es of
pageantry, the men of painted coats and patched characters, the women
painted too, but beyond the art of patching for a reputation."

"No, in half state," replied Cotterell, calmly, and not either heeding
or attending to this passionate outburst,--"two aides-de-camp; Mr.
Barrold, private secretary; Sir George Gore; and about thirty servants."

"Thirty thieves in state livery,--thirty bandits in silk stockings and
powder!"

"We have made mutual concessions, and shall, I doubt not, be good
friends," continued Sam, only thinking of what he said himself. "Carew
is to give our state policy a fair trial, and we are to taste the
artichokes with oil. His Grace proposed the contract, and then proposed
the visit."

A deep groan of angry indignation was all that Tony could utter in
reply. "And this same visit," said he, at last, "when is it to take
place?"

"Next week; for the present we have much on our hands. We open
Parliament to-morrow; Wednesday, grand dinner to peers and peeresses;
Thursday, the judges and law officers; Friday, debate on the
address--small party of friends; Saturday we go to the play in
state,--we like the play."

"You do, do you?" said the Grinder, with a grin of malice, as some
vindictive feeling worked within him.

"We have commanded 'The Road to Ruin,'" continued Cotterell.

"Out of compliment to your politics, I suppose!"

"Holman's Young Rapid always amused us!"

"Carew's performance of the character is better still,--it is real;
it is palpable." Then, suddenly carried beyond himself by a burst of
passion, he cried: "Now, is it possible that your heavy browed Duke
fancies a country can be ruled in this wise? Does he believe that a
little flattery here, a little bribery there, some calumny to separate
friends, some gossip to sow dissension amongst intimates, a promise of
place, a title or a pension thrown to the hungry hounds that yelp, and
bark, and fawn about a Court,--that this means government, or that these
men are the nation?"

"You have overturned the sugar-bowl," observed Cotterell.

"Better than to upset the country," said the other, with a contemptuous
look at his stolid companion. "I tell you what it is, Cotterell," added
he, gravely, "these English had might and power on their side, and had
they rested their strength on them, they might defy us, for we are the
weaker party; but they have condescended to try other weapons, and would
encounter us with subtlety, intrigue,