gitation.

"Yesterday. Blackwell sent a cabinet messenger to me, but with the
strictest injunctions to secrecy. In fact, the rumor would call so many
suitors in the field, that the Foreign Office would be besieged."

"You can rely upon it, however?"

"Unquestionably. Blackwell writes me that the thing is done. You will
receive the offer immediately after the recess."

"You acted very properly, I must say,--very properly, indeed, in giving
me this early notice of his Majesty's gracious intentions with regard
to me; the more, as I shall have time to consider how far my views
upon questions of foreign politics are in agreement with those of the
Government."

"Upon that point your Lordship's mind may be at rest. I gather from
Blackwell that you will receive the widest discretion. The Secretary of
State has named you as _the_ man; of course interference is out of the
question."

"Of course it would be, sir, were I to accept the mission. Dollington's
house, I conclude, is a suitable one, and we 'll think of it; and as to
yourself, Linton, I really am at a loss what to say. Lady Kilgoff--it is
best to be candid--is prejudiced against you. She thinks you satirical
and sarcastic, as if,"--and here he raised his head, and threw forward
his chin with most imposing dignity,--"as if the person who bore _my_
name need fear such qualities anywhere; but besides this, it appears
to _me_ that your abilities are not diplomatic. You have neither that
natural reserve nor that suave impressiveness 'the line' requires. You
are a Club man,-and will probably make a very good House of Commons man;
but diplomacy, Mr. Linton,--diplomacy is a high, I had almost said a
sacred vocation! To all the _prestige_ of family and ancient lineage
must be added the most insinuating graces of manner. Personal advantages
should be combined with a high cultivation, so that the Envoy may
worthily mirror forth the Majesty he represents. It would be an
inestimable benefit if the Eastern principle of 'caste' were observed in
diplomacy, and the office of Ambassador be limited to certain families!
Believe me, sir, you may say of such, '_Nascitur non fit._'"

As he spoke, his eyes flashed, and his cheek became flushed; the flutter
of self-importance gave a fresh impulse to his circulation, and he
walked back and forward in a perfect ecstasy of delight.

"Alas, my Lord! you have made me feel too deeply the presumption of my
request. I confess, till I had listene