The end of November was, however, now approaching, and Parliament was about to reassemble.  Masham had written more than once to Lord Cadurcis, impressing upon him the propriety and expediency of taking his seat.  He had shown these letters, as he showed everything, to Venetia, who was his counsellor on all subjects, and Venetia agreed with their friend.

‘It is right,’ said Venetia; ’you have a duty to perform, and you must perform it.  Besides, I do not wish the name of Cadurcis to sink again into obscurity.  I shall look forward with interest to Lord Cadurcis taking the oaths and his seat.  It will please me; it will indeed.’

‘But Venetia,’ said George, ’I do not like to leave this place.  I am happy, if we may be happy.  This life suits me.  I am a quiet man.  I dislike London.  I feel alone there.’

’You can write to us; you will have a great deal to say.  And I shall have something to say to you now.  I must give you a continual report how they go on at the abbey.  I will be your steward, and superintend everything.’

‘Ah!’ said George, ’what shall I do in London without you, without your advice?  There will be something occurring every day, and I shall have no one to consult.  Indeed I shall feel quite miserable; I shall indeed.’

’It is quite impossible that, with your station, and at your time of life, you should bury yourself in the country,’ said Venetia.  ’You have the whole world before you, and you must enjoy it.  It is very well for mamma and myself to lead this life.  I look upon ourselves as two nuns.  If Cadurcis is an abbey, Cherbury is now a convent.’

‘How can a man wish to be more than happy?  I am quite content here,’ said George, ‘What is London to me?’

‘It may be a great deal to you, more than you think,’ said Venetia.  ’A great deal awaits you yet.  However, there can be no doubt you should take your seat.  You can always return, if you wish.  But take your seat, and cultivate dear Masham.  I have the utmost confidence in his wisdom and goodness.  You cannot have a friend more respectable.  Now mind my advice, George.’

‘I always do, Venetia.’

CHAPTER V.

Time and Faith are the great consolers, and neither of these precious sources of solace were wanting to the inhabitants of Cherbury.  They were again living alone, but their lives were cheerful; and if Venetia no longer indulged in a worldly and blissful future, nevertheless, in the society of her mother, in the resources of art and literature, in the diligent discharge of her duties to her humble neighbours, and in cherishing the memory of the departed, she experienced a life that was not without its tranquil pleasures.  She maintained with Lord Cadurcis a constant correspondence; he wrote to her every day, and although they were separated, there was not an incident of his life, and scarcely a thought, of which she was not cognisant.