handsomely for Randal, whom Sir ---- rather liked than not; and for
Randal's own sake, Sir ---- thought it would lower him in the estimation
of Egerton himself, despite that gentleman's advocacy, if he did not
follow the example of his avowed and notorious patron.

"You see, Leslie," said Egerton, checking Randal's meditated reply,
"that nothing can be said against your honour if you stay where you are;
it is a mere question of expediency; I will judge that for you; keep
your place."

Unhappily the other member of the Government, who had hitherto been
silent, was a literary man. Unhappily, while this talk had proceeded, he
had placed his hand upon Randal Leslie's celebrated pamphlet, which lay
on the library table; and, turning over the leaves, the whole spirit and
matter of that masterly composition in defence of the administration
(a composition steeped in all the essence of party) recurred to his too
faithful recollection. He, too, liked Randal; he did more,--he admired
the author of that striking and effective pamphlet. And therefore,
rousing himself from the sublime indifference he had before felt for the
fate of a subaltern, he said, with a bland and complimentary smile, "No;
the writer of this most able publication is no ordinary placeman. His
opinions here are too vigorously stated; this fine irony on the very
person who in all probability will be the chief in his office has
excited too lively an attention to allow him the sedet eternumque
sedebit on an official stool. Ha, ha! this is so good! Read it,
L'Estrange. What say you?" Harley glanced over the page pointed out
to him. The original was in one of Burley's broad, coarse, but telling
burlesques, strained fine through Randal's more polished satire. It
was capital. Harley smiled, and lifted his eyes to Randal. The unlucky
plagiarist's face was flushed,--the beads stood on his brow. Harley was
a good hater; he loved too warmly not to err on the opposite side; but
he was one of those men who forget hate when its object is distressed
and humbled. He put down the pamphlet and said, "I am no politician;
but Egerton is so well known to be fastidious and over-scrupulous in
all points of official etiquette, that Mr. Leslie cannot follow a safer
counsellor."

"Read that yourself, Egerton," said Sir ----; and he pushed the pamphlet
to Audley.

Now Egerton had a dim recollection that that pamphlet was unlucky;
but he had skimmed over its contents hastily, and at th