As we have noticed the inaptitude with which greatness sometimes condescends, it may not be improper, on the other hand, to observe that in those of inferior rank there is not unfrequently on such occasions either a mean servility or a jealous suspicion, that the great one so condescending thinks more of his superiority than he really does. These mutual inaptitudes are great means of preserving, even in a civilised country, the strong distinction of caste. But in the interview which Mr. Martindale had with the parents of Horatio Markham there was very little of this awkwardness, and the old gentleman afterwards observed that Mrs. Markham was one of the most sensible women he had ever seen. CHAPTER X. “Why will you fight against so sweet a passion, And steel your heart to such a world of charms!” ADDISON. Markham was glad that Mr. Martindale’s visit had terminated without discovering the unpleasant circumstances in which the young man’s father had been involved: and as soon as the elder Markham was sufficiently recovered to attend to his usual occupation, the young man took his leave of his parents and returned to town. Now another season was commencing in the great metropolis, and the family of Colonel Rivolta had become tolerably well naturalised. The Colonel himself, from his relation to so opulent a man as old John Martindale, became a person of some consequence, and he had the honor to lounge and yawn about the streets with divers persons who bore titles or were in expectation of titles. Much as ignorant and superficial people may laugh at the old story of Jack helping Dick to do nothing, we are firmly and seriously of opinion that a man is never so much in need of assistance as when he has nothing to do. Colonel Rivolta found many persons in London in this predicament, and such was the natural benevolence of his mind that he took an inexpressible delight in affording them all the assistance in his power. The Colonel was never without a cigar in his mouth; and therefore he was peculiarly acceptable to those young noblemen and gentlemen who could not for the weakness of their heads smoke in the morning, because though they could not smoke they could employ themselves with sniffing the fumes of the Colonel’s cigars.