count of her good-nature
and generosity. But we cannot accept her indiscretion as an excuse
for a most unconstitutional act performed by the Prime Minister of
this country."

Latterly the Duchess had taken in her own copy of the "People's
Banner." Since she had found that those around her were endeavouring
to keep from her what was being said of her husband in regard to
the borough, she had been determined to see it all. She therefore
read the article from which two or three paragraphs have just been
given,--and having read it she handed it to her friend Mrs. Finn. "I
wonder that you trouble yourself with such trash," her friend said to
her.

"That is all very well, my dear, from you; but we poor wretches who
are the slaves of the people have to regard what is said of us in the
'People's Banner.'"

"It would be much better for you to neglect it."

"Just as authors are told not to read the criticisms;--but I never
would believe any author who told me that he didn't read what
was said about him. I wonder when the man found out that I was
good-natured. He wouldn't find me good-natured if I could get hold of
him."

"You are not going to allow it to torment you!"

"For my own sake, not a moment. I fancy that if I might be permitted
to have my own way I could answer him very easily. Indeed with these
dregs of the newspapers, these gutter-slanderers, if one would be
open and say all the truth aloud, what would one have to fear? After
all, what is it that I did? I disobeyed my husband because I thought
that he was too scrupulous. Let me say as much, out loud to the
public,--saying also that I am sorry for it, as I am,--and who would
be against me? Who would have a word to say after that? I should
be the most popular woman in England for a month,--and, as regards
Plantagenet, Mr. Slide and his articles would all sink into silence.
But even though he were to continue this from day to day for a
twelvemonth it would not hurt me,--but that I know how it scorches
him. This mention of my name will make it more intolerable to him
than ever. I doubt that you know him even yet."

"I thought that I did."

"Though in manner he is as dry as a stick, though all his pursuits
are opposite to the very idea of romance, though he passes his days
and nights in thinking how he may take a halfpenny in the pound off
the taxes of the people without robbing the revenue, there is a
dash of chivalry about him worthy of the old poets. To him a