“All this is very flattering,” said the Knight, with a smile of evident satisfaction, “but I scarcely see how the opinions of a very humble country gentleman can weigh in the grave councils of a Government.” “The best proof is the fact itself,” replied Heffernan, artfully. “Were I to tell you of other reasons, you might suspect me of an intention to canvass your support on very different grounds.” “I confess I'm in the dark; explain yourself more fully.” “This is a day for sincerity,” said Heffernan, smiling, “and so, here it is: the Prince has taken a special liking to your son Lionel, and has given him his company.” “His company! I never heard of it.” “Strange enough that he should not have written to you on the subject, but the fact is unquestionable; and, as I was saying, he is a frequent guest at Carlton House, and admitted into the choice circle of his Royal Highness's parties: if, in the freedom of that intimacy with which he is honored by the Prince, the question should have arisen, how his father meant to vote, the fact was not surprising, no more than that Captain Darcy should have replied--” “Lionel never pledged himself to control _my_ vote, depend upon that, Mr. Heffernan,” said the Knight, reddening. “Nor did I say so,” interposed Heffernan. “Hear me out: your son is reported to have answered, 'My father's family have been too trained in loyalty, sire, not to give their voice for what they believe the best interests of the empire: your Royal Highness may doubt his judgment, his honor will, I am certain, never be called in question.' The Prince laughed good-naturedly, and said, 'Enough, Darcy,--quite enough; it will give me great satisfaction to think as highly of the father as I do of the son; there is a vacancy on the staff, and I can offer you the post of an extra aide-de-camp.'” “This is very good news,--the best I 've heard for many a day, Heffernan; and for its accuracy--” “Lord Castlereagh is the guarantee,” added Heffernan, hastily; “I had it from his own lips.” “I 'll wait on him this morning. I can at least express my gratitude for his Royal Highness's kindness to my boy.” “You 'll not have far to go,” said Heffernan, smiling. “How so?--what do you mean?” “Lord Castlereagh is at the door this moment in that carriage;” and Hefifernan pointed to the chariot which, with its blinds closely drawn, stood before the street door. The Knight moved hastily towards the door, and then, turning suddenly, burst into a hearty laugh,--a laugh so racy and full of enjoyment that Heffernan himself joined in it, without knowing wherefore. “You are a clever fellow, Hefifernan!” said the Knight, as he lay back in a deep-cushioned chair, and wiped his eyes, now streaming with tears of laughter,--“a devilish clever fellow! The whole affair reminds me of poor Jack Morris.” “Faith! I don't see your meaning,” said Hefifernan, half fearful that all was not right.