This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1898 edition. Excerpt: ...effect upon Mr. Mafferton. He smiled and pulled his moustache in the way Englishmen always do, when endeavouring to absorb a compliment. " Dear old London," I went on reminiscently, " what a funny experience it was! " " To the Transatlantic mind," responded Mr. Mafferton stiflly, " one can imagine it instructive." " It was a revelation to mine," I said earnestly--" a revelation." Then, remembering Mr. Mafferton's somewhat painful connection with the revelation, I added carefully, " From a historic point of view. The Tower, you know, and all that." " Ah! " said Mr. Mafferton, with a distant eye upon the Campagna. It was really very difiicult. " Do you remember the day we went to Madame Tussaud's? " I asked. Perhaps my intonation was a little dreamy. " I shall never forget William the Conqueror--never." " Yes--yes, I think I do." It was clearly an effort of memory. " And now," I said regretfully, " it can never be the same again." " Certainly not." He used quite unnecessary emphasis. " William and the others having been since destroyed by fire," I continued. Mr. Mafferton looked foolish. " What a terrible scene that must have been! Didn't you feel when all that royal wax melted as if the dynasties of England had' been wrecked over again! What effect did it have on dear old Victoria? " " One question at a time," said Mr. Mafferton, and I think he smiled. " Now you remind me of Sandford and Merton," I said, " and a place for everything and everything in its place. And punctuality is the thief of time....