"Proud and overbearing! But a magnificent rent-roll though! His son does not appear a man of the world. Vastly good-natured, but he wants fire and character." "Mr Sinclair does not do himself justice," I replied. "There is more in him than meets the eye." "You are a scholar, Mr Wilson," suddenly exclaimed the general, "and can appreciate a literary curiosity. Do me the favour to accompany me to my study. I have a Greek manuscript which I picked up in Samaria, and which they tell me is invaluable." Before I could reply, the general was on his legs, and conducting me to his room. The dance was still proceeding. "I am a simple man, sir," said the general when we reached the apartment, "and very moderate in my desires. We are often called avaricious when we are simply prudent. I despise wealth but for the sake of my children. There," he exclaimed suddenly, showing me a jewel-case--"there's stuff that would buy up Bath." "Indeed!" "What do you imagine this to be, Mr Wilson?" next inquired the general, holding up a folded letter. "I cannot guess!" said I. "An offer of a peerage. Why should I accept it? I have no son, and am without personal ambition. The world do not give men credit for such self-denial. You are a constant visitor at Sackville Park, I presume?" "No, in truth. I have been there but once." "Lady Railton doats upon her son, I believe?" "A very fond mother," I replied. The general eyed me suspiciously, and went no further; but he produced forthwith his manuscript from Samaria. It was really a curiosity in its way, being a transcript of one of the gospels in a dialect which I had never before seen, and of which, I think, but few specimens can remain. But I had a fidgety desire to get back to the ball-room, which prevented any thing like a satisfactory inspection of the precious document. "Shall we return, general?" I asked. "By all means," said the general, evincing at the same time no disposition to budge. "I trust, Mr Wilson," he continued, "that you will be no stranger at our house. We are humble people, as you see us, but we have friends at court. A man of your talents should command preferment; but these are sad times, and the best fare ill enough without a helping hand. I stand well with the premier." "No doubt, deservedly," said I. "You have probably seen much service, general?" "A little, a little;" replied the soldier with mock humility. "But as to yourself, Mr Wilson, they must make a bishop of you." "Oh, general!" said I with unnecessary modesty. "Ah, but I say they must! Leave that to me. We want sound and good men like yourself at the head of the church. Methodism must be put down. It is increasing frightfully. Vigorous and learned men are required to cope with it." "Methodism," said I, with becoming warmth, "is undoubtedly a great curse to the church at the present moment, and every honest churchman is bound, to the extent of his ability, to oppose its further progress."