r to Hanborough. The occasion is the opening of a Free
Library. Remarks--of a laudatory nature--on the princely munificence of
Hanborough's mayor, Hanborough's corporation, Hanborough's leading
citizens, a eulogy of their public glories and private virtues--with a
little thrown in about Shakespeare, Scott, and the Lord-Lieutenant of
the county--would be adequately appreciated. The attendance will be
large: the nobility, gentry, and clergy of the neighbourhood will flower
about you on the platform; a banquet will follow in the evening, and in
the morning blushing girls will hand you bouquets at the railway
station. Can you refuse?"

"Not easily, I admit," said Robert, laughing; "but Reckage is rather low
and unhappy just now about his broken engagement. Wouldn't such an
adventure as this take him out of himself?"

"This is not an adventure--this is an opportunity," said Disraeli; "it
would be nursed into a stepping-stone. I know fifty men who are worrying
themselves to death to get it."

"You need not tell me that," replied Robert, with gratitude. "It would
be a great thing for me. But Reckage is always at his best in functions
of the kind. Hanborough might make much of him, and then his
Association would feel flattered by reflected honours."

"You invariably set your face against your own advantages, and I am
afraid I shall not live to see you where you ought to be. However,
Reckage shall have the invitation. Now, good-night. By the by, have you
heard that Castrillon is now in the marriage-market? His mistress has
given her consent, and the Prince has promised his blessing. Could
things look more auspicious? Good-night."

For the second time that evening Castrillon's name fell with a warning
note on Robert's ear. Disraeli, he knew, would not have mentioned him
out of sheer idleness. There was some danger threatening in that
quarter, and it was impossible to dissociate this from Brigit. The
Marquis of Castrillon had been with her in Madrid, and also at Baron
Zeuill's palace after the escape from Loadilla.

"Where is Castrillon now?" asked Robert.

"I understand he is in London," answered Disraeli; "at Claridge's Hotel.
D'Alchingen and he are on excellent terms."

"Good!" said Robert, tightening his lips. "You will find he has been
invited to Hadley."

"I haven't a doubt of it."

"Then I must contrive to see him first."

Early the following morning Orange presented himself at the house of an
old, very devout