Whatever his claim
might be, good or bad, the only evidence that can prove his pedigree is
in your possession and the only use to which it ever will be put, will
be in due time to seat your grandson in the House of Lords."

"I am glad I called upon you," said Lord Mowbray.

"To be sure. Your lordship can speak to me without reserve, and I am
used to these start-ups. It is part of the trade; but an old soldier is
not to be deceived by such feints."

"Clearly a feint, you think?"

"A feint! a feint."

"Good morning. I am glad I have called. How goes on my friend Sir
Vavasour?"

"Oh! I shall land him at last."

"Well, he is an excellent, neighbourly, man. I have a great respect for
Sir Vavasour. Would you dine with me, Mr Hatton, on Thursday? It would
give me and Lady de Mowbray great pleasure."

"Your lordship is extremely kind," said Mr Hatton bowing with a slight
sarcastic smile, "but I am an hermit."

"But your friends should see you sometimes," said Lord de Mowbray.

"Your lordship is too good, but I am a mere man of business and know my
position. I feel I am not at home in ladies' society."

"Well then come to-morrow: I am alone, and I will ask some persons to
meet you whom you know and like,--Sir Vavasour and Lord Shaftesbury and
a most learned Frenchman who is over here--a Vicomte de Narbonne, who is
very anxious to make your acquaintance. Your name is current I can tell
you at Paris."

"Your lordship is too good; another day: I have a great pressure of
affairs at present."

"Well, well; so be it. Good morning, Mr Hatton."

Hatton bowed lowly. The moment the door was shut, rubbing his hands, he
said, "In the same box and in the same cabinet: the muniment room in the
great tower of Mowbray Castle! They exist and I know their whereabouts.
I'll have 'em."

Book 4 Chapter 14.

Two and even three days had rolled over since Mr Tadpole had reported
Sir Robert on his way to the palace, and marvellously little had
transpired. It was of course known that a cabinet was in formation, and
the daily papers reported to the public the diurnal visits of certain
noble lords and right honourable gentlemen to the new first minister.
But the world of high politics had suddenly become so cautious that
nothing leaked out. Even gossip was at fault. Lord Marney had not
received the Buckhounds, though he never quitted his house for ride or
lounge without leaving precise instructions with Captain Grouse as to
the