“A plague on both your houses, say I,” cried Norwood, yawning. “So, then, Morlache, neither you nor I would find this a desirable residence?”
“I fear it will not repay either of us, my Lord,” said the Jew, with a sly look.
“The world is growing wonderfully wide awake,” said Norwood. “When I entered life, any fellow with a neat hand at billiards, a fair knowledge of écarté or short whist, good whiskers, and a well-cut waistcoat, might have eked out a pretty existence without any risk, and very little exertion. But see what the march of intelligence has done! There 's not an Eton boy, not an unfledged 'sub' in a marching regiment, not an unpaid attaché at a small court could n't compete with you now in any of these high acquirements. I do not fret myself usually about what is to come after my time; but I really wonder how the next generation will get on at all.”
“Civilization moves like the pendulum, my Lord,” said D'Esmonde; “the next swing will be retrograde. And, by the way, that reminds me of Russia, and Russia of Prince Midchekoff. Is it true that he is recalled, Morlache?”
“Not that I know. That report is always circulated when there are no dinners at the villa. Just as Marshal Soult is said to have won or lost the battle of Toulouse according to the momentary estimation he is held in.”
“You'll hear for certain, my Lord,” said D'Esmonde, addressing Norwood; “You are going up there to-night?”
Norwood muttered an assent, and waited to see how this sally was to end.
“Ah! you are going there to-night,” repeated Morlache, in some surprise. “Are you one of the privileged, then?”
“Of course he is,” interposed D'Esmonde, authoritatively.
“Will you do me a very great favor, then, my Lord?” said Morlache, ——“which is to take charge of this small casket. I promised to take it myself; but it is so late now, and I am so wearied, that I shall feel much bound to you for the service.”