The worst of it is, he
expects that I shall bear him the non-official announcement of
his being sent to Ireland, of which he has about as much
chance as I have of being Governor-General of India. It must
be confessed ours is critical work sometimes, friend Taper;
but never mind--what we have to do to individuals Peel has to
with a nation, and therefore we ought not to complain."
The Duke of Fitz-Aquitaine wanted Ireland and Lord de Mowbray
wanted the Garter. Lord Marney, who wanted the Buckhounds,
was convinced that neither of his friends had the slightest
chance of obtaining their respective objects, but believed
that he had a very good one of securing his own if he used
them for his purpose, and persuaded them to combine together
for the common good. So at his suggestion they had all met
together at the duke's, and were in full conference on the
present state of affairs, while Tadpole and Taper were engaged
in that interesting and instructive conversation of which we
have snatched a passage.
"You may depend upon it," said Lord Marney, "that nothing is
to be done by delicacy. It is not delicacy that rules the
House of Lords. What has kept us silent for years? Threats;
and threats used in the most downright manner.
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