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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 40697 ***
+
+  SPORT ROYAL
+
+
+
+
+  BY THE SAME AUTHOR
+
+  _Uniform, 75 cents each_
+
+
+  THE PRISONER OF ZENDA
+  THE INDISCRETION OF THE DUCHESS
+  THE DOLLY DIALOGUES
+  A MAN OF MARK
+  A CHANGE OF AIR
+  SPORT ROYAL
+
+
+
+
+  [Illustration: "_The Princess rushed to the other door, and, on
+  finding it locked, screamed again._"--P. 88.
+
+  (Copyright, 1895, by HENRY HOLT & CO.)]
+
+
+
+
+  SPORT ROYAL
+  _AND OTHER STORIES_
+
+  BY
+  ANTHONY HOPE
+  AUTHOR OF "THE PRISONER OF ZENDA," ETC.
+
+  [Illustration]
+
+  NEW YORK
+  HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY
+  1895
+
+
+
+
+  THE MERSHON COMPANY PRESS,
+  RAHWAY, N. J.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+                                       PAGE
+  SPORT ROYAL:
+
+    CHAPTER I. THE SEQUEL TO THE BALL,    1
+
+       "   II. AT THE HÔTEL MAGNIFIQUE,  31
+
+       "  III. THE MISSION OF THE RUBY,  54
+
+  A TRAGEDY IN OUTLINE,                  99
+
+  A MALAPROPOS PARENT,                  102
+
+  HOW THEY STOPPED THE "RUN,"           115
+
+  A LITTLE JOKE,                        126
+
+  A GUARDIAN OF MORALITY,               139
+
+  NOT A BAD DEAL,                       154
+
+  MIDDLETON'S MODEL,                    169
+
+  MY ASTRAL BODY,                       185
+
+  THE NEBRASKA LOADSTONE,               204
+
+  A SUCCESSFUL REHEARSAL,               216
+
+
+
+
+SPORT ROYAL.
+
+_An Extract from the Journals of Julius Jason, Esquire._
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+The Sequel to the Ball.
+
+
+Heidelberg seems rather a tourist-ridden, hackneyed sort of place to
+be the mother of adventures. Nevertheless, it is there that my story
+begins. I had been traveling on the Continent, and came to Heidelberg to
+pay my duty to the castle, and recruit in quiet after a spell of rather
+laborious idleness at Homburg and Baden. At first sight I made up my
+mind that the place would bore me, and I came down to dinner at the
+hotel, looking forward only to a bad dinner and an early bed. The room
+was so full that I could not get a table to myself, and, seeing one
+occupied only by a couple of gentlemanly looking men, I made for it, and
+took the third seat, facing one of the strangers, a short, fair young
+man, with a little flaxen mustache and a soldierlike air, and having the
+other, who was older, dark, and clean-shaved, on my left. The fourth
+seat was empty.
+
+The two gentlemen returned my bow with well-bred negligence, and I
+started on my soup. As I finished it, I looked up and saw my companions
+interchanging glances. Catching my eye, they both looked away in an
+absent fashion, each the while taking out of his pocket a red silk
+handkerchief and laying it on the table by him. I turned away for a
+moment, then suddenly looked again and found their eyes on me, and
+I fancied that the next moment the eyes wandered from me to the
+handkerchiefs. I happened to be carrying a red handkerchief myself,
+and, thinking either that something was in the wind or perhaps that my
+friends were having a joke at my expense (though, as I said, they looked
+well-bred men), I took it out of my pocket and, laying it on the table,
+gazed calmly in front of me, my eyes naturally falling on the fair young
+man.
+
+He nodded significantly to the older man, and held out his hand to me. I
+shook hands with him, and went through the same ceremony with the other.
+
+"Ah!" said the young man, speaking in French, "you got her letter?"
+
+I nodded.
+
+"And you are willing?"
+
+The first maxim for a would-be adventurer is always to say "yes" to
+questions. A "no," is fatal to further progress.
+
+"Yes," I answered.
+
+"It will be made worth your while, of course," he went on.
+
+I thought I ought to resent this suggestion.
+
+"Sir," I said, "you cannot possibly mean to suggest----"
+
+The young man laughed pleasantly.
+
+"My dear fellow," he said, "ladies have their own ways of paying debts.
