t does not
occasion very brilliant remarks among Colonel Newcome's guests. Sir
Brian really thinks it must be as hot as it is in India. Sir Thomas de
Boots, swelling in his white waistcoat, in the armholes of which his
thumbs are engaged, smiles scornfully, and wishes Sir Brian had
ever felt a good sweltering day in the hot winds in India. Sir Brian
withdraws the untenable proposition that London is as hot as Calcutta.
Mr. Binnie looks at his watch, and at the Colonel. "We have only your
nephew, Tom, to wait for," he says; "I think we may make so bold as
to order the dinner,"--a proposal heartily seconded by Mr. Frederick
Bayham.

The dinner appears steaming, borne by steaming waiters. The grandees
take their places, one on each side of the Colonel. He begs Mr. Honeyman
to say grace, and stands reverentially during that brief ceremony, while
de Boots looks queerly at him from over his napkin. All the young men
take their places at the farther end of the table, round about Mr.
Binnie; and at the end of the second course Mr. Barnes Newcome makes his
appearance.

Mr. Barnes does not show the slightest degree of disturbance, although
he disturbs all the company. Soup and fish are brought for him, and
meat, which he leisurely eats, while twelve other gentlemen are kept
waiting. We mark Mr. Binnie's twinkling eyes, as they watch the young
man. "Eh," he seems to say, "but that's just about as free-and-easy a
young chap as ever I set eyes on." And so Mr. Barnes was a cool young
chap. That dish is so good, he must really have some more. He discusses
the second supply leisurely; and turning round simpering to his
neighbour, says, "I really hope I'm not keeping everybody waiting."

"Hem!" grunts the neighbour, Mr. Bayham; "it doesn't much matter, for
we had all pretty well done dinner." Barnes takes a note of Mr. Bayham's
dress--his long frock-coat, the ribbon round his neck; and surveys him
with an admirable impudence. "Who are these people," thinks he, "my
uncle has got together?" He bows graciously to the honest Colonel, who
asks him to take wine. He is so insufferably affable, that every man
near him would like to give him a beating.

All the time of the dinner the host was challenging everybody to drink
wine, in his honest old-fashioned way, and Mr. Binnie seconding the
chief entertainer. Such was the way in England and Scotland when they
were young men. And when Binnie, asking Sir Brian, receives for reply
from the Baro