The young marquis was quite as much pleased at this distinguished recognition of his genius as any other aspiring young journalist might have been.
He wrote and accepted the invitation.
And at the appointed hour the next day he presented himself at Elmhurst House, the Premier's residence at Kensington.
He sent up his card, bearing the plain name:
"Mr. John Scott."
He was promptly shown up stairs to a handsome library, where he found the great statesman among his books and papers.
His lordship arose and received his visitor with much cordiality, and invited him to be seated.
And during the interview that followed it would have been difficult to decide who was the best pleased—the great minister with this young disciple of his school, or the new journalist with this illustrious head of his party.
This agreeable meeting was succeeded by others.
At length the young journalist was invited to a sort of semi-political dinner at Elmhurst House, to meet certain eminent members of the reform party.