a big property to look after," observed Mr. Gallosh
in a moment.

"You have touched the spot!" said the Count
warmly. "That is, in fact, the chief cause of Tulliwuddle's
curious moodiness ever since he succeeded to
the title. He feels his responsibilities a little too
acutely."

Again Mr. Gallosh ruminated, while his guest from
the corner of his eye surveyed him shrewdly.

"My forecast was wonderfully accurate," he said
to himself.

The silence was first broken by Mr. Gallosh. As
if thinking aloud, he remarked--

"I was awful surprised to hear him speak! It's
the Court fashion, you say?"

"Partly that; partly a prolonged residence on the
Continent in his youth. He acquired his accent then;
he has retained it for fashion's sake," explained the
Count, who thought it as well to bolster up the weakest
part of his case a little more securely.

With this prudent purpose, he added, with a flattering
air of taking his host into his aristocratic confidence--