Stephanus Byzantinus_, de _Urbibus_--

[Greek: 'Me kinei Kamarinan akinetos gar ameinon.']

_Zenobius_ explains it in his Proverbs; _Suidas_ repeats _Zenobius_;
_Lucian_ alludes to it; so does _Virgil_ in the Third Book of the
_AEneid_; and _Silius Italicus_ imitates Virgil--

'Et cui non licitum fatis Camarina moveri.'

Parson Dale, as a clergyman and a scholar, had, no doubt, these
authorities at his fingers' end. And I wonder he did not quote them,"
quoth my father; "but, to be sure, he is represented as a mild man, and
so might not wish to humble the Squire over much in the presence of his
family. Meanwhile, My Novel is My Novel; and now that that matter is
settled, perhaps the tongs, poker, and shovel may be picked up, the
children may go to bed, Blanche and Kitty may speculate apart upon the
future dignities of the Neogilos, taking care, nevertheless, to finish
the new pinbefores he requires for the present; Roland may cast up his
account-book, Mr. Squills have his brandy and water, and all the world
be comfortable, each in his own way. Blanche, come away from the screen,
get me my slippers, and leave Pisistratus to himself. [Greek: Me kinei
Kamarinan]--don't disturb Camarina. You see, my dear," added my father
kindly, as, after settling himself into his slippers, he detained
Blanche's hand in his own--"you see, my dear, every house has its
Camarina. Man, who is a lazy animal, is quite content to let it alone;
but woman, being the more active, bustling, curious creature, is always
for giving it a sly stir."

_Blanche_, with female dignity.--"I assure you, that if Pisistratus had
not called me, I should not have--"

_Mr. Caxton_, interrupting her, without lifting his eyes from the book
he has already taken.--"Certainly you would not. I am now in the midst
of the great Puseyite Controversy. [Greek: Me kinei Kamarinan]--don't
disturb Camarina."

A dead silence for half an hour, at the end of which

_Pisistratus_, from behind the screen.--"Blanche, my dear, I want to
consult you."

Blanche does not stir.

_Pisistratus._--"Blanche, I say."

Blanche glances in triumph towards Mr. Caxton.

_Mr. Caxton_, laying down his theological tract, and rubbing his
spectacles mournfully.--"I hear him, child: I hear him. I retract my
vindication of Man. Oracles warn in vain: so long as there is a woman on
the other side of the screen,--it is all up with Camarina!"

CHAPTER II.

It is greatly to be regretted th