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r I met him. Since then, some space of time has intervened, and though it has made no change in him, I hope it has dealt otherwise with me. I have at least reached the point in life where men not only have convictions but avow them.' 'Come, come; I can remember what precious good-luck you called it to make his acquaintance,' cried Dick, half angrily. 'I don't deny it. I was very nigh drowning at the time, and it was the first plank I caught hold of. I am very grateful to him for the rescue; but I owe him more gratitude for the opportunity the incident gave me to see these men in their intimacy--to know, and know thoroughly, what is the range, what the stamp of those minds by which states are ruled and masses are governed. Through Walpole I knew his master; and through the master I have come to know the slipshod intelligences which, composed of official detail, House of Commons' gossip, and _Times_' leaders, are accepted by us as statesmen. And if--' A very supercilious smile on Nina's mouth arrested him in the current of his speech, and he said, 'I know, of course, I know the question you are too polite to ask, but which quivers on your lip: "Who is the gifted creature that sees all this incompetence and insufficiency around him?" And I am quite ready to tell you. It is Joseph Atlee--Joseph Atlee, who knows that when he and others like him--for we are a strong coterie--stop the supply of ammunition, these gentlemen must cease firing. Let the _Debats_ and the _Times_, the _Revue des Deux Mondes_ and the _Saturday_, and a few more that I need not stop to enumerate, strike work, and let us see how much of original thought you will obtain from your Cabinet sages! It is in the clash and collision of the thinkers outside of responsibility that these world-revered leaders catch the fire that lights up their policy. The _Times_ made the Crimean blunder. The _Siecle_ created the Mexican fiasco. The _Kreuz Zeitung_ gave the first impulse to the Schleswig-Holstein imbroglio; and if I mistake not, the "review" in the last _Diplomatic Chronicle_ will bear results of which he who now speaks to you will not disown the parentage.' 'The saints be praised! here's dinner,' exclaimed Kearney, 'or this fellow would talk us into a brain-fever. Kate is dining with Miss Betty again--God bless her for it,' muttered he as he gave his arm to Nina, and led the way. 'I've got you a commission as a "peeler," Dick,' said Joe, as they moved alon
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