d〃？ Upon that depends the future of England。 In days gone by； our very Snob bore testimony after his fashion to our scorn of meanness； he at all events imagined himself to be imitating those who were incapable of a sordid transaction； of a plebeian pliance。 But the Snob； one notes； is in the way of degeneracy； he has new exemplars； he speaks a ruder language。 Him； be sure； in one form or another； we shall have always with us； and to observe his habits is to note the tenor of the time。 If he have at the back of his dim mind no living ideal which lends his foolishness a generous significance； then indeed……videant consules。
XXIII
A visit from N…。 He stayed with me two days； and I wish he could have stayed a third。 （Beyond the third day； I am not sure that any man would be wholly wele。 My strength will bear but a certain amount of conversation； even the pleasantest； and before long I desire solitude； which is rest。）
The mere sight of N…； to say nothing of his talk； did me good。 If appearances can ever be trusted； there are few men who get more enjoyment out of life。 His hardships were never excessive； they did not affect his health or touch his spirits； probably he is in every way a better man for having……as he says……〃gone through the mill。〃 His recollection of the time when he had to work hard for a five… pound note； and was not always sure of getting it； obviously lends gusto to his present state of ease。 I persuaded him to talk about his successes； and to give me a glimpse of their meaning in solid cash。 Last Midsummer day； his receipts for the twelvemonth were more than two thousand pounds。 Nothing wonderful； of course； bearing in mind what some men are making by their pen； but very good for a writer who does not address the baser throng。 Two thousa