“And what is love to a man?”

“Well, I should say that nine of a man’s passions are merely episodes in his career, the mile-stones that mark his path; the tenth, or the first, is his philosopher’s stone that turns all things to gold, or, if the charm does not work, leaves his heart, broken and bankrupt, a cold monument of failure.”

“I don’t quite follow you, and I must say that, speaking for myself, I never felt anything of all this,” said Lord Minster, blankly.

“I know you do not, Lord Minster; your only passions tend towards political triumphs and personal aggrandisement; we are at the two poles, you see, and I fear that we can never, never meet upon a common matrimonial line.  But don’t be down-hearted about it, you will find plenty more women who fulfil all your requirements and will be very happy to take you at your own valuation.  If only a woman is necessary to success, you need not look far, and forgive me if I say that I believe it will not make much difference to you who she is.  But all the same, Lord Minster, I will venture to give you a piece of advice:  next time you propose, address yourself a little more to the lady’s affections and a little less to her interests,” and Mrs. Carr rose as though to show that the interview was at an end.

“Am I then to understand that my offer is definitely refused?” asked Lord Minster, stiffly.

“I am afraid so, and I am sure that you will, on reflection, see how utterly unsuited we are to each other.”

“Possibly, Mrs. Carr, possibly; at present all that I see is that you have had a great opportunity, and have failed to avail yourself of it.  My only consolation is that the loss will be yours, and my only regret is that I have had the trouble of coming to this place for nothing.  However, there is a ship due to-morrow, and I shall sail in her.”

“I am sorry to have been the cause of bringing you here, Lord Minster, and still more sorry that you should feel obliged to cut short your stay.  Good-bye, Lord Minster; we part friends, I hope?”

“Oh, certainly, Mrs. Carr.  I wish you a very good morning, Mrs. Carr,” and his lordship marched out of Mildred’s life.

“There goes my chance of becoming the wife of a prime minister, and making a figure in history,” said that lady, as she watched his tall figure stalking stiffly down the avenue.  “Well, I am glad of it.  I would just as soon have married a speech-making figure-head stuffed full of the purest Radical principles.”

On the following day Arthur met Lady Florence again in the town.

“Where have you been to, Lady Florence?” he said.

“To see my brother off,” she answered, without any signs of deep grief.

“What, has he gone already?”

“Yes; your friend Mrs. Carr has been too many for poor James.”

“What! do you mean that he has been proposing?”

“Yes, and got more than he bargained for.”