“Oh, he rarely comes up to town, never liked Parliament; but when he did attend the House, he usually sat with the Opposition, but, without linking himself to party, spoke and voted independently, and, strange to say, made considerable impression by conduct which in any other man would have proved an utter failure.” “Did he speak well, then?” “For the first five minutes you could think of nothing but his look and appearance; he was the handsomest man in the House, a little too particular, perhaps, in dress, but never finical; as he went on, however, the easy fluency of his language, the grace and elegance of his style, and the frank openness of his statements, carried his hearers with him; and many who were guarded enough against the practised power of the great speakers were entrapped by the unstudied, manly tone of the Knight of Gwynne. You say truly, he would be a great card in your hands at this time.” “We must have him at his own price, if he has one. Is he rich?” “He has an immense estate, but, as I hear, greatly encumbered; but don't think of money with him, that will never do.” “What's the bait, then? Does he care for rank? Has he any children grown up?” “One son and one daughter are all his family; and as for title, I don't think that he 'd exchange that of Knight of Gwynne for a Dukedom. His son is a lieutenant in the Guards.” “Yes; and the best fellow in the regiment,” broke in Forester. “In every quality of a high-spirited gentleman, Lionel Darcy has no superior.” “The better deserving of rapid promotion,” said his Lordship, smiling significantly. “I should be sorry to offer it to him at the expense of his father's principles,” said Forester. “Very little fear of your having to do so,” said Heffernan, quickly; “the Knight would be no easy purchase.” “You must see him, however, Dick.” said the Secretary; “there is no reason why he should not be with us on grounds of conviction. He is a man of enlightened and liberal mind, and surely will not think the worse of a measure because its advocates are in a position to serve his son's interests.” “If that topic be kept very studiously out of sight, it were all the more prudent,” said Con, dryly. “Of course; Forester will pay his visit, and only advert to the matter with caution and delicacy. To gain him to our side is a circumstance of so much moment that I say _carte blanche_ for the terms.” “I knew the time that a foxhound would have been a higher bribe than a blue ribbon with honest Maurice; but it's many years since we met, now, and Heaven knows what changes time may have wrought in him. A smile and a soft speech from a pretty woman, or a bold exploit of some hare-brained fellow, were sure to find favor with him, when he would have heard flattery from the lips of royalty without pride or emotion.” “His colleague in the county is with us; has he any influence over the Knight?”