He had left the house, and was descending the terrace steps, when he
was overtaken by the footman, who said, civilly,

"Beg your pardon, sir. You've forgotten this, I think." And he
handed him a walking-stick.

Parker's first idea was that his stick had attracted the man's
attention by the poor figure it made in the castle hall, and that
Bashville was requesting him, with covert superciliousness, to
remove his property. On second thoughts, his self-esteem rejected
this suspicion as too humiliating; but he resolved to show Bashville
that he had a gentleman to deal with. So he took the stick, and
instead of thanking Bashville, handed him five shillings.

Bashville smiled and shook his head. "Oh, no, sir," he said, "thank
you all the same! Those are not my views."

"The more fool you," said Parker, pocketing the coins, and turning
away.

Bashville's countenance changed. "Come, come, sir," he said,
following Parker to the foot of the stops, "fair words deserve fair
words. I am no more a fool than you are. A gentleman should know his
place as well as a servant."

"Oh, go to the devil," muttered Parker, turning very red and
hurrying away.

"If you weren't my mistress's guest," said Bashville, looking