“The Knight of Gwynne's carriage,” cried a servant, throwing wide the door.
“How opportune!” said Darcy, laughing; “it is so satisfactory to have the last shot at the enemy.”
“Pray don't go yet,—a few moments more.”
“Not a second, my Lord; I dare not. The fact is, I have strenuously avoided this subject; an old friend of mine, Bagenal Daly, has wearied me of it,—he is an Anti-Unionist, but on grounds I scarcely concur in. Your Lordship's defence of the measure I also demur to. I am like poor old Murray, the Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, who, when called on for his opinion in a case where Judge Wallace was in favor of a rule, and Judge Mayne against it, he said, 'I agree with my brother Mayne for the cogent reasons laid down by my brother Wallace.'”
“So,” said the Secretary, laughing heartily, “I have convinced you against myself.”
“Exactly, my Lord. I came here this evening intending not to vote on the Bill,—indeed, I accepted your Lordship's hospitality without a thought upon a party question; I am equally certain you will acquit me of being a spy in the camp. To-morrow I intend to vote against you.”
“I wish I could have the same esteem for my friends that I now pledge for my—”
“Don't say 'enemy,' my Lord; we both aspire to the same end,—our country's good. If we take different roads, it is because each thinks his own path the shortest. Good night.”
Lord Castlereagh accompanied the Knight to his carriage, and again shook his hand cordially as they parted.