Parliament, sir; privileges for themselves and their order, benefits to 'the Church;' and, when nothing better or more tempting offers, insults and slights to their antagonists. You, and all like you, will be passed over as if you never existed; the minister will not need you; you'll be so many general officers on the retired list, and only remarked when you swell the crowd at a levee.” “So, sir, according to this special prediction of yours, we have nothing left us but to live on our estates, enjoy what we can of our fortunes, and leave the interests of the nation to those our inferiors in rank, station, and property?” “Such a period as your Ladyship has pictured forth--a little strongly, perhaps--is before you. Whether the interval be destined to be long or short, will, in great measure, depend upon yourselves.” “That agrees with what Scanlan said the other day,” said Martin. “Scanlan!” echoed her Ladyship, with most profound contempt. “Who is this Scanlan?” asked Repton. “There he comes to answer for himself,” said Martin. “The fellow drives neatly. See how cleverly he swept round that sharp turn! He may be 'at fault' about the world of politics; but, _my_ word for it! he is a rare judge of a hack.” “And, now that you suggest it,” said Repton, musingly, “what an instinctive shrewdness there is on every subject,--I don't care what it is,--about fellows that deal in horse flesh. The practice of buying and selling, searching out flaws here, detecting defects there, gives a degree of suspectful sharpness in all transactions; besides that, really none but a naturally clever fellow ever graduates in the stable. You smile, my Lady; but some of our very first men have achieved the triumphs of the turf.” “Shall we have Scanlan in and hear the news?” asked Martin. “Not here. If you please, you may receive him in the library or your own room.” “Then, come along, Repton. We can resume this affair in the afternoon or to-morrow.” And, without waiting for a reply, he passed his arm within the other's, and led him away. “You have been too abrupt with her, Repton; you have not made due allowances for her attachment to family influences,” said he, in a whisper, as they went along. Repton smiled half contemptuously. “Oh, it's all very easy for you to laugh, my dear fellow; but, trust me, there's nothing to be done with my Lady in that fashion.” “Turn the flank,--eh?” said the old lawyer, slyly. “Ah, Martin, don't teach _me_ how to deal with humanity. If you have not the courage to tell your wife that your estate cannot bear fresh encumbrances, new loans, and new debts--” “Hush!” said Martin, cautiously. “Then, I say, let me prevent the casualty, that's all.” “How are you, Scanlan?” said Martin, as the attorney came, bowing and smiling, forward to pay his respects. “My friend, Mr. Repton, wishes to make your acquaintance.” “I have the honor of being known to Mr. Repton, already, sir, if he has not forgotten me.”