ld move
at the same time, for they were chained together! Two of the swell mob,
sent to town for picking a pocket at Shrewsbury races."

"A countess and a felon! So much for public conveyances," said
Lord Mowbray. "But Lady Vanilla is one of those who will talk with
everybody."

"She is very amusing though," said Lady Marney.

"I dare say she is," said Lord de Mowbray; "but believe me, my dear Lady
Marney, in these times especially, a countess has something else to do
than be amusing."

"You think as property has its duties as well as its rights, rank has
its bores as well as its pleasures."

Lord Mowbray mused.

"How do you do, Mr Jermyn?" said a lively little lady with sparkling
beady black eyes, and a very yellow complexion, though with good
features; "when did you arrive in the North? I have been fighting your
battles finely since I saw you," she added shaking her head, rather with
an expression of admonition than of sympathy.

"You are always fighting one's battles Lady Firebrace; it is very kind
of you. If it were not for you, we should none of us know how much we
are all abused," replied Mr Jermyn, a young M.P.

"They say you gave the most radical pledges," said Lady Firebrace
eagerly, and not without malice. "I heard Lord Muddlebrains say that if
he had had the least idea of your principles, you would not have had his
influence."

"Muddlebrains can't command a single vote," said Mr Jermyn. "He is a
political humbug, the greatest of all humbugs; a man who swaggers about
London clubs and consults solemnly about his influence, and in the
country is a nonentity."

"Well, that can't be said of Lord Clarinel," rejoined Lady Firebrace.

"And have you been defending me against Lord Clarinel's attacks?"
inquired Mr Jermyn.

"No; but I am going to Wemsbury, and then I have no doubt I shall have
the opportunity."

"I am going to Wemsbury myself," said Mr Jermyn.

"And what does Lord Clarinel think of your pledge about the pension
list?" said Lady Firebrace daunted but malignant.

"He never told me," said Mr Jermyn.

"I believe you did not pledge yourself to the ballot?" inquired Lady
Firebrace with an affected air of inquisitiveness.

"It is a subject that requires some reflection," said Mr Jermyn. "I must
consult some profound politician like Lady Firebrace. By the bye, you
told my mother that the conservatives would have a majority of fifteen.
Do you think they will have as much?" said Mr Jermyn wi