As used to be the case with Italian Powers, they entrusted their cause to mercenary foreign generals, soldiers of fortune, who carried their good swords whither they were wanted; and, as of old, the leaders were ever ready to fight, but would themselves declare what should be and what should not be the _casus belli_.

There was not so much meanness as Mr.Ratler supposed in the Conservative ranks, but very much more unhappiness.

Would it not be better to go home and live at the family park all the year round, and hunt, and attend Quarter Sessions, and be able to declare morning and evening with a clear conscience that the country was going to the dogs?
Such was the mental working of many a Conservative who supported Mr.Daubeny on this occasion.
At the instance of Lady Laura, Phineas called upon the Duke of St.
Bungay soon after his return, and was very kindly received by his Grace.

In former days, when there were Whigs instead of Liberals, it was almost a rule of political life that all leading Whigs should be uncles, brothers-in-law, or cousins to each other.

This was pleasant and gave great consistency to the party; but the system has now gone out of vogue.