seductive
character than those of business, in which the mark lately set, and
the pencilled note still fresh, showed the fondness with which men of
cultivated minds, though engaged in official pursuits, will turn, in
the momentary intervals of more arid and toilsome life, to those lighter
studies which perhaps they in reality the most enjoy.

One of these books, a volume of Shaftesbury, Aram carefully took up;
it opened of its own accord in that most beautiful and profound passage
which contains perhaps the justest sarcasm, to which that ingenious and
graceful reasoner has given vent.

"The very spirit of Faction, for the greatest part, seems to be no other
than the abuse or irregularity of that social love and common affection
which is natural to mankind--for the opposite of sociableness, is
selfishness, and of all characters, the thorough selfish one--is
the least forward in taking party. The men of this sort are, in this
respect, true men of moderation. They are secure of their temper, and
possess themselves too well to be in danger of entering warmly into any
cause, or engaging deeply with any side or faction."

On the margin of the page was the following note, in the handwriting of
Lord--.

"Generosity hurries a man into party--philosophy keeps him aloof from
it; the Emperor Julian says in his epistle to Themistius, 'If you
should form only three or four philosophers, you would contribute more
essentially to the happiness of mankind than many kings united.' Yet,
if all men were philosophers, I doubt whether, though more men would be
virtuous, there would be so many instances of an extraordinary virtue.
The violent passions produce dazzling irregularities."

The Student was still engaged with this note when the Earl entered the
room. As the door through which he passed was behind Aram, and he
trod with a soft step, he was not perceived by the Scholar till he had
reached him, and, looking over Aram's shoulder, the Earl said:--"You
will dispute the truth of my remark, will you not? Profound calm is the
element in which you would place all the virtues."

"Not all, my Lord," answered Aram, rising, as the Earl now shook him by
the hand, and expressed his delight at seeing the Student again. Though
the sagacious nobleman had no sooner heard the Student's name, than, in
his own heart, he was convinced that Aram had sought him for the purpose
of soliciting a renewal of the offers he had formerly refused; he
resolved