eparation of gypsum, so that you can't move or stir, and that
the perfect repose thus imparted to the system is the highest order of
restorative."

"They were just about to try him for manslaughter when I left England,"
said Stanhope, laughing.

"As often the fate of genius in these days as in more barbarous times,"
said Upton. "I read his pamphlet with much interest. If you were going
back, Harcourt, I 'd have begged of you to try him."

"And I 'm forced to say, I'd have refused you flatly."

"Yet it is precisely creatures of robust constitution, like you, that
should submit themselves to these trials, for the sake of humanity.
Frail organizations, like mine, cannot brave these ordeals. What are
they talking of in town? Any gossip afloat?"

"The change of ministry is the only topic. Glencore's affair has worn
itself out."

"What was that about Glencore?" asked Upton, half indolently.

"A strange story; one can scarcely believe it. They say that Glencore,
hearing of the King's great anxiety to be rid of the Queen, asked an
audience of his Majesty, and actually suggested, as the best possible
expedient, that his Majesty should deny the marriage. They add that he
reasoned the case so cleverly, and with such consummate craft and skill,
it was with the greatest difficulty that the King could be persuaded
that he was deranged. Some say his Majesty was outraged beyond
endurance; others, that he was vastly amused, and laughed immoderately
over it."

"And the world, how do they pronounce upon it?"

"There are two great parties,--one for Glencore's sanity the other
against; but, as I said before, the cabinet changes have absorbed all
interest latterly, and the Viscount and his case are forgotten; and when
I started, the great question was, who was to have the Foreign Office."

"I believe I could tell them one who will not," said Upton, with a
melancholy smile. "Dine with me, both of you, to-day, at seven; no
company, you know. There is an opera in the evening, and my box is at
your service, if you like to go; and so, till then;" and with a little
gesture of the hand he waved an adieu, and glided from the room.

"I'm sorry he's not up to the work of office," said Har-court; "there's
plenty of ability in him."

"The best man we have," said Stanhope; "so they say at the Office."

"He's gone to lie down, I take it; he seemed much exhausted. What say
you to a walk back to town?"

"I ask nothing better," said Stanhope