tever is worthiest of our solemn nature has its birth.

BOOK III.

Harsh things he mitigates, and pride subdues.
_Ex._ SOLON: _Eleg._

CHAPTER I.

YOU still are what you were, sir!
......
... With most quick agility could turn
And return; make knots and undo them,
Give forked counsel.--_Volpone, or the Fox_.

BEFORE a large table, covered with parliamentary papers, sat Lumley
Lord Vargrave. His complexion, though still healthy, had faded from the
freshness of hue which distinguished him in youth. His features, always
sharp, had grown yet more angular: his brows seemed to project more
broodingly over his eyes, which, though of undiminished brightness,
were sunk deep in their sockets, and had lost much of their quick
restlessness. The character of his mind had begun to stamp itself on
the physiognomy, especially on the mouth when in repose. It was, a face
striking for acute intelligence, for concentrated energy; but there was
a something written in it which said, "BEWARE!" It would have inspired
any one who had mixed much amongst men with a vague suspicion and
distrust.

Lumley had been always careful, though plain, in dress; but there was
now a more evident attention bestowed on his person than he had
ever manifested in youth,--while there was something of the Roman's
celebrated foppery in the skill with which his hair was arranged on his
high forehead, so as either to conceal or relieve a partial baldness at
the temples. Perhaps, too, from the possession of high station, or the
habit of living only amongst the great, there was a certain dignity
insensibly diffused over his whole person that was not noticeable in
his earlier years, when a certain _ton de garnison_ was blended with
his ease of manners. Yet, even now, dignity was not his prevalent
characteristic; and in ordinary occasions, or mixed society, he still
found a familiar frankness a more useful species of simulation. At the
time we now treat of, Lord Vargrave was leaning his cheek on one hand,
while the other rested idly on the papers methodically arranged before
him. He appeared to have suspended his labours, and to be occupied
in thought. It was, in truth, a critical period in the career of Lord
Vargrave.

From the date of his accession to the peerage, the rise of Lumley
Ferrers had been less rapid and progressive than he himself could have
foreseen. At first, all was sunshine before him; he had contrived to
make himsel