“I don't know what to make of it. I was fully as sure as Jack was.” “I'll wager he's been offered Paris,” said Temple, gravely. “Offered Paris?” cried Jack; “what do you mean?” “I mean the embassy, of course,” replied he, contemptuously. “Without,” added he, “they want him in the Cabinet.” “And is it really by men like this the country is governed?” said Nelly, with a boldness that seemed the impulse of indignation. “I 'm afraid so,” said Marion, scornfully. “Mr. Canning and Lord Palmerston were men very like this,--were they not, Temple?” “Precisely; Lord Culduff is exactly of the same order, however humble the estimate Ellen may form of such people.” “I 'm all impatience for the news,” said Augustus. “I wish Cutbill would come down at once.” “I 'll take the odds that he goes to F. O.,” said Temple. “What the deuce could he do in China?” cried Jack, whose ear had led him into a cruel blunder. Temple scarcely smiled at what savored of actual irreverence, and added, “If so, I 'll ask to be made private secretary.” “Mr. Temple, sir, his Lordship would be glad to see you upstairs for a moment,” said a footman, entering. And Temple arose and left the room, with a pride that might have accompanied him if summoned to a cabinet council. “More mysteries of State,” cried Jack. “I declare, girls, the atmosphere of political greatness is almost suffocating me. I wonder how Cutty stands it!” A general move into the drawing-room followed this speech; and as Jack sauntered in he slipped his arm within Nelly's and led her towards a window. “I can't bear this any longer, Nelly,--I must trip my anchor and move away. I 'd as soon be lieutenant to a port admiral as live here. You're all grown too fine for me.” “That's not it at all, Jack,” said she, smiling. “I see how you 've been trying to bully yourself by bullying us this hour back; but it will be all right to-morrow. We 'll go over to the cottage after breakfast.” “You may; _I'll_ not, I promise you,” said he, blushing deeply. “Yes, you will, my dear Jack,” said she, coaxingly; “and you 'll be the first to laugh at your own foolish jealousy besides,--if Julia is not too angry with you to make laughing possible.” “She may be angry or pleased, it's all one to me now,” said he, passionately. “When I told her she was a coquette, I did n't believe it; but, by Jove, she has converted me to the opinion pretty quickly!” “You 're a naughty boy, and you 're in a bad humor, and I'll say no more to you now.” “Say it now, I advise you, if you mean to say it,” said he, shortly; but she laughed at his serious face, and turned away without speaking. “Is n't the cabinet council sitting late?” asked Augustus of Marion. “They have been nigh two hours in conference.” “I take it it must be something of importance,” replied she. “Isn't Cutbill in it?” asked Augustus, mockingly. “I saw Mr. Cutbill go down the avenue, with his cigar in his mouth, just after we came into the drawing-room.”