It was generally said at the clubs that Mr Alf had written this article himself.  Old Splinter, who was one of a body of men possessing an excellent cellar of wine and calling themselves Paides Pallados, and who had written for the heavy quarterlies any time this last forty years, professed that he saw through the article.  The ‘Evening Pulpit’ had been, he explained, desirous of going as far as it could in denouncing Mr Melmotte without incurring the danger of an action for libel.  Mr Splinter thought that the thing was clever but mean.  These new publications generally were mean.  Mr Splinter was constant in that opinion; but, putting the meanness aside, he thought that the article was well done.  According to his view it was intended to expose Mr Melmotte and the railway.  But the Paides Pallados...