Unhappily, Mr. Norris was not only eccentric, he was
fast. His debts were still remembered at the
University; still more, it appeared, the highly
humorous circumstances attending his expulsion. "He
was always fond of his jest," commented Mrs. Higgs.
"That he were!" observed her lord.
But it was after he went into the diplomatic service
that the real trouble began.
"It seems, sir, that he went the pace extraordinary,"
said the ex-butler, with a solemn gusto.
"His debts were somethink awful," said the lady's-maid.
"And as nice a young gentleman all the time as you
would wish to see!"
"When word came to Mr. Carthew's ears the turn-up was
'orrible," continued Mr. Higgs. "I remember it as if
it was yesterday. The bell was rung after her la'ship
was gone, which I answered it myself, supposing it were
the coffee. There was Mr. Carthew on his feet.
''Iggs,' he says, pointing with his stick, for he had a
turn of the gout, 'order the dog-cart instantly for
this son of mine which has disgraced hisself.' Mr.
Norris say nothink: he sit there with his 'ead down,
making belief to be looking at a walnut.
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