t you do nothing but stare,
Endymion; I thought you would be in a state of the greatest excitement!"

"I am rather stunned than excited."

"Well, but you must not be stunned, you must act. This is a crisis for
our party, but it is something more for you. It is your climacteric.
They may lose; but you must win, if you will only bestir yourself. See
the whips directly, and get the most certain seat you can. Nothing must
prevent your being in the new parliament."

"I see everything to prevent it," said Endymion. "I have no means of
getting into parliament--no means of any kind."

"Means must be found," said Lady Montfort. "We cannot stop now to talk
about means. That would be a mere waste of time. The thing must be done.
I am now going to your sister, to consult with her. All you have got to
do is to make up your mind that you will be in the next parliament, and
you will succeed; for everything in this world depends upon will."

"I think everything in this world depends upon woman," said Endymion.

"It is the same thing," said Berengaria.

Adriana was with Lady Roehampton when Lady Montfort was announced.

Adriana came to console; but she herself was not without solace, for, if
there were a change of government, she would see more of her friend.

"Well; I was prepared for it," said Lady Roehampton. "I have always been
expecting something ever since what they called the Bed-Chamber Plot."

"Well; it gave us two years," said Lady Montfort; "and we are not out
yet."

Here were three women, young, beautiful, and powerful, and all friends
of Endymion--real friends. Property does not consist merely of parks
and palaces, broad acres, funds in many forms, services of plate, and
collections of pictures. The affections of the heart are property, and
the sympathy of the right person is often worth a good estate.

These three charming women were cordial, and embraced each other when
they met; but the conversation flagged, and the penetrating eye of Myra
read in the countenance of Lady Montfort the urgent need of confidence.

"So, dearest Adriana," said Lady Roehampton, "we will drive out together
at three o'clock. I will call on you." And Adriana disappeared.

"You know it?" said Lady Montfort when they were alone. "Of course you
know it. Besides, I know you know it. What I have come about is this;
your brother must be in the new parliament."

"I have not seen him; I have not mentioned it to him," said Myra,
somewhat h