'There is nothing offensive in such a stipulation,' said I; 'and I even sympathise with the feeling that inspired it.' 'It is true they have never seen you,' returned the doctor politely; 'and if they knew you were the handsomest and the most pleasant man that ever came from England (where I am told that handsome men are common, but pleasant ones not so much so), they would doubtless make you welcome with a better grace.

But since you take the thing so well, it matters not.

To me, indeed, it seems discourteous.

But you will find yourself the gainer.

The family will not much tempt you.