representative of the Papacy.

All the guests rose at the same time--a pleasant habit--and went
upstairs to the brilliantly lighted saloons. Lord Roehampton seated
himself by Baron Sergius, with whom he was always glad to converse. "We
seem here quiet and content?" said the ex-minister inquiringly.

"I hope so, and I think so," said Sergius. "He believes in his star,
and will leave everything to its influence. There are to be no more
adventures."

"It must be a great relief to Lord Roehampton to have got quit of
office," said Mrs. Neuchatel to Lady Roehampton. "I always pitied him so
much. I never can understand why people voluntarily incur such labours
and anxiety."

"You should join us," said Mr. Neuchatel to Waldershare. "They would be
very glad to see you at Brooks'."

"Brooks' may join the October Club which I am going to revive," said
Waldershare.

"I never heard of that club," said Mr. Neuchatel.

"It was a much more important thing than the Bill of Rights or the Act
of Settlement," said Waldershare, "all the same."

"I want to see his mother's portrait in the farther saloon," said Lady
Montfort to Myra.

"Let us go together." And Lady Roehampton rose, and they went.

It was a portrait of Queen Agrippina by a master hand, and admirably
illumined by reflected light, so that it seemed to live.

"She must have been very beautiful," said Lady Montfort.

"Mr. Sidney Wilton was devotedly attached to her, my lord has told me,"
said Lady Roehampton.

"So many were devotedly attached to her," said Lady Montfort.

"Yes; she was like Mary of Scotland, whom some men are in love with even
to this day. Her spell was irresistible. There are no such women now."

"Yes; there is one," said Lady Montfort, suddenly turning round and
embracing Lady Roehampton; "and I know she hates me, because she thinks
I prevent her brother from marrying."

"Dear Lady Montfort, how can you use such strong expressions? I am sure
there can be only one feeling of Endymion's friends to you, and that is
gratitude for your kindness to him."

"I have done nothing for him; I can do nothing for him. I felt that when
we were trying to get him into parliament. If he could marry, and be
independent, and powerful, and rich, it would be better, perhaps, for
all of us."

"I wish he were independent, and powerful, and rich," said Myra
musingly. "That would be a fairy tale. At present, he must be content
that he has some of the kindest frien