let those among whom he spent it know that he was not to be
set on one side, as a mere parson out of the country, who happened to
have a good income of his own.

It was in this spirit,--a spirit of absolute pugnacity,--that he asked
for the Marquis at Scumberg's hotel. Yes;--the Marquis was at home, and
the servant would see if his master could be seen. "I fancy that I have
an appointment with him," said the Dean, as he gave his card. "I am
rather hurried, and if he can't see me perhaps you'll let me know at
once." The man soon returned, and with much condescension told the Dean
that his lordship would see him. "That is kind, as his lordship told me
to come," said the Dean to himself, but still loud enough for the
servant to hear him. "His Lordship will be with you in a few minutes,"
said the man, as he shut the door of the sitting room.

"I shall be gone if he's not here in a very few minutes," said the
Dean, unable to restrain himself.

And he very nearly did go before the Marquis came to him. He had
already walked to the rug with the object of ringing the bell, and had
then decided on giving the lord two minutes more, resolving also that
he would speak his mind to the lord about this delay, should the lord
make his appearance before the two minutes were over. The time had just
expired when his lordship did make his appearance. He came shuffling
into the room after a servant, who walked before him with the pretence
of carrying books and a box of papers. It had all been arranged, the
Marquis knowing that he would secure the first word by having his own
servant in the room. "I am very much obliged to you for coming, Mr.
Dean," he said. "Pray sit down. I should have been here to receive you
if you had sent me a line."

"I only got your note this morning," said the Dean angrily.

"I thought that perhaps you might have sent a message. It doesn't
signify in the least. I never go out till after this, but had you named
a time I should have been here to receive you. That will do,
John,--shut the door. Very cold,--don't you think it."

"I have walked, my lord, and am warm."

"I never walk,--never could walk. I don't know why it is, but my legs
won't walk."

"Perhaps you never tried."

"Yes, I have. They wanted to make me walk in Switzerland twenty years
ago, but I broke down after the first mile. George used to walk like
the very d----. You see more of him now than I do. Does he go on
walking?"

"He is an active m