,
however, seemed to me most unaccountable was, his motive in breaking
or paltering with his engagement; he knew that I had served him and his
party better than half his corps; he professed, not only to me, but
to society, the highest opinion of my abilities, knowledge, and
application. He saw, consequently, how serviceable I could be as a
friend; and from the same qualities, joined to the rank of my birth
and connections, and the high and resentful temper of my mind, he might
readily augur that I could be equally influential as a foe.

With this reflection, I stilled the beating of my heart, and the fever
of my pulse. I crushed the obnoxious letter in my hand, walked thrice
up and down my room, paused at the bell--rung it violently--ordered post
horses instantly, and in less than an hour was on the road to London.

How different is the human mind, according to the difference of place.
In our passions, as in our creeds, we are the mere dependents of
geographical situation. Nay, the trifling variation of a single mile
will revolutionize the whole tides and torrents of our hearts. The man
who is meek, generous, benevolent, and kind in the country, enters the
scene of contest, and becomes forthwith fiery or mean, selfish or stern,
just as if the virtues were only for solitude, and the vices for the
city. I have ill expressed the above reflection; n'importe--so much the
better shall I explain my feelings at the time I speak of--for I was
then too eager and engrossed to attend to the niceties of words. On my
arrival at Mivart's, I scarcely allowed myself time to change my dress
before I set out to Lord Dawton. He shall afford me an explanation,
I thought, or a recompence, or a revenge. I knocked at the door--the
minister was out. "Give him this card," said I, haughtily, to the
porter, "and say I shall call to-morrow at three."

I walked to Brookes's--there I met Mr. V--. My acquaintance with him was
small, but he was a man of talent, and, what was more to my purpose, of
open manners. I went up to him, and we entered into conversation. "Is it
true," said I; "that I am to congratulate you upon the certainty of your
return for Lord Dawton's borough of--?"

"I believe so," replied V--. "Lord Dawton engaged it to me last week,
and Mr. H--, the present member, has accepted the Chiltern Hundreds. You
know all our family support Lord Dawton warmly on the present crisis,
and my return for this borough was materially insisted upon.