nse and worldly tact
which made him a safe speaker. For this merit he was largely indebted to
his frequent conferences with Chillingly Mivers. That gentleman, whether
owing to his social qualities or to the influence of "The Londoner" on
public opinion, enjoyed an intimate acquaintance with the chiefs of all
parties, and was up to his ears in the wisdom of the world. "Nothing,"
he would say, "hurts a young Parliamentary speaker like violence in
opinion, one way or the other. Shun it. Always allow that much may be
said on both sides. When the chiefs of your own side suddenly adopt a
violence, you can go with them or against them, according as best suits
your own book."

"So," said Mivers, reclined on his sofa, and approaching the end of his
second Trabuco (he never allowed himself more than two), "so I think we
have pretty well settled the tone you must take in your speech to-night.
It is a great occasion."

"True. It is the first time in which the debate has been arranged so
that I may speak at ten o'clock or later. That in itself is a great
leap; and it is a Cabinet minister whom I am to answer,--luckily, he
is a very dull fellow. Do you think I might hazard a joke,--at least a
witticism?"

"At his expense? Decidedly not. Though his office compels him to
introduce this measure, he was by no means in its favour when it was
discussed in the Cabinet; and though, as you say, he is dull, it is
precisely that sort of dulness which is essential to the formation
of every respectable Cabinet. Joke at him, indeed! Learn that gentle
dulness never loves a joke--at its own expense. Vain man! seize the
occasion which your blame of his measure affords you to secure his
praise of yourself; compliment him. Enough of politics. It never does to
think too much over what one has already decided to say. Brooding over
it, one may become too much in earnest, and commit an indiscretion. So
Kenelm has come back?"

"Yes. I heard that news last night, at White's, from Travers. Sir Peter
had called on Travers."

"Travers still favours your suit to the heiress?"

"More, I think, than ever. Success in Parliament has great effect on a
man who has success in fashion and respects the opinion of clubs. But
last night he was unusually cordial. Between you and me, I think he is
a little afraid that Kenelm may yet be my rival. I gathered that from a
hint he let fall of the unwelcome nature of Sir Peter's talk to him."

"Why has Travers conceived a