in the poisoned cup poor Jeanne d'Albret drained, thanks that I did not sip the political chalice! but we will sip most political champaigne, mother, for pray let us have a few visitors at the Abbey, it is as dull as if, in truth, each old room were filled with long faced friars. I will write to Lord Meltravers, he will make the Abbey assume a more cheerful appearance, and do you exert yourself-do, pray."

"I will," said Lady Cunnington, "I am fond of those conversazione réunions, before the session, it brings the mind to its right way of thinking."

"Oh! in pity spare me, or I shall die with laughter; I remember hearing a grave Doctor of Divinity tell a collegiate friend of mine to prepare himself for the final examination, his face was very solemn on the occasion, and his voice was most emphatically grave yours, however, almost ex

ceeded it then, pray, let us have dancing, music, cards, chess, anything, but do not prepare your lady guests for the sessions."

Lady guests!" cried Lady Cunnington, for her ladyship had very few female friends she cared to have long with her, really, my dear"

"Cannot you ask Lady Anne Grey and her two daughters ?"

They are so musical," ruminated Lady Cunnington.

"Musical! why music can move stones. I should have thought it could move a political lady."

'Why, really so much singing is more likely to turn me into stone," replied Lady Cunnington: "Lady Grey's singing has a Gorgon power over my nerves.'

Well, well, ask as many or as few as you like, but pray make up a party:" and as it was now time to dress for dinner, the

unconvinced son left his political mother. Lady Cunnington was rather tired, for she was more delicate than she chose to allow, and lying down on a sofa in her dressingroom, her maid had to wake her lady before she could be persuaded the last warning bell had sounded.

After hastily changing her dress Lady Cunnington descended to the drawing-room, where her husband surprised her by the arrival of a most welcome guest, an old ally of Lady Cunnington's, and, consequently, a politician.

"Lord Sevridge down stairs!" exclaimed young Cunnington, as his valet informed him of his father's request that he would come down directly. "Lord Sevridge here; alas, more politics!" And truly the conversation assumed a parliamentary turn.

The next evening there were a few more guests at Cunnington Abbey, and it was

after this more than ever political conversazione evening, that young Cunnington exclaimed, at the commencement of my work, "I cannot bear to hear women talk politics !"

CHAPTER II.

The man of firm and noble soul
No factious clamours can control,
No threat'ning tyrant's darkling brow
Can swerve him from his just intent,
Gales the warring waves which plough

By Auster on the billows spent

To curb the Adriatic main,

Would awe his fix'd determined mind in vain.

BYRON.

Lord Cunnington was a peculiarly characteristic man, he never followed the opinions of the world; he had been his own master at a very early period of life, and as he was a remarkably steady youth, he emerged into manhood with enough selfopinion to believe his manner of thinking was as good as if he consulted many talkers,