"Yes, yes, that is very well," said his lordship in reply; "have a proper regard to time. It looks very important to be full of business; but I think you must know me well enough to see that it is not my forte to ape importance by such tricks. Just at this moment I am not at all busy. I can spare you an hour or two, and I may perhaps therefore encroach upon your time. But I have sent for you to say that I have a situation for you in England; one which will not take you from your friends, nor interfere with your health. If you have ambition, as I trust you have, you may have an opportunity of rising in the world. It is all very well to be content with your situation when you cannot make it better; contentment in any other circumstances is mere idleness and indolence." Markham bowed assent. The patron then stated the situation which was destined for him, and hinted that it would be desirable that he should have a seat in parliament. "But that," said his lordship, "we must think of hereafter. In the mean time, let me not take upon myself all the merit of appointing you to this office. I am greatly indebted to Mr. Martindale that he has made me more acquainted with those traits in your character which seem peculiarly to fit you for your present employment. But, my good friend, observe this; I am not recommending you merely to make a market of your situation. Make the best of it if you please; but the surest way to make the best of it is to perform its duties conscientiously." It was very pleasant to Markham to have a situation of so promising a character presented to him under such agreeable circumstances; and it was very pleasant to him to hear from his noble friend good advice, which was perfectly in unison with his own feelings. His noble friend was well aware of the character and complexion of his mind, and he therefore more readily gave him such advice as he was most likely to follow. That is most excellent policy; it answered the purpose of rendering his lordship agreeable to Markham, and it was a very pleasant and agreeable encouragement to the young man's virtues. Perhaps it is better to seek the improvement of mankind by encouraging their virtues than by reproaching their vices.