Dunn concluded?' 'What
difficult negotiation carried to successful issue?' 'Where have been his
great achievements in the law courts?' To be sure, it might be said that
we honor the industrial spirit of our country in ennobling one who has
acquired a colossal fortune by his own unaided abilities; but Manchester
and Birmingham have also their 'millionnaires.'"

"Your Lordship's time is far too valuable to be passed in such
discussion; even mine might be more profitably spent than in listening
to it, My demand is now before you; in some three weeks hence it is not
impossible it may await the consideration of your Lordship's successors.
In one word, if I leave this room without your distinct pledge on the
subject, you will no longer reckon me amongst the followers of your
party."

"Half-past four, I protest," said Lord Jedburg, taking up his gloves. "I
shall be too late at the House. Let us conclude this to-morrow morning.
Come down here at eleven."

"Excuse me, my Lord. I leave town to-night I am going over to Ireland."

"Yes, you ought to be there; I forgot. Well, you must leave this affair
in my hands. I 'll speak to Croydon and Locksley about it,--both stanch
friends of yours. I can make no pledge, you know,--no actual promise--"

"Nor I either, my Lord," said Dunn, rising. "Let me, however, ask you to
accept of my excuses for Sunday at dinner."

"I regret much that we are not to have the pleasure of your company,"
said his Lordship, with a formal courtesy.

"These appointments," said Dunn, laying down a list he had made on the
table, "are, of course, in your Lordship's hands."

"I conclude so," was the dry reply, as the Minister but-toned his coat.

"I wish your Lordship a very good morning. Good-bye, my Lord." And the
words had their peculiar utterance.

"Good-bye, Mr. Dunn," said the Minister, shortly, and rang for his
carriage.

Dunn had but reached the foot of the stairs, when he heard a rapid
tread behind him. "I beg pardon, Mr. Dunn," cried Bagwell, the private
secretary; "his Lordship sent me to overtake you, and say that the
matter you are desirous about shall be done. His Lordship also hopes you
can dine with him on Sunday."

"Oh, very well; say 'Yes, with much pleasure.' Has his Lordship gone?"

"Yes, by the private door. He was in a great hurry, and will, I fear, be
late, after all."

"There's a good thing to be done just now in potash, Bagwell, at Pesaro.
If you have a spare hundred or two