THE EDITOR'S STORY. 149 



which we considered it essential to warn Prussia, 

 or threaten France, or refer to our difficulties 

 with Central Asia. Our parliamentary repre- 

 sentative, who had promised to develop the 

 mining resources of Castletown, had to be 

 looked after ; so had Mr. Disraeli and a town 

 commissioner, who was a tailor in private life, 

 and who addressed letters to me signed an 

 6 Ouvrier.' By the time I understood my busi- 

 ness I was thoroughly disgusted with it, and yet 

 it certainly amused me. I shall never forget a 

 scene at a public dinner in the town-hall the 

 first week of my arrival. The banquet was 

 given in connection with an agricultural society, 

 which had been started by a new English pro- 

 prietor. Mr. O'Brien sat next to me during 

 the banquet, which was of the most substantial 

 description. He seemed most anxious that the 

 dignity of the press should be duly asserted, 

 although his mode of expressing his sentiments 

 on the matter did not appear to me to be of the 

 most impressive kind. For instance as it 

 happened more than once if we required any- 

 thing, Mr. O'Brien announced his wants in 

 this fashion : " Waiter, a fork for the press ! 



