," said Grey.


Then they both entered the house, and Vavasor followed his host up-stairs.

door of his house, and Vavasor followed him upstairs.


Mr. Grey, as he went up, felt almost angry with himself in having admitted his enemy into his lodgings.

Mr. Grey felt almost angry with himself for admitting his enemy.


He was sure that no good could come of it, and remembered, when it was too late, that he might easily have saved himself from giving the invitation while he was still in the street.

He was sure that no good could come of it.


There they were, however, together in the sitting-room, and Grey had nothing to do but to listen.

There they were, however, together in the sitting-room.


And he stood up, holding his hat behind his back with his left hand, with his right leg forward, and the thumb of his right hand in his waistcoat-pocket.

And he stood up, holding his hat behind his back, and


He looked full into Grey's face, and Grey looked full into his; and as he looked the great cicatrice seemed to open itself and to become purple with fresh blood stains.

looked full into Grey's face; and the great scar seemed to open itself and become purple with fresh blood stains.


"I have come here from Mr. Tombe's office in the City," said Vavasor, "to ask you of what nature has been the interference which you have taken in my money matters?"

"I have come here from Mr. Tombe's office in the City," said Vavasor, "to ask you how you have been interfering in my money matters?"


This was a question which Mr. Grey could not answer very quickly.

Mr. Grey could not answer this unexpected question very quickly.


In the first place it was altogether unexpected; in the next place he did not know what Mr. Tombe had told, and what he had not told; and then, before he replied, he must think how much of the truth he was bound to tell in answer to a question so put to him.

He did not know what Mr. Tombe had said; and he needed to consider how much of the truth he was bound to tell in answer.


"Do you say that you have come from Mr. Tombe?"


I have come here direct from Mr. Tombe's chambers.

I have come here direct from his chambers.


"And I have come from him to ask you what interference you have lately taken in my money matters.

"And I have come to ask you what interference you have lately taken in my money matters.


When you have answered that, I shall have other questions to ask you."


"But, Mr. Vavasor, has it occurred to you that I may not be disposed to answer questions so asked?"


"It has not occurred to me to think that you will prevaricate.

"It has not occurred to me that you will prevaricate.


If there has been no such interference, I will ask your pardon, and go away; but if there has been such interference on your part, I have a right to demand that you shall explain to me its nature."

If there has been no such interference, I will ask your pardon, and go away; but if there has been such interference on your part, I have a right to demand that you shall explain it to me."


Grey had now made up his mind that it would be better that he should tell the whole story,--better not only for himself, but for all the Vavasors, including this angry man himself.

Grey had now made up his mind that it would be better for all concerned that he should tell the whole story.


The angry man evidently knew something, and it would be better that he should know the truth.


"There has been such interference, Mr. Vavasor, if you choose to call it so.


Money, to the extent of two thousand pounds, I think, has by my directions been paid to your credit by Mr. Tombe."


"Well," said Vavasor, taking his right hand away from his waistcoat, and tapping the round table with his fingers impatiently.

"Well," said Vavasor, tapping the table with his fingers impatiently.


"I hardly know how to explain all the circumstances under which this has been done."


"I dare say not; but, nevertheless, you must explain them."


Grey was a man tranquil in temperament, very little prone to quarrelling, with perhaps an exaggerated idea of the evil results of a row,--a man who would take infinite trouble to avoid any such scene as that which now seemed to be imminent; but he was a man whose courage was quite as high as that of his opponent.

Grey was a tranquil man, who would take trouble to avoid a quarrel; but his courage was quite as high as his opponent's.


To bully or be bullied were alike contrary to his nature.


It was clear enough now that Vavasor intended to bully him, and he made up his mind at once that if the quarrel were forced upon him it should find him ready to take his own part.

It was clear that Vavasor intended to bully him, and he made up his mind at once that he was ready for a quarrel.


"My difficulty in explaining it comes from consideration for you," he said.


"Then I beg that your difficulty will cease, and that you will have no consideration for me.

"Then I beg you to have no consideration for me.


We are so circumstanced towards each other that any consideration must be humbug and nonsense.


At any rate, I intend to have none for you.

I intend to have no consideration for you.


Now, let me know why you have meddled with my matters."


"I think I might, perhaps, better refer you to your uncle."

