Page:Vivian Grey, Volume 1.djvu/221

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VIVIAN GREY.
211

co-operation, and every thing with it. In spite of his prosperity, Stapylton had the good sense never to retire from business, and even to refuse a baronetcy, on condition, however, that it should be offered to his son.

Stapylton, like the rest of mankind, had his weak points.—The late Marquess of Almacks was wont to manage him very happily, and Toad was always introducing that minister's opinion of his importance—"'My time is quite at your service. General,' although the poor dear Marquess used to say, 'Mr. Stapylton Toad, your time is mine." He knew the business I had to get through!" The family portraits also, in most ostentatious frames, now adorned the dining-room of his London mansion; and it was amusing to hear the worthy M. P. dilate upon his likeness to his respected father.

"You see, my Lord," Stapylton would say, pointing to a dark, dingy, picture of a gentleman in a rich court dress, "you see, my Lord,