The Prime Minister

intimate terms with you, Senhor Don Luis,--yet, I am not, I confess, of the Puritano families, who have hitherto monopolised everything, but Carvalho is biassed by no such considerations; he is no friend to the Puritanos; he selects men for their merit alone, and some of that he may, I flatter myself, have discovered in me; at all events, I may boast he knew I would serve my country faithfully."

"Of that I have no doubt, my friend," answered Don Luis, who had been listening to the old officer's long speech with some impatience, which, however, he endeavoured to conceal. "But can you tell me how soon we shall reach the Tagus?"

"Ah, there again, ever anxious for the morrow? Ha, ha! there is some greater magnetic attraction drawing your soul towards Lisbon, beyond the mere natural wish of embracing your parents, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, a whole host of cousins, and other relations and friends; for people don't mind deferring that pleasure for a few days. Come, come, there is some