were engaged in that interesting and
instructive conversation of which we have snatched a passage.

"You may depend upon it," said Lord Marney, "that nothing is to be done
by delicacy. It is not delicacy that rules the House of Lords. What
has kept us silent for years? Threats; and threats used in the most
downright manner. We were told that if we did not conform absolutely
and without appeal to the will and pleasure of one individual, the cards
would be thrown up. We gave in; the game has been played, and won. I am
not at all clear that it has been won by those tactics--but gained it
is; and now what shall we do? In my opinion it is high time to get rid
of the dictatorship. The new ruse now for the palace is to persuade her
Majesty that Peel is the only man who can manage the House of Lords.
Well, then it is exactly the time to make certain persons understand
that the House of Lords are not going to be tools any longer merely for
other people. Rely upon it a bold united front at this moment would be
a spoke in the wheel. We three form the nucleus; there are plenty to
gather round. I have written to Marisforde; he is quite ripe. Lord
Hounslow will be here to-morrow. The thing is to be done; and if we are
not firm the grand conservative triumph will only end in securing the
best posts both at home and abroad for one too powerful family."

"Who had never been heard of in the time of my father," said the duke.

"Nor in the time of mine," said Lord de Mowbray.

"Royal and Norman blood like ours," said Lord Marney, "is not to be
thrown over in that way."

It was just at this moment that a servant entered with a card, which the
duke looking at said "It is Tadpole; shall we have him in? I dare say he
will tell us something." And notwithstanding the important character of
their conference, political curiosity and perhaps some private feeling
which not one of them cared to acknowledge, made them unanimously agree
that Mr Tadpole should be admitted.

"Lord Marney and Lord de Mowbray with the Duke of Fitz-Aquitaine,"
thought Mr Tadpole, as he was ushered into the library and his eye,
practised in machinations and prophetic in manoeuvres surveyed the three
nobles. "This looks like business and perhaps means mischief. Very lucky
I called!" With an honest smile he saluted them all.

"What news from the palace, Tadpole?" inquired the duke.

"Sir Robert is there," replied Tadpole.

"That's good news," exclaimed his grace, ech