One evening I found myself compelled to accompany him to a great man's banquet--_nota bene_, it was after I had well recovered speech--and so I found myself at his chambers perhaps ten minutes too soon.

He called to me from his dressing-room, bidding me to amuse myself till he was ready.

Now, on the study table were laid several books, open, with weights to keep them so: and I glanced from one to another to while away the time.

Then up came his brougham, and off we went.

At dinner my "diner-out" started a topic, whereof innocently enough I remembered instantly a suitable epigram.