b Ffrench cares much more for Carew's Burgundy than for his grand
acquaintances," interposed MacNaghten; "and as for Curtis, he only comes
out of curiosity. Once satisfied that all will go on in the routine
fashion of every other country visit, he'll jog home again, sorely
discontented with himself for the trouble he has taken to come here."

"I need scarcely tell you," said Rutledge, taking my father's arm, and
leading him to one side,--"I need scarcely tell you that we 'd better
avoid all discussion about politics and party. You yourself are very
unlikely to commit any error in tact, but of course you cannot answer
for others. Would it not, then, be as well to give some kind of hint?"

"Faith," broke in my father, hastily, "I will never attempt to curb the
liberty of speech of any one who does me the honor to be my guest; and I
am sure I have not a friend in the world who would tamely submit to such
dictation."

"Perhaps you are right. Indeed, I'm sure you are," broke in Rutledge,
and hastened his step till he joined the others.

CHAPTER X. THE COMPANY AT CASTLE CAREW

From an early hour on the following morning, the company began to pour
in to Castle Carew, then style and retinue being as varied as may well
be imagined,--some arriving in all the pomp and splendor of handsomely
appointed equipage; some dashing up with splashed and panting posters;
and others jogging lazily along the avenue in some old "conveniency"
of a past age, drawn by animals far more habituated to the plough than
the phaeton. Amongst those first was conspicuous the singular old noddy,
as it was called, in which Ffrench and Curtis travelled; the driver
being perilously elevated some dozen feet above the earth, and perched
on a bar which it required almost a rope-dancer's dexterity to occupy.
This primitive conveyance, as it trundled along before the windows, drew
many to gaze and jest upon its curious appearance,--a degree of notice
which seemed to have very opposite effects on the two individuals
exposed to it; for while Ffrench nodded, kissed hands, and smiled
good-humoredly to his friends, Curtis sat back with his arms folded, and
his hat slouched over his eyes, as if endeavoring to escape recognition.

"Confound the rascal!" muttered he between his teeth. "Could n't he
have managed to creep round by some back way? His blasted jingling
old rat-trap has called the whole household to look at us!--and, may I
never, if he has n't broken