It is one thing to merit advancement, quite another to secure it.

Yet here he was, driving with a great lady, his friend, his admirer; driving towards the excitement of political contest, perhaps towards a seat in Parliament, and who could say what subsequent distinctions.

Lady Ogram was not the woman to aid half-heartedly where her feelings were interested.

Pretty surely he could count upon large support, so long as he did not disappoint his benefactress.

For the present he had no anxieties--thanks to another woman, of whom, in truth, he thought scarcely once in twenty-four hours.