"I will bring him here to-morrow, if your lordship pleases."

"As soon as possible! But he can come surely without your going for
him--write, and beg that we may see him at breakfast--at nine, if you
please."

The letter was written, and despatched immediately. Lord Oldborough, whilst
the commissioner was writing, noted down the heads of what he had learned
from M. de Tourville's packet: then locked up those of the papers which had
been deciphered, put the others into Mr. Falconer's charge, and recommended
it to him to use all possible despatch in deciphering the remainder.--The
commissioner declared he would sit up all night at the task; this did
not appear to be more than was expected.--His lordship rung, and ordered
candles in Mr. Falconer's room, then returned to the company in the saloon,
without saying another word. None could guess by his countenance or
deportment that any unusual circumstance had happened, or that his mind was
in the least perturbed. Mrs. Drakelow thought he was wholly absorbed in a
rubber of whist, and Miss Drakelow at the same time was persuaded that he
was listening to her music.

Punctual to the appointed hour--for ambition is as punctual to appointments
as love--Mr. Cunningham Falconer made his appearance at nine, and was
presented by his father to Lord Oldborough, who received him, not with
any show of gracious kindness, but as one who had been forced upon him by
circumstances, and whom, for valuable considerations, he had bargained
to take into his service. To try the young diplomatist's talents, Lord
Oldborough led him first to speak on the subject of the Tourville papers,
then urged him on to the affairs of Germany, and the general interests and
policy of the different courts of Europe. Trembling, and in agony for his
son, the commissioner stood aware of the danger of the youth's venturing