Page:Henry Northcote (IA henrynorthcote00snairich).pdf/110

 again with an unfathomable coquetry; "and would you not say, Witty, that the genie is in some sort responsible for his mouth?"

"Is this public laying of one another upon the dissecting-table a new parlor-game that has been brought into vogue by the long winter evenings, may I ask?" said Mr. Whitcomb, concealing a yawn.

"Pray do not be insolent, Witty. The proper study of mankind is Man."

"In the words of Pope," said the solicitor, turning to replenish his glass.

"You can see how Mr. Whitcomb baffles me," said Northcote, who did not propose to lose the opportunity of following up his clue.

"Is it his attitude to hansom cabmen that makes him so dark?"

"That is contributory. But it is mainly because he has come before me in the guise of a waverer that I stand so much at fault. If one knows anything about anything one would be prepared to affirm that nature had designed Samuel Whitcomb to know his own mind."

"He does as a rule. I have never known him waver in anything; but then, of course, it is only quite recently that he has begun to associate with dangerous persons who keep a genie."

"Do you suggest that he is susceptible to such a thing as a genie? Would it have a malign influence upon him, do you suppose?"

"I would suggest it to be likely in the highest degree."

"Now, look here, my young friends," interposed the solicitor at this point, with a broad good humor,