events of
politics. At all events, he devours them with avidity, and seems
conversant with the characters and private affairs of some hundreds
of people he has never seen, nor in all likelihood will ever see! In
turning over the loose pages of one of the despatches from Naples, I
think, he came upon what appeared to be a fragment of a letter. Of
what it was, or what it contained, I have not the slightest knowledge.
Adderley himself has not seen it, nor any one but the King. All I
know is that it concerns in some way Lord Glencore; for immediately on
reading it he gave me instructions to find him out, and send him down to
Brighton."

"I am afraid, were you to see Glencore, your mission would prove a
failure. He has given up the world altogether, and even a royal command
would scarcely withdraw him from his retirement."

"At all events, I must make the trial. You can let me have his address,
and perhaps you would do more, and give me some sort of introduction to
him,--something that might smooth down the difficulty of a first visit."

Harcourt was silent, and stood for some seconds in deep thought; which
the other, mistaking for a sign of unwillingness to comply with his
request, quickly added, "If my demand occasion you any inconvenience, or
if there be the slightest difficulty--"

"Nay, nay, I was not thinking of that," said Harcourt. "Pray excuse me
for a moment. I will fetch you the address you spoke of;" and without
waiting for more, he left the room. The next minute he was in Glencore's
room, hurriedly narrating to him all that had passed, and asking him
what course he should pursue. Glencore heard the story with a greater
calm than Harcourt dared to hope for; and seemed pleased at the
reiterated assurance that the King alone had seen the letter referred
to; and when Harcourt abruptly asked what was to be done, he slowly
replied, "I must obey his Majesty's commands. I must go to Brighton."

"But are you equal to all this? Have you strength for it?"

"I think so; at all events, I am determined to make the effort. I was
a favorite with his Majesty long ago. He will say nothing to hurt me
needlessly; nor is it in his nature to do so. Tell Bruce that you will
arrange everything, and that I shall present myself to-morrow at the
palace."

"Remember, Glencore, that if you say so--"

"I must be sure and keep my word. Well, so I mean, George. I was a
courtier once upon a time, and have not outlived my deference to a