y and
philanthropy. He writhed under every newspaper article that had made
"the blameless King" responsible for the iniquities of the Government to
which he belonged. In the loss of office he seemed to recover his former
throne.

Mr. King heard Graham's resolution with a grave approving smile, and his
interest in the young man became greatly increased. He devoted himself
strenuously to the object of saving to Graham some wrecks of his
paternal fortunes, and having a clear head and great experience in
the transaction of business, he succeeded beyond the most sanguine
expectations formed by the family solicitor. A rich manufacturer was
found to purchase at a fancy price the bulk of the estate with the
palatial mansion, which the estate alone could never have sufficed to
maintain with suitable establishments.

So that when all debts were paid, Graham found himself in possession of
a clear income of about L500 a year, invested in a mortgage secured on
a part of the hereditary lands, on which was seated an old hunting-lodge
bought by a brewer.

With this portion of the property Graham parted very reluctantly. It was
situated amid the most picturesque scenery on the estate, and the lodge
itself was a remnant of the original residence of his ancestors before
it had been abandoned for that which, built in the reign of Elizabeth,
had been expanded into a Trenthain-like palace by the last owner.

But Mr. King's argument reconciled him to the sacrifice. "I can manage,"
said the prudent adviser, "if you insist on it, to retain that remnant
of the hereditary estate which you are so loath to part with. But how?
by mortgaging it to an extent that will scarcely leave you L50. a year
net from the rents. This is not all. Your mind will then be distracted
from the large object of a career to the small object of retaining a few
family acres; you will be constantly hampered by private anxieties and
fears; you could do nothing for the benefit of those around you,--could
not repair a farmhouse for a better class of tenant, could not rebuild a
labourer's dilapidated cottage. Give up an idea that might be very well
for a man whose sole ambition was to remain a squire, however beggarly.
Launch yourself into the larger world of metropolitan life with energies
wholly unshackled, a mind wholly undisturbed, and secure of an income
which, however modest, is equal to that of most young men who enter that
world as your equals."

Graham was convin