very frequent guest at his dinner-table. He gave Titmouse, on one of these occasions, an amazing account of the distinction accruing to a member of any of the great learned societies; and, in fact, quite inflamed his little imagination upon the subject--sounding him as to his wish to become a member of some great society, in common with half the dukes, marquises, earls, and barons in the kingdom--in particular his own august kinsman, the Earl of Dreddlington himself. "Why--a--'pon my soul--" quoth Titmouse, grinning, as he tossed off his tenth glass of champagne with the bland and voluble doctor--"I--I--shouldn't much dislike a thingumbob or two at the end of my name--but what's the figure?" "Certainly, I myself, as a zealous lover of science, my dear sir, consider her honors always well bestowed on those eminent in rank and station; though they may not have gone through the drudgery of scientific details, sir, their countenance _irradiates_ the pale cheek of unobtrusive science"---- "Ya--a--s, 'pon honor, it certainly does," quoth Titmouse, not exactly, however, comprehending the doctor's fine figure of speech. "Now, look you, Mr. Titmouse," continued the doctor, "the greatest society in all England, out and out, is the CREDULOUS SOCIETY. I happen to have some _leetle_ influence there, through which I have been able, I am happy to say, to introduce several noblemen." "Have you, by Jove?" cried Titmouse; "but what the devil do they _do_ there?" "Do, my dear sir! They meet for the purpose of--consider the distinguished men that are Fellows of that society! It was only the other day that the Duke of Tadcaster told me, (the very day after I had succeeded in getting his Grace elected,) that he was as proud of the letters 'F. C. S,' added to his name, as he was of his dukedom!" "By Jove!--No--but--'pon honor bright--did he? Can you get _me_ into it?" inquired Titmouse, eagerly. "I--oh--why--you see, my very dear sir, you're certainly rather young," quoth the doctor, gravely, pausing and rubbing his chin; "_if_ it could be managed, it would be a splendid thing for you--eh?" "By jingo, I should think so!" replied Titmouse. "I think I've been asked by at least a dozen noblemen for my influence, but I've not felt myself warranted"---- "Oh, well! then _in course_ there's an end of it," interrupted Titmouse, with an air of disappointment; "and cuss me if ever I cared a pin about it--I see I've not the ghost of a chance."