?"

"You may," said I.

"I forgive you, Pelham," rejoined Vincent: "we part friends."

"Wait one moment," said I, "and pardon me, if I venture to speak in the
language of caution to one in every way so superior to myself. No one,
(I say this with a safe conscience, for I never flattered my friend in
my life, though I have often adulated my enemy)--no one has a greater
admiration for your talents than myself; I desire eagerly to see you in
the station most fit for their display; pause one moment before you link
yourself, not only to a party, but to principles that cannot stand. You
have only to exert yourself, and you may either lead the opposition,
or be among the foremost in the administration. Take something certain,
rather than what is doubtful; or at least stand alone:--such is my
belief in your powers, if fairly tried, that if you were not united to
those men, I would promise you faithfully to stand or fall by you alone,
even if we had not through all England another soldier to our standard;
but--"

"I thank you, Pelham," said Vincent, interrupting me; "till we meet
in public as enemies, we are friends in private--I desire no
more.--Farewell."

CHAPTER LIV.

Il vaut mieux employer notre esprit a supporter les infortunes qui nous
arrivent, qu'a prevoir celle qui nous peuvent arriver.--Rochefoucault.

No sooner had Vincent departed, than I buttoned my coat, and sallied out
through a cold easterly wind to Lord Dawton's. It was truly said by the
political quoter, that I had been often to that nobleman's, although
I have not thought it advisable to speak of my political adventures
hitherto. I have before said that I was ambitious; and the sagacious
have probably already discovered, that I was somewhat less ignorant than
it was my usual pride and pleasure to appear. Heaven knows why! but I
had established among my uncle's friends, a reputation for talent, which
I by no means deserved; and no sooner had I been personally introduced
to Lord Dawton, than I found myself courted by that personage in
a manner equally gratifying and uncommon. When I lost my seat in
Parliament, Dawton assured me that before the session was over, I should
be returned for one of his boroughs; and though my mind revolted at
the idea of becoming dependant on any party, I made little scruple of
promising conditionally to ally myself to his. So far had affairs gone,
when I was honoured with Vincent's proposal. I found Lord Dawton in his