"I tell you what my good fell--I beg pardon--I mean Mr.Pelham--I can shew you the best sport in the world, if you can only spare me a little of your time--this very evening, perhaps ?" "I fear," said I, "I am engaged all the present week; but I long for nothing more than to cultivate an acquaintance, seemingly so exactly to my own taste." Thornton's grey eyes twinkled.

"Will you breakfast with me on Sunday ?" said he.
"I shall be too happy," I replied There was now a short pause.

I took advantage of it.

"I think," said I, "I have seen you once or twice with a tall, handsome man, in a loose great coat of very singular colour.

Pray, if not impertinent, who is he?
I am sure I have seen him before in England." I looked full upon Thornton as I said this; he changed colour, and answered my gaze with a quick glance from his small, glittering eye, before he replied.