"I might, perhaps, better refer you to your uncle."


"No, sir; Mr. Tombe is not my uncle's lawyer."


My uncle never heard his name, unless he heard of it from you."


"But it was by agreement with your uncle that I commissioned Mr. Tombe to raise for you the money you were desirous of borrowing from your cousin.

"But it was by agreement with your uncle that I commissioned Mr. Tombe to raise the money you wished to borrow from your cousin.


We thought it better that her fortune should not be for the moment disturbed."


In the first place, I don't believe your story; it is altogether improbable.

In the first place, I don't believe it; it is altogether improbable.


But why should he come to you of all men to raise money on his daughter's behalf?"


"Unless you can behave yourself with more discretion, Mr. Vavasor, you must leave the room," said Mr. Grey.


Then, as Vavasor simply sneered at him, but spoke nothing, he went on.

Then, as Vavasor simply sneered at him, but said nothing, he went on.


"It was I who suggested to your uncle that this arrangement should be made.


I did not wish to see Miss Vavasor's fortune squandered."


Are you aware that she is engaged to me as my wife?"


I ask you, sir, whether you are aware that Miss Vavasor is to be my wife?"


"I must altogether decline to discuss with you Miss Vavasor's present or future position."

"I decline to discuss with you Miss Vavasor's present or future position."


"By heavens, then, you shall hear me discuss it!


She was engaged to you, and she has given you your dismissal.


If you had understood anything of the conduct which is usual among gentlemen, or if you had had any particle of pride in you, sir, you would have left her and never mentioned her name again.

If you had understood anything of the conduct which is usual among gentlemen, or if you had had any particle of pride, sir, you would have left her and never mentioned her name again.


I now find you meddling with her money matters, so as to get a hold upon her fortune."


You do not advance two thousand pounds without knowing that you have security.


She has rejected you; and in order that you may be revenged, or that you may have some further hold upon her,--that she may be in some sort within your power, you have contrived this rascally pettifogging way of obtaining power over her income.

She has rejected you; and in order that you may be revenged, or that you may have some further hold upon her, you have contrived this rascally pettifogging way of obtaining power over her income.


The money shall be repaid at once, with any interest that can be due; and if I find you interfering again, I will expose you."

The money shall be repaid at once; and if I find you interfering again, I will expose you."


"Mr. Vavasor," said Grey very slowly, in a low tone of voice, but with something in his eye which would have told any bystander that he was much in earnest, "you have used words in your anger which I cannot allow to pass.

"Mr. Vavasor," said Grey very slowly, in a low voice, but very much in earnest, "you have used words in your anger which I cannot allow to pass.


I said that you were a pettifogging rascal.


As he spoke he put on his hat, so as to leave both his hands ready for action if action should be required.

As he spoke he put on his hat, so as to leave both his hands ready for action if required.


Grey was much the larger man and much the stronger.

Grey was much the larger and the stronger man.


It may be doubted whether he knew himself the extent of his own strength, but such as it was he resolved that he must now use it.

It may be doubted whether he knew the extent of his own strength, but he resolved that he must now use it.


"There is no help for it," he said, as he also prepared for action.

"There is no help for it," he said, as he opened the door.


The first thing he did was to open the door, and as he did so he became conscious that his mouth was full of blood from a sharp blow upon his face.

As he did so he became conscious that his mouth was full of blood from a sharp blow upon his face.


Vavasor had struck him with his fist, and had cut his lip against his teeth.


Then there came a scramble, and Grey was soon aware that he had his opponent in his hands.


I doubt whether he had attempted to strike a blow, or whether he had so much as clenched his fist.

I doubt whether he had attempted to strike a blow.


Vavasor had struck him repeatedly, but the blows had fallen on his body or his head, and he was unconscious of them.

Vavasor had struck him repeatedly, but he was unconscious of the blows that had fallen on him.


He had but one object now in his mind, and that object was the kicking his assailant down the stairs.

He had only one object now in his mind, and that object was to kick Vavasor down the stairs.


Then came a scramble, as I have said, and Grey had a hold of the smaller man by the nape of his neck.

Now he had a hold of the smaller man by the nape of his neck.


So holding him he forced him back through the door on to the landing, and there succeeded in pushing him down the first flight of steps.

