EGERTON.—“You have never found me deceived in a political prediction. Within twelve months, (should life be spared to me) I shall be in office again. If the same to you, I would rather wait till then, formally and amicably to resign to you my lands and this house. If you grant that reprieve, our connection can thus close, without the _éclat_ and noise, which may be invidious to you, as it would be disagreeable to me. But if that delay be inconvenient, I will appoint a lawyer to examine your accounts, and adjust my liabilities.” THE BARON, (soliloquising.)—“I don’t like this. A lawyer! That may be awkward.” EGERTON, (observing the Baron, with a curl of his lip.)—“Well, Levy, how shall it be?” THE BARON.—“You know, my dear fellow, it is not my character to be hard on any one, least of all upon an old friend. And if you really think there is a chance of your return to office, which you apprehend that an _esclandre_ as to your affairs at present might damage, why, let us see if we can conciliate matters. But, first, _mon cher_, in order to become a Minister, you must at least have a seat in Parliament; and, pardon me the question, how the deuce are you to find one?” EGERTON.—“It is found.” THE BARON.—“Ah, I forgot the £5000 you last borrowed.” EGERTON.—“No; I reserve that sum for another purpose.” THE BARON, (with a forced laugh.)—“Perhaps to defend yourself against the actions you apprehend from me?” EGERTON.—“You are mistaken. But to soothe your suspicions, I will tell you plainly, that finding any sum I might have insured on my life would be liable to debts preincurred, and (as you will be my sole creditor) might thus at my death pass back to you; and doubting whether, indeed, any office would accept my insurance, I appropriate that sum to the relief of my conscience. I intend to bestow it, while yet in life, upon my late wife’s kinsman, Randal Leslie. And it is solely the wish to do what I consider an act of justice, that has prevailed with me to accept a favour from the hands of Harley L’Estrange, and to become again the member for Lansmere.” THE BARON.—“Ha!—Lansmere! You will stand for Lansmere?” EGERTON, (wincing.)—“I propose to do so.” THE BARON.—“I believe you will be opposed, subjected to even a sharp contest. Perhaps you may lose your election.” EGERTON.—“If so, I resign myself, and you can foreclose on my estates.” THE BARON, (his brow colouring.)—“Look you, Egerton, I shall be too happy to do you a favour.” EGERTON, (with stateliness.)—“Favour! No, Baron Levy, I ask from you no favour. Dismiss all thought of rendering me one. It is but a consideration of business on both sides. If you think it better that we shall at once settle our accounts, my lawyer shall investigate them. If you agree to the delay I request, my lawyer shall give you no trouble; and all that I have, except hope and character, pass to your hands without a struggle.”