est of politics
would have a great attraction for me, I should always occupy too
humble a station regarding them, to make that interest a high one. Omit
Parliament, then, and what next?"

"The duties of a country gentleman are various and important--the
management of your estates--"

"This I must leave in your hands," said Cashel, abruptly. "Suggest
something else."

"Well, of course, these come in a far less important category; but the
style of your living, the maintenance of a house befitting your rank
and property, the reception of your country neighbors,--all these are
duties."

"I am very ignorant of forms," said Cashel, haughtily; "but I opine that
if a man spare no money, with a good cook, a good cellar, a good stable,
and _carte blanche_ from the owner to make free with everything, these
duties are not very difficult to perform."

Had Mr. Kennyfeck known more of such matters, he might have told him
that something was still wanting,--that something which can throw its
perfume of good-breeding and elegance over the humble dinner-party in a
cottage, and yet be absent from the gorgeous splendor of a banquet in
a palace. Mr. Kennyfeck did not know this, so he accorded his fullest
assent to Cashel's opinion.

"What comes next?" said Roland, impatiently, "for as I am neither
politician nor country gentleman, nor can I make a pursuit of mere
hospitality, I really do not see what career is open to me."

Mr. Kennyfeck had been on the eve of introducing the topic of marriage,
when this sally suddenly routed the attempt. The man who saw nothing to
occupy him in politics, property, or social intercourse would scarcely
deem a wife an all-sufficient ambition. Mr. Kennyfeck was posed.

"I see, sir, your task is a hard one; it is no less than to try and
conform my savage tastes and habits to civilized usages,--a difficult
thing, I am certain; however, I promise compliance with any ritual for
a while. I have often been told that the possession of fortune in these
countries imposes more restraints in the shape of duties than does
poverty elsewhere. Let me try the problem for myself. Now, dictate, and
I obey."

"After all," said Mr. Kennyfeck, taking courage, "few men would deem it
a hard condition in which to find themselves master of above L16,000 a
year, to enter Parliament, to keep a good house, and marry--as every man
in your circumstances may--the person of his choice."

"Oh! Is matrimony another article of the c