the sober and retired bystander is much imposed upon by all this pomp and seeming power. But mostly it comes to naught, and the delusion is broken up amidst the execrations of mankind, who find out at last that what a man pays for and drives, he may not be able in any right way to govern or direct.

Here Milverton rose, the discussion was broken up, and we walked away. As we went home, Ellesmere remarked to me, how skilful it was in Milverton to end where he did. "He was resolved to wind up with a crash, and not to give me any opportunity for weakening by comment the force of his last metaphor. He was right too. We are all deluded by the outward trappings and barbaric noise of despotism."

CHAPTER XI.

THE FARM-YARD.

A COURTSHIP is a very interesting process to the persons principally concerned. It is also very amusing to the philosophic bystander. That flowery period spent in courtship is perhaps the only time in his life when a very shrewd man is often an utter dupe, and what is more, takes in himself about himself. Even Talleyrand probably deceived Talleyrand when he was courting, and imagined that he had a supreme disdain for all the pomps and vanities of the world. Thus I have heard Ellesmere speak, and now I have the advantage of seeing him in the position which he talked of. I myself think very differently about the matter from him, and believe that men and women then show forth all the highest possibilities of their nature, and have a tenderness and a tolerance for one other creature, and a power of abnegation for themselves, which if continued into ordinary life, would go far to make this world a heaven at any rate something very different from what it is.

I do not mean to say that our two pairs of lovers were exceedingly altered during their time of courtship; for, indeed, what could alter Ellesmere much? He remained the same brusque, comical, provoking, combative, affectionate kind of man that he ever was; but the affectionateness prevailed over all the other qualities, and in it, as in a golden girdle, were set all the bright peculiarities of his nature. The women were less changed than the men. Speaking once to Ellesmere on the subject, he said, "You see they are always graceful impostors, and a little more or less of imposture is not much noticed in them." The chief difference in Milverton was that he became less abstract in his views of men and things, and was more inclined to speak cheerfully of all that came under his notice.

We proceeded homewards to England by easy journeys, and our lovers were too much interested in each other to give much time or thought to sight-seeing.

At length we were all at home again; and the conversation which I am now going to record took place in Milverton's farm-yard a few days after our arrival. Milverton has had some rustic seats made there, which enjoy the shade of a large sycamore. There we sat, while the master explained to us the merits and peculiarities of the different animals. He thus began.

MILVERTON. Foreign travel is all very well, but there is a good deal in it that is like going to see a Diorama. A wonderful picture is unrolled before you; but you do not touch, handle, understand, or get to the meaning of most of it. It is very well to see Paul Potter's, but I prefer my own real live cows that I know something about. Do you observe this dear little Alderney? She is wishing to be noticed. She is wondering that she is not noticed, but is too delicate and high-bred to obtrude herself upon our attention. [Milverton then went up and fondled the cow, which for the greater part of this discussion remained close to us, ruminating sagaciously.] Now I want to show you that turkey. Turkeys do not bear a very high character for knowingness, or friendliness; but, as you see, this one is most familiar with the human race. She is also very gracious with other creatures; and it is one of the most comical sights to notice how all stray creatures seem to be aware of her benevolent nature. Forlorn chickens, solitary or maimed ducklings, bewildered little guinea-fowls, all find refuge with her, even when she has a brood of her own to take care of. They absolutely roost upon her while her own progeny is nestling under her. She is the Miss Nightingale of the farm-yard, or would be if Miss Nightingale were married, which I suppose would not check her sheltering benevolence of nature. The two things that one learns down here are great faith in the force of race, and withal a firm belief in the individuality of creatures. That last is the main thing. When we see how different each of these inferior creatures is from all the rest, we may form some little notion how different each one

of us is from all the rest, though we pretend to be alike, and try to be alike, and make believe, even to ourselves, that we are alike. Trace up all intolerance and it comes mainly to this—that the intolerant person believes that other people are just like himself, or if not, that he must have them made so. mediately cast into his mould, or reason why.

They must be im

he will know the

Then as to race: do you see that curiously speckled hen? She is of a very peculiar character, most tender to her own offspring, most malignant to the offspring of all other feathered creatures. So was her mother before her, and so I suspect will be one of her little ones that is exactly like her now. My man is always urging me to get rid of the whole breed, to which I invariably reply, "Not till Mr. Buckle has seen them." He imagines Mr. Buckle to be a great poultry-fancier; but I allude to the ingenious, bold, and learned author of the History of Civilization, who, in my judgment, makes too little of the effect of race; and I shall not be satisfied until I have had a long talk with him in this spot, and with the aid of John, have illustrated my view of the subject, by commenting upon the nature of the cows, pigs, hens, and ducks, of this farm-yard. [Here John came and whispered something to his master.] No, John, this is Mr. Midhurst, and not the great poultry-fancier whom you are anxious to see.

ELLESMERE. Forgive me for interrupting you, Milverton; but what is that diabolic noise I hear? It is not in the farm-yard, but it comes from a few fields off.

MILVERTON. Oh that is "Puffing Billy," for so we