not feel disposed to sit down and improvise a case for himself, as
he used to do in his earlier days. He was minded to be idle; and we may
accompany him in his westward walk along the river side to Hungerford
Bridge, and up the Avenue to Pall Mall.

On the steps of the Oligarchy Club he found his old friend, Pynsent,
just starting for the House. The time was one of great excitement for
those who had not lost their interest in the politics of the day. The
Irish Land Bill was in Committee, and the Conservatives had strenuously
opposed it, fighting, as they knew, a losing battle, yet not without
consolations. This very week they had run the Government so close that
the transfer of three votes would have put them in a minority; and Sir
John Pynsent, who was always a sanguine man, had convinced himself that
the Liberal party was on the point of breaking up.

"They are sure to go to pieces," he said to Campion; "and it would be a
strange thing if they did not. What Heneage has done already some other
Whig with a conscience will do again, and more effectually. You will see
we shall be back in office before the year is out. No Ministry and no
majority could bear the strain which the Old Man is putting on his
followers--it is simply impossible. The worth and birth of the country
are sick of this veiled communism that they call justice to
Ireland--sick of democratic sycophancy--deadly sick of the Old Man. You
mark my words, dear boy: there will be a great revolt against him before
many months have passed. I see it working. I find it in the House, in
the clubs, in the drawing-rooms; and I don't speak merely as my wishes
lead me."

"No doubt you are right as to London; but how about the country?"

"The provinces waver more than the metropolis, I admit; but I don't
despair of seeing a majority even in the English boroughs. Ah, Campion I
never see you without saying to myself, 'There goes the man who lost us
Dormer.' You would have won that election, I am certain."

"Well," said Sydney, "you know why I could not fight. The will, the
money, everything was ready: but----"

"True, I forgot. I beg your pardon!"

"Not at all! But I will fight for you some day--as soon as you like.
Bear that in mind, Pynsent!"

"To be sure I will, my dear fellow. We must have you in the House. I
have often said so."

And the energetic baronet hurried away, whilst Sydney entered the Club,
and made straight for the smoking-room. Here he found othe