cellency had gone to see the
Prime Minister. Sir Arthur set off in the pursuit, which led him from
one great office of the state to another, always to discover that the
object of his search had just left only five minutes before; till, at
length, his patience became exhausted on hearing that Mr. Darner was
last seen in company with an officer of rank on the road to Castelamare,
whither, certainly, he determined not to follow him.

It was near nine o'clock when he got home to report himself
unsuccessful, to meet dark looks from his wife and daughter, and sit
down alone to a comfortless dinner, chagrined and disconcerted.

Lady Lyle tried to interest him by relating the news of Tony Butler's
accession to fortune; but the re-heated mutton and the half-cold
_entrees_ were too trying to leave any portion of his nature open
to such topics, and he sulkily muttered something about the folly of
"having snubbed the young fellow,"--a taunt Lady Lyle resented by rising
and leaving him to his own reflections.

And now to turn to Skeff Darner. I am forced to confess, and I do not
make the confession without a certain pain, that our gifted friend had
not that amount of acceptance with the Ministers of the King that his
great talents and his promise might be supposed to have inspired;
nor had he succeeded in acquiring for the country he represented the
overwhelming influence he believed to be her due. When, therefore, he
drove to Caraffa's house, the Prince frankly told him, what certainly
was true, that he had affairs far too weighty on his mind to enter upon
that small question H. M.'s Charge d'Affaires desired to discuss. "Try
Carini," said he, "the Minister of Grace and Justice; he looks after the
people who break the law." Skeff grew angry, and the Minister bowed him
out. He went in succession to some five or six others, all occupied,
all overwhelmed with cares, troubles, and anxieties. At last, by a mere
accident, he chanced upon Filangieri going off to wait on the King; he
was accompanied by a small man, in a very gorgeous uniform, studded over
with stars and decorations.

In a few hurried words Skeff told how his friend, a man of rank and
fortune, had been seduced by some stupid representations to take service
with Garibaldi, and that it was all-important to rescue him from such
evil associations, and restore him at once to his friends and country.

"Where is he?"

"Wherever Garibaldi may be,--I can't tell."

"He's near