“And beaten to sleep again,” said Buckingham haughtily. “I have Black Will and his cudgel for plebeian grumblers; and those of quality I can deal with myself. I lack breathing and exercise of late.” “But yet your Grace----” “Hold your peace, fool! I tell you that your poor dwarfish spirit cannot measure the scope of mine. I tell thee I would have the course of my life a torrent--I am weary of easy achievements, and wish for obstacles, that I can sweep before my irresistible course.” Another gentleman now entered the apartment. “I humbly crave your Grace’s pardon,” he said; “but Master Christian is so importunate for admission instantly, that I am obliged to take your Grace’s pleasure.” “Tell him to call three hours hence. Damn his politic pate, that would make all men dance after his pipe!” “I thank thee for the compliment, my Lord Duke,” said Christian, entering the apartment in somewhat a more courtly garb, but with the same unpretending and undistinguished mien, and in the same placid and indifferent manner with which he had accosted Julian Peveril upon different occasions during his journey to London. “It is precisely my present object to pipe to you; and you may dance to your own profit, if you will.” “On my word, Master Christian,” said the Duke haughtily, “the affair should be weighty, that removes ceremony so entirely from betwixt us. If it relates to the subject of our last conversation, I must request our interview be postponed to some farther opportunity. I am engaged in an affair of some weight.” Then turning his back on Christian, he went on with his conversation with Jerningham. “Find the person you wot of, and give him the papers; and hark ye, give him this gold to pay for the shaft of his arrow--the steel-head and peacock’s wing we have already provided.” “This is all well, my lord,” said Christian calmly, and taking his seat at the same time in an easy-chair at some distance; “but your Grace’s levity is no match for my equanimity. It is necessary I should speak with you; and I will await your Grace’s leisure in the apartment.” “_Very well_, sir,” said the Duke peevishly; “if an evil is to be undergone, the sooner it is over the better--I can take measures to prevent its being renewed. So let me hear your errand without farther delay.” “I will wait till your Grace’s toilette is completed,” said Christian, with the indifferent tone which was natural to him. “What I have to say must be between ourselves.” “Begone, Jerningham; and remain without till I call. Leave my doublet on the couch.--How now, I have worn this cloth of silver a hundred times.” “Only twice, if it please your Grace,” replied Jerningham. “As well twenty times--keep it for yourself, or give it to my valet, if you are too proud of your gentility.” “Your Grace has made better men than me wear your cast clothes,” said Jerningham submissively.