pliment, not in congratulation, but
pressed it as if in deep compassion, still looking him full in the face,
with those pitying, penetrating eyes, the actor experienced a sort of
shock as if he were read through, despite all his histrionic disguises,
read through to his heart's core; and, as silent as his visitor, sank
back in his chair,--abashed, disconcerted.

MR. HARTOPP.--"Poor man!"

THE COMEDIAN (rousing himself with an effort, but still
confused).--"Down, Sir Isaac, down! This visit, Mr. Mayor, is an honour
which may well take a dog by surprise! Forgive him!"

MR. HARTOPP (patting Sir Isaac, who was inquisitively sniffing his
garments, and drawing a chair close to the actor, who thereon edged his
own chair a little away,--in vain; for, on that movement, Mr. Hartopp
advanced in proportion).--"Your dog is a very admirable and clever
animal; but in the exhibition of a learned dog there is something which
tends to sadden one. By what privations has he been forced out of his
natural ways? By what fastings and severe usage have his instincts been
distorted into tricks? Hunger is a stern teacher, Mr. Chapman; and to
those whom it teaches, we cannot always give praise unmixed with pity."

THE COMEDIAN (ill at ease under this allegorical tone, and surprised
at a quicker intelligence in Mr. Hartopp than he had given that person
credit for).--"You speak like an oracle, Mr. Mayor; but that dog, at
least, has been mildly educated and kindly used. Inborn genius, sir,
will have its vent. Hum! a most intelligent audience honoured us
to-night; and our best thanks are due to you."

MR. HARTOPP.--"Mr. Chapman, let us be frank with each other. I am not
a clever man; perhaps a dull one. If I had set up for a clever man,
I should not be where I am now. Hush! no compliments. But my life has
brought me into frequent contact with those who suffer; and the dullest
of us gain a certain sharpness in the matters to which our observation
is habitually drawn. You took me in at first, it is true. I thought
you were a philanthropical humourist, who might have crotchets, as many
benevolent men, with time on their hands and money in their pockets,
are apt to form. But when it came to the begging hat (I ask your pardon;
don't let me offend you), when it came to the begging hat, I recognized
the man who wants philanthropy from others, and whose crotchets are
to be regarded in a professional point of view. Sir, I have come here
alone, because I