d
Minister-plenipotentiary acknowledges to be life, Master Tony would
not shine. The solid qualities you dwelt on so favorably are like rough
carvings; they are not meant for gilding. Now, seeing the deep interest
you and all your family take in this youth, and feeling as I do a
sincere regard for the old lady his mother, in whose society I have
passed two or three delightful mornings, I conceived a sort of project
which might possibly give the young fellow a good chance of success. I
thought of taking him abroad,--on the Continent,--showing him something
of life and the world in a sphere in which he had not yet seen it;
letting him see for himself the value men set upon tact and address,
and making him feel that these are the common coinage daily intercourse
requires, while higher qualities are title-deeds that the world only
calls for on emergencies."

"But you could never have persuaded him to such a position of
dependence."

"I'd have called him my private secretary; I'd have treated him as my
equal."

"It was very generous; it was nobly generous."

"When I thought I had made him presentable anywhere,--and it would not
take long to do so--I'd have contrived to bring him under his uncle's
notice,--as a stranger, of course: if the effect were favorable, well
and good; if it proved a failure, there was neither disappointment nor
chagrin. Mrs. Butler gave me a half assent, and I was on the good
road with her son till this morning, when that unlucky meeting has, I
suspect, spoiled everything."

"But why should it?"

"Why should anything happen as men's passions or impulses decide it? Why
should one man be jealous of the good fortune that another man has not
won?"

She turned away her bead and was silent.

"I 'd not have told you one word of this, Mrs. Trafford, if I had not
been so sore pressed that I could n't afford to let you, while defending
your friend, accuse me of want of generosity and unfairness. Let me own
it frankly,--I was piqued by all your praises of this young man; they
sounded so like insidious criticisms on others less fortunate in your
favor."

"As if the great Mr. Maitland could care for any judgments of mine!"
said she; and there was in her voice and manner a strange blending of
levity and seriousness.

"They are the judgments that he cares most for in all the world," said
he, eagerly. "To have heard from your lips one half the praise, one
tenth part of the interest you so lately bestow