DR. ERASMUS DARWIN'S LIFE. 187 



and tall. She held by the arm a little, meek-looking, 

 pale, effeminate man, who, from his close adherence to 

 the side of the lady, seemed to consider himself as under 

 her protection. 



" ' Dr. Darwin, I seek you not as a physician, but as 

 a Belle Esprit. I make this husband of mine,' and she 

 looked down with a side glance upon the animal, ' treat 

 me every summer with a tour through one of the 

 British counties, to explore whatever it contains worth 

 the attention of ingenious people. On arriving at the 

 several inns in our route I always search out the man 

 of the vicinity most distinguished for his genius and 

 taste, and introduce myself, that he may direct as the 

 objects of our examination, whatever is curious in nature, 

 art, or science. Lichfield will be our headquarters 

 during several days. Come, doctor, whither must we 

 go ; what must we investigate to-morrow, and the next 

 day, and the next ? Here are my tablets and pencil.' 



" ' You arrive, madam, at a fortunate juncture. To- 

 morrow you will have an opportunity of surveying an 

 annual exhibition perfectly worthy your attention. 

 To-morrow, madam, you will go to Tutbury bull- 

 running.' 



" The satiric laugh with which he stammered out the 

 last word more keenly pointed this sly, yet broad rebuke 

 to the vanity and arrogance of her speech. She had 

 been up amongst the boughs, and little expected they 

 would break under her so suddenly, and with so little 

 mercy. Her large features swelled, and her eyes 

 flashed with anger ' I was recommended to a man of 

 genius, and I find him insolent and ill-bred.' Then, 



