Part 5 (2/2)

”Better go back to the old system, than modify the new,” said Lord Marney.

”I wish the people would take to it a little more,” said Sir Vavasour; ”they certainly do not like it in our parish.”

”The people are very contented here, eh Slimsey?” said Lord Marney.

”Very,” said the vicar.

Hereupon a conversation took place, princ.i.p.ally sustained by the earl and the baronet, which developed all the resources of the great parochial mind. Dietaries, b.a.s.t.a.r.dy, gaol regulations, game laws, were amply discussed; and Lord Marney wound up with a declaration of the means by which the country might be saved, and which seemed princ.i.p.ally to consist of high prices and low church.

”If the sovereign could only know her best friends,” said Sir Vavasour, with a sigh.

Lord Marney seemed to get uneasy.

”And avoid the fatal mistakes of her predecessor,” continued the baronet.

”Charles, another gla.s.s of claret,” said the earl.

”She might yet rally round the throne a body of men”--

”Then we will go to the ladies,” said the earl, abruptly disturbing his guest.

Book 2 Chapter 2

There was music as they re-entered the drawing-room. Sir Vavasour attached himself to Egremont.

”It is a great pleasure for me to see you again, Mr Egremont;” said the worthy baronet. ”Your father was my earliest and kindest friend. I remember you at Firebrace, a very little boy. Happy to see you again, Sir, in so eminent a position; a legislator--one of our legislators. It gave me a sincere satisfaction to observe your return.”

”You are very kind, Sir Vavasour.”

”But it is a responsible position,” continued the baronet. ”Think you they'll stand? A majority. I suppose, they have; but, I conclude, in time; Sir Robert will have it in time? We must not be in a hurry; 'the more haste'--you know the rest. The country is decidedly conservative.

All that we want now is a strong government, that will put all things to rights. If the poor king had lived--”

”He would have sent these men to the right-abouts;” said Egremont, a young politician, proud of his secret intelligence.

”Ah! the poor king!” said Sir Vavasour, shaking his head.

”He was entirely with us,” said Egremont.

”Poor man” said Sir Vavasour.

”You think it was too late, then?” said his companion.

”You are a young man entering political life,” said the baronet, taking Egremont kindly by the arm, and leading him to a sofa; ”everything depends on the first step. You have a great opportunity. Nothing can be done by a mere individual. The most powerful body in this country wants a champion.”

”But you can depend on Peel?” said Egremont.

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