was as much a nobleman as your uncle. Only by the accident of birth was he differently placed. Did I never tell you that but for his death he would have been created bishop of his diocese? So you see — ”

“I see. By dying he just escaped a bishopric. Did it make a difference in his reception up above — do you think?”

“Oh, David, David!”

“I’m sorry mother — never mind. We’re nearly there and I have something I must say to you before I leave you to end this discussion forever. There are two kinds of men in this world, — one sort is made by his circumstances, and the other makes his circumstances. You would respect your son more if he belonged to the first variety, but I tell you no.