and hastened towards the library, where sat Lord Kilgoff, surrounded by
folios of Grotius and Puffendorf,--less, indeed, for perusal and study
than as if inhaling the spirit of diplomatic craft from their presence.

"Nay, my Lord, this is too much," said he, entering with a smile; "some
relaxation is really necessary. Pray come and dissipate a little with us
in the drawing-room."

"Don't lose my place, however," said he, smiling far more graciously
than his wont. "I was just considering that assertion of Grotius,
wherein be lays it down that 'a river is always objectionable as a
national boundary.' I dissent completely from the doctrine. A river
has all the significance of a natural frontier. It is the line of
demarcation drawn from the commencement of the world between different
tracts, and at once suggests separation."

"Very true, my Lord; I see your observation in all its justice. A river,
in the natural world, is like the distinguishing symbol of rank in the
social, and should ever be a barrier against unwarrantable intrusion."

Lord Kilgoff smiled, tapped his snuff-box, and nodded, as though to say,
"Continue." Linton understood the hint in this wise, and went on,--

"And yet, my Lord, there is reason to fear that, with individuals as
with nations, these demarcations are losing their prestige. What people
call enlightenment and progress, nowadays, is the mere negation of these
principles."

"Every age has thrown some absurd theory to the surface, sir," said Lord
Kilgoff, proudly; "Southcotians, Mormons, and Radicals among the rest.
But truth, sir, has always the ascendency in the long run. Facts cannot
be sneered down; and the Pyrenees and the English peerage are facts, Mr.
Linton,--and similar facts, too!"

Linton looked like one who divided himself between rebuke and
conviction,--submissive, but yet satisfied.

"Give me your arm, Linton; I'm still very far from strong,--this place
disagrees with me. I fancy the air is rheumatic, and I am impatient
to get away; but the fact is, I have been lingering in the hope of
receiving some tidings from the Foreign Office, which I had rather would
reach me here than at my own house."

"Precisely, my Lord; the request, then, has the air--I mean it shows
you have been sought after by the Minister, and solicited to take office
when not thinking of the matter yourself."

"Quite so; I open the despatch, as it may be, at the breakfast-table,
jocularly observing that it