Sir Charles was notoriously touchy in temper for the first hour after his morning chocolate. He allowed himself to show it. "I cannot congratulate my brother upon his son," said he. "I had hoped for something more worthy of our traditions." "Perhaps, sir, upon a longer acquaintance--" "The chance is too small to justify the very irksome experience. I must ask you, sir, to bring to a close a visit which never should have been made." The young man smiled affably, but gave no sign of departure. "May I ask, sir," said he, in an easy conversational fashion, "whether you can recall Principal Munro, of my college?" "No, sir, I cannot," his uncle answered, sharply. "Naturally you would not burden your memory to such an extent, but he still remembers you. In some conversation with him yesterday he did me the honour to say that I brought you back to his recollection by what he was pleased to call the mingled levity and obstinacy of my character. The levity seems to have already impressed you. I am now reduced to showing you the obstinacy." He sat down in a chair near the door and folded his arms, still beaming pleasantly at his uncle. "Oh, you won't go?" asked Sir Charles, grimly. "No, sir; I will stay." "Ambrose, step down and call a couple of chairmen." "I should not advise it, sir. They will be hurt." "I will put you out with my own hands." "That, sir, you can always do. As my uncle, I could scarce resist you. But, short of throwing me down the stair, I do not see how you can avoid giving me half an hour of your attention." Sir Charles smiled. He could not help it. There was so much that was reminiscent of his own arrogant and eventful youth in the bearing of this youngster. He was mollified, too, by the defiance of menials and quick submission to himself. He turned to the glass and signed to Ambrose to continue his duties. "I must ask you to await the conclusion of my toilet," said he. "Then we shall see how far you can justify such an intrusion." When the valet had at last left the room Sir Charles turned his attention once more to his scapegrace nephew, who had viewed the details of the famous buck's toilet with the face of an acolyte assisting at a mystery. "Now, sir," said the older man, "speak, and speak to the point, for I can assure you that I have many more important matters which claim my attention. The Prince is waiting for me at the present instant at Carlton House. Be as brief as you can. What is it that you want?" "A thousand pounds." "Really! Nothing more?" Sir Charles had turned acid again. "Yes, sir; an introduction to Mr. Brinsley Sheridan, whom I know to be your friend." "And why to him?" "Because I am told that he controls Drury Lane Theatre, and I have a fancy to be an actor. My friends assure me that I have a pretty talent that way."