proud
of the appellation. In truth, I only waited for my entree into the
House, to fix my eye and grasp upon the very situation that nobleman
coveted for himself.

Meanwhile, it was my pleasure to wear in society the coxcombical and
eccentric costume of character I had first adopted, and to cultivate the
arts which won from women the smile which cheered and encouraged me in
my graver contest with men. It was only to Ellen Glanville, that I laid
aside an affectation, which I knew was little likely to attract a taste
so refined and unadulterated as her's. I discovered in her a mind which,
while it charmed me by its tenderness and freshness, elevated me by
its loftiness of thought. She was, at heart, perhaps, as ambitious as
myself; but while my aspirations were concealed by affectation, her's
were softened by her timidity, and purified by her religion. There were
moments when I opened myself to her, and caught a new spirit from her
look of sympathy and enthusiasm.

"Yes," thought I, "I do long for honours, but it is that I may ask her
to share and ennoble them." In fine, I loved as other men loved--and I
fancied a perfection in her, and vowed an emulation in myself, which it
was reserved for Time to ratify or deride.

Where did I leave myself? as the Irishman said--on my road to Lord
Dawton's. I was lucky enough to find that personage at home; he was
writing at a table covered with pamphlets and books of reference.

"Hush! Pelham," said his lordship, who is a quiet, grave, meditative
little man, always ruminating on a very small cud--"hush! or do oblige
me by looking over this history, to find out the date of the Council of
Pisa."

"That will do, my young friend," said his lordship, after I had
furnished him with the information he required--"I wish to Heaven, I
could finish this pamphlet by to-morrow: it is intended as an answer
to--. But I am so perplexed with business, that--"

"Perhaps," said I, "if you will pardon my interrupting you, I can throw
your observations together--make your Sibylline leaves into a book. Your
lordship will find the matter, and I will not spare the trouble."

Lord Dawton was profuse in his thanks; he explained the subject, and
left the arrangement wholly to me. He could not presume to dictate. I
promised him, if he lent me the necessary books, to finish the pamphlet
against the following evening.

"And now," said Lord Dawton--"that we have settled this affair--what
news from France?