+If you don't like it----" and he shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"Oh," said I, smiling, "I misunderstood you."
+
+"It is, of course," said the older man, speaking for the first time, and
+in a loud whisper, "of vital importance that His Royal Highness' name
+should not appear."
+
+This really began to be mysterious and interesting. I nodded.
+
+"That goes without saying," said the young man. "And you'll be ready?"
+
+"Ready!" I said. "But when?"
+
+"Didn't I tell you? Oh, six o'clock to-morrow morning."
+
+"That's early hours."
+
+"Well, you must, you know," he answered.
+
+"And," added the older man, "the countess hopes you'll come to breakfast
+afterward at ten."
+
+"I'll be there, never fear," said I, "and it's very kind."
+
+"Bravo!" said the young man, clapping me on the shoulder (for we had
+risen from table). "You take it the right way."
+
+As may be supposed, I was rather puzzled by this time, and decidedly
+vexed to find I should have to be up so early. Still, the mention of His
+Royal Highness and the countess decided me to go on for the present;
+probably the real man--for, unless it were all a mad joke, there must be
+a real man--would appear in the course of the evening. I only hoped my
+new friends would, in their turn, take it in the right way when that
+happened.
+
+"Have you a servant with you?" asked the young man, as we said
+good-night.
+
+"No," said I; "I am quite alone."
+
+"You are a paragon of prudence," he answered, smiling. "Well, I'll call
+you, and we'll slip out quietly."
+
+Just as I was getting into bed, the waiter knocked at my door and gave
+me a note. It bore no address.
+
+"Is it for me?" I asked.
+
+"Yes, sir," he answered. "You are the gentleman who dined with Herr
+Vooght and M. Dumergue?"
+
+I supposed I was, and opened the note.
+
+"You are generous and forgiving, indeed," it said (and said it in
+English). "What reward will you claim? But do be careful. He is
+dangerous.--M."
+
+"The devil!" I exclaimed.
+
+The next morning I was aroused at five o'clock by my two friends.
+
+"Good-morning, Herr Vooght," said I, looking just between them.
+
+"Good-morning," answered the older man.
+
+"Now, my dear fellow, come along. There's a cup of coffee downstairs,"
+said the other, whom I took to be Dumergue.
+
+After coffee, we got into a close carriage with a pair of horses, and
+drove two or three miles into the country; my companions said little.
+Dumergue twice asked in a joking way how I felt, and Vooght puzzled me
+very much by remarking:
+
+"They are bringing all the necessaries; but I don't know what they will
+choose."
+
+When this was said, Dumergue was humming a tune. He went on for five
+minutes, and then said, with a touch of scorn:
+
+"My good Vooght, they know our friend's reputation. They will choose
+pistols."
+
+I could not repress a start. No doubt it was stupid of me not to have
+caught the meaning of this early expedition before, but it really never
+struck me that our business might be a duel. However, so it seemed,
+and apparently I was one of the principals. Dumergue noticed my little
+start.
+
+"What's the matter?" he asked.
+
+"Do they know my name?" said I.
+
+"My dear friend, could you expect the baron to fight with an unknown
+man? The challenge had to be in your name."
+
+I had clearly been the challenger. I was consumed with curiosity to
+know what the grievance was, and how the countess was concerned in the
+matter.
+
+"The countess assured us," said Vooght, "that she had your authority."
+
+"As fully as if I had been there," I answered, and Dumergue resumed his
+tune.
+
+I was sincerely glad that the name of my original had been given, for
+his reputation for swordsmanship had evidently saved me from a hole
+in my skin. I was a fair hand with a pistol; but, like most of my
+countrymen, a mere bungler with the rapier. It was very annoying,
+though, that my friends' exaggerated prudence prevented them mentioning
+my name: it would have been more convenient to know who I was.
+
+I had not long for reflection, for we soon drew up by a roadside inn,
+and, getting out of the carriage, walked through the house, where we
+were apparently expected, into a field behind. There were three men
+walking up and down, and two of them at once advanced to meet Vooght
+and Dumergue. I remained where I was, merely raising my hat, and the
+third man--a big, burly fellow, with a heavy black mustache--followed my
+example.