He forced him through the door, and succeeded in pushing him down the first flight of steps.


Grey kicked at him as he went, but the kick was impotent.


He had, however, been so far successful that he had thrust his enemy out of the room, and had the satisfaction of seeing him sprawling on the landing-place.

He had the satisfaction of seeing him sprawling on the landing.


Vavasor, when he raised himself, prepared to make another rush at the room, but before he could do so a man from below, hearing the noise, had come upon him and interrupted him.

Vavasor, when he raised himself, prepared to make another rush at the room, but before he could do so a man from below, hearing the noise, came out and interrupted him.


"Mr. Jones," said Grey, speaking from above, "if that gentleman does not leave the house, I must get you to search for a policeman."

"Mr. Jones," said Grey from above, "if that gentleman does not leave the house, I must get you to search for a policeman."


Vavasor, though the lodging-house man had hold of the collar of his coat, made no attempt to turn upon his new enemy.

Vavasor, though the lodging-house man had hold of his collar of his coat, made no attempt to turn upon him.


When two dogs are fighting, any bystander may attempt to separate them with impunity.


The brutes are so anxious to tear each other that they have no energies left for other purposes.

All his energies were bent on John Grey.


It never occurs to them to turn their teeth upon newcomers in the quarrel.


Jones was sufficient to prevent his further attack upon the foe up-stairs, and therefore he had no alternative but to relinquish the fight.


said Jones, who kept a tailor's establishment, and, as a tailor, was something of a fighting man himself.

said Jones, who was a tailor, and something of a fighting man himself.


Of all tradesmen in London the tailors are, no doubt, the most combative,--as might be expected from the necessity which lies upon them of living down the general bad character in this respect which the world has wrongly given them.


said Jones, still holding Vavasor by his coat.


"That man has ill-used me, and I've punished him; that's all."

"That man has ill-used me, and I've punished him; that's all," said Vavasor.


"I don't know much about punishing," said the tailor.


"It seems to me he pitched you down pretty clean out of the room above.


I think the best thing you can do now is to walk yourself off."


It was the only thing that Vavasor could do, and he did walk himself off.


He walked himself off, and went home to his own lodgings in Cecil Street, that he might smooth his feathers after the late encounter before he went down to Westminster to take his seat in the House of Commons.

He went home to his lodgings in Cecil Street, to smooth his feathers after the encounter before he went down to Westminster to take his seat in the House of Commons.


I do not think that he was comfortable when he got there, or that he felt himself very well able to fight another battle that night on behalf of the River Bank.


He had not been hurt, but he had been worsted.


Grey had probably received more personal damage than had fallen to his share; but Grey had succeeded in expelling him from the room, and he knew that he had been found prostrate on the landing-place when the tailor first saw him.

He had probably hurt Grey; but Grey had succeeded in throwing him out.


But he might probably have got over the annoyance of this feeling had he not been overwhelmed by a consciousness that everything was going badly with him.

He might have got over the annoyance of this feeling had he not been overwhelmed by a consciousness that everything was going badly with him.


He was already beginning to hate his seat in Parliament.


What good had it done for him, or was it likely to do for him?


He found himself to be associated there with Mr. Bott, and a few others of the same class,--men whom he despised; and even they did not admit him among them without a certain show of superiority on their part.

He found himself associated with Mr. Bott, and others of the same class - men whom he despised; and even they did not admit him without a show of superiority.


Who has not ascertained by his own experience the different lights through which the same events may be seen, according to the success, or want of success, which pervades the atmosphere at the moment?


At the present time everything was unsuccessful with George Vavasor; and though he told himself, almost from hour to hour, that he would go on with the thing which he had begun,--that he would persevere in Parliament till he had obtained a hearing there and created for himself success, he could not himself believe in the promises which he had made to himself.

Though he told himself that he would go on with the thing which he had begun - that he would persevere in Parliament till he had become successful - he could not believe in the promises which he had made to himself.


He had looked forward to his entrance into that Chamber as the hour of his triumph; but he had entered it with Mr. Bott, and there had been no triumph to him in doing so.

He had looked forward to his entrance into that Chamber as the hour of his triumph; but he had entered it with Mr. Bott, and there had been no triumph in that.


He had sworn to himself that when there he would find men to hear him.