him speak of the great days of Metternich and
Nesselrode and Talleyrand, when a frontier was settled by a _bon mot_,
and a dynasty decided by a doggerel. The hoarse roar of the multitude
had not in those times disturbed the polished solemnity of the
council-chamber, and the high priests of statecraft celebrated their
mysteries unmolested.

"The ninth telegram, my Lord," said Temple, as he stood with a cipher
despatch in his hand, just as Lord Culduff had reached his hotel at
Naples.

"Transcribe it, my dear boy, and let us hear it."

"I have, my Lord. It runs, 'Where is the special envoy? Let him report
himself by telegraph.'"

"Reply, 'At dinner, at the Hotel Victoria; in passably good health, and
indifferent spirits. '"

"But, my Lord--"

"There, you 'd better dress. You are always late. And tell the people
here to serve oysters every day till I countermand them; and taste the
Capri, please; I prefer it to Sauterne, if it be good. The telegram can
wait."

"I was going to mention, my Lord, that Prince Castelmuro has called
twice to-day, and begged he might be informed of your arrival. Shall I
write him a line?"

"No. The request must be replied to by him to whom it was
addressed,--the landlord, perhaps, or the _laquaisde-place_."

"The King is most anxious to learn if you have come."

"His Majesty shall be rewarded for his courteous impatience. I shall ask
an audience to-morrow."

"They told me dinner was served," said Lady Culduff, angrily, as she
entered the room, dressed as if for a court entertainment; "and I
hurried down without putting on my gloves."

"Let me kiss your Ladyship's hand so temptingly displayed," said he,
stooping and pressing it to his lips.

An impatient gesture of the shoulder, and a saucy curl of the lip were
the only response to this gallantry.

A full half-hour before Lord Culduff appeared Temple Bramleigh
re-entered, dressed for dinner.

"Giacomo is at his old tricks, Temple," said she, as she walked the room
impatiently. "His theory is that every one is to be in waiting on my
Lord; and I have been here now close on three-quarters of an hour,
expecting dinner to be announced. Will you please to take some trouble
about the household, or let us have an attache who will?"

"Giacomo is impossible--that's the fact; but it's no use saying so."

"I know that," said she, with a malicious twinkle of the eye. "The man
who is-so dexterous with rouge and pomatum cannot be spared.