understand," said Prince Florestan; "but governments, like
individuals, sometimes shrink from formality. The government of my
country will act on the intimation, but they do not care to make it an
affair of despatches."

"There is only one way of transacting business," said Mr. Wilton
frigidly, and as if, so far as he was concerned, the interview was
ended.

"I have been advised on high authority," said Prince Florestan, speaking
very slowly, "that if any member of the present cabinet will mention in
conversation to the representative of my country here, that the act of
justice would not be disagreeable to the British Government, the affair
is finished."

"I doubt whether any one of my colleagues would be prepared to undertake
a personal interference of that kind with a foreign government," said
Mr. Wilton stiffly. "For my own part, I have had quite enough of such
interpositions never to venture on them again."

"The expression of feeling desired would involve no sort of engagement,"
said the imperturbable prince.

"That depends on the conscience of the individual who interferes. No
man of honour would be justified in so interposing if he believed he was
thus furnishing arms against the very government of which he solicited
the favour."

"But why should he believe this?" asked the prince with great calmness.

"I think upon reflection," said Mr. Wilton, taking up at the same time
an opened letter which was before him, as if he wished to resume the
private business on which he had been previously engaged, "that your
royal highness might find very adequate reasons for the belief."

"I would put this before you with great deference, sir," said the
prince. "Take my own case; is it not more likely that I should lead that
life of refined retirement, which I really desire, were I in possession
of the means to maintain such a position with becoming dignity, than if
I were distressed, and harassed, and disgusted, every day, with sights
and incidents which alike outrage my taste and self-respect? It is not
prosperity, according to common belief, that makes conspirators."

"You _were_ in a position, and a refined position," rejoined Mr. Wilton
sharply; "you had means adequate to all that a gentleman could desire,
and might have been a person of great consideration, and you wantonly
destroyed all this."

"It might be remembered that I was young."

"Yes, you were young, very young, and your folly was condoned. You
might