able than a butler? A man must be somebody's son. When I
am a middle-aged man, I hope humbly I shall look like a butler myself.
Suppose you were to put ten of Gunter's men into the House of Lords,
do you mean to say that they would not look as well as any average ten
peers in the house? Look at Lord Westcot; he is exactly like a butler
that's why the country has such confidence in him. I never dine with
him but I fancy he ought to be at the sideboard. Here comes that
insufferable little old Smee. How do you do, Mr. Smee?"

Mr. Smee smiles his sweetest smile. With his rings, diamond shirt-studs,
and red velvet waistcoat, there are few more elaborate middle-aged bucks
than Alfred Smee. "How do you do, my dear lord?" cries the bland one.
"Who would ever have thought of seeing your lordship here?"

"Why the deuce not, Mr. Smee?" asks Lord Kew, abruptly. "Is it wrong to
come here? I have been in the house only five minutes, and three people
have said the same thing to me--Mrs. Newcome, who is sitting downstairs
in a rage waiting for her carriage, the condescending Barnes, and
yourself. Why do you come here, Since? How are you, Mr. Gandish? How do
the fine arts go?"

"Your lordship's kindness in asking for them will cheer them if anything
will," says Mr. Gandish. "Your noble family has always patronised them.
I am proud to be reckonised by your lordship in this house, where the
distinguished father of one of my pupils entertains us this evening.
A most promising young man is young Mr. Clive--talents for a hamateur
really most remarkable."

"Excellent, upon my word--excellent," cries Mr. Smee. "I'm not an animal
painter myself, and perhaps don't think much of that branch of the
profession; but it seems to me the young fellow draws horses with the
most wonderful spirit. I hope Lady Walham is very well, and that she was
satisfied with her son's portrait. Stockholm, I think, your brother is
appointed to? I wish I might be allowed to paint the elder as well as
the younger brother, my lord."

"I am an historical painter; but whenever Lord Kew is painted I hope his
lordship will think of the old servant of his lordship's family, Charles
Gandish," cries the Professor.

"I am like Susannah between the two Elders," says Lord Kew. "Let my
innocence alone, Smee. Mr. Gandish, don't persecute my modesty with your
addresses. I won't be painted. I am not a fit subject for a historical
painter, Mr. Gandish."

"Halcibiades sat to Praxi