"I do not like this fellow," he said "he is ever trying to fasten himself on me, and will not be denied; yet I can fix on nothing to justify an open rupture, or at least, a more repelling demeanour." Heaviside, indeed, had guessed or ascertained the relation that subsisted between us, and with ready tact, attached himself to one whom he esteemed the subordinate. He recognized Perkins' genius, which, although he stood in awe of it, he tried to circumvent.

Persons of Heaviside's stamp find it hard to understand in others the existence of a range of motives superior to their own. Higher pretensions, from the very constitution of their minds, they esteem folly or hypocrisy. He sounded Perkins on all sides, but with evasive wariness. It was hard, he said, to obtain good wines in the university; but his wine-merchant who knew, as was probably the case, that he was not to be imposed on, made a point of supplying him with the best; he could really re

commend him.

him the favour to

Would not Mr. Perkins do

drop in for a leisure half-hour,

it was so rare to meet with men of his standing --it would be quite a treat! My friend, however, was as a deaf adder to the voice of the charmer. No ways disconcerted however, he proposed a stroll; there was a pleasant walk in the environs, which he dared to say, Mr.

He could introduce

Perkins had not yet seen. him to some deuced fine woman. Here Perkins, pleading some pressing avocation, abruptly wished him a good morning. Heaviside thrust his tongue on one side-gave a knowing wink -uttered a long whew, and went his way.

In the course of the day, Perkins acquainted me with what had taken place; to which I replied that since the fellow was SO pertinacious, we should certainly confront him in his den. It was tolerably evident that we were proof against his wiles, and compliance might free us from further importunity. An opportunity in no long time, occurred; I met Heavi

side the very next day, and he renewed his invitation as before. It was unkind, he said, not to afford him the means of improving on-he should have substituted by our acquaintance. It appeared inhospitable that he had not had us before in his humble place, I pleaded our pursuits, our engagements, but now by his instances, should no longer refuse on my own part and on the part of my friend, to avail myself of his invitation, which was fixed for the ensuing evening.

Heaviside could not conceal his satisfaction. He chuckled, laughed, rubbed his hands, walked backwards and forwards, then spun round rapidly on his heel. "Yes," said he, 66 some of our men said you were shy and distant, but I swore you were a good fellow, a little reserved or so, but stanch at bottom." He then left me, doubtless to concoct his plans, after a profusion of civilities.

According to promise, accompanied by Perkins, I proceeded next day to Heaviside's

rooms. The company were assembled before us, and the apartment was brilliant with a profusion of lights. Sumptuous couches were ranged round the walls; but the books, as a single glance served to declare, were neither numerous nor select. Prints and pictures however, of doubtful import, supplied their place. A cheerful fire filled the grate, and the party, eight in all, somewhat unnecessarily well dressed, appeared in excellent spirits. Certain significant looks, not so covert as to escape observation, were exchanged between them. The wines were various, and each the best of its kind. The bottle at first, went leisurely round; subsequently however, its evolutions became very brisk. I was warmly pressed, and filled and emptied without any hesitation, to the manifest satisfaction of the parties, who, although, they made a great flourish of hilarity, in reality drank little or nothing at all. Up to a certain point, I knew I could venture, and drank accordingly; be

VOL. II.

F

yond that however, nothing could force me. All at once, I refused to replenish my glass, whereupon the clamour became truly deafening. Did I slight the wine- was it corked? Other bottles were opened in rapid succession, each from a batch superior to the last; but I was invulnerable. I would not get drunk even to oblige Mr. Heaviside. My entertainers were evidently disconcerted; they had made too sure of their game. They had begun to drink with fresh vivacity when I halted, but now discontinued their useless efforts. Perkins escaped from the first; he had never emptied his glass; he could become no prey, and they suffered him to pass unnoticed.

Each man now drew back his chair, some on one pretence, some on another, till the ruddy wine was declined by all. Our host now inquired our pleasure, and proposed a stroll; this, however, was negatived by the rest, who voted for a hand at hazard.

I was

asked in a careless way if I played; to which