nd the shame. His
elevation was certain. The President had made known his intention, and
had asked Minister Livingstone to be ready within a short time to sail
for home for final consultation. His departure from the court of St.
James would be glorious, and his welcome home significant; afterwards
his place would be amongst the stars. He owned the honorable pride that
loves power and place, when these are worthy, but does not seek them.
From the beginning the Livingstones had no need to run after office. It
always sought them, receiving as rich a lustre as it gave in the
recognition of their worth. His heart grew warm that fortune had singled
him out for the loftiest place in his country's gift. To die
chief-justice atoned for life's shortcomings. Life itself was at once
steeped in the color and perfume of the rose.

Felicitations poured in from the great. The simplicities of life
suddenly put on a new charm, the commonplaces a new emphasis. My Lord
Tomnoddy's 'how-de-do' was uttered with feeling, men took a second look
at him, the friends of a season felt a warmth about their language, if
not about the heart, in telling of his coming dignity. The government
people shook off their natural drowsiness to measure the facts, to
understand that emotion should have a share in uttering the words of
farewell. "Oh, my _dear_, DEAR Livingstone!" cried the Premier as he
pressed his hand vigorously at their first meeting after the news had
been given out. Society sang after the same fashion. Who could resist
the delight of these things?

His family and friends exulted. Lovable and deep-hearted with them,
harsh as he might be with opponents, their gladness gave him joy. The
news spread among the inner circles with due reserve, since no one
forgot the distance between the cup and the lip; but to intimates the
appointment was said to be a certainty, and confirmation by the Senate
as sure as anything mortal. Of course the Irish would raise a clamor,
but no arm among them had length or strength enough to snatch away the
prize. Not in many years had Livingstone dipped so deeply into the
waters of joy as in the weeks that followed the advice from the
President.

Arthur Dillon knew that mere opposition would not affect Livingstone's
chances. His position was too strong to be stormed, he learned upon
inquiry in Washington. The political world was quiet to drowsiness, and
the President so determined in his choice that candidates would not