from Lady Bellasyse. They quite think we are out; you
may be sure I did not deny it. I have so much to tell you. Come into my
lord's room; he is away fishing. Think of fishing at such a crisis! I
cannot tell you how pleased I was with my visit to Lady Roehampton. She
quite agreed with me in everything. 'It must be done,' she said. How
every right! and I have almost done it. I will have a certain seat; no
chances. Let us have something to fall back upon. If not in office we
shall be in opposition. All men must sometime or other be in opposition.
There you will form yourself. It is a great thing to have had some
official experience. It will save you from mares' nests, and I will give
parties without end, and never rest till I see you prime minister."

So she threw herself into her husband's easy chair, tossed her parasol
on the table, and then she said, "But what is the matter with you,
Endymion? you look quite sad. You do not mean you really take our
defeat--which is not certain yet--so much to heart. Believe me,
opposition has its charms; indeed, I sometimes think the principal
reason why I have enjoyed our ministerial life so much is, that it has
been from the first a perpetual struggle for existence."

"I do not pretend to be quite indifferent to the probably impending
change," said Endymion, "but I cannot say there is anything about it
which would affect my feelings very deeply."

"What is it, then?"

"It is this business about which you and Myra are so kindly interesting
yourselves," said Endymion with some emotion; "I do not think I could go
into parliament."

"Not go into parliament!" exclaimed Lady Montfort. "Why, what are men
made for except to go into parliament? I am indeed astounded."

"I do not disparage parliament," said Endymion; "much the reverse. It
is a life that I think would suit me, and I have often thought the day
might come"----

"The day has come," said Lady Montfort, "and not a bit too soon. Mr. Fox
went in before he was of age, and all young men of spirit should do the
same. Why! you are two-and-twenty!"

"It is not my age," said Endymion hesitatingly; "I am not afraid about
that, for from the life which I have led of late years, I know a good
deal about the House of Commons."

"Then what is it, dear Endymion?" said Lady Montfort impatiently.

"It will make a great change in my life," said Endymion calmly, but with
earnestness, "and one which I do not feel justified in accepting."