cted that any of the ex-Prime Ministers of the day would come
to him. People had said that not improbably he himself might be
the man,--but he himself had indulged in no such dream. Office had
had no great charms for him;--and if there was one man of the late
Government who could lay it down without a personal regret, it was
Mr. Monk. "I wish you to come with me to the Duke's house in St.
James's Square," said the late Prime Minister. "I think we shall find
him at home."

"Certainly. I will come this moment." Then there was not a word
spoken till the two men were in the street together. "Of course I
am a little anxious," said Mr. Monk. "Have you anything to tell me
before we get there?"

"You of course must return to office, Mr. Monk."

"With your Grace--I certainly will do so."

"And without, if there be the need. They who are wanted should be
forthcoming. But perhaps you will let me postpone what I have to say
till we see the Duke. What a charming morning;--is it not? How sweet
it would be down in the country." March had gone out like a lamb, and
even in London the early April days were sweet,--to be followed, no
doubt, by the usual nipping inclemency of May. "I never can get over
the feeling," continued the Duke, "that Parliament should sit for the
six winter months, instead of in summer. If we met on the first of
October, how glorious it would be to get away for the early spring!"

"Nothing less strong than grouse could break up Parliament," said Mr.
Monk; "and then what would the pheasants and the foxes say?"

"It is giving up almost too much to our amusements. I used to think
that I should like to move for a return of the number of hunting and
shooting gentlemen in both Houses. I believe it would be a small
minority."

"But their sons shoot, and their daughters hunt, and all their
hangers-on would be against it."

"Custom is against us, Mr. Monk; that is it. Here we are. I hope my
friend will not be out, looking up young Lords of the Treasury." The
Duke of St. Bungay was not in search of cadets for the Government,
but was at this very moment closeted with Mr. Gresham, and Mr.
Gresham's especial friend Lord Cantrip. He had been at this
work so long and so constantly that his very servants had their
ministerial-crisis manners and felt and enjoyed the importance of the
occasion. The two newcomers were soon allowed to enter the august
conclave, and the five great senators greeted each other cordially.
"I ho