As the dinner advanced to its close, Sir John became a little more diffuse, though his voice sank into a whisper. "I fear there will be a split in the Cabinet before parliament meets." "Indeed!" "Yes; Vargrave and the premier cannot pull together very long. Clever man, Vargrave! but he has not enough stake in the country for a leader!" "All men have public character to stake; and if that be good, I suppose no stake can be better?" "Humph!--yes--very true; but still, when a man has land and money, his opinions, in a country like this, very properly carry more weight with them. If Vargrave, for instance, had Lord Raby's property, no man could be more fit for a leader,--a prime minister. We might then be sure that he would have no selfish interest to further: he would not play tricks with his party--you understand?" "Perfectly." "I am not a party man, as you may remember; indeed, you and I have voted alike on the same questions. Measures, not men,--that is my maxim; but still I don't like to see men placed above their proper stations." "Maltravers, a glass of wine," said Lord Vargrave across the table. "Will you join us, Sir John?" Sir John bowed. "Certainly," he resumed, "Vargrave is a pleasant man and a good speaker; but still they say he is far from rich,--embarrassed, indeed. However, when he marries Miss Cameron it may make a great difference,--give him more respectability; do you know what her fortune is--something immense?" "Yes, I believe so; I don't know." "My brother says that Vargrave is most amiable. The young lady is very handsome, almost too handsome for a wife--don't you think so? Beauties are all very well in a ballroom; but they are not calculated for domestic life. I am sure you agree with me. I have heard, indeed, that Miss Cameron is rather learned; but there is so much scandal in a country neighbourhood,--people are so ill-natured. I dare say she is not more learned than other young ladies, poor girl! What do you think?" "Miss Cameron is--is very accomplished, I believe. And so you think the Government cannot stand?" "I don't say that,--very far from it; but I fear there must be a change. However, if the country gentlemen hold together, I do not doubt but what we shall weather the storm. The landed interest, Mr. Maltravers, is the great stay of this country,--the sheet-anchor, I may say. I suppose Lord Vargrave, who seems, I must say, to have right notions on this head, will invest Miss Cameron's fortune in land. But though one may buy an estate, one can't buy an old family, Mr. Maltravers!--you and I may be thankful for that. By the way, who was Miss Cameron's mother, Lady Vargrave?--something low, I fear; nobody knows." "I am not acquainted with Lady Vargrave; your sister-in-law speaks of her most highly. And the daughter in herself is a sufficient guarantee for the virtues of the mother." "Yes; and Vargrave on one side, at least, has himself nothing in the way of family to boast of."