But Lord Oldborough philosophizing, and Lord Oldborough acting, were two
different people. His perception of the ridicule of the young secretary's
solemnity, and of the insufficiency of his information and capacity, made
no alteration in the minister's determination. The question was not whether
the individual was fit for this place, or that employment, but whether
it was expedient he should have it for the security of political power.
Waiving all delicacy, Lord Oldborough now, as in most other cases, made it
his chief object to be understood and obeyed; therefore he applied directly
to the universal motive, and spoke the universal language of interest.

"Mr. Falconer," said he, "if you put me in possession of the remainder of
M. de Tourville's papers this night, I will to-morrow morning put this
young gentleman into the hands of my present secretary, Mr. Drakelow, who
will prepare him for the situation you desire. Mr. Drakelow himself will,
probably, soon leave me, to be employed more advantageously for his
majesty's service, in some other manner."

The decipherers, father and son, shut themselves up directly, and set
to work with all imaginable zeal. The whole packet was nearly expounded
before night, and the next morning Lord Oldborough performed his part of
the agreement. He sent for Mr. Drakelow, and said, "Mr. Drakelow, I beg
that, upon your return to town, you will be so good as to take this young
gentleman, Mr. Cunningham Falconer, to your office. Endeavour to prepare
him to supply your place with me whenever it may be proper for his
majesty's service, and for your interest, to send you to Constantinople,
or elsewhere."

Mr. Drakelow, though infinitely surprised and displeased, bowed all
submission. Nothing else he knew was to be done with Lord Oldborough. His
lordship, as soon as his secretary had left the room, turned to Cunningham,