"Why," replied Lord Norbourne, "there remain avarice and business. I exceedingly regret that I do not, cannot force myself to love money. It is the most secure source of enjoyment of which our nature is capable. It is tangible and present; it is subject to no imaginary miseries; it goes on increasing; it is a joy for ever. It exercises both bodily and mental faculties in its acquisition; it is satisfaction to the past, and encouragement to the future."
"For mercy's sake, stop!" cried Norbourne; "if you go on much further with this eulogium, you will send me away a confirmed miser."
"No such good luck," replied Lord Norbourne, smiling; "the miser, like the poet, must be born. It is not to be acquired without an original vocation. In the meantime, I advise you to amuse yourself as much as you can; and, talking of amusement, do you go to Lady Marchmont's to-night?"
Courtenaye started at the name; and was too much absorbed in all it called up, to notice that his uncle's quick, dark eye was fixed on
