occasion--repeatable--or recordable.

Still there was nothing of which he could complain; every expression, if
written down or repeated, must have appeared proper and gracious from
the sovereign to his minister; and for that minister to resign at such a
moment, from pride or pique, would have been fatal to the dignity, perhaps
to the integrity, of his character.

Lord Oldborough reasoned thus as he stood in the presence of the king,
and compelled himself, during the whole audience, and to the last parting
moment, to preserve an air and tone of calm, respectful self-possession.




CHAPTER XXXVIII.


During Lord Oldborough's absence, his faithful secretary had been active in
his service. Mr. Temple went immediately to his friend Alfred Percy. Alfred
had just returned fatigued from the courts, and was resting himself, in
conversation with his wife and Caroline.

"I am sorry to disturb you, Alfred," said Mr. Temple, "but I must take you
away from these ladies to consult you on particular business."

"Oh! let the particular business wait till he has rested himself," said
Mrs. Percy, "unless it be a matter of life and death."

"Life and death!" cried Lady Frances Arlington, running in at the open