Canon Cone delivering his chivalrous attack upon the Incarnation. (A thumbnail sketch taken by the reporter of “Christendom,” and called by him, “Canon Cone in Action”) ” ” 184 Dr Mohl. From the oil painting presented to the University of Dorpott by His Majesty William II., Emperor and King ” ” 187 Baron Bloch. (From a photograph by M. M. Ballaru et Cie, 147 _bis_, Rue St Loup. Les Clichés sont la propriété exclusive de la Maison) ” ” 188 Major Pondo. (An extract from the picture of the reception at Barnett House. By the courtesy of the proprietors of “Social Sketches,” a weekly magazine) ” ” 192 “Competition, sir! competition!” ” ” 199 Mr Barnett thoroughly at home ” ” 211 The Porter of the M’Korio Delta Development Co. (From a group) ” ” 221 “And then the band played” ” ” 250 The Three Doctors ” ” 258 The unexpected Appearance of Mr Burden ” ” 268 Mr Burden in his last unfortunate fit of passion. (From a sketch very kindly provided by Mr Harbury) ” ” 297 The serious indisposition of Mr Burden in the train ” ” 302 MR BURDEN CHAPTER I It is remarkable, and a little saddening, to find how few people have heard of Mr Burden, who recently died at his residence, Avonmore, 37 Alexandrovna Road, Upper Norwood. He was, all his life, a man whose influence, though indirect, was considerable; a man certainly not without weight in the foreign policy of this country, and one that affected still more profoundly its social structure. The assiduity and the regularity of his demeanour forbade him, perhaps, the notoriety that is so prized by many lesser men. His ambitions, where they were not domestic, regarded his business and the preservation of the fortune he had honestly acquired. His judgment, which was excellent, he exercised upon problems connected with the commercial interests into which he had been born, and from which he had never, during a useful life of sixty-four years, desired to dissociate himself. To the administration of the suburb in which his villa was situated he was far from indifferent; but he had never attempted to enter the House of Commons, though his station, means, and connections would have afforded him ample opportunities in middle age for a career which Englishmen justly regard as among the most honourable, lucrative and eminent.