90 MR EASTON. 



been received from me, regarding my bed, my servant, 

 and my dogs, and I announced my name in full. 



The gentleman to whom I spoke turned carelessly 

 round to a companion and asked " if a telegraph message 

 had been received." The one applied to, after some 

 dubious hesitation, said " he thought it had." " Think!" 

 I said, somewhat tartly ; " have you not condescended 

 to read it ? " " Guess it was something about dogs, 

 then," the man replied. "I dare say we can fix them." 

 " What then," I rejoined, " you have not paid any atten 

 tion to the request expensively conveyed to you ! not 

 much use, then, in your telegraphic wires. Look sharp 

 now, at least, and see if you can ' fix ' my man and dogs 

 until Monday in a place where he can sleep with them, 

 and give me the key of my room, as I am dusty and 

 tired, and want a bath." My key, labelled with its 

 number, was then handed to me, and I at once bribed 

 the Irish porter who carried up my dressing-case and tin 

 bath, to bring me some pitchers of cold water. I had 

 but just finished my ablution and nearly dressed myself, 

 when I heard a long fast step striding up the many stairs 

 to my apartment, for they had given me a bed-room at 

 the top of the house, and then came a hurried knock 

 at the door. Admission being given, a tall, good-looking 

 young Englishman stood before me, who, announcing his 

 name as " Easton," and referring me for a knowledge of 

 his father to Strathfieldsaye, told me that having just 

 heard of my arrival he had run up to offer me any kind 

 attention in his power ; but before I could thank him he 

 cast a scornful glance round my apartment, and said, 

 " But there's some mistake, you're in the garret ; this 

 won't do." He was turning to the door, when I said, 

 " Oh yes, it will suffice ; the bed is clean and comfortable, 



