re. There never was a boy so totally devoid of affectation,
which was remarkable, for he had a brilliant imagination, a quality
that, from its fantasies, and the vague and indefinite desires it
engenders, generally makes those whose characters are not formed,
affected. The Duchess, who was a fine judge of character, and who
greatly regarded Coningsby, often mentioned this trait as one
which, combined with his great abilities and acquirements so
unusual at his age, rendered him very interesting. In the present
instance it happened that, while Coningsby was watching his
grandfather, he observed a gentleman advance, make his bow, say and
receive a few words and retire. This little incident, however, made
a momentary diversion in the immediate circle of Lord Monmouth, and
before they could all resume their former talk and fall into their
previous positions, an impulse sent forth Coningsby, who walked up
to Lord Monmouth, and standing before him, said,

"'How do you do, grandpapa?'

"Lord Monmouth beheld his grandson. His comprehensive and
penetrating glance took in every point with a flash. There stood
before him one of the handsomest youths he had ever seen, with a
mien as graceful as his countenance was captivating; and his whole
air breathing that freshness and ingenuousness which none so much
appreciates as the used man of the world. And this was his child;
the only one of his blood to whom he had been kind. It would be an
exaggeration to say that Lord Monmouth's heart was touched; but his
good-nature effervesced, and his fine taste was deeply gratified.
He perceived in an instant such a relation might be a valuable
adherent; an irresistible candidate for future elections: a
brilliant tool to work out the Dukedom. All these impressions and
ideas, and many more, passed through the quick brain of Lord
Monmouth ere the sound of Coningsby's words had seemed to cease,
and long before the surrounding guests had recovered from the
surprise which they had occasioned them, and which did not
diminish, when Lord Monmouth, advancing, placed his arms round
Coningsby with a dignity of affection that would have become Louis
XIV., and then, in the high manner of the old Court, kissed him on
each cheek.

"'Welcome to your home,' said Lord Monmouth. 'You have