A change had come over the latter, and momentarily eclipsed his dignity.

For the man was not without tact, and he felt that the attitude of high-priest of all the virtues would not suit in the presence of one whose favourite task it was to laugh his so-called virtues to scorn.

Such, at least to begin with, was his honourable intention.

But the subtle Wratislaw drew him from his retirement and skilfully elicited his coy principles.

It was a cruel performance--a shameless one, had there been any spectator.