r. Ferrers, to be put into immediate nomination._"

Lord Saxingham threw down the pen and laughed for two minutes without
ceasing. "Capital, Lumley, capital--Very odd I did not think of it
before."

"Each man for himself, and God for us all," returned Lumley, gravely:
"pray go on, my dear lord."

"_We are sure you could not have a representative that would, more
faithfully reflect your own opinions and our interests. One word more. A
creation of peers will probably take place in the spring, among which
I am sure your name would be to his Majesty a gratifying addition; the
title will of course be secured to your sons--and failing the latter, to
your nephew._

"_With great regard and respect,_

"_Truly yours,_

"_SAXINGHAM._"

"There, inscribe that 'Private and confidential,' and send it express to
my uncle's villa."

"It shall be done, my dear Lumley--and this contents me as much as it
does you. You are really a man to do us credit. You think it will be
arranged?"

"No doubt of it."

"Well, good day. Lumley, come to me when it is all settled: Florence is
always glad to see you; she says no one amuses her more. And I am
sure that is rare praise, for she is a strange girl,--quite a Timon in
petticoats."

Away went Lord Saxingham.

"Florence glad to see me!" said Lumley, throwing his arms behind him,
and striding to and fro the room--"Scheme the Second begins to smile
upon me behind the advancing shadow of Scheme One. If I can but succeed
in keeping away other suitors from my fair cousin until I am in a
condition to propose myself, why, I may carry off the greatest match in
the three kingdoms. _Courage, mon brave Ferrers, courage!_"

It was late that evening when Ferrers arrived at his uncle's villa. He
found Mrs. Templeton in the drawing-room seated at the piano. He entered
gently; she did not hear him, and continued at the instrument. Her voice
was so sweet and rich, her taste so pure, that Ferrers, who was a good
judge of music, stood in delighted surprise. Often as he had now been
a visitor, even an inmate, at the house, he had never before heard Mrs.
Templeton play any but sacred airs, and this was one of the popular
songs of sentiment. He perceived that her feeling at last overpowered
her voice, and she paused abruptly, and turning round, her face was so
eloquent of emotion, that Ferrers was forcibly struck by its expression.
He was not a man apt to feel curiosity for anything