“English people come abroad for climate!” said Haggerstone, as he buttoned his collar tightly around his neck, and pressed his hat more firmly on his head. “But who ever saw the like of this in England?” “In England you have weather, but no climate!” said Jekyl, with one of his little smiles of self-approval; for he caressed himself when he uttered a mot, and seemed to feel no slight access of self-satisfaction. “It's not the worst thing we have there, sir, I promise you,” rejoined Haggerstone, authoritatively. “Our coughs and rheumatics are, indeed, sore drawbacks upon patriotism.” “I do not speak of them, sir; I allude to our insolent, overbearing aristocracy, who, sprung from the people as they are, recruited from the ranks of trade or law, look down upon the really ancient blood of the land, the untitled nobility. Who are they, sir, that treat us thus? The fortunate speculator, who has amassed a million; the Attorney-General, who has risen to a Chief-Justiceship; men without ancestry, without landed influence; a lucky banker, perhaps, like our friend upstairs, may stand in the 'Gazette' to-morrow or next day as Baron or Viscount, without one single requirement of the station, save his money.” “I confess, if I have a weakness, it is for lords,” said Jekyl, simperingly. “I suppose I must have caught it very early in life, for it clings to me like an instinct.” “I feel happy to avow that I have none, sir. Six centuries of gentry blood suffice for all my ambitions; but I boil over when I see the overweening presumption of these new people.” “After all, new people, like a new watch, a new coat, and a new carriage, have the best chance of lasting. Old and worn out are very nearly convertible terms.” “These are sentiments, sir, which would, doubtless, do you excellent service with the family upstairs, but are quite thrown away upon such a mere country gentleman as myself.” Jekyl smiled, and drew up his cravat, with his habitual simpering air, but said nothing. “Do you purpose remaining much longer here?” asked Haggerstone, abruptly. “A few days, at most.” “Do you turn north or south?” “I fancy I shall winter in Italy.” “The Onslows, I believe, are bound for Rome?” “Can't say,” was the short reply. “Just the sort of people for Italy. The fashionables of what the Chinese call 'second chop' go down admirably at Rome or Naples.” “Very pleasant places they are, too,” said Jekyl, with a smile. “The climate permits everything, even dubious intimacies.” Haggerstone gave a short “Ha!” at the heresy of this speech, but made no other comment on it. “They say that Miss Onslow will have about a hundred thousand pounds?” said Haggerstone, with an air of inquiry. “What a deal of maccaroni and parmesan that sum would buy!” “Would you have her marry an Italian, sir?”