Now, it is a matter worthy of consideration, that, in difficult and knotty points, perspicuity of language seldom or ever elucidates the business. Nothing could be more clear, more lucid, nay, more pellucid, than Mr. Commodus Cannon's remark,--more self-evident, more conclusive,--yet it only tended to make darkness visible. Mrs. Cannon, who possessed greater powers of eloquence, was therefore imperiously called upon for a rejoinder. "If you could think, Mr. Cannon, of waiting until my Lord What-do-you-call-him thinks proper to _honour_ us with a call, you are a mean-spirited, petty-minded fellow. I'd have you to know we are every inch as good as they are." "To be sure we are!" replied all the Cannons in one simultaneous and spontaneous roar, one well-fired volley of approbation without a straggling shot,--all but Mr. Cannon senior, who remained as still as a target. "We owe nothing to nobody," added the speaker; "and can hold up our heads as high as anybody that ever wore one." This reloaded the Cannons, and another fire of coincidence was let off. "If your nobility give themselves airs with us, let me tell you, Mr. Cannon, just look at your crest and your motto, and show them that you can let fly at them hollow." All applauded except Mr. Cornelius Cannon, who was a good Latin scholar. "For my part I wouldn't give a brass farthing--no, that's what I wouldn't--to know them, as it's ten to one they will be shortly wanting to borrow money from us; but, as we are neighbours, and we are longer resident at Muckford, it's our business to leave our cards with them, more especially as there's no _quality_ whatever in this here neighbourhood but ourselves." There was no necessity of putting this proposition to the vote; it was carried by _nem. diss._ acclamations, and the visit fixed upon that day week.