l-born cadet
owes to the destined head of his house. "I cannot conceive how I missed
you last night at Lady Beaumanoir's, where Mivers tells me he met you;
but I left early."

Here Mivers led the way to the breakfast-room, and, there seated, the
host became the principal talker, running with lively glibness over the
principal topics of the day,--the last scandal, the last new book, the
reform of the army, the reform of the turf, the critical state of Spain,
and the debut of an Italian singer. He seemed an embodied Journal,
including the Leading Article, the Law Reports, Foreign Intelligence,
the Court Circular, down to the Births, Deaths, and Marriages. Gordon
from time to time interrupted this flow of soul with brief, trenchant
remarks, which evinced his own knowledge of the subjects treated, and
a habit of looking on all subjects connected with the pursuits and
business of mankind from a high ground appropriated to himself, and
through the medium of that blue glass which conveys a wintry aspect to
summer landscapes. Kenelm said little, but listened attentively.

The conversation arrested its discursive nature, to settle upon a
political chief, the highest in fame and station of that party to which
Mivers professed--not to belong, he belonged to himself alone, but to
appropinquate. Mivers spoke of this chief with the greatest distrust,
and in a spirit of general depreciation. Gordon acquiesced in the
distrust and the depreciation, adding, "But he is master of the
position, and must, of course, be supported through thick and thin for
the present."

"Yes, for the present," said Mivers, "one has no option. But you will
see some clever articles in 'The Londoner' towards the close of the
session, which will damage him greatly, by praising him in the wrong
place, and deepening the alarm of important followers,--an alarm now at
work, though suppressed."

Here Kenelm asked, in humble tones, why Gordon thought that a minister
he considered so untrustworthy and dangerous must for the present be
supported through thick and thin.

"Because at present a member elected so to support him would lose his
seat if he did not: needs must when the devil drives."

KENELM.--"When the devil drives, I should have thought it better to
resign one's seat on the coach; perhaps one might be of some use, out of
it, in helping to put on the drag."

MIVERS.--"Cleverly said, Kenelm. But, metaphor apart, Gordon is right.
A young politician must