- I think,
once insinuated that in a certain work of mine I had taken a hint or two
from the writings of a couple of authors which it mentioned; it happened,
however, that I had never even read one syllable of the writings of
either, and of one of them had never even heard the name; so much for the
discrimination of the ---. By the bye, what a rascally newspaper that
is!'

'A very rascally newspaper,' said I.

CHAPTER SIXTY-SEVEN

DISTURBED SLUMBERS--THE BED-POST--TWO WIZARDS--WHAT CAN I DO?--REAL
LIBRARY--THE REV. MR. PLATITUDE--TOLERATION TO DISSENTERS--PARADOX--SWORD
OF ST. PETER--ENEMY TO HUMBUG--HIGH PRINCIPLES--FALSE CONCORD--THE
DAMSEL--WHAT RELIGION?--THE FURTHER CONVERSATION--THAT WOULD NEVER DO!

During the greater part of that night my slumbers were disturbed by
strange dreams. Amongst other things, I fancied that I was my host; my
head appeared to be teeming with wild thoughts and imaginations, out of
which I was endeavouring to frame a book. And now the book was finished
and given to the world, and the world shouted; and all eyes were turned
upon me, and I shrank from the eyes of the world. And, when I got into
retired places, I touched various objects in order to baffle the evil
chance. In short, during the whole night, I was acting over the story
which I had heard before I went to bed.

At about eight o'clock I awoke. The storm had long since passed away,
and the morning was bright and shining; my couch was so soft and
luxurious that I felt loth to quit it, so I lay some time, my eyes
wandering about the magnificent room to which fortune had conducted me in
so singular a manner; at last I heaved a sigh; I was thinking of my own
homeless condition, and imagining where I should find myself on the
following morning. Unwilling, however, to indulge in melancholy
thoughts, I sprang out of bed and proceeded to dress myself, and, whilst
dressing, I felt an irresistible inclination to touch the bed-post.

I finished dressing and left the room, feeling compelled, however, as I
left it, to touch the lintel of the door. Is it possible, thought I,
that from what I have lately heard the long-forgotten influence should
have possessed me again? but I will not give way to it; so I hurried
downstairs, resisting as I went a certain inclination which I
occasionally felt to touch the rail of the banister. I was presently
upon the gravel walk before the house: it was indeed a glorious morning.
I stood f