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294 him who possesses the power of sending the representatives of his country to Parliament. Lord Merton is equally calculated to understand and support its interests, whether we consider his habits or his talents. I congratulate you on your clever and high-principled representative;"—and Lorraine left the room, in the comfortable conviction of having crowded as much annoyance as could be well comprised in a parting speech: and considering that, only the day before, Lord Etheringhame had expressed his wonder to Edward, whether Merton was most fool or brute, and intimated no little disgust at his dissipation, so unredeemed by aught of refinement—his selfishness, so undisguised by even the thin veil of common courtesy—his utter want of information—his stupidity—and also that, in the course of conversation, with that flattery by which a weak mind seeks to ingratiate itself, he had been most theoretically eloquent upon the principles and talents requisite in a member of the House, to which is intrusted the destinies of the country; and all which, at the time, he meant his brother should apply to himself. Considering all this, it may be imagined that Lord Etheringhame's reflections were more true