to success. Though
I should live to be accounted as cruel as Caesar, what would that be
if I too could reduce my Gaul to civilisation? "Dear Crasweller,"
I murmured to myself as I turned again towards Gladstonopolis, and
hurrying back, buried myself in the obscurity of the executive
chambers.

The following day occurred a most disagreeable scene in my own house
at dinner. Jack came in and took his chair at the table in grim
silence. It might be that he was lamenting for his English friends
who were gone, and therefore would not speak. Mrs Neverbend, too,
ate her dinner without a word. I began to fear that presently there
would be something to be said,--some cause for a quarrel; and as
is customary on such occasions, I endeavoured to become specially
gracious and communicative. I talked about the ship that had started
on its homeward journey, and praised Lord Marylebone, and laughed at
Mr Puddlebrane; but it was to no effect. Neither would Jack nor Mrs
Neverbend say anything, and they ate their dinner gloomily till the
attendant left the room. Then Jack began. "I think it right to tell
you, sir, that there's going to be a public meeting on the Town Flags
the day after to-morrow." The Town Flags was an open unenclosed
place, over which, supported by arches, was erected the Town Hall.
It was here that the people were accustomed to hold those outside
assemblies which too often guided the responsible Assembly in the
Senate-house.

"And what are you all going to talk about there?"

"There is only one subject," said Jack, "which at present occupies
the mind of Gladstonopolis. The people don't intend to allow you to
deposit Mr Crasweller."

"Considering your age and experience, Jack, don't you think that
you're taking too much upon yourself to say whether people will allow
or will not allow the executive of the country to perform their
duty?"

"If Jack isn't old," said Mrs Neverbend, "I, at any rate, am older,
and I say the same thing."

"Of course I only said what I thought," continued Jack. "What I want
to explain is, that I shall be there myself, and shall do all that I
can to support the meeting."

"In opposition to your father?" said I.

"Well;--yes, I am afraid so. You see it's a public subject on a
public matter, and I don't see that father and son have anything to
do with it. If I were in the Assembly, I don't suppose I should be
bound to support my father."

"But you're not in the Assembly."

"I have my