He had become so accustomed to the life he led as to like to be disliked, and to be enamoured of unpopularity.

So when Mr.Walker had ventured to suggest to him that, perhaps, he might not choose to be there, he had laughed Mr.Walker to scorn.

"Of course I shall be there," he said.

"I am interested in the case,--very much interested.

Of course I shall be there." And had not Lord Lufton been present he would have made himself more conspicuous by taking the chair.