My father's observations appeared to be well grounded, but I would not leave the room until I had made some further attempt. "Has your lordship heard from my uncle?" "Yes," replied he, "I had a letter from him yesterday. The child is quite well. I expect them all here in a fortnight or three weeks, to live with me altogether. I am old--getting very old, and I shall have much to arrange with your uncle before I die." "If I might request a favour of your lordship, it would be to beg that you would interest yourself a little in obtaining my promotion. A letter from your lordship to the First Lord--only a few lines--" "Well, child, I see no objection--only I am very old, too old to write now." And his lordship again commenced reading. I must do Lord Privilege the justice to state that he evidently was fast verging to a state of second childhood. He was much bowed down since I had last seen him, and appeared infirm in body as well as mind. I waited at least a quarter of an hour before his lordship looked up. "What, not gone yet, child? I thought you had gone home." "Your lordship was kind enough to say that you had no objection to write a few lines to the First Lord in my behalf. I trust your lordship will not refuse me--" "Well," replied he, peevishly, "so I did--but I am too old, too old to write--I cannot see--I can hardly hold a pen." "Will your lordship allow me the honour of writing the letter for your lordship's signature?" "Well, child,--yes--I've no objection. Write as follows--no--write anything you please--and I'll sign it. I wish your uncle William was come." This was more than I did. I had a great mind to show him O'Brien's letter, but I thought it would be cruel to raise doubts, and, harass the mind of a person so close to the brink of the grave. The truth would never be ascertained during his life, I thought; and why, therefore, should I give him pain? At all events, although I had the letter in my pocket, I resolved not to make use of it except as a _dernier_ resort. I went to another table, and sat down to write the letter. As his lordship had said that I might write what I pleased, it occurred to me that I might assist O'Brien, and I felt sure that his lordship would not take the trouble to read the letter. I therefore wrote as follows, while Lord Privilege continued to read his book:-- "MY LORD,--You will confer a very great favour upon me, if you will hasten the commission which, I have no doubt, is in preparation for my grandson Mr Simple, who has passed his examination, and has been mentioned in the public despatches; and also that you will not lose sight of Lieutenant O'Brien, who has so distinguished himself by his gallantry in the various cutting-out expeditions in the West Indies. Trusting that your lordship will not fail to comply with my earnest request, I have the honour to be your lordship's very obedient humble servant."