to that now;
only remember this, if he proposes, and you don't accept him, your father
and I will be seriously displeased.

_El_. [_sighing_]. I'm sure the gentleman opposite is a friend of the
people. See! he's reading the 'Pall Mall.' [_Aside to_ Adolphus.] Mamma
has just been telling me that she sees such a strange likeness between
you and your opposite neighbour.

_Ad_. Ah! Plumper--if the name on his hat-box is to be believed; A.
Plumper, too. I wonder whether A. stands for Adolphus? I don't feel
flattered.

_El_. Now that is nothing but Tory prejudice. I am sure he looks very
distinguished, though his name is Plumper. I have no doubt he's a self-
made man.

_Pl_. Pup-pup-pup-pardon me, madam; shall I put the window up? I see
you feel the dud-dud-dud-draught.

_El_. Thank you. No; I prefer it open. But may I ask you to lend me
your 'Echo'? it's a paper I like so much, and so seldom see.

_Fl_. Cheap, but not nasty; enjoys a vast circulation among the middle
classes. The Conservatives are as far behind us in journalistic capacity
as they are in parliamentary eloquence.

_Pl_. You must make allowances for my friend. He's on the pup-pup-pup-
press himself, and expects shortly to get into Pup-pup-pup-Parliament.

_El_. Oh, I do so hope he will! You don't think there is a reaction
setting in, do you? Papa says that Mr Gladstone is losing his hold on
the country.

_Lord Gules_ [_awaking with a snort_]. Not, however, before the country
has lost its hold upon him. He cares no more for his country, sir, than
I do for the Chinese in California. He's a traitor, sir, to his
principles; he's--

_El_. Oh, papa, do stop!--here we are at the Victoria--and we have no
right to judge any one so harshly. I assure you such strong expressions
only make me feel more and more convinced how wrong you must be. [_To_
Plumper, _handing back his paper_.] Thank you so much. I'm so sorry I
have not had time to read it.

_Lady G_. Good-bye, Mr Gresham; remember that you have promised to dine
with us to-morrow night. We shall be quite alone; but I am sure you
don't care about a party.

_Ad_. I need not say with what pleasure I shall look forward to it. _Au
revoir_, Lady Elaine. [_Aside_.] You do not know how you have been
tempting me to abandon all my cherished political convictions for your
sake. It is to be hoped that the Radicals will not follow up their
success with the caucus by organising