ou?"

"It was n't a civil one," said the other, gruffly. "He said, 'You
misapprehend me, Hotham. A sea-captain is only a boatswain in
epaulettes. I mean the boy to be a gentleman.'"

"And you bore that?"

"Yes. Just as well as you bore his telling you at dinner on Sunday last
that a Legation secretary was a cross between an old lady and a clerk in
the Customs."

"A man who scatters impertinences broadcast is only known for the merits
of his cook or his cellar."

"Both of which are excellent."

"Shall I send him in, sir?" asked George, as he patted the young horse
and caressed him.

"Well, Eccles," cried Hotham, as the tutor lounged lazily tip, "what do
you say to the mount they 're going to put your pupil on?"

"I wish they 'd wait a bit I shall not be ready for orders till next
spring, and I 'd rather they 'd not break his neck before February or
March."

"Has Norcott promised you the presentation, Bob?"

"No. He can't make up his mind whether he 'll give it to me or to a
Plymouth Brother, or to that fellow that was taken up at Salford for
blasphemy, and who happens to be in full orders."

"With all his enmity to the Established Church, I think he might be
satisfied with you," said Cleremont.

"Very neat, and very polite too," said Eccles; "but that this is the
Palace of Truth, I might feel nettled."

"Is it, by Jove?" cried Hotham. "Then it must be in the summer months,
when the house is shut up. Who has got a strong cigar? These Cubans of
Norcott's have no flavor. It must be close on luncheon-time."

"I can't join you, for I 've to go into town, and get my young bear
trimmed, and his nails cut. 'Make him presentable,' Norcott said, and
I 've had easier tasks to do."

So saying, Eccles moved off in one direction, while Hotham and Cleremont
strolled away in another; and I was left to my own reflections, which
were not few.

CHAPTER V. A FIRST DINNER-PARTY

I was made "presentable" in due time, and on the fifth day after my
arrival made my appearance at the dinner-table. "Sit there, sir,"
said my father, "opposite me." And I was not sorry to perceive that an
enormous vase with flowers effectually screened me from his sight.
The post of honor thus accorded me was a sufficient intimation to my
father's guests how he intended me to be treated by them; and as they
were without an exception all hangers-on and dependants,--men who dined
badly or not at all when uninvited to his table,--they were m