e unfeelingly worried about private difficulties and family
affairs. Quite a mistake, I assure you, in my case.

However, there I was, reclining, with my art-treasures about me, and
wanting a quiet morning. Because I wanted a quiet morning, of course
Louis came in. It was perfectly natural that I should inquire what the
deuce he meant by making his appearance when I had not rung my bell. I
seldom swear--it is such an ungentlemanlike habit--but when Louis
answered by a grin, I think it was also perfectly natural that I should
damn him for grinning. At any rate, I did.

This rigorous mode of treatment, I have observed, invariably brings
persons in the lower class of life to their senses. It brought Louis
to HIS senses. He was so obliging as to leave off grinning, and inform
me that a Young Person was outside wanting to see me. He added (with
the odious talkativeness of servants), that her name was Fanny.

"Who is Fanny?"

"Lady Glyde's maid, sir."

"What does Lady Glyde's maid want with me?"

"A letter, sir----"

"Take it."

"She refuses to give it to anybody but you, sir."

"Who sends the letter?"

"Miss Halcombe, sir."

The moment I heard Miss Halcombe's name I gave up. It is a habit of
mine always to give up to Miss Halcombe. I find, by experience, that
it saves noise. I gave up on this occasion. Dear Marian!

"Let Lady Glyde's maid come in, Louis. Stop! Do her shoes creak?"

I was obliged to ask the question. Creaking shoes invariably upset me
for the day. I was resigned to see the Young Person, but I was NOT
resigned to let the Young Person's shoes upset me. There is a limit
even to my endurance.

Louis affirmed distinctly that her shoes were to be depended upon. I
waved my hand. He introduced her. Is it necessary to say that she
expressed her sense of embarrassment by shutting up her mouth and
breathing through her nose? To the student of female human nature in
the lower orders, surely not.

Let me do the girl justice. Her shoes did NOT creak. But why do Young
Persons in service all perspire at the hands? Why have they all got fat
noses and hard cheeks? And why are their faces so sadly unfinished,
especially about the corners of the eyelids? I am not strong enough to
think deeply myself on any subject, but I appeal to professional men,
who are. Why have we no variety in our breed of Young Persons?

"You have a letter for me, from Miss Halcombe? Put it down on the
table, please,