we write in the same room, and pass our mornings in the library
till luncheon. She is stunningly handsome, as tall as the Greek cousin, and
with a stately grace of manner and a cold dignity of demeanour I'd give my
heart's blood to subdue to a mood of womanly tenderness and dependence. Up
to this, my position is that of a very humble courtier in the presence of a
queen, and she takes care that by no momentary forgetfulness shall I lose
sight of the 'situation.'

'"She is engaged, they say, to be married to Walpole; but as I have not
heard that he is heir-apparent, or has even the reversion to the crown of
Spain, I cannot perceive what the contract means.

'"I rode out with her to-day by special invitation, or permission--which
was it?--and in the few words that passed between us, she asked me if I had
long known Mr. Walpole, and put her horse into a canter without waiting for
my answer.

'"With H. E. I can talk away freely, and without constraint. I am never
very sure that he does not know the things he questions me on better than
myself--a practice some of his order rather cultivate; but, on the whole,
our intercourse is easy. I know he is not a little puzzled about me, and I
intend that he should remain so.

'"When you have seen and spoken with Walpole, write me what has taken
place between you; and though I am fully convinced that what you intend is
unmitigated folly, I see so many difficulties in the way, such obstacles,
and such almost impossibilities to be overcome, that I think Fate will
be more merciful to you than your ambitions, and spare you, by an early
defeat, from a crushing disappointment.

'"Had you ambitioned to be a governor of a colony, a bishop, or a Queen's
messenger--they are the only irresponsible people I can think of--I
might have helped you; but this conceit to be a Parliament man is such
irredeemable folly, one is powerless to deal with it.

'"At all events, your time is not worth much, nor is your public character
of a very grave importance. Give them both, then, freely to the effort, but
do not let it cost you money, nor let Donogan persuade you that you are one
of those men who can make patriotism self-supporting.

'"H. E. hints at a very confidential mission on which he desires to employ
me; and though I should leave this place now with much regret, and a more
tender sorrow than I could teach you to comprehend, I shall hold myself
at his orders for Japan if he wants me. Meanwhile, w