idol, the next the byword. Well, a man sometimes plays chess more
skilfully for having been long a mere bystander. He understands better
how to move, and when to sacrifice the pieces. Politics, M. Vane, is the
only exciting game left to me at my years. At yours, there is still that
of love. How time flies! we are nearing the station at which I descend.
I have kinsfolk of my mother's in these districts. They are not
Imperialists; they are said to be powerful in the department. But before
I apply to them in my own name, I think it prudent that M. Lebeau should
quietly ascertain what is their real strength, and what would be the
prospects of success if Victor de Mauleon offered himself as depute at
the next election. Wish him joy, M. Vane! If he succeed, you will hear
of him some day crowned in the Capitol, or hurled from the Tarpeian
rock."

Here the train stopped. The false Lebeau gathered up his papers,
readjusted his spectacles and his bag, descended lightly, and, pressing
Graham's hand as he paused at the door, said, "Be sure I will not forget
your address if I have anything to say. _Bon voyage_"




CHAPTER VII.

Graham continued his journey to Strasbourg. On arriving there he felt
very unwell. Strong though his frame was, the anguish and self-struggle
through which he had passed since the day he had received in London Mrs.
Morley's letter, till that on which he had finally resolved on his course
of conduct at Paris, and the shock which had annihilated his hopes in
Isaura's rejection, had combined to exhaust its endurance, and fever had