The Good Doctor Was A Radical And Home Ruler, And Attended
Professionally The Members Of One Or Two Labouring Men's
Clubs For Fees Which, As Far As I Could Learn, Were
Rigorously Nominal.
His great delight was to get an order
for the House of Commons, especially on nights when Mr.
Gladstone spoke; and, being to the last day of his life as
simple-minded as a child, had a profound belief in the
statemanship and integrity of that renowned orator.
As far as personality goes, the Burtons were, perhaps, the
most notable of the above-named. There was a mystery about
Burton which was in itself a fascination. No one knew what
he had done; or consequently what he might not do. He never
boasted, never hinted that he had done, or could do, anything
different from other men; and, in spite of the mystery, one
felt that he was transparently honest and sincere. He was
always the same, always true to himself; but then, that
'self' was a something PER SE, which could not be
categorically classed - precedent for guidance was lacking.
There is little doubt Burton had gipsy blood in his veins;
there was something Oriental in his temperament, and even in
his skin.
One summer's day I found him reading the paper in the
Athenaeum. He was dressed in a complete suit of white -
white trousers, a white linen coat, and a very shabby old
white hat. People would have stared at him anywhere.
'Hullo, Burton!' I exclaimed, touching his linen coat, 'Do
you find it so hot - DEJA?'
Said he:
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