Endymion

mn of 1830, seemed rather to confirm the intimations of Baron Sergius. The people in the rural districts had become di

ssemblies, ending frequently in riot, were held in districts where this cause did not prevail. The most fearful feature of the approaching anarchy was the frequent acts of incendiaries. T

e was quite sure that the clerks in the public offices alone could turn them out. When the Whig government was formed, and its terrible programme announced, she laughed it to scorn, and derided with inexhaustible merriment the idea of the House of Commons passing a Reform Bill. She held a great assembly the night th

he board. Scarcely a constituency, in which was a popular element, was faithful to them. The counties in those days were the great expounders of popular principles, and whenever England was excited, which was rare, she spoke through her freeholders. In t

rrupt arrangements and their inaccurate details. It must be confessed that these objects were resolutely kept in view, and that the Tory opposition evinced energy and abilities not unworthy of a great parliamentary occasion. Ferrars particularly distinguished himself. He rose immensely in the estimation of

ion as they walked home one night; "I always thought him a good man of business,

stake, and that brings it out

al of excitement, and the actors in it often indulged in the wild credulity of impossible expectations. The saloon of Zenobia was ever thronged, and she was never more confident than when the bill passed the Commons. She knew that the King would never give his assent to the bil

there are forty of them who were against the bil

Duke, and Lord Lyndhurst on our side, we can afford to laugh at such conceited poltroons. His mother was my dearest friend, and I know

it is p

ust

ys do-a

g a cabinet minister," she

s resolution, that the enfranchising clauses should precede the disenfranchisement in the great measure. Lord Grey and his colleagues resigned, and the King sent for Lord Lyndhurst. The bold chief baron advised His Majesty t

e could not write to you, but he told me to tell you to call a

e sink into insignificance under such circumstances. The difficulties are great, but their very greatness will f

would be almost an act of treason." Two days after she sent for Mr. Ferrars, early in the morning, and received him in her boudoir. Her countenance was excited, but serious. "Don't be alarmed," she said; "nothing will prevent a government being formed, but Sir Robert has thrown us over; I never had confidence in him. It is most provoking, as Mr. Baring had joined us, and it was such a good name for the City.

speaking slowly and shaking h

nobia, "not for you. I

s seem too great

nearly so well off, for he had never been in office, and had at the same time to fight Lord North and that w

aid Ferrars, and he se

do not

aking in a measured and hollow voice, "I do not hesitate." Then resuming a brisk

d from his own residence, and which requested his presence at Apsley House. Having read it, he gave it to Zenobia, who exclaimed wit

t unequal to conjectures in which he had never previously indulged even in imagination. His had been an ambitious, rather than a soaring spirit. He had never contemplated the possession of power except u

duct of affairs, the Duke thought it was due to him to give him the earliest intimation of the change of circumstances. The vote of the house of Commons on the motion of Lord Ebri