answered as follows:--


Fowler's Hotel, Jermyn Street,
October 1st.

MY DEAR LADY CHILTERN,

I cannot tell you how much pleasure the very sight of
your handwriting gave me. Yes, here I am again, trying my
hand at the old game. They say that you can never cure a
gambler or a politician; and, though I had very much to
make me happy till that great blow came upon me, I believe
that it is so. I am uneasy till I can see once more the
Speaker's wig, and hear bitter things said of this "right
honourable gentleman," and of that noble friend. I want to
be once more in the midst of it; and as I have been left
singularly desolate in the world, without a tie by which
I am bound to aught but an honourable mode of living, I
have determined to run the risk, and have thrown up the
place which I held under Government. I am to stand for
Tankerville, as you have heard, and I am told by those to
whose tender mercies I have been confided by B. E. that I
have not a chance of success.

Your invitation is so tempting that I cannot refuse it. As
you say, I have nothing to do till the play begins. I have
issued my address, and must leave my name and my fame
to be discussed by the Tankervillians till I make my
appearance among them on the 10th of this month. Of