it's not an impertinent question, do you think he ever tries to kiss
your cousin?"

"I never thought of that," replied Livingstone, not without an oath;
"there's another pleasant reflection. No, I should think not. He _is_
ceremonious, to give the devil his due. I'll find out to-morrow, though,
without making Bella blush. Miss Bellasys is sure to know. I saw them
exchanging confidences all this evening, and I am certain there were
instigations to rebellion. Flora would delight in an _émeute_; she's a
perfect Red Republican, that girl."

"The opposition seems organizing," I remarked; "ministers will find
themselves soon, I fear, without a working majority."

"Not unlikely," said Guy, filling another pipe; "but they won't resign.
Some men never know when they are beaten. Well, he who lives will see.
If this wind lasts, we shall have a cracker from Lilbourne to-morrow.
You ride the young one, don't you, Charley?"




CHAPTER XII.

"A life whose waste
Ravaged each bloom by which its path was traced,
Sporting at will, and moulding sport to art,
With what sad holiness--the human heart."