“No,” said Mr. G., wearily, “oil comforts me not, nor candles either.  Now, if it were pork, it would be different.  Few things so interesting as pork.  Not from a dietetic point of view, but regarded historically.  As I mentioned to a Correspondent the other day, in the course of Homeric work I have examined into the use of pork by the ancients.  A very curious subject.  I shall make some references to it in the closing paper which I am writing for Good Words on the Old Testament.  I am under the impression that the dangers which lurk beneath the integument of a leg (or sirloin) of pork, are specially connected with the heat of Southern climates.”

Curious to see how rapidly his aspect changed as these thoughts pressed upon his mind.  When I came in, he had been sitting in an arm-chair, with his head resting on his hand, and his brow painfully wrinkled.  He looked quite old—­at least seventy.  Now he was up, walking about the room with springy stride, his mind actively engaged in framing theories on the use of pork by HOMER’s contemporaries.  If I could only keep him engaged, he would forget the blow that had descended upon him, and would regain his usual equanimity.  A question as to whether he thought Achilles liked sage with his pork, cunningly led him on to a long disquisition, till, in a quarter of an hour, he was quite a changed man, and set out with great energy for Pumpherston.

Fine enthusiasm along the route.  Immense reception from the working men.  Splendid luncheon set out at one end of the shed where we were assembled; bill of fare included crude oil, sulphate of ammonia, various mineral oils, and candles made from paraffin.  There was no wine, but plenty of ammonia-water.  Manager presented Mrs. G. with bust in paraffin wax, which he said was Mr. G. Also handed her a packet of dips cunningly carved in the likeness of HERBERT, the wick combed out so as to represent a shock of hair.  Mr. G. delighted; standing on a barrel of paraffin, he addressed the company in a luminous speech, tracing back the candle to the earliest times.  That candles existed in the Mosaic era, he reminded them, was shown by the question which had puzzled succeeding ages—­as to the precise locality in which the great Law-giver stood when the medium of illumination provided for his convenience was suddenly extinguished.  This was a great hit; enthusiasm knew no bounds.  Hospitality of the Pumpherston people really embarrassing; they filled our pockets with candles of all sizes and descriptions, and insisted upon each of us taking away a quart bottle of paraffin oil imperfectly corked.

Never shall I forget the radiant look of Mr. G. as he left the works loaded with candles and congratulations, whilst Mrs. G., walking by his side, carefully carried the bust in paraffin wax.  He had evidently forgotten all about ASHMEAD-BARTLETT.

* * * * *

DEATH-BALL; OR, A NEW NAME FOR IT.