A NOTABLE DINNER PARTY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume I, Issue 36, 17 October 1868, Page 5

A NOTABLE DINNER PARTY.

"When Mr. Disraeli launched his first tale and found it to be a great success, Lord Lytton, then Mr. Edward Lytton Bulwer, had achieved the proud place as a novelist which he has ever since retained. The aspirant for literary distinction had long admired at a distance the renown of his senior, and encouraged by the reception which his own maiden effort had received, he did what young authors under similar circumstances are apt to do. He sent to Mr. Bulwer a copy of " Vivian Grey," writing at the same time an apologetic note, and giving reasons for the liberty he had taken. The letter, with its accompanying gift, was. at once acknowledged, and Mr. Disraeli was requested to name a day for dining with the recipient. It happened that Mr. Disraeli had arranged, for quitting England on the day but one after receiving this invitation. He wrote to say bo, and the morrow was fixed for the symposium. Four gentlemen sat down at Mr. Bulwer's table on that occasion — one being, of course, the host; another, Mr. Disraeli ; the third, a man, shy, but evidently intelligent, for though he said comparatively little, his remarks, as he hazarded them, were keenly to the purpose. The fourth, a private friend of the host, need not be specified. It was an evening not to be forgotten, - because then, as now, both Lord Lytton and Mr. Disraeli shone in conversation. The party broke up about midnight, and the host and his friend were left alone together. After discussing Disraeli, the question was put, " Who is your silent guest ?" "He is one of the ablest men I know," was the reply. "He was my contemporary at college. He is now a barrister ; and, mark my words, he will attain the highest honors of his profession. His name is Cockburn." The climax to this- liijtle bit of domestic history or gossip" is very remarkable. The two brilliant novelists and the j painstaking lawyer who dined all to- ! gether some forty or more years ago, i comparatively obscure men, have all risen to positions of eminence in the State. Mr. Cockburn is Lord ChiefJustice of England ; Mr. Bulwer, after serving as Secretary:, of State :for the Colonies, has become a Peer of the J realm ; and Mr. Disraeli, on more than one previous occasion Chancellor of the Exchequer and leader of the House of Commons, is now First Lord of the { Treasury, * !