Fawn, at considerable length, explained to the two ladies the nature and
condition of the British Parliament. Miss Macnulty experienced an innocent
pleasure in having such things told to her by a lord. Lady Eustace knew
that this was the way in which Lord Fawn made love, and thought that from
him it was as good as any other way. If she were to marry a second time
simply with a view of being a peeress, of having a respected husband, and
making good her footing in the world, she would as lief listen to
parliamentary details and the prospects of the Sawab as to any other
matters. She knew very well that no Corsair propensities would be
forthcoming from Lord Fawn. Lord Fawn had just worked himself round to the
Sawab again, when Frank Greystock entered the room. "Now we have both the
Houses represented," said Lady Eustace, as she welcomed her cousin.

"You intend to ask your question about the Sawab tonight?" asked Lord Fawn
with intense interest, feeling that had it been his lot to perform that
task before he went to his couch, he would at this moment have been
preparing his little speech.

But Frank Greystock had not come to his cousin's house to talk of the
Prince of the Mygawb territory. When his friend Eustace had suggested to
him that he should marry the widow, he had ridiculed the idea. But
nevertheless he had thought of it a good deal. He was struggling hard,
working diligently, making for himself a character in Parliament,
succeeding--so said all his friends--as a barrister. He was a rising young
man, one of those whose names began to be much in the mouths of other men;
but still he was poor. It seemed to himself that among other good gifts
that of economy had not been bestowed upon him. He owed a little money,
and though he owed it, he went on spending his earnings. He wanted just
such a lift in the world as a wife with an income would give him. As for
looking about for a girl whom he could honestly love, and who should have