During Lord Oldborough's absence, his faithful secretary had been active in his service. Mr. Temple went immediately to his friend Alfred Percy. Alfred had just returned fatigued from the courts, and was resting himself, in conversation with his wife and Caroline.
"I am sorry to disturb you, Alfred," said Mr. Temple, "but I must take you away from these ladies to consult you on particular business."
"Oh! let the particular business wait till he has rested himself," said Mrs. Percy, "unless it be a matter of life and death."
"Life and death!" cried Lady Frances Arlington, running in at the open door--"Yes, it is a matter of life and death!--Stay, Mr. Temple! Mr. Percy! going the moment I come into the room--Impossible!"
"Impossible it would be," said Mr. Temple, "in any other case; but-
