oposed from that side of the House on which the minority was
sitting. As there were more than two hundred members present on the
occasion, by none of whom were any objections raised, it seemed
probable that Mr. Gresham might be successful. There was still,
however, doubt in the minds of some men. "It's all very well," said
Mr. Ratler, "but Turnbull wasn't there, you know."

But from what took place the next day but one in Park Lane it would
almost seem that the Duchess had been there. She came at once to see
Madame Goesler, having very firmly determined that the Duke's death
should not have the appearance of interrupting her intimacy with her
friend. "Was it not very disagreeable,"--asked Madame Goesler,--"just
the day you came to town?"

"We didn't think of that at all. One is not allowed to think of
anything now. It was very improper, of course, because of the Duke's
death;--but that had to be put on one side. And then it was quite
contrary to etiquette that Peers and Commoners should be brought
together. I think there was some idea of making sure of Plantagenet,
and so they all came and wore out our carpets. There wasn't above a
dozen peers; but they were enough to show that all the old landmarks
have been upset. I don't think any one would have objected if I had
opened the meeting myself, and called upon Mrs. Bonteen to second
me."

"Why Mrs. Bonteen?"

"Because next to myself she's the most talkative and political woman
we have. She was at our house yesterday, and I'm not quite sure that
she doesn't intend to cut me out."

"We must put her down, Lady Glen."

"Perhaps she'll put me down now that we're half shelved. The men did
make such a racket, and yet no one seemed to speak for two minutes
except Mr. Gresham, who stood upon my pet footstool, and kicked it
almost to pieces."

"Was Mr. Finn there?"

"Everybody was there, I suppose. What makes you ask particularly
about Mr. Finn?"

"Because he's a friend."

"That's come up again, has it? He's the handsome Irishman, isn't he,
that came to Matching, the same day that brought you there?"

"He is an Irishman, and he was at Matching, that day."

"He's certainly handsome. What a day that was, Marie! When one thinks
of it all,--of all the perils and all the salvations, how strange
it is! I wonder whether you would have liked it now if you were the
Dowager Duchess."

"I should have had some enjoyment, I suppose."

"I don't know that it would have done us