the nobler part of the animal formation. Is not this the
better opinion at home, my Lord Chatterino?" he asked, turning to the
youth, who stood respectfully at his side.

"Such, I believe, my dear Doctor, was the last classification sanctioned
by the academy," the young noble replied, with a readiness that proved
him to be both well-informed and intelligent, and at the same time with
a reserve of manner that did equal credit to his modesty and breeding.
"The question of whether we are or are not bipeds has greatly agitated
the schools for more than three centuries."

"The use of this gentleman's name," I hastily rejoined, "my dear sir,
reminds me that we are but half acquainted with each other. Permit me to
waive ceremony, and to announce myself at once as Sir John Goldencalf,
Baronet, of Householder Hall, in the kingdom of Great Britain, a poor
admirer of excellence wherever it is to be found, or under whatever
form, and a devotee of the system of the 'social-stake.'"

"I am happy to be admitted to the honor of this formal introduction, Sir
John. In return I beg you will suffer me to say that this young nobleman
is, in our own dialect, No. 6, purple; or, to translate the appellation,
my Lord Chat-terino. This young lady is No. 4, violet, or, my Lady
Chatterissa. This excellent and prudent matron is No. 4,626,243, russet,
or, Mistress Vigilance Lynx, to translate her appellation also into the
English tongue; and that I am No. 22,817, brown-study color, or, Dr.
Reasono, to give you a literal signification of my name--a poor disciple
of the philosophers of our race, an LL.D., and a F.U.D.G.E., the
travelling tutor of this heir of one of the most illustrious and the
most ancient houses of the island of Leaphigh, in the monikin section of
mortality."

"Every syllable, learned Dr. Reasono, that falls from your revered lips
only whets curiosity and adds fuel to the flame of desire, tempting me
to inquire further into your private history, your future intentions,
the polity of your species, and all those interesting topics that
will readily suggest themselves to one of your quick apprehension and
extensive acquirements. I dread being thought indiscreet, and yet,
putting yourself in my position, I trust you will overlook a wish so
natural and so ardent."

"Apology is unnecessary, Sir John, and nothing would afford me greater
satisfaction than to answer any and every inquiry you may be disposed to
make."

"Then, sir, to c