No matter, whatever
may be the cause, one too often drives away from a country-
house, rather hipped. The specific would be immediately to
drive to another, and it is a favourite remedy. But sometimes
it is not in our power; sometimes for instance we must return
to our household gods in the shape of a nursery; and though
this was not the form assumed by the penates of Lord Marney,
his presence, the presence of an individual so important and
so indefatigable, was still required. His Lordship had passed
his time at Mowbray to his satisfaction. He had had his own
way in everything. His selfishness had not received a single
shock. He had lain down the law and it had not been
questioned. He had dogmatised and impugned, and his
assertions had passed current, and his doctrines been accepted
as orthodox. Lord Mowbray suited him; he liked the
consideration of so great a personage. Lord Marney also
really liked pomp; a curious table and a luxurious life; but
he liked them under any roof rather than his own. Not that he
was what is commonly called a Screw; that is to say he was not
a mere screw; but he was acute and malicious; saw everybody's
worth and position at a glance; could not bear to expend his
choice wines and costly viands on hangers-on and toad-eaters,
though at the same time no man encouraged and required
hangers-on and toad-eaters more.
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