"Lamar," said Thackeray, "they say I can't speak.

But if I want to I can speak.

I can speak every bit as good as Dickens, and I am going to show you to-night that I can speak almost as good as you." When the moment arrived Thackeray said never a word.

Returning in the cab, both silent, Thackeray suddenly broke forth.

"Lamar," he exclaimed, "don't you think you have heard the greatest speech to-night that was never delivered ?" II Holding office, especially going to Congress, had never entered any wish or scheme of mine.