hall see. Leslie, it is lucky for you that you
did not enter Parliament under the government; it would be your political
ruin for life."

"You think that the ministry can not last?"

"Of course I do; and what is more, I think that a ministry of the same
principles can not be restored. You are a young man of talent and spirit;
your birth is nothing compared to the rank of the reigning party; it would
tell, to a certain degree, in a democratic one. I say, you should be more
civil to Avenel; he could return you to Parliament at the next election."

"The next election! In six years! We have just had a general election."

"There will be another before this year, or half of it, or perhaps a
quarter of it, is out."

"What makes you think so?"

"Leslie, let there be confidence between us; we can help each other. Shall
we be friends?"

"With all my heart. But, though you may help me, how can I help you?"

"You have helped me already to Frank Hazeldean--and the Casino estate. All
clever men can help me. Come then, we are friends; and what I say is
secret. You ask me why I think there will be a general election so soon? I
will answer you frankly. Of all the public men I ever met with, there is
no one who has so clear a vision of things immediately before him as
Audley Egerton."

"He has that character. Not _far_-seeing, but _clear_-sighted to a certain
limit."

"Exactly so. No one better, therefore, knows public opinion, and its
immediate ebb and flow."

"Granted."

"Egerton, then, counts on a general election within three months; and I
have lent him the money for it."

"Lent him the money! Egerton borrow money of you--the rich Audley Egerton!"

"Rich!" repeated Levy in a tone impossible to describe, and accompanying
the word with that movement of the middle finger and thumb, commonly
called a "snap," which indicates profound contempt.

He said no more. Randal sate stupefied. At length, the latter muttered,
"But if Egerton is really not rich--if he lose office, and without the hope
of return to it--"

"If so, he is ruined!" said Levy coldly; "and therefore, from regard to
you, and feeling interest in your future fate, I say--Rest no hopes of
fortune or career upon Audley Egerton. Keep your place for the present,
but be prepared at the next election to stand upon popular principles.
Avenel shall return you to parliament; and the rest is with luck and
energy. And now, I'll not detain you longer," said Levy rising