school-boy he is now; and if mortal span were extended to the age of
the patriarchs, just what Alban Morley is now, Alban Morley would be a
thousand years hence. I don't mean externally, of course; wrinkles will
come--cheeks will fade. But these are trifles: man's body is a garment,
as Socrates said before me, and every seven years, according to the
physiologists, man has a new suit, fibre and cuticle, from top to toe.
The interior being that wears the clothes is the same in Alban Morley.
Has he loved, hated, rejoiced, suffered? Where is the sign? Not one. At
school, as in life, doing nothing, but decidedly somebody--respected
by small boys, petted by big boys--an authority with all. Never getting
honours--arm and arm with those who did; never in scrapes--advising
those who were; imperturbable, immovable, calm above mortal cares as an
Epicurean deity. What can wealth give that he has not got? In the houses
of the richest he chooses his room. Talk of ambition, talk of power--he
has their rewards without an effort. True prime minister of all
the realm he cares for; good society has not a vote against him--he
transacts its affairs, he knows its secrets--he yields its patronage.
Ever requested to do a favour--no loan great enough to do him one.
Incorruptible, yet versed to a fraction in each man's price; impeccable,
yet confidant in each man's foibles; smooth as silk, hard as adamant;
impossible to wound, vex, annoy him--but not insensible; thoroughly
kind. Dear, dear Alban! nature never polished a finer gentleman out of a
solider block of man!" Darrell's voice quivered a little as he completed
in earnest affection the sketch begun in playful irony, and then with a
sudden change of thought, he resumed lightly:

"But I wish you to do me a favour, Lionel. Aid me to repair a fault in
good breeding, of which Alban Morley would never have been guilty. I
have been several days in London, and not yet called on your mother.
Will you accompany me now to her house and present me?"

"Thank you, thank you; you will make her so proud and happy; but may I
ride on and prepare her for your visit?"

"Certainly; her address is--"

"Gloucester Place, No.--."

"I will meet you there in half an hour."

CHAPTER II.

"Let observation, with expansive view,
Survey mankind from China to Peru,"

--AND OBSERVATION WILL EVERYWHERE FIND, INDISPENSABLE TO THE
HAPPINESS OF WOMAN, A VISITING ACQUAINTANCE.

Lionel k