the button-hole of his coat, or back him ruthlessly into the corner of a room, and then lay on to him without quarter.  Since the affair with Mr Glascock had been settled, he had talked an immensity about England, not absolutely taking honour to himself because of his intended connection with a lord, but making so many references to the aristocratic side of the British constitution as to leave no doubt on the minds of his hearers as to the source of his arguments.  In old days, before all this was happening, Mr Spalding, though a courteous man in his personal relations, had constantly spoken of England with the bitter indignation of the ordinary American politician.  England must be made to disgorge.  England must be made to do justice.  England must be taught her place in the world.  England must give up her claims.  In hot moments he had gone further, and had declared that England must be whipped.  He had been specially loud against that aristocracy of England which, according to a figure of speech often used by him, was always feeding on the vitals of the people.  But now all this was very much changed.  He did not go the length of expressing an opinion that the House of Lords was a valuable institution; but he discussed questions of primogeniture and hereditary legislation, in reference to their fitness for countries which were gradually emerging from feudal systems, with an equanimity, an impartiality, and a perseverance which soon convinced those who listened to him where he had learned his present lessons, and why.  ’The conservative nature of your institutions, sir,’ he said to poor Sir Marmaduke at the Baths of Lucca a very few days before the marriage, ’has to be studied with great care before its effects can be appreciated in reference to a people who, perhaps, I may be allowed to say, have more in their composition of constitutional reverence than of educated intelligence.’  Sir Marmaduke, having suffered before, had endeavoured to bolt; but the American had caught him and pinned him, and the Governor of the Mandarins was impotent in his hands.  ’The position of the great peer of Parliament is doubtless very splendid, and may be very useful,’ continued Mr Spalding, who was intending to bring round his argument to the evil doings of certain scandalously extravagant young lords, and to offer a suggestion that in such cases a committee of aged and respected peers should sit and decide whether a second son, or some other heir should not be called to the inheritance, both of the title and the property.  But Mrs Spalding had seen the sufferings of Sir Marmaduke, and had rescued him.  ‘Mr Spalding,’ she had said, ’it is too late for politics, and Sir Marmaduke has come out here for a holiday.’  Then she took her husband by the arm, and led him away helpless.