The best piece of logic I ever heard, Mr Larynx; the very best, I assure you. I have thought very seriously of Cheltenham: very seriously and profoundly. I thought of it--let me see--when did I think of it? (_He rang again, and Fatout reappeared._) Fatout! when did I think of going to Cheltenham, and did not go? FATOUT De Juillet twenty-von, de last summer, Monsieur. (_Fatout retired._) THE HONOURABLE MR LISTLESS So it was. An invaluable fellow that, Mr Larynx--invaluable, Miss O'Carroll. MARIONETTA So I should judge, indeed. He seems to serve you as a walking memory, and to be a living chronicle, not of your actions only, but of your thoughts. THE HONOURABLE MR LISTLESS An excellent definition of the fellow, Miss O'Carroll,--excellent, upon my honour. Ha! ha! he! Heigho! Laughter is pleasant, but the exertion is too much for me. A parcel was brought in for Mr Listless; it had been sent express. Fatout was summoned to unpack it; and it proved to contain a new novel, and a new poem, both of which had long been anxiously expected by the whole host of fashionable readers; and the last number of a popular Review, of which the editor and his coadjutors were in high favour at court, and enjoyed ample pensions[5] for their services to church and state. As Fatout left the room, Mr Flosky entered, and curiously inspected the literary arrivals. MR FLOSKY (_Turning over the leaves._) 'Devilman, a novel.' Hm. Hatred--revenge-- misanthropy--and quotations from the Bible. Hm. This is the morbid anatomy of black bile.--'Paul Jones, a poem.' Hm. I see how it is. Paul Jones, an amiable enthusiast--disappointed in his affections-- turns pirate from ennui and magnanimity--cuts various masculine throats, wins various feminine hearts--is hanged at the yard-arm! The catastrophe is very awkward, and very unpoetical.--'The Downing Street Review.' Hm. First article--An Ode to the Red Book, by Roderick Sackbut, Esquire. Hm. His own poem reviewed by himself. Hm--m--m. (_Mr Flosky proceeded in silence to look over the other articles of the review; Marionetta inspected the novel, and Mr Listless the poem._) THE REVEREND MR LARYNX For a young man of fashion and family, Mr Listless, you seem to be of a very studious turn. THE HONOURABLE MR LISTLESS Studious! You are pleased to be facetious, Mr Larynx. I hope you do not suspect me of being studious. I have finished my education. But there are some fashionable books that one must read, because they are ingredients of the talk of the day; otherwise, I am no fonder of books than I dare say you yourself are, Mr Larynx. THE REVEREND MR LARYNX