The Mysteries of London; or, Lights and Shadows of London Life — page 272: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

270 TEI gence and liberality as dean; and, moreover, ver, I know that this elevation is not his own seeking, although be merits it so well.” “T ain glad tohearit—very glad,” said the monarch, snappishly; “ the imprudence of the request shall do him no i in our opinion; but the thing, my lord, is impossible—quite—quite,” | “Moreover,” continued the noble lord, “ your majesty may judge of the talent of the gentleman in question, when I state that he is the author of that sound and constitutional pamphlet, ‘ What Next?’ which I belieye was honoured by your gracious appro- bation.” “ All matters for future consideration, my lord, but perfectly useless on the present occasion.” The firmness with which the king spoke, and the well-known tenacity with which he stuck to his opinions, convinced the premier that there was but one more chance—the threat of resignation; nothing else he knew would move him. Waiting till his esty, who during the interval had been pacing up down the royal closet, came to 4 standstill, he bent: the knee before him. “ What now—what now, my lord?” I regret that I have but one duty to perform,” answered the statesman. “ Whilst I thought there was a chance of guarding the prerogative of the crown from the reckless attacks of those who lead a factions opposition, I remained firm in my resolution not to resign, This unfortunate decision of your majesty’s will so weaken the government, that to hold out will be impossible. I beg leave, therefore, most respect- fully totender my resignation.” “ Resignation, my lord!” exclaimed the king, in astonishment. “ Resignation! Very well—very. We can dispense with your further services, All alike— all alike!” “ When will it please your suajesty,” continued the premier, “to hold a council to receive the seals of myself and colleagues, for I speak in the name of the entire cabinet ?” As soon as my arrangements are completed,” replied his majesty, “the lord steward of the house- hold will demand them by warrant under the sign manual. I wish no further intercourse with one who, in the hour of danger, can thus abandon the helm.” “ Sire,’ said the premier, firmly but respectfully, “deign to do me justice, Have I, since my accession to office, ever solicited a single fayour for myself or family ?” “ No—no—no,” said the king, quickly, “you have not.”’ “Then believe me, sire, nothing but the existence of the cabinet, which depends upon a compliance with Lord Sourton’s demands, could have induced me to submit the proposition which I have made; for, despite the unimpeachable character of the gentleman recommended, the compact is, from its very nature, distasteful to me ; yet, as the lesser eyil, [ embraced it. Your majesty, in the exercise of your undoubted pre- rogative, bas refused to sanction it, and by that refusal virtually dismissed the cabinet. Do us not, _ then, the injustice to attribute our resignation to want of loyalty or attachment to your crown and ” The king paced the apartment evidently much dis- tressed ; the firm tone of his minister, to whom he was attached, and his indignation at the oppvsition, had moved his resolution. **You say the dean is not only unconscious of this treaty, my lord, but unambitious of the mitre?” ee eee 8 ee ee eee eee Cr THE _ MYSTERIES OF LONDON, -_—=- “T have every reason to believe 80, sire,” “And his character is eens. the monarch. * To that I can speak positively.” “It’s an awfcl responsibility,” said the king, ously ; “ but, considering that the welfare of my at demands it, 1 consent. Better that a temporary creep into the chareh thom Chat the have soeer balan of the constitution—the royal prerogative—should be destroyed.” His majesty held out his hand to his minister in token of renewed confidence. “ My gracious sovereign,” said the premier kneel- ing, and kissing it, “you have decided wisely. pledge my life that we defeat the miserable faction that would dictate to the crown.” *Tt is a heavy price, though, my lord,” sighed the — monarch; “I had destined the vacant see for a very worthy man. Ill thank you to bcar in mind that I have a voice in the disposal of the next bishopric. But to end this unpleasant affair at onco,” he added, taking up a stamped sheet of paper, aigPlngn writing his name at the top of it," there’s the manual; my lord chancellor will complete the site forms. And now, having finished the affairs 0, state, come, my lord, and pay your respects to the — queen, You shail have cream trom hap..00R GORY and a dinner from the farm.” ? Thus terminated the interview which decided the prospects of Fitzgerald. ) ments were completed with all possible epeed, and within a fortnight the Dean of Hereford was conse- crated at Lambeth, by the Archbishop of Canterbury, — bishop of the ancient see of Tythetail. It is not to be supposed that a promotion so rapid, — so unexampled in the annals of church failed to attract remark. The opposition loud in their indignation at shat they rere “Church and State job.” A thousand reports were circulated, and, by turns, believed or rejected. The new prelate cared little for the reports or for any dis- covery that could now be made respecting his aa from the obnoxious house of Derwentwater. Heh done homage at a priyate audience at Windsor, an was, to all intents and purposes, a peer of parlia) a dignity from which nothing but an act of the le s- lature could remove him, and of that he had little to fear. It was soon rumoured that the new bishop was | about to becomes the son-in-law of the Marquis Or Sourton; but even this did not account for the | nificent mansion he had taken in St. James’s or for the gorgeous furniture and equipeges he hag ordered. ‘‘There will soon be a bishop in the bankrupt list, I am thinking,” observed one, | “ Does the prelate think the see of Tythetail like the | Mediterranean—inexhaustible?”” demanded another, “ Lady Georgina’s fortune cannot be great, for the estates are strictly entailed, and the marquis is not the | man to save,” observed a third, ) The day for the opening of the new parliament ‘ Jast arrived, and the new bishop took the oaths and ) his seat as a spiritual peer. Many a curious» oy glanced at the splendid state carriage in which @ ight reverend lord proceeded to the house; | azoned on its panels were the val ecnaatianas arms of Derwentwater—shorn, indeed, of GOMIIGD