+
+This one, no doubt, was the baron. To be frank, he looked a brute,
+and I had very little hesitation in assuming that the merits of the
+quarrel must be on my side. I was comforted by this conclusion, as I
+had no desire to shoot an unoffending person. Preliminaries were soon
+concluded. I overheard one of the baron's representatives mention the
+word apology, and add that they would meet us halfway, but Dumergue
+shook his head decisively. This defiant attitude became Dumergue very
+well; but I, for my part, should have been open to reason.
+
+The baron and I were placed opposite one another at twelve paces. There
+were to be two shots--unless, of course, one of us were disabled at the
+first fire; after that, the seconds were to consider whether the matter
+need go further.
+
+The word was just about to be given, when to my surprise the baron
+cried:
+
+"Stop!"
+
+Everyone looked at him in astonishment.
+
+"Before we fire," he went on, "I wish to ask this gentleman one
+question. No--I will not be stopped!"
+
+His seconds, who had advanced, fell back before his resolute gesture,
+and he continued, addressing me:
+
+"Sir, will you do me the honor to answer one question? Are you the
+person who accompanied----"
+
+Vooght struck in quickly:
+
+"No names, please!"
+
+The baron bowed, and began again.
+
+"On your honor, sir, are you the gentleman who accompanied the lady in
+question to the masked ball on the night in question?"
+
+These gentlemen were all diplomatic. I thought I would be diplomatic
+too.
+
+"Surely this is grossly irregular?" I said, appealing to my supporters.
+
+"I ask for an answer," said the baron.
+
+"It's nothing but a new insult," said I.
+
+"I have my reasons, and those gentlemen know them."
+
+This was intolerable.
+
+"You mean to fight, or you don't, M. le Baron," said I. "Which is it?"
+
+He shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"Your master is well served," he said with a sneer.
+
+His seconds looked bewildered: Vooght bit his nails, and Dumergue swore
+furiously, and, coming near me, whispered in my ear:
+
+"Shoot straight! Stop his cursed mouth for him!"
+
+I had not the least intention of killing the baron, if I could avoid it
+without being killed myself; but I thought a slight lesson would improve
+his manners, and, when the word came, I fired with a careful aim. He
+evidently meant mischief, for I heard his ball whiz past my ear; I
+missed him clean, being much out of practice, and, I dare say, rather
+nervous. I pulled myself together for the second shot, for I saw that
+my opponent was not to be trifled with, and I should not have been the
+least surprised to find myself in paradise the next moment. On the word
+I fired; the baron fell back with a cry, and simultaneously I felt a
+tingle in my left hand, and the unmistakable warm ooze of blood. The
+witnesses ran to my opponent, and raised his head. Dumergue turned round
+to me:
+
+"Are you hurt?"
+
+"A scratch," I answered, for I found the ball had run up my arm, merely
+grazing me in its passage.
+
+A hurried consultation followed; then Vooght and Dumergue raised their
+hats and joined me.
+
+"We had best be off," said Vooght.
+
+"Is he dead?" I asked.
+
+"No," said Dumergue, with a little disappointment, I thought. "He'll get
+over it; but he's safe for a week or two. Not a bad shot, colonel!"
+
+So I was a colonel!
+
+"Now," said Vooght, "we'll drive back, and send you to the countess."
+
+I had made up my mind to get away from the place as soon as I could,
+but my curiosity to see the _causa belli_ was too strong, and I said I
+should be delighted to keep my engagement.
+
+Dumergue smiled significantly, and Vooght hurried us into the carriage.
+We drove back to the town, and then two or three miles into the country
+again, till we came to a pretty villa, embowered in trees, and standing
+some two hundred yards back from the road. There was no drive up to the
+house, a turf walk forming the passage from the highway. Vooght motioned
+me to get down.
+
+"Don't you accompany me?" I asked.
+
+Dumergue smiled again.
+
+"Oh, no!" he said. "Come for us at the hotel, and we'll all be off by
+the two o'clock train."
+
+"Unless you are detained," added Vooght.
+
+"I shouldn't be detained, if I were you," said Dumergue dryly. "Who
+knows? The baron may die!"
+
+I was quite determined not to be detained, and said so. I was also quite
+determined not to keep the rendezvous at the hotel, but to slip away
+quietly by myself. The colonel might arrive at any moment.
+
+I watched my friends drive off, and then walked briskly up to the house.
+A man in livery met me before I had time to ring.
+
+"Are you the gentleman?" he asked.
