"I will retort upon you in your own words fair lady, and say 'I guess you mean compliments.' What I venture to imply however, is that even when wealth does fall to the lot of one of these 'Nature's noblemen,' it is not _because_ of his innate nobility that he wins social distinction. It is simply because he is rich. That is what vexes me. I for example, have endless friends who are not my friends so much as the friends of my income. They do not trouble to inquire as to my antecedents,--what I am or where I came from is of no importance. Neither are they concerned in how I live or what I do; whether I am sick or well, happy or unhappy, is equally with them a matter of indifference. If they knew more about me, it would perhaps be better in the long run. But they do not want to know,--their aims are simple and unconcealed,--they wish to make as much out of me, and secure as much advantage to themselves by their acquaintance with me as possible. And I give them their full way,--they get all they want,--and more!" His musical voice lingered with a curiously melancholy impressiveness on the last word,--and this time, not only Miss Chesney, but we all, looked at him as though drawn by some irresistible magnetic spell, and for a moment there was silence. "Very few people have any real friends,"--said Lord Elton presently. "And in that respect I suppose we're none of us worse off than Socrates, who used to keep two chairs only in his house 'one for myself, and another for a friend--when I find him!' But you are a universal favourite Lucio,--a most popular fellow--and I think you're rather hard on your set. People must look after themselves you know--eh?" Lucio bowed his head gravely. "They must indeed," he replied--"Especially as the latest news of science is that God has given up the business." Miss Fitzroy looked displeased,--but the Earl laughed uproariously. At that moment a step was heard outside, approaching the open doorway of the drawing-room, and Miss Chesney's quick ears caught the sound. She shook herself out of her reclining attitude instantly and sat erect. "It's Sibyl!" she said with a half-laughing half-apologetic flash of her brown eyes at us all--"I never can loll before Sibyl!"