something much more important; with all the influence of the
land, and a great deal more besides; of an order of men who
are ready to rally round the throne, and are, indeed, if
justice were done to them, its natural and hereditary
champions (Egremont looked perplexity); I am speaking," added
Sir Vavasour, in a solemn voice, "I am speaking of the
baronets."

"The baronets! And what do they want?"

"Their rights; their long withheld rights. The poor king was
with us. He has frequently expressed to me and other
deputies, his determination to do us justice; but he was not a
strong-minded man," said Sir Vavasour, with a sigh; "and in
these revolutionary and levelling times, he had a hard task
perhaps. And the peers, who are our brethren, they were, I
fear, against us. But in spite of the ministers, and in spite
of the peers, had the poor king lived, we should at least have
had the badge," added Sir Vavasour mournfully.

"The badge!"

"It would have satisfied Sir Grosvenor le Draughte," said Sir
Vavasour; "and he had a strong party with him; he was for
compromise, but d-- him, his father was only an accoucheur."

"And you wanted more?" inquired Egremont, with a demure look.

"All, or nothing," said Sir Vavasour; "principle is ever my
motto