well chosen might restore him to society, and to us. Pity, indeed, that
so great an intellect should be suspended,--a voice so eloquent hushed.
You are right; in this CRISIS, Guy Darrell once more in the House of
Commons, we should have all we require,--an orator, a debater! Very odd,
but at this moment we have no speakers,--WE the Viponts!"

COLONEL MORLEY.--"Yourself!"

CARR VIPONT.--"You are too kind. I can speak on occasions; but
regularly, no. Too much drudgery; not young enough to take to it now.
So you think Darrell will marry again? A remarkably fine-looking fellow
when I last saw him: not old yet; I dare say well preserved. I wish I
had thought of asking him here--Montfort!" (Lord Montfort, with one or
two male friends, was passing by towards a billiard-room, opening through
a side-door from the regular suite) "Montfort! only think, we forgot to
invite Guy Darrell. Is it too late before our party breaks up?"

LORD MONTFORT (sullenly).--"I don't choose Guy Darrell to be invited to
my house."

Carr Vipont was literally stunned by a reply so contumacious. Lord
Montfort demur at what Carr Vipont suggested? He could not believe his
senses.

"Not choose, my dear Montfort! you are joking. A monstrous clever
fellow, Guy Darrell, and at this CRISIS--"

"I hate clever fellows; no such bores!" said Lord Montfort, breaking from
the caressing clasp of Carr Vipont, and stalking away.