o play eavesdropper, Lady Augusta," said he, earnestly;
"but as I came up the grass alley I heard my own name mentioned
twice. Am I indiscreet in asking to what circumstance I owe the honor of
engaging your attention?"

"I don't exactly know how to tell you," said she, blushing. "Not,
indeed, but that the subject was one on which your own sentiments would
be far more interesting than our speculations; but in repeating what
passed between us, I might, perhaps, give an undue weight to opinions
which merely came out in the course of conversation. In fact, Mr. Dunn,"
said she, hastily, "my father and I differ as to what should constitute
the aristocracy of this kingdom, and from what sources it should be
enlisted."

"And was used as an illustration?" said Dunn, bowing low, but without
the slightest trace of irritation.

"You were," said she, in a low but distinct voice.

"And," continued he, in the same quiet tone, "Lady Augusta Arden
condescended to think and to speak more favorably of the class I belong
to than the Earl her father. Well," cried he, with more energy of
manner, "it is gratifying to me that I found the advocacy in the quarter
that I wished it. I can well understand the noble Lord's prejudices;
they are not very unreasonable; the very fact that they have taken
centuries to mature, and that centuries have acquiesced in them, would
give them no mean value. But I am also proud to think that you, Lady
Augusta, can regard with generosity the claims of those beneath you.
Remember, too," added he, "what a homage we render to your order when
men like myself confess that wealth, power, and influence are all little
compared with recognition by you and yours."

"Perhaps," said she, hesitatingly, "you affix a higher value on these
distinctions than they merit."

"If you mean so far as they conduce to human happiness, I agree with
you; but I was addressing myself solely to what are called the ambitions
of life."

"I have the very greatest curiosity to know what are yours," said she,
abruptly.

"Mine! mine!" said Dunn, stammering, and in deep confusion. "I have but
one."

"Shall I guess it? Will you tell me, if I guess rightly?

"I will, most faithfully."

"Your desire is, then, to be a Cabinet Minister; you want to be where
the administrative talents you possess will have their fitting influence
and exercise."

"No, not that!" sighed he, heavily.

"Mere title could never satisfy an ambition such as yours