me, whether we like it or not, and the wisest philosophy is to plan
our lives so that we may conform to the alterations time will make in
us. I don't want to be dissatisfied with my condition at five-and-forty,
just for the sake of some caprice that I indulged in at five-and-twenty,
and if I find a very charming creature with an angelic temper, deep blue
eyes, the prettiest foot in Christendom, and a neat sum in Consols, I'll
promise you there will soon be a step in the promotion of her Majesty's
service, vice Lieutenant Harry Calvert, sold out."

The reply of the other was lost in the hoarse noise of the steam which
now rushed from the escape-pipe of a vessel that had just arrived
beneath the window. She was bound for Mayence, but stopped to permit
some few passengers to land at that place. The scene exhibited all that
bustle and confusion so perplexing to the actors, but so amusing to
those who are mere spectators; for while some were eagerly pressing
forward to gain the gangway with their luggage, the massive machinery of
the bridge of boats was already in motion to open a space for the vessel
to move up the stream. The young Englishmen were both interested in
watching a very tall, thin old lady, whose efforts to gather together
the members of her party, her luggage, and her followers, seemed to have
overcome all the ordinary canons of politeness, for she pushed here
and drove there, totally regardless of the inconvenience she was
occasioning. She was followed by two young ladies, from whose courteous
gestures it could be inferred how deeply their companion's insistence
pained them, and how ashamed they felt at their position.

"I am afraid she is English," said Loyd.

"Can there be a doubt of it? Where did you ever see that reckless
indifference to all others, that selfish disregard of decency, save in a
certain class of our people? Look, she nearly pushed that fat man down,
the hatchway; and see, she will not show the steward her tickets, and
she will have her change. Poor girls! what misery and exposure all this
is for you!"

"But the steamer is beginning to move on. They will be carried off!
See, they are hauling at the gangway already."

"She's on it; she doesn't care; she's over now. Well done, old lady!
That back-hander was neatly given; and see, she has marshalled her
forces cleverly: sent the light division in front, and brings up the
rear herself with the luggage and the maids. Now, I call that as cleve