CHAPTER IX.
"Relate at large, my godlike guest," she said, "The Grecian stratagems,--the town betrayed!" DRYDEN: Virgil, AEneid, book ii.
Descending thence, they 'scaped!--Ibid.
A great improvement had taken place in the character of Augustus Tomlinson since Paul had last encountered that illustrious man.

Then Augustus had affected the man of pleasure, the learned lounger about town, the all-accomplished Pericles of the papers, gayly quoting Horace, gravely flanking a fly from the leader of Lord Dunshunner.

Now a more serious yet not a less supercilious air had settled upon his features; the pretence of fashion had given way to the pretence of wisdom; and from the man of pleasure Augustus Tomlinson had grown to the philosopher.

With this elevation alone, too, he was not content: he united the philosopher with the politician; and the ingenious rascal was pleased especially to pique himself upon being "a moderate Whig"! "Paul," he was wont to observe, "believe me, moderate Whiggism is a most excellent creed.

It adapts itself to every possible change, to every conceivable variety of circumstance.