speak to the First Lord at the earliest convenient
moment, but as Captain Bramleigh has just got his promotion, he does not
see what can be done in addition. I do not suppose your son would like a
dockyard appointment, but a tolerably snug berth will soon be vacant at
Malta, and as Captain B. will be in town to-morrow, I shall wait upon
him early, and learn his wishes in the matter. There is a great talk
to-day of changes in the Cabinet, and some rumor of a dissolution. These
reports and disquieting news from France have brought the funds down
one-sixth. Burrows and Black have failed--the Calcutta house had made
some large tea speculation, it is said, without the knowledge of the
partners here. At all events, the liabilities will exceed a million;
available assets not a hundred thousand. I hope you will not suffer,
or if so, to only a trifling extent, as I know you lately declined the
advances Black so pressed upon you."

"He's right there," muttered Bramleigh. "I wouldn't touch those indigo
bonds. When old Grant began to back up the natives, I saw what would
become of the planters. All meddling with the labor market in India is
mere gambling, and whenever a man makes his _coup_ he ought to go off
with his money. What's all this here," muttered he, "about Talookdars
and Ryots? He ought to know this question cannot interest me."

"I met Kelson yesterday; he was very close and guarded, but my
impression is that they are doing nothing in the affair of the
'Pretender.' I hinted jocularly something about having a few thousands
by me if he should happen to know of a good investment, and, in the same
careless way, he replied, 'I 'll drop in some morning at the office, and
have a talk with you.' There was a significance in his manner that gave
me to believe he meant a 'transaction.' We shall see. I shall add a few
lines to this after I have seen Captain B. to-morrow. I must now hurry
off to Westminster."

Bramleigh turned over, and read the following:--

"Wednesday, 16.

"On going to the 'Drummond' this morning to breakfast, by appointment
with your son, I found him dressing, but talking with the occupant of a
room on the opposite side of the sitting-room, where breakfast was
laid for three. Captain B., who seemed in excellent health and spirits,
entered freely on the subject of the shore appointment, and when
I suggested caution in discussing it, told me there was no need of
reserve, that he could say what he pleased bef