fortune by knowing that when their father
dies they are certain of the same provision, no matter how they
displease him; and in the meanwhile forestalling that provision by
recourse to usurers." These arguments might not have prevailed over the
bride's father a year or two later, when, by the death of intervening
kinsmen, he became Duke of Alton; but in his then circumstances
the marriage itself was so much beyond the expectations which the
portionless daughter of a sea-captain has the right to form that Mr.
Vane had it all his own way, and he remained absolute master of his
whole fortune, save of that part of his landed estate on which his
wife's jointure was settled; and even from this incumbrance he was very
soon freed. His wife died in the second year of marriage, leaving an
only son,--Graham. He grieved for her loss with all the passion of an
impressionable, ardent, and powerful nature. Then for a while he sought
distraction to his sorrow by throwing himself into public life with a
devoted energy he had not previously displayed.

His speeches served to bring his party into power, and he yielded,
though reluctantly, to the unanimous demand of that party that he should
accept one of the highest offices in the new Cabinet. He acquitted
himself well as an administrator, but declared, no doubt honestly, that
he felt like Sinbad released from the old man on his back, when, a year
or two afterwards, he went out of office with his party. No persuasions
could induce him to come in again; nor did he ever again take a very
active part in debate. "No," said he, "I was born to the freedom of
a private gentleman: intolerable to me is the thraldom of a public
servant. But I will bring up my son so that he may acquit the debt which
I decline to pay to my country." There he kept his word. Graham had been
carefully educated for public life, the ambition for it dinned into his
ear from childhood. In his school vacations his father made him learn
and declaim chosen specimens of masculine oratory; engaged an eminent
actor to give him lessons in elocution; bade him frequent theatres,
and study there the effect which words derive from looks and gesture;
encouraged him to take part himself in private theatricals. To all
this the boy lent his mind with delight. He had the orator's inborn
temperament; quick, yet imaginative, and loving the sport of rivalry and
contest. Being also, in his boyish years, good-humoured and joyous, he
was not m