mentioned some new fact, or suggested some
new expedient, which in these days seems such a fashionable habit, when
everybody has his advice to proffer."

"No, no," said Clowes, shaking his head; "it could n't be that. _We_
have been opposed to this war from the beginning. It was all a mistake,
a dead mistake. Aberdeen agreed with us, but we were outvoted. They
would have a fight. They said we wanted something to get cotton-spinning
out of our blood; and, egad! I suspect they've got it.

"Our views," continued Clowes, pompously, "were either a peace or a
march to St. Petersburg. This French alliance is a rotten thing, sir.
That Corsican will double on us. The very first moment any turn of
fortune gives France an advantage, _he 'll_ make peace, and leave us all
the obloquy of a reluctant assent. That's _his_ view,--that's mine, too;
and we are seldom mistaken."

"For all that, I wish I were back there again," said Conway. "With every
one of its hardships--and they were no trifles--it was a better life
than this lounging one I lead now. Tell Mr. Dunn that I was here. Say
that I enjoyed your excellent hospitality and pleasant company; and
accept my hearty thanks for both." And with a cordial shake of the hand,
Conway wished him "Good-bye," and departed.

"That's just the class of men we want in our army," said Clowes, as he
followed him with his eyes. "A stamp somewhat above the common,--a very
fine young fellow too."

In less than a quarter of an hour after Conway's departure, Davenport
Dunn's carriage drew up at his door, and Mr. Clowes hastened to receive
his master.

"Are they out, sir,--are they out?" said he, eagerly, as he followed him
into the study.

"Yes," said Dunn; "but everything is still at sixes and sevens. Lord
Derby has been sent for, and Lord John sent for, and Lord Palmerston
sent for, but nothing decided on,--nothing done."

"And how will it end?" asked Clowes, like one waiting for the solution
of a difficulty.

"Who has called this morning?" said Dunn, curtly. "Has Lord Glengariff
been here?"

"No, sir. Sir Jacob Harris and the Drumsna Directors are all in waiting,
and a rather promiscuous lot are in the back parlor. A young soldier,
too, was here. He fancied you had asked him to breakfast, and so I made
him join mine."

"Indeed!" exclaimed Dunn. "I forgot all about that engagement. How
provoking! Can you find out where he is stopping?"

"No. But he's sure to drop in again: I half promis