“It is a position of some importance. I mean it is not the mere command of a small vessel,” said Marion, haughtily; for she was always eager that every incident that befell the family should redound to their distinction, and subserve their onward march to greatness. “Oh, Jack,” whispered Nelly, “let us walk over to the cottage, and tell them the news;” and Jack blushed as he squeezed her hand in gratitude for the speech. “I almost wonder they gave you this, Jack,” said his father, “seeing how active a part I took against them; but I suppose there is some truth in the saying that Ministers would rather soothe enemies than succor friends.” “Don't you suspect, papa, that Lord Culduff may have had some share in this event? His influence, I know, is very great with his party,” said Marion. “I hope and trust not,” burst out Jack; “rather than owe my promotion to that bewigged old dandy, I 'd go and keep a lighthouse.” “A most illiberal speech,” said Temple. “I was about to employ a stronger word, but still not stronger than my sense of its necessity.” “Remember, Temple,” replied Jack, “I have no possible objection to his being _your_ patron. I only protest that he shan't be _mine_. He may make you something ordinary or extraordinary to-morrow, and I 'll never quarrel about it.” “I am grateful for the concession,” said the other, bowing. “If it was Lord Culduff that got you this step,” said Colonel Bramleigh, “I must say nothing could be more delicate than his conduct; he never so much as hinted to me that he had taken trouble in the matter.” “He is _such_ a gentleman!” said Marion, with a very enthusiastic emphasis on the word. “Well, perhaps it's a very ignoble confession,” said Nelly; “but I frankly own I 'd rather Jack owed his good fortune to his good fame than to all the peers in the calendar.” “What pains Ellen takes,” said Marion, “to show that her ideas of life and the world are not those of the rest of us.” “She has me with her whenever she goes into the lobby,” said Jack, “or I 'll pair with Temple, who is sure to be on the stronger side.” “Your censure I accept as a compliment,” said Temple. “And is this all our good news has done for us,--to set us exchanging tart speeches and sharp repartees with each other?” said Colonel Bramleigh. “I declare it is a very ungracious way to treat pleasant tidings. Go out, boys, and see if you could n't find some one to dine with us, and wet Jack's commission as they used to call it long ago.” “We can have the L'Estranges and our amiable neighbor, Captain Craufurd,” said Marion; “but I believe our resources end with these.” “Why not look up the Frenchman you smashed some weeks ago, Jack?” said Augustus; “he ought to be about by this time, and it would only be common decency to show him some attention.” “With all my heart. I'll do anything you like but talk French with him. But where is he to be found?”