at
which there was a laugh--not from anything connected with what he said,
but simply because it was the right thing to laugh when Neigh meant you
to do so.

'Now don't, Neigh--you are too hard upon me. But, seriously, two or
three fellows were there when I said it, and they all began laughing--but,
then, the Colonel said it in such a queer way, you know. But you were
asking me about her? Well, the fact is, between ourselves, I do know
that she is a lady; and I don't mind telling a word--'

'But we would not for the world be the means of making you betray her
confidence--would we, Jones?'

'No, indeed; we would not.'

'No, no; it is not that at all--this is really too bad!--you must listen
just for a moment--'

'Ladywell, don't betray anybody on our account.'

'Whoever the illustrious young lady may be she has seen a great deal of
the world,' said Mr. Doncastle blandly, 'and puts her experience of the
comedy of its emotions, and of its method of showing them, in a very
vivid light.'

'I heard a man say that the novelty with which the ideas are presented is
more noticeable than the originality of the ideas themselves,' observed
Neigh. 'The woman has made a great talk about herself; and I am quite
weary of people asking of her condition, place of abode, has she a
father, has she a mother, or dearer one yet than all other.'

'I would have burlesque quotation put down by Act of Parliament, and all
who dabble in it placed with him who can cite Scripture for his
purposes,' said Ladywell, in retaliation.

After a pause Neigh remarked half-privately to their host, who was his
uncle: 'Your butler Chickerel is a very intelligent man, as I have
heard.'

'Yes, he does very well,' said Mr. Doncastle.

'But is he not a--very extraordinary man?'

'Not to my knowledge,' said Doncastle, looking up surprised. 'Why do you
think that, Alfred?'

'Well, perhaps it was not a matter to mention. He reads a great deal, I
dare say?'

'I don't think so.'

'I noticed how wonderfully his face kindled when we began talking about
the poems during dinner. Perhaps he is a poet himself in disguise. Did
you observe it?'

'No. To the best of my belief he is a very trustworthy and honourable
man. He has been with us--let me see, how long?--five months, I think,
and he was fifteen years in his last place. It certainly is a new side
to his character if he publicly showed any interest in the conversation,
whatever he might hav