much perplexed and harassed. He tried occasionally his inferences on his
companions, who were intelligent and full of fervour. Millbank was more
than this. He was of a thoughtful mood; had also caught up from a new
school some principles, which were materials for discussion. One way or
other, however, before he quitted Eton there prevailed among this circle
of friends, the initial idea doubtless emanating from Coningsby, an
earnest, though a rather vague, conviction that the present state of
feeling in matters both civil and religious was not healthy; that there
must be substituted for this latitudinarianism something sound and deep,
fervent and well defined, and that the priests of this new faith must be
found among the New Generation; so that when the bright-minded rider of
'the Daughter of the Star' descanted on the influence of individual
character, of great thoughts and heroic actions, and the divine power of
youth and genius, he touched a string that was the very heart-chord of his
companion, who listened with fascinated enthusiasm as he introduced him to
his gallery of inspiring models.

Coningsby arrived at Beaumanoir at a season when men can neither hunt nor
shoot. Great internal resources should be found in a country family under
such circumstances. The Duke and Duchess had returned from London only a
few days with their daughter, who had been presented this year. They were
all glad to find themselves again in the country, which they loved and
which loved them. One of their sons-in-law and his wife, and Henry Sydney,
completed the party.

There are few conjunctures in life of a more startling interest, than to
meet the pretty little girl that we have gambolled with in our boyhood,
and to find her changed in the lapse of a very few years, which in some
instances may not have brought a corresponding alteration in our own
appearance, into a beautiful woman. Something of this flitted over