"Why, not altogether, certainly—pray, sir, proceed."
"It is one of the oldest families in —— in ——"
"In Great Britain," we interposed, seeing him at a loss.
"In the United States," said Mr. Miller—that is, Joseph H. Miller, Esq.
"In the United States!—why, sir, you are joking surely: we thought the Miller family were particularly British—The Jest-Book you know ——"
"You are in error," interrupted he—interrupted Joseph I. Miller—"we are British, but not particularly British. You should know that the Miller family are indigenous every where, and have little connection with either time or place. This is a riddle which you may be able to read hereafter. At present let it pass, and listen to me. You know I have many peculiar notions and opinions—many particularly bright fancies which, by the way, the rabble have thought proper to call whims, oddities, and eccentricities. But, sir, they are not. You have heard of my passion for autographs?"
"We have."
"Well, sir, to be brief. Have you, or have you not, seen a certain rascally piece of business in the London Athenæum?"
"Very possible," we replied.
"And, pray sir, what do you think of it?"