ivialities as sport
or society, and yet the beetles are overlooked. I can assure you that
the greater part of the idiots in this part of the country are unaware
that I have ever written a book at all--I, the first man who ever
described the true function of the elytra. I am glad to see you, sir,
and I have no doubt that I can show you some specimens which will
interest you." He stepped into the fly and drove up with us to the
house, expounding to me as we went some recent researches which he had
made into the anatomy of the lady-bird.

I have said that Sir Thomas Rossiter wore a large hat drawn down over
his brows. As he entered the hall he uncovered himself, and I was at
once aware of a singular characteristic which the hat had concealed.
His forehead, which was naturally high, and higher still on account of
receding hair, was in a continual state of movement. Some nervous
weakness kept the muscles in a constant spasm, which sometimes produced
a mere twitching and sometimes a curious rotary movement unlike
anything which I had ever seen before. It was strikingly visible as he
turned towards us after entering the study, and seemed the more
singular from the contrast with the hard, steady, grey eyes which
looked out from underneath those palpitating brows.

"I am sorry," said he, "that Lady Rossiter is not here to help me to
welcome you. By the way, Charles, did Evelyn say anything about the
date of her return?"

"She wished to stay in town for a few more days," said Lord Linchmere.
"You know how ladies' social duties accumulate if they have been for
some time in the country. My sister has many old friends in London at
present."

"Well, she is her own mistress, and I should not wish to alter her
plans, but I shall be glad when I see her again. It is very lonely
here without her company."

"I was afraid that you might find it so, and that was partly why I ran
down. My young friend, Dr. Hamilton, is so much interested in the
subject which you have made your own, that I thought you would not mind
his accompanying me."

"I lead a retired life, Dr. Hamilton, and my aversion to strangers
grows upon me," said our host. "I have sometimes thought that my
nerves are not so good as they were. My travels in search of beetles
in my younger days took me into many malarious and unhealthy places.
But a brother coleopterist like yourself is always a welcome guest, and
I shall be delighted if you will look over my coll