llow, can be melancholy, passes my understanding!"

Templeton, as if to draw attention from his wife's taciturnity, talked
more than usual. He entered largely into politics, and regretted that in
times so critical he was not in parliament.

"Did I possess your youth and your health, Lumley, I would not neglect
my country--Popery is abroad."

"I myself should like very much to be in parliament," said Lumley,
boldly.

"I dare say you would," returned the uncle, drily. "Parliament is very
expensive--only fit for those who have a large stake in the country.
Champagne to Mr. Ferrers."

Lumley bit his lip, and spoke little during the rest of the dinner. Mr.
Templeton, however, waxed gracious by the time the dessert was on the
table; and began cutting up a pineapple, with many assurances to Lumley
that gardens were nothing without pineries. "Whenever you settle in the
country, nephew, be sure you have a pinery."

"Oh, yes," said Lumley, almost bitterly, "and a pack of hounds, and a
French cook; they will all suit my fortune very well."

"You are more thoughtful on pecuniary matters than you used to be," said
the uncle.

"Sir," replied Ferrers, solemnly, "in a very short time I shall be what
is called a middle-aged man."

"Humph!" said the host.

There was another silence. Lumley was a man, as we have said, or implied
before, of great knowledge of human nature, at least the ordinary sort
of it, and he now revolved in his mind the various courses it might
be wise to pursue towards his rich relation. He saw that, in delicate
fencing, his uncle had over him the same advantage that a tall man has
over a short one with the physical sword-play;--by holding his weapon in
a proper position, he kept the other at arm's length. There was a grand
reserve and dignity about the man who had something to give away, of
which Ferrers, however actively he might shift his ground and flourish
his rapier, could not break the defence. He determined, therefore, upon
a new game, for which his frankness of manner admirably adapted him.
Just as he formed this resolution, Mrs. Templeton rose, and with a
gentle bow, and soft though languid smile, glided from the room. The
two gentlemen resettled themselves, and Templeton pushed the bottle to
Ferrers.

"Help yourself, Lumley! your travels seem to have deprived you of your
high spirits--you are pensive."

"Sir," said Ferrers, abruptly, "I wish to consult you."

"Oh, young man! you have been