"My dear Charles," said Lady Marney to Egremont the morning
after the Derby, as breakfasting with her in her boudoir he
detailed some of the circumstances of the race, "we must
forget your naughty horse. I sent you a little note this
morning, because I wished to see you most particularly before
you went out. Affairs," continued Lady Marney, first looking
round the chamber to see whether there were any fairy
listening to her state secrets, "affairs are critical."

"No doubt of that," thought Egremont, the horrid phantom of
settling-day seeming to obtrude itself between his mother and
himself; but not knowing precisely at what she was driving, he
merely sipped his tea, and innocently replied, "Why?"

"There will be a dissolution," said Lady Marney.

"What are we coming in?"

Lady Marney shook her head.

"The present men will not better their majority," said
Egremont.

"I hope not," said Lady Marney.

"Why you always said, that with another general election we
must come in, whoever dissolved."