present CRISIS." (Looking round the rooms proudly, and softening his voice), "A numerous gathering, Morley! This demonstration will strike terror in Downing Street, eh! The old House stands firm,—never was a family so united: all here, I think,—that is, all worth naming,—all, except Sir James, whom Montfort chooses to dislike, and George—and George comes to-morrow."
COLONEL MORLEY.—"You forget the most eminent of all our connections,—the one who could indeed strike terror into Downing Street, were his voice to be heard again!"
CARR VIPONT.—"Whom do you mean? Ah, I know! Guy Darrell. His wife was a Vipont; and he is not here. But he has long since ceased to communicate with any of us; the only connection that ever fell away from the House of Vipont, especially in a CRISIS like the present. Singular man! For all the use he is to us, he might as well be dead! But he has a fine fortune: what will he do with it?"
THE DUCHESS.—"My dear Lady Montfort, you have hurt yourself with that paper cutter."
LADY MONTFORT.—"NO, indeed. Hush! we are disturbing Mr. Carr Vipont!"
The Duchess, in awe of Carr Vipont, sinks her voice, and gabbles on, whisperously.
CARR VIPONT (resuming the subject).—"A very fine fortune: what will he do with it?"
COLONEL MORLEY.—"I don't know; but I had a letter from him some months ago."
CARR VIPONT.—"You had, and never told me!"
COLONEL MORLEY.—"Of no importance to you, my dear Carr. His letter merely introduced to me a charming young fellow,—a kinsman of his own (no Vipont),—Lionel Haughton, son of poor Charlie Haughton, whom you may remember."
CARR VIPONT.—"Yes, a handsome scamp; went to the dogs. So Darrell takes up Charlie's son: what! as his heir?"
COLONEL MORLEY.—"In his letter to me he anticipated that question in the negative."
CARR VIPONT.—"Has Darrell any nearer kinsman?"
COLONEL MORLEY.—"Not that I know of."
CARR VIPONT.—"Perhaps he will select one of his wife's family for his heir,—a Vipont; I should not wonder."
COLONEL MORLEY (dryly).—"I should. But why may not Darrell marry again? I always thought he would; I think so still."
CARR VIPONT (glancing towards his own daughter Honoria).—"Well,
