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 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 accouchewr."

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

"All, or nothing," said Sir Vavasour'; " principle is ever my motto—no expediency. I made a speech to the order at the Clarendon; there were four hundred of us; the feeling was very strong."

"A powerful party," said Egremont.

"And a military order, sir, if properly understood. What could stand against us? The Reform Bill could never have passed if the baronets had been organized."

"I have no doubt you could bring us in now," said Egremont.