evoted herself, from his childhood, to supply a father's loss and fit
him for his great position. It was said that he was clever, had been
educated by a tutor of great academic distinction, and was reading for a
double-first class at Oxford. This young marquis was indeed the head
of one of those few houses still left in England that retain feudal
importance. He was important, not only from his rank and his vast
fortune, but from an immense circle of powerful connections; from the
ability of his two predecessors, who had been keen politicians and
cabinet ministers; from the prestige they had bequeathed to his name;
from the peculiar nature of his property, which gave him the returning
interest in no less than six parliamentary seats in Great Britain
and Ireland; besides the indirect ascendency which the head of the
Castletons had always exercised over many powerful and noble allies of
that princely house. I was not aware that he was related to Sir Sedley,
whose world of action was so remote from politics; and it was with some
surprise that I now heard that announcement, and certainly with some
interest that I, perhaps from the verge of poverty, gazed on this young
heir of fabulous El Dorados.

It was easy to see that Lord Castleton had been brought up with
a careful knowledge of his future greatness, and its serious
responsibilities. He stood immeasurably aloof from all the affectations
common to the youth of minor patricians. He had not been taught to value
himself on the cut of a coat or the shape of a hat. His world was far
above St. James's Street and the clubs. He was dressed plainly, though
in a style peculiar to himself,--a white neck-cloth (which was not
at that day quite so uncommon for morning use as it is now), trousers
without straps, thin shoes, and gaiters. In his manner there was nothing
of the supercilious apathy which characterizes the dandy introduced
to some one whom he doubts if he can nod to from the bow-window at
White's,--none of such vulgar coxcombries had Lord Castleton; and yet a
young gentleman more emphatically coxcomb it was impossible to see. He
had been told, no doubt, that as the head of a house which was almost
in itself a party in the state, he should be bland and civil to all men;
and this duty being grafted upon a nature singularly cold and unsocial,
gave to his politeness something so stiff, yet so condescending that
it brought the blood to one's cheek,--though the momentary anger was