He warmed in it till, after the Ciceronic model, inanimate objects were personified, and Richard's table-napkin and vacant chair were invoked to follow the steps of a peerless father, and uphold with his dignity the honour of the Feverels.

Austin Wentworth, whom a soldier's death compelled to take his father's place in support of the toast, was tame after such magniloquence.

But the reply, the thanks which young Richard should have delivered in person were not forthcoming.

Adrian's oratory had given but a momentary life to napkin and chair.

The company of honoured friends, and aunts and uncles, remotest cousins, were glad to disperse and seek amusement in music and tea.