Page:Paul Clifford Vol 3.djvu/269

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PAUL CLIFFORD.
261

so dear to heraldic taste. He then tore open the letter, and read as follows.

"MY DEAR SIR,

"You know that, in the last conversation I had the honour to hold with you, I alluded, though perhaps somewhat distantly, to the esteem which His Majesty had personally expressed for your principles and talents; and his wish to testify it at the earliest opportunity. I am most happy to think I have it in my power to offer you, by command of His Majesty, such a situation in the Cabinet, as will be worthy of your reputation and genius. Mr. —— has just tendered his resignation of the office of Chancellor of the Exchequer, and I lose not a moment in requesting you to supply the place thus vacated. You will remember, my dear Sir William, that it is an office that has before been auspiciously, though too briefly, filled by an ornament of your profession; 'your principles, your loyalty, and your talents'—these are His Majesty's own words,—'make you a worthy successor of the great Lord Mansfield.' There will be, as you are doubtless aware,