a kick from _me_. I am a
self-contained and self-suffering creature." If I were Rothschild, I 'd
revel in this sentiment; it places one so immeasurably above that busy
ant-hill where one sees the creatures hurrying, hastening, and
fagging "till their hearts are broken." One feels himself a superior
intelligence,--a being above the wants and cares of the work-a-day world
around him.

"Any room here?" cried a merry voice, breaking in upon my musing; and
at the same instant a young fellow, in a gray travelling-suit and
a wideawake, flung a dressing-bag and a wrapper carelessly into the
carriage, and so recklessly as to come tumbling over me. He never
thought of apology, however, but continued his remarks to the guard, who
was evidently endeavoring to induce him to take a place elsewhere. "No,
no!" cried the young man; "I'm all right here, and the cove with the
yellow hair won't object to my smoking."

I heard these words as I sat in the corner, and I need scarcely say how
grossly the impertinence offended me. That the privacy I had paid for
should be invaded was bad enough, but that my companion should begin
acquaintance with an insult was worse again; and so I determined on no
account, nor upon any pretext, would I hold intercourse with him, but
maintain a perfect silence and reserve so long as our journey lasted.

There was an insufferable jauntiness and self-satisfaction in every
movement of the new arrival, even to the reckless way he pitched
into the carriage three small white canvas bags, carefully sealed and
docketed; the address--which! read--being, "To H.M.'s Minister and Envoy
at------, by the Hon. Grey Buller, Attache, &c" So, then, this was one
of the Young Guard of Diplomacy, one of those sucking Talleyrands,
which form the hope of the Foreign Office and the terror of middle-class
English abroad.

"Do you mind smoking?" asked he, abruptly, as he scraped his lucifer
match against the roof of the carriage, showing, by the promptitude of
his action, how little he cared for my reply.

"I never smoke, sir, except in the carriages reserved for smokers," was
my rebukeful answer.

"And I always do," said he, in a very easy tone.

Not condescending to notice this rude rejoinder, I drew forth my
newspaper, and tried to occupy myself with its contents.

"Anything new?" asked he, abruptly.

"Not that I am aware, sir. I was about to consult the paper."

"What paper is it?"

"It is the 'Banner,' sir,--at your