had used him shamefully. He was
not without good instincts, and had been just and honest in his
dealings--except in those with his wife and children. But he believed
in the justness and honesty of no one else, and regarded all men as
his enemies--especially those of his own flesh and blood. For the
last ten years he had shut himself up, and rarely appeared in the
world, unless to make some statement, generally personal to himself,
in the House of Lords, or to proffer, in a plaintive whine to his
brother peers, some complaint as to his neighbour magistrates,
to which no one cared to listen, and which in latter years the
newspapers had declined to publish.

Arthur, who had always heard of the marquis as his father's old
pupil, was astonished to see before him a man so aged. His father had
been only fifty-five when he died, and had appeared to be a hale,
strong man. The marquis seemed to be worn out with care and years,
and to be one whose death might be yearly expected. His father,
however, was gone; but the marquis was destined to undergo yet many
more days of misery.

"I was very sorry to hear of your father's sudden death," said Lord
Stapledean, in his cold, thin voice.

"It was very sudden, my lord," said Arthur, shuddering.

"Ah--yes; he was not a prudent man;--always too fond of strong wine."

"He was always a temperate man," said the son, rather disgusted.

"That is, he never got drunk. I dare say not. As a parish clergyman,
it was not likely that he should. But he was an imprudent man in his
manner of living--very."

Arthur remained silent, thinking it better to say nothing further on
the subject.

"I suppose he has not left his family well provided for?"

"Not very well, my lord. There is something--and I have a
fellowship."

"Something!" said the marquis, with almost a sneer. "How much is this
something?" Whereupon Arthur told his lordship exactly the extent of
his mother's means.

"Ah, I thought as much. That is beggary, you know. Your father was a
very imprudent man. And you have a fellowship? I thought you broke
down in your degree." Whereupon Arthur again had to explain the facts
of the case.

"Well, well, well. Now, Mr. Wilkinson, you must be aware that your
family have not the slightest claim upon me."

"Your lordship is also aware that we have made none."

"Of course you have not. It would have been very improper on your
part, or on your mother's, had you done so--very. People make cla