y Bardolf were not alone; they were accompanied by a
gentleman who had been staying on a visit at Firebrace, and who, being
acquainted with Lord de Mowbray, had paid his respects to the castle in
his way to London. This gentleman was the individual who had elevated
them to the peerage--Mr Hatton. A considerable intimacy had sprung
up between him and his successful clients. Firebrace was an old place
rebuilt in the times of the Tudors, but with something of its more
ancient portions remaining, and with a storehouse of muniments that had
escaped the civil wars. Hatton revelled in them, and in pursuing his
researches, had already made discoveries which might perhaps place the
coronet of the earldom of Lovel on the brow of the former champion
of the baronetage, who now however never mentioned the Order. Lord de
Mowbray was well content to see Mr Hatton, a gentleman in whom he did
not repose the less confidence, because his advice given him three years
ago, respecting the writ of right and the claim upon his estate had
proved so discreet and correct. Acting on that advice Lord de Mowbray
had instructed his lawyers to appear to the action without entering into
any unnecessary explanation of the merits of his case. He counted on the
accuracy of Mr Hatton's judgment, that the claim would not be pursued;
and he was right; after some fencing and preliminary manoeuvring, the
claim had not been pursued. Lord de Mowbray therefore, always
gracious, was disposed to accord a very distinguished reception to his
confidential counsellor. He pressed very much his guests to remain with
him some days, and though that was not practicable, Mr Hatton promised
that he would not leave the neighbourhood without paying another visit
to the castle.

"And you continue quiet here?" said Mr Hatton to Lord de Mowbray.

"And I am told we shall keep so," said Lord de Mowbray. "The mills are
mostly at work, and the men take the reduced wages in a good spirit. The
fact is our agitators in this neighbourhood suffered pretty smartly in
'39, and the Chartists have lost their influence.

"I am sorry for poor Lady St Julians," said Lady Bardolf to Lady de
Mowbray. "It must be such a disappointment, and she has had so many; but
I understand there is nobody to blame but herself. If she had only left
the Prince alone, but she would not be quiet!"

"And where are the Deloraines?"

"They are at Munich; with which they are delighted. And Lady Deloraine
writes me