"Bilk!"


BOOK II.

IN THE WORLD.


"Eleven years ago," said Sir Edward to himself, as his brougham
slowly rolled him toward the Committee Room; "just eleven years ago
my natural son disappeared mysteriously. I have no doubt in the
world but that this little bootblack is he. His mother died in
Italy. He resembles his mother very much. Perhaps I ought to
provide for him. Shall I disclose myself? No! no! Better he
should taste the sweets of Labor. Penury ennobles the mind and
kindles the Love of the Beautiful. I will act to him, not like a
Father, not like a Guardian, not like a Friend--but like a
Philosopher!"

With these words, Sir Edward entered the Committee Room. His
Secretary approached him. "Sir Edward, there are fears of a
division in the House, and the Prime Minister has sent for you."

"I will be there," said Sir Edward, as he placed his hand on his
chest and uttered a hollow cough!

No one who heard the Baronet that night, in his sarcastic and
withering speech on the Drainage and Sewerage Bill, would have
recognized the lover of the Ideal and the Philosopher of the