aces we refuse our own men, we
may count on the Sneaks."

"Then there are several religious men who have wanted an excuse for a
long time to rat," said Mr Tadpole. "We must get Sir Robert to make some
kind of a religious move, and that will secure Sir Litany Lax and young
Mr Salem."

"It will never do to throw over the Church Commission," said Mr Taper.
"Commissions and committees ought always to be supported."

"Besides it will frighten the saints," said Mr Tadpole. "If we could get
him to speak at Exeter Hall--were it only a slavery meeting--that would
do."

"It is difficult," said Taper; "he must be pledged to nothing--not even
to the right of search. Yet if we could get up something with a good
deal of sentiment and no principle involved; referring only to the past,
but with his practised powers touching the present. What do you think of
a monument to Wilberforce or a commemoration of Clarkson?"

"There is a good deal in that," said Mr Tadpole. "At present go about
and keep our fellows in good humour. Whisper nothings that sound like
something. But be discreet; do not let there be more than half a hundred
fellows who believe they are going to be Under Secretaries of State. And
be cautious about titles. If they push you, give a wink and press
your finger to your lip. I must call here," continued Mr Tadpole as he
stopped before the house of the Duke of Fitz-Aquitaine. "This gentleman
is my particular charge. I have been cooking him these three years. I
had two notes from him yesterday, and can delay a visit no longer.
The worst of it is, he expects that I shall bear him the non-official
announcement of his being sent to Ireland, of which he has about as
much chance as I have of being Governor-General of India. It must be
confessed ours is critical work sometimes, friend Taper; but never
mind--what we have to do to individuals Peel has to with a nation, and
therefore we ought not to complain."

The Duke of Fitz-Aquitaine wanted Ireland and Lord de Mowbray wanted
the Garter. Lord Marney, who wanted the Buckhounds, was convinced that
neither of his friends had the slightest chance of obtaining their
respective objects, but believed that he had a very good one of securing
his own if he used them for his purpose, and persuaded them to combine
together for the common good. So at his suggestion they had all met
together at the duke's, and were in full conference on the present state
of affairs, while Tadpole and Taper