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ON HIS WAY THROUGH THE WORLD 539
besides, for our articles. We had really a snug little pension out
of this Review, and we prayed it might last for ever. We might
write a novel. We might contribute articles to a daily paper ; get
a little parliamentary practice as a barrister. We actually did get
Philip into a railway case or two, and my wife must be coaxing
and hugging solicitors' ladies, as she had wheedled and coaxed
Members of Parliament. Why, I do believe my Delilah set up a
flirtation with old Bishop Crossticks, with an idea of getting her
protéyé a living ; and though the lady indignantly repudiates this
charge, will she be pleased to explain how the bishop's sermons
were so outrageously praised in the Review ?
Philip's roughness and frankness did not displease Tregarvan,
to the wonder of us all, who trembled lest he should lose this as
he had lost his former place. Tregarvan had more country-houses
than one, and at these not only was the editor of the Review made
welcome, but the editor's wife and children, whom Tregarvan's wife
took into especial regard. In London, Lady Mary had assemblies
where our little friend Charlotte made her appearance ; and half-adozen
times in the course of the season the wealthy Cornish gentleman
feasted his retainers of the Review. His wine was excellent
and old ; his jokes were old, too ; his table pompous, grave, plentiful.
If Philip was to eat the bread of dependence, the loaf was here
very kindly prepared for him ; and he ate it humbly, and with not
too much grumbling. This diet chokes some proud stomachs and
disagrees with them ; but Philip was very humble now, and of a
nature grateful for kindness. He is one who requires the help of
friends, and can accept benefits without losing independence—not
all men's gifts, but some men's, whom he repays not only with coin,
but with an immense affection and gratitude. How that man did
laugh at my witticisms ! How he worshipped the ground on which
my wife walked ! He elected himself our champion. He quarrelled
with other people, who found fault with our characters, or would
not see our perfections. There was something affecting in the way
in which this big man took the humble place. We could do no
wrong in his eyes ; and woe betide the man who spoke disparagingly
of us in his presence !
One day, at his patron's table, Philip exercised his valour and
championship in our behalf by defending us against the evil speaking
of that Mr. Trail, who has been mentioned before as a gentleman
difficult to please, and credulous of ill regarding his neighbour. The
talk happened to fall upon the character of the reader's most humble
servant, and Trail, as may be imagined, spared me no more than the
rest of mankind. Would you like to be liked by all people ? That
would be a reason why Trail should hate you. Were you an angel