'It is a most extraordinary thing,' interposed the gentle Minor
Canon, laying down his knife and fork to rub his ear in a vexed
manner, 'that these Philanthropists are always denouncing somebody.
And it is another most extraordinary thing that they are always so
violently flush of miscreants!'

'"Denouncing a public miscreant--"'--the old lady resumed, '"to get
our little affair of business off my mind. I have spoken with my
two wards, Neville and Helena Landless, on the subject of their
defective education, and they give in to the plan proposed; as I
should have taken good care they did, whether they liked it or
not."'

'And it is another most extraordinary thing,' remarked the Minor
Canon in the same tone as before, 'that these philanthropists are
so given to seizing their fellow-creatures by the scruff of the
neck, and (as one may say) bumping them into the paths of peace.--I
beg your pardon, Ma dear, for interrupting.'

'"Therefore, dear Madam, you will please prepare your son, the Rev.
Mr. Septimus, to expect Neville as an inmate to be read with, on
Monday next. On the same day Helena will accompany him to
Cloisterham, to take up her quarters at the Nuns' House, the
establishment recommended by yourself and son jointly. Please
likewise to prepare for her reception and tuition there. The terms
in both cases are understood to be exactly as stated to me in
writing by yourself, when I opened a correspondence with you on
this subject, after the honour of being introduced to you at your
sister's house in town here. With compliments to the Rev. Mr.
Septimus, I am, Dear Madam, Your affectionate brother (In