His lordship’s town mansion was magnificently furnished: this was owing to the taste of the Countess. Mr. Martindale, who waited some minutes in the drawing-room before his cousin made his appearance, was, when his lordship entered, surveying the apartment with a sneer of contempt. “Good morrow; I greet you well;” said the old gentleman. “I have called to pay my compliments, and to offer my cordial congratulations on your very providential escape from Bridewell, of which I think that your lordship has been recently in very imminent danger.” His lordship could not afford to quarrel with his wealthy relative; and therefore, though most deeply mortified by this salutation, he was under the absolute necessity of putting up with it, and preparing himself to expect as much more. It is very painful for a man of rank, who has passed some years beyond the age of boyhood, to be snubbed, schooled, and lectured. There is not one man in a thousand who would put up with it. But so it was that, step by step, this Hon. Earl of Trimmerstone had been entangled in the snares of dependence, and was now unable to extricate himself. He was caught in a net which he had not strength to break or patience to untie. In a subdued and sheepish tone, he replied to his cousin’s taunts: “I am very sorry, sir, that I was so much off my guard.” “Oh! yes, no doubt, you are very sorry; but I think if I had such a fine drawing-room as this, I should not leave it so much as you do, nor endanger its decorations by the dice-box. For I suppose you have been at your usual amusements. Oh! Philip, Philip--I beg pardon--I mean, my lord; if your lordship spends all your lordship’s means in gambling, pray what do you intend to do in order to keep up your dignity. You are too great a man to earn a living for yourself. Your lordship has nothing before you but beggary and dependence.” His lordship was not quite such a simpleton as to fly out into a violent passion; nor was he so far sunk in self-esteem as to bear this language with unreplying patience. He replied, with a little more firmness: “I hope, sir, I have some better prospect than this, which you are pleased to lay out for me. There do exist many men who were giddy in youth, and are respectable in age.” “Very likely, very likely,” replied the old gentleman. “I understand you, my lord.” “My remark, sir, was not designed to be of any particular application. I only spoke generally.” “Oh, oh! then you disclaim all reference to me, when you speak of respectability in age.” “Indeed, sir, you put a very unfavorable construction on my words as well as on my actions.”