The sinister glance--Excellent correspondent--Quite original--My system--A losing trade--Merit--Starting a Review--What have you got ?--Stop!--_Dairyman's Daughter_--Oxford principles--More conversation--How is this?
There were two individuals in the room in which I now found myself; it was a small study, surrounded with bookcases, the window looking out upon the square.

Of these individuals he who appeared to be the principal stood with his back to the fireplace.

He was a tall stout man, about sixty, dressed in a loose morning gown.

The expression of his countenance would have been bluff but for a certain sinister glance, and his complexion might have been called rubicund but for a considerable tinge of bilious yellow.

He eyed me askance as I entered.