's expression changed.

Lord Philip Darcy, a brilliant but quite subordinate member of the
former Liberal Government, had made but occasional appearances in
Parliament during the five years' rule of the Tories. He was a traveller
and explorer, and when in England a passionate votary of the Turf. An
incisive tongue, never more amusing than when it was engaged in railing
at the English workman and democracy in general, a handsome person, and
a strong leaning to Ritualism--these qualities and distinctions had not
for some time done much to advance his Parliamentary position. But
during the preceding session he had been more regular in his attendance
at the House, and had made a considerable impression there--as a man of
eccentric, but possibly great ability. On the whole, he had been a loyal
supporter of Ferrier's; but in two or three recent speeches there had
been signs of coquetting with the extremists.

Ferrier, having mentioned the letter, relapsed into silence. Sir James,
with a little contemptuous laugh, inquired what the nature of the
letter might be.

"Oh, well, he wants certain pledges." Ferrier drew the letter from his
pocket, and handed it to his friend. Sir James perused it, and handed
it back with a sarcastic lip.

"He imagines you are going to accept that programme?"

"I don't know. But it is clear that the letter implies a threat if I
don't."

"A threat of desertion? Let him."

"That letter wasn't written off his own bat. There is a good deal behind
it. The plot, in fact, is thickening. From the letters of this morning I
see that a regular press campaign is beginning."

He mentioned two party papers which had already gone over to the
dissidents--one of some importance, the other of none.

"All right," said Chide; "so long as the _Herald_ and the _Flag_ do
their duty. By-the-way, hasn't the _Herald_ got a new editor?"

"Yes; a man called Barrington--a friend of Oliver's."

"Ah!--a good deal sounder on many points than Oliver!" grumbled Sir
James.

Ferrier did not reply.

Chide noticed the invariable way in which Marsham's name dropped between
them whenever it was introduced in this connection.

As they neared the gate of the town they parted, Chide returning to the
hotel, while Ferrier, the most indefatigable of sight-seers, hurried off
toward San Pietro.

He spent a quiet hour on the Peruginos, deciding, however, with himself
in the end that they gave him but a moderate pleasure; and then