He tried to feel miserable, and it was not in him.

He spoke, drawing what appropriate inspirations he could from his client's countenance, to show that they had views in common: "Degenerating sadly, I fear!" The baronet nodded.
"According to what my wine-merchants say," continued Mr.Thompson, "there can be no doubt about it." Sir Austin stared.
"It's the grape, or the ground, or something," Mr.Thompson went on.
"All I can say is, our youngsters will have a bad look-out! In my opinion Government should be compelled to send out a Commission to inquire into the cause.

To Englishmen it would be a public calamity.

It surprises me--I hear men sit and talk despondently of this extraordinary disease of the vine, and not one of them seems to think it incumbent on him to act, and do his best to stop it." He fronted his client like a man who accuses an enormous public delinquency.

"Nobody makes a stir! The apathy of Englishmen will become proverbial.