"It is, indeed, Mr. Titmouse," replied his Lordship, "very true, sir; what you say is correct. Quite so; exactly." His eye was fixed on Titmouse, but his words were uttered, as it were, mechanically, and in a musing manner. It flitted for a moment across his mind, whether he should ring the bell, and order the servant to show out of the house the fearful imp which had just been shown into it; but at that critical moment he detected poor Titmouse's eye fixed with a kind of reverent intensity upon his Lordship's glittering orders. 'Twas a lucky look, that, for Titmouse, since it began to melt away the ice which was beginning to incrust the little heart of his august relative. 'Twas evident that the poor young man had not been accustomed to society, thought the earl, with an approach towards the compassionate mood. He was frightfully dressed, to be sure; and as for his speech, he was manifestly overawed by the Presence in which he found himself; [that thought melted a little more of the ice.] Yet, was it not evident that he had _some_ latent power of appreciating real distinction, when he beheld it? [his Lordship's little heart here lost _all_ the ice which had begun so suddenly to collect round it.] And again;--he has actually thrust out the intolerable Aubrey, and is now lawful owner of Yatton--of TEN THOUSAND A-YEAR---- "Did you see the review, to-day, sir?" inquired the earl, rather blandly--"His Majesty was there, sir, and seemed to enjoy the scene." Titmouse, with a timid air, said that he had not seen it, as he had been at a boatrace upon the river; and after a few more general observations--"Will you permit me, sir? It is from A QUARTER requiring the highest--a-hem!" said the earl, as a note was brought him, which he immediately opened and read. Lady Cecilia, also, appearing to be reading, Titmouse had a moment's breathing time and interval of relief. What would he have given, he thought, for some other person, or several persons, to come in and divide the attention--the intolerably oppressive attention of the two august individuals then before him! He seized the opportunity to cast a furtive glance around the room. It opened into a second, which opened into a third: how spacious, each, and lofty! And glittering glass chandeliers in each! What chimney and pier glasses! What rich flowered satin curtains--they must have cost twelve or fourteen shillings a-yard at least!--The carpets, of the finest Brussels--and they felt like velvet to the feet;--then the brackets, of marble and gold, with snowy statues and vases glistening upon each; chairs so delicate, and gilded all over--he almost feared to sit down on them. What would the Quirks and Tag-rags think of this! Faugh--only to think for a moment of Alibi House and Satin Lodge!--Then there was the Lady Cecilia--a lady of high rank! How rich her dress--and how haughtily beautiful she looked as she reclined upon the sofa! [she was in fact