Alfred felt himself change colour, and the genius in the garret rushed upon his mind; at the same instant he recollected that he was not at liberty to name Mr. Temple, and that he must not betray Cunningham. Alfred answered that it was not surprising he should know the pamphlet well, as he probably admired it more, and had read it oftener, than the author himself had ever done. “Very well parried, young gentleman. You will not allow, then, that you had any hand in writing it?” “No, my lord,” said Alfred, “I had none whatever; I never saw it till it was published.” “I have not a right, in politeness, to press the question. Permit me, however, to say, that it is a performance of which any man might be proud.” “I should, my lord, be proud--very proud, if I had written it; but I am incapable of assuming a merit that is not mine, and I trust the manner in which I now disclaim it does not appear like the affected modesty of an author who wishes to have that believed which he denies. I hope I convince your lordship of the truth.” “I cannot have any doubt of what you assert in this serious manner, sir. May I ask if you can tell me the name of the real author?” “Excuse me, my lord--I cannot. I have answered your lordship with perfect openness, as far as I am concerned.” “Sir,” said Lord Oldborough, “I confess that I began this conversation with the prepossession that you were equal to a performance of which I think highly, but you have succeeded in convincing me that I was mistaken--that you are not equal--but superior to it.” Upon this compliment, Alfred, as he thought the force of politeness could no farther go, rose, bowed, and prepared to retire. “Are you in a hurry to leave me, Mr. Percy?” “Quite the contrary, but I was afraid of encroaching upon your lordship’s goodness; I know that your time is most valuable, and that your lordship has so much business of importance.” “Perhaps Mr. Alfred Percy may assist me in saving time hereafter.” Alfred sat down again, as his lordship’s eye desired it.--Lord Oldborough remained for a few moments silent, leaning upon his arm on the table, deep in thought. “Yes, sir,” said he, “I certainly have, as you say, much business upon my hands. But _that_ is not the difficulty; with hands and heads business is easily arranged and expedited. I have hands and heads enough at my command. Talents of all sorts can be obtained for their price, but that which is above all price, integrity, cannot--there’s the difficulty--there is my difficulty. I have not a single man about me whom I can trust--many who understand my views, but none who feel them--‘_Des ames de boue et de fange!_’ Wretches who care not if the throne and the country perish, if their little interests--Young gentleman,” said he, recollecting himself, and turning to Alfred, “I feel as if I were speaking to a part of your father when I am speaking to you.” Alfred felt this, and Lord Oldborough saw that he felt it strongly.