The duties of each of these charges were familiar to Varney, who, sprung from an ancient but somewhat decayed family, was the Earl's page during his earlier and more obscure fortunes, and, faithful to him in adversity, had afterwards contrived to render himself no less useful to him in his rapid and splendid advance to fortune; thus establishing in him an interest resting both on present and past services, which rendered him an almost indispensable sharer of his confidence.
"Help me to do on a plainer riding-suit, Varney," said the Earl, as he laid aside his morning-gown, flowered with silk and lined with sables, "and put these chains and fetters there" (pointing to the collars of the various Orders which lay on the table) "into their place of security--my neck last night was well-nigh broke with the weight of them.

I am half of the mind that they shall gall me no more.

They are bonds which knaves have invented to fetter fools.

How thinkest thou, Varney ?" "Faith, my good lord," said his attendant, "I think fetters of gold are like no other fetters--they are ever the weightier the welcomer." "For all that, Varney," replied his master, "I am well-nigh resolved they shall bind me to the court no longer.

What can further service and higher favour give me, beyond the high rank and large estate which I have already secured?
What brought my father to the block, but that he could not bound his wishes within right and reason?
I have, you know, had mine own ventures and mine own escapes.