Mrs. H----- became very
desirous of procuring for her eldest son a cornetcy in the regiment
once commanded by his father; as she was now too poor to
purchase, the matter required management and negotiation. How it
was brought about I cannot exactly say. Suffice it to declare that the
young man received his commission, through the influence of Lady
Holberton, in a high military quarter, while the Lumley Autograph
was placed on a distinguished leaf of that lady's velvet-bound,
jewel-clasped album.
It so happened that I dined at Holberton-House on the eventful day
upon which the Lumley letter changed owners. I saw immediately, on
entering the drawing-room, that Lady Holberton was in excellent
spirits; she received me very graciously, and spoke of her son, with
whom I had just traveled between Paris and Algiers.
"Wish me joy, Mr. Howard!" exclaimed the lady after a short
conversation.
Of course I was very happy to do so, and replied by some remarks on
the recent success of her friends in a parliamentary measure, just
then decided--Lady Holberton being a distinguished politician. But I
soon found it was to some matter of still higher moment she then
alluded.
"I never had a doubt as to our success in the house, last night--no;
rather wish me joy that I have at last triumphed in a negotiation of
two years standing. The Lumley Autograph is mine, Mr.
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