me he is not a young Hercules. Oh yes;--you can give my love
to my mother. Tell her that if I don't see her it is all George's
fault. I am not going to the house while he's there." To the Canon he
hardly spoke a word, nor was the Canon very anxious to talk to him. But
it became known throughout the country that the Marquis had met his
sister at Rudham Park, and the general effect was supposed to be good.

"I shall go back to-morrow, De Baron," he said to his host that same
afternoon. This was the day on which Jack had gone to Brotherton.

"We shall be sorry to lose you. I'm afraid it has been rather dull."

"Not more dull than usual. Everything is dull after a certain time of
life unless a man has made some fixed line for himself. Some men can
eat and drink a great deal, but I haven't got stomach for that. Some
men play cards; but I didn't begin early enough to win money, and I
don't like losing it. The sort of things that a man does care for die
away from him, and of course it becomes dull."

"I wonder you don't have a few horses in training."

"I hate horses, and I hate being cheated."

"They don't cheat me," said Mr. De Baron.

"Ah;--very likely. They would me. I think I made a mistake, De Baron,
in not staying at home and looking after the property."

"It's not too late, now."

"Yes, it is. I could not do it. I could not remember the tenants'
names, and I don't care about game. I can't throw myself into a litter
of young foxes, or get into a fury of passion about pheasants' eggs.
It's all beastly nonsense, but if a fellow could only bring himself to
care about it that wouldn't matter. I don't care about anything."

"You read."

"No, I don't. I pretend to read--a little. If they had left me alone I
think I should have had myself bled to death in a warm bath. But I
won't now. That man's daughter shan't be Lady Brotherton if I can help
it. I have rather liked being here on the whole, though why the d----
you should have a Germain impostor in your house, and a poor clergyman,
I can't make out."

"He's the Deputy Bishop of the diocese."

"But why have the Bishop himself unless he happen to be a friend? Does
your daughter like her marriage?"

"I hope so. She does not complain."

"He's an awful ass,--and always was. I remember when you used always to
finish up your books by making him bet as you pleased."

"He always won."

"And now you've made him marry your daughter. Perhaps he has won
there. I like