hich gives pleasure of itself; all the
others require witnesses.

"Thus the slow ox would gaudy trappings claim."--HORACE.

MR. TEMPLETON had not obtained his peerage, and, though he had met with
no direct refusal, nor made even a direct application to headquarters,
he was growing sullen. He had great parliamentary influence, not close
borough, illegitimate influence, but very proper orthodox influence of
character, wealth, and so forth. He could return one member at least
for a city--he could almost return one member for a county, and in
three boroughs any activity on his part could turn the scale in a close
contest. The ministers were strong, but still they could not afford
to lose supporters hitherto zealous--the example of desertion is
contagious. In the town which Templeton had formerly represented, and
which he now almost commanded, a vacancy suddenly occurred--a candidate
started on the opposition side and commenced a canvass; to the
astonishment and panic of the Secretary of the Treasury, Templeton
put forward no one, and his interest remained dormant. Lord Saxingham
hurried to Lumley.

"My dear fellow, what is this?--what can your uncle be about? We shall
lose this place--one of our strongholds. Bets run even."

"Why, you see, you have all behaved very ill to my uncle--I am really
sorry for it, but I can do nothing."

"What, this confounded peerage! Will that content him, and nothing short
of it?"

"Nothing."

"He must have it, by Jove!"

"And even that may come too late."

"Ha! do you think so?"

"Will you leave the matter to me?"

"Certainly--you are a monstrous clever fellow, and we all esteem you."

"Sit down and write as I dictate, my dear lord."

"Well," said Lord Saxingham, seating himself at Lumley's enormous
writing-table--"well, go on."

"_My dear Mr. Templeton_--"

"Too familiar," said Lord Saxingham.

"Not a bit; go on."

"_My dear Mr. Templeton:_--

"_We are anxious to secure your parliamentary influence in C------ to
the proper quarter, namely, to your own family, as the best defenders of
the administration, which you honour by your support. We wish signally,
at the same time, to express our confidence in your principles, and our
gratitude for your countenance._"

"D-----d sour countenance!" muttered Lord Saxingham.

"_Accordingly,_" continued Ferrers, "_as one whose connection with you
permits the liberty, allow me to request that you will suffer our joint
relation, M