ehampton for a long time had
been, that her brother should occupy a confidential position near her
husband. The desire had originally been shared, and even warmly, by
Lady Montfort; but the unexpected entrance of Endymion into the House of
Commons had raised a technical difficulty in this respect which seemed
to terminate the cherished prospect. Myra, however, was resolved not to
regard these technical difficulties, and was determined to establish
at once the intimate relations she desired between her husband and her
brother. This purpose had been one of the principal causes which induced
her to accompany Lady Montfort to Paris. She wanted to see Endymion,
to see what he was about, and to prepare him for the future which she
contemplated.

The view which Lady Montfort took of these matters was very different
from that of Lady Roehampton. Lady Montfort was in her riding habit,
leaning back in an easy chair, with her whip in one hand and the
"Charivari" in the other, and she said, "Are you not going to ride
to-day, Endymion?"

"I think not. I wanted to talk to you a little about my plans, Lady
Montfort."

"Your plans? Why should you have any plans?"

"Well, Lady Roehampton is about to return to England, and she proposes I
should go with her."

"Why?"

And then Endymion entered into the whole case, the desirableness
of being with Lord Roehampton before the meeting of parliament, of
assisting him, working with him, acting for him, and all the other
expedient circumstances of the situation.

Lady Montfort said nothing. Being of an eager nature, it was rather her
habit to interrupt those who addressed her, especially on matters she
deemed disagreeable. Her husband used to say, "Berengaria is a charming
companion, but if she would only listen a little more, she would have so
much more to tell me." On the present occasion, Endymion had no reason
to complain that he had not a fair opportunity of stating his views
and wishes. She was quite silent, changed colour occasionally, bit her
beautiful lip, and gently but constantly lashed her beautiful riding
habit. When he paused, she inquired if he had done, and he assenting,
she said, "I think the whole thing preposterous. What can Lord
Roehampton have to do before the meeting of parliament? He has not got
to write the Queen's speech. The only use of being in opposition is that
we may enjoy ourselves. The best thing that Lord Roehampton and all his
friends can do is travel f