Robert Orange

half mahogany, before which a groom stood watching, evidently with some suspense, for their approach. At the first sight of the animal and its rider, he hastened forward,

and, with an ominous scowl, watched the "rushing beast" led from hi

then owner, whose young duchess wanted an Italian villa on Piccadilly, or a French chateau in Park Lane, the lease had

the standard, again he attracted a small company of enthusiasts, again it was expected that God's enemies would be scattered. He invited his former secretary, a Roman Catholic, to join the new society, but he made it clear that Orange, a man of real distinction, was in no sense a prominent member. The precise dogmata of Mirafloreanism-a nickname given, I believe, in ironic sympathy by Mr. Disraeli-were undefined, but the term gradually became associated with those ideals of conduct, government, and Art which poets imagine, heroes realise, and the ignorant destroy. Men of all, sundry, and opposing beliefs presumed to its credentials. Some, because the club appeared to flourish, many because it was not yet overcrowded, and a few because they were in perfect agreement with the varying opinions of its ultimate presiding genius, Disraeli himself. They worked quietly, not in the House of Commons, but outside it, delivering lectures, wri

ch we write, the Bond of Association was still maintaining a sickly existence on its original programme

chapel in Northumberland. Here he paused, for his attention was immediately arrested by a small group of four or five individuals who were talking with great earnestness at the foot of the oak staircase. Not that this was, in itself, an unusual event, for ever since a memorable day when the Earl of Bampton and the young Archdeacon

t he could, at the nation's expense, of the nation's domestic policy. Demoralised by disappointment, and made cynical by toiling over interests for which they had, at best, but a forced regard, little remained in their breasts but a sore determination to make the best of an abiding discontent. In joining Lord Reckage's Committee, they found themselves again, as they believed, in a false position. The second-rate mind, whether represented in a person or by a council, shrinks from the adoptio

position less to merit than to the subtle promises conveyed by a weak chin), this distinguished person tried to look the secrets which his colleagues had never permitted him to learn. In moody weariness he would sometimes condescend

Penborough, the editor of The Sentinel, and

d by a silent and common consent to ignore his approach. He turned to the hall porter, gave hi

med Aumerle, "t

" said Rand

speak to him?"

s not so sure of himself that he can afford t

because each one felt it was unwise t

superior air, "but I have never felt the same toward him

ends more recently!" obser

make clear is this, that when Reckage ever said or did the right thing in times past, the credit was solely d

a political career than brilliant impromptus and spirited orations.

success," said Bradwyn, "that I wo

ken us all in,"

t he was overrated. His genial manner-his open-hearted smile!

mbitious, and to prefer moral science to immoral politics. I have no faith in these active politicians who make long speeches to the public, and a

her looked up, each armed with

Hatchett, l

nge," said

after a minute's hesitation. "

ike him?" sa

atchett, rolling up hi

ished he were one in reality," said B

ood gnawing h

n that election, but Dizzy managed that. Dizzy is the devil! And then, he is still devoted to

tening with the deepest attention to all t

iberty, which we all have to deceive o

n by their manners, which is silly. He thinks that every one who is polite t

mean it," s

ears safe enough-people see only what you see-a good cargo of influential names on the committee and a clear horizon. He could plead ill-health, or his marriage-in fact, a dozen excellent reasons for momentary retirement. The world would praise

arry Miss Carillon," said Aumerle. "Miss C

Still, he never proposed. The aunt invited her to Almouth. She stayed two months. Still, not a word. Her papa grew impatient, ordered her home. The next day she came to the breakfast-table with red eyes, and announced her departure. The bo

ust his tongue

her destinies," said he, "than th

aid Bradwyn, with a

ay, and the little fit of giddiness which seized him when he was dining with my Chief makes me

before last at Brooks's, but no conversation passed between them. Thi

omen than she in the

seen her," s

never was a young woman with so many sympathies! There is an old proverb," he added, with

ill absorbed in h

he man for us. We might do

d Penborough, "I ha

careful. Here is Reckage again.

e. In silence, and with a studied expression of contempt, without a look either to the r

ar, after all,