m;
and the Castle folk will need some clew to my intentions about the new
Secretary; there are some twenty provincial editors, besides, waiting
for directions, not to speak of private and personal requests, some of
which I must not refuse to hear. As to letters, three days won't
get through them; so that you see, father, I do need a little rest
beforehand."

"God bless you, my boy,--God bless you, Davy," cried the old man,
tenderly, grasping his hand in both his own. "Keep the head clear, and
trust nobody; that's the secret,--trust nobody; the only mistakes I ever
made in life was when I forgot that rule." And affectionately kissing
him, the father dismissed his son, muttering blessings on him as he
went.

CHAPTER XVI. DAVIS VERSUS DUNN.

Davenport Dunn had not exaggerated when he spoke of a busy day for the
morrow. As early as eight o'clock was he at breakfast, and before nine
the long back parlor, with its deep bay-window, was crowded like
the waiting-room of a fashionable physician. Indeed, in the faces of
anxiety, eagerness, and impatience of those assembled there, there was
a resemblance. With a tact which natural shrewdness and long habit could
alone confer, Mr. Clowes, the butler, knew exactly where each arrival
should be introduced; and while railway directors, bank governors, and
great contractors indiscriminately crowded the large dining-room, peers
and right honorables filled the front drawing-room, the back one being
reserved for law officers of the Crown, and such secret emissaries as
came on special mission from the Castle. From the hall, crammed with
frieze-coated countryfolk, to the little conservatory on the stairs,
where a few ladies were grouped, every space was occupied. Either from
previous acquaintance, or guided by the name of the visitor, Mr. Clowes
had little difficulty in assigning him his fitting place, dropping,
as he accompanied him, some few words, as the rank and station of the
individual might warrant his addressing to him. "I 'll let Mr. Dunn
know your Lordship is here this instant; he is now just engaged with
the Chief Baron."--"He 'll see you, Sir Samuel, next."--"Mr. Wilcox,
you have no chance for two hours; the Foyle deputation is just gone
in."--"You need scarcely wait to-day, Mr. Tobin; there are eighteen
before you."--"Colonel Craddock, you are to come on Saturday, and bring
the plans with you."--"Too late, Mr. Dean; his Grace the Archbishop
waited till a quarter to elev