and jubilation was natural enough amongst those who were
likely, or thought they were likely, to profit by the change.

Sir John Pynsent and his friends had been discussing with much animation
the probable distribution of the patronage which the see-saw of party
government had now placed in the hands of the Conservative leader. Sir
John, whose opinion on this subject was specially valued by his
political associates, had already nominated the Cabinet and filled up
most of the subordinate offices; and he had not omitted to bestow a
place of honor and emolument upon his ambitious relative, Sydney
Campion.

The good-natured baronet was due that evening at the house of Lord
Montagu Plumley, and he hurried away to keep his appointment. When he
had gone the conversation became less general and more unrestrained, and
there were even a few notes of scepticism in regard to some of Sir
John's nominations.

"Plumley is safe enough," said Mr. Charles Milton. "He has worked hard
to bring about this result, and it would be impossible for the new
Premier to pass him over. But it is quite another matter when you come
to talk about Plumley's friends, or his friends' friends. I for one
shall be very much surprised if Campion gets the solicitorship."

"He's not half a bad sort," said Tom Willoughby, "and his name is being
put forward in the papers as though some people thought he had a very
good chance."

"Ah, yes, we know how that kind of thing is worked. The point most in
his favor is that there are not half-a-dozen men in Parliament good
enough for the post."

"What is the objection to him?"

"I don't say there is any objection. He is not a man who makes many
friends: and I fancy some of his best cases have been won more by luck
than by judgment. Then he has made one or two decidedly big mistakes. He
will never be quite forgiven for taking up that prosecution of Walcott
for a purely personal object. I know the late Attorney was much put out
when he found how he had been utilized in that affair."

"Pynsent seems to think him pretty sure of the offer."

"Just so; and if anyone can help him to it, Pynsent is the man. That
marriage was the best thing Campion ever did for himself, in more ways
than one. He wants holding in and keeping straight; and his wife has him
well in hand, as everybody can see."

"They seem a very happy couple."

"He is devoted to her, that is plain enough; and I never thought he had
it in him to care for