Families against whom neither Thompson lawyer nor Bairam physician could recollect a progenitorial blot, either on the male or female side, were not numerous. "Only," said the doctor, "you really must not be too exacting in these days, my dear Sir Austin. It is impossible to contest your principle, and you are doing mankind incalculable service in calling its attention to this the gravest of its duties: but as the stream of civilization progresses we must be a little taken in the lump, as it were. The world is, I can assure you--and I do not look only above the surface, you can believe--the world is awakening to the vital importance of the question." "Doctor," replied Sir Austin, "if you had a pure-blood Arab barb would you cross him with a screw?" "Decidedly not," said the doctor. "Then permit me to say, I shall employ every care to match my son according to his merits," Sir Austin returned. "I trust the world is awakening, as you observe. I have been to my publisher, since my arrival in town, with a manuscript 'Proposal for a New System of Education of our British Youth,' which may come in opportunely. I think I am entitled to speak on that subject." "Certainly," said the doctor. "You will admit, Sir Austin, that, compared with continental nations--our neighbours, for instance--we shine to advantage, in morals, as in everything else. I hope you admit that?" "I find no consolation in shining by comparison with a lower standard," said the baronet. "If I compare the enlightenment of your views--for you admit my principle--with the obstinate incredulity of a country doctor's, who sees nothing of the world, you are hardly flattered, I presume?" Doctor Bairam would hardly be flattered at such a comparison, assuredly, he interjected. "Besides," added the baronet, "the French make no pretences, and thereby escape one of the main penalties of hypocrisy. Whereas we!--but I am not their advocate, credit me. It is better, perhaps, to pay our homage to virtue. At least it delays the spread of entire corruptness." Doctor Bairam wished the baronet success, and diligently endeavoured to assist his search for a mate worthy of the pure-blood barb, by putting several mamas, whom he visited, on the alert. CHAPTER XIX A DIVERSION PLAYED ON A PENNY-WHISTLE Away with Systems! Away with a corrupt World! Let us breathe the air of the Enchanted Island. Golden lie the meadows: golden run the streams; red gold is on the pine-stems. The sun is coming down to earth, and walks the fields and the waters.