He was determined that his daughter should be a Marchioness, and in pursuit of that object he was willing to spend his money;--but he intended to let those among whom he spent it know that he was not to be set on one side, as a mere parson out of the country, who happened to have a good income of his own. It was in this spirit,--a spirit of absolute pugnacity,--that he asked for the Marquis at Scumberg's hotel. Yes;--the Marquis was at home, and the servant would see if his master could be seen. "I fancy that I have an appointment with him," said the Dean, as he gave his card. "I am rather hurried, and if he can't see me perhaps you'll let me know at once." The man soon returned, and with much condescension told the Dean that his lordship would see him. "That is kind, as his lordship told me to come," said the Dean to himself, but still loud enough for the servant to hear him. "His Lordship will be with you in a few minutes," said the man, as he shut the door of the sitting room. "I shall be gone if he's not here in a very few minutes," said the Dean, unable to restrain himself. And he very nearly did go before the Marquis came to him. He had already walked to the rug with the object of ringing the bell, and had then decided on giving the lord two minutes more, resolving also that he would speak his mind to the lord about this delay, should the lord make his appearance before the two minutes were over. The time had just expired when his lordship did make his appearance. He came shuffling into the room after a servant, who walked before him with the pretence of carrying books and a box of papers. It had all been arranged, the Marquis knowing that he would secure the first word by having his own servant in the room. "I am very much obliged to you for coming, Mr. Dean," he said. "Pray sit down. I should have been here to receive you if you had sent me a line." "I only got your note this morning," said the Dean angrily. "I thought that perhaps you might have sent a message. It doesn't signify in the least. I never go out till after this, but had you named a time I should have been here to receive you. That will do, John,--shut the door. Very cold,--don't you think it." "I have walked, my lord, and am warm." "I never walk,--never could walk. I don't know why it is, but my legs won't walk." "Perhaps you never tried." "Yes, I have. They wanted to make me walk in Switzerland twenty years ago, but I broke down after the first mile. George used to walk like the very d----. You see more of him now than I do. Does he go on walking?" "He is an active man." "Just that. He ought to have been a country letter-carrier. He would have been as punctual as the sun, and has quite all the necessary intellect." "You sent for me, Lord Brotherton----" "Yes; yes. I had something that I thought I might as well say to you, though, upon my word, I almost forget what it was." "Then I may as well take my leave."