+
+I nodded.
+
+"Will you be so kind, sir, as to walk straight in? That door, sir. The
+countess expects you."
+
+I had my doubts about that, but I walked in, shutting the door swiftly
+behind me, lest the servant should hear anything. I thought an explosion
+not improbable.
+
+The room was dim, close curtains shutting out the growing strength
+of the sunshine. The air was thick with the scent of flowers that
+overpowered without quite smothering the appetizing smell rising from a
+table profusely spread for breakfast. I had entered softly, and had time
+to take note of the surroundings before I became aware of a tall, slight
+figure in white, first moving impetuously toward me, then stopping
+abruptly in surprise. Presumably, this was the countess. Charming as she
+was, with her open blue eyes, fluffy golden hair, and fresh tints, I
+wondered from what noble house she sprang. However, the fountains of
+honor are many, and their streams meander sometimes through very winding
+channels.
+
+The countess stood and looked at me. I bowed and smiled.
+
+"You are naturally surprised," I said, in my smoothest tone.
+
+"I was expecting--another gentleman."
+
+"Yes, I know. I come in his place."
+
+"In his place?" she repeated, in incredulous tones.
+
+"Yes; in the colonel's place."
+
+"Hush!" she exclaimed. "We needn't mention names."
+
+It suited me perfectly not to mention names.
+
+"I beg pardon," I murmured.
+
+"But how is it possible?" she asked. "Do you know what he was to come
+for?"
+
+"Oh, yes!"
+
+"And he hasn't come?"
+
+"No."
+
+She frowned.
+
+"Wouldn't he come?"
+
+"He couldn't. So I came."
+
+"But how did you know anything about it? Did he tell you about the
+pr--about the affair?"
+
+"No. I only heard----"
+
+"From him?"
+
+"Yes--that you wanted a champion."
+
+"Oh, that's absurd! Why, you never heard of me!"
+
+"Ah, indeed I have!"
+
+"And--did you recognize me under my new name?"
+
+"Your----"
+
+"My--my title. You know."
+
+"The--he told me that. Must I confess? I jumped at the chance of serving
+you."
+
+"You had never seen me!"
+
+"Perhaps I had seen your photograph."
+
+She smiled at this, but still looked perturbed.
+
+"Pray don't be distressed," said I. "I am very discreet."
+
+"Oh, I hope so! The prince [she spoke in a whisper] was so urgent about
+discretion. You haven't seen him?"
+
+"The prince? No."
+
+"And--when is it to be?"
+
+"I don't quite understand." This was my first truthful remark.
+
+"Why, the duel!"
+
+"Oh, it's all over!"
+
+"Over!"
+
+"Yes--two hours ago."
+
+"And the baron? No, forgive me. You! Are you hurt?"
+
+"Not a bit. He's hurt."
+
+"Is he dead?" she asked breathlessly.
+
+"I am sorry, countess. Not quite. Was that necessary?"
+
+"Oh, no! Though he deserved it. He insulted me shamefully."
+
+"Then he did deserve it."
+
+She went off at a tangent.
+
+"What became of my letter?"
+
+"They gave it to me. You only said for the gentleman who dined with your
+friends."
+
+"Then you read it?" she asked, blushing.
+
+"Yes. How I wish I were the rightful owner of it!"
+
+"Why didn't he come?" she asked again.
+
+"He's going to write and explain."
+
+"And you really came because----"
+
+"May I tell you already? Or have you guessed already?"
+
+She blushed again.
+
+"I don't see what else the prince could do, you know," she said. "He
+ought, of course, never to have gone to the ball at all."
+
+"Perhaps not," I answered; "but I suppose he was tempted."
+
+"Do you think very badly of me?"
+
+"I should think you perfection if----"
+
+"Well?"
+
+"You would give me some breakfast."
+
+"Oh, what a shame! You're starving! And after all you have done! Come,
+I'll wait on you."
+
+My meal was very pleasant. The lady was charming; she satisfied every
+feeling I had, except curiosity. She was clearly English; equally
+clearly she was involved with some great people on the Continent. I
+gathered that the baron had insulted her, when she was with the prince,
+and the latter could not, whether for state or domestic reasons, espouse
+the quarrel. So far I got, but no farther.
+
+"What a debt I owe you!" she said, as she led the way after breakfast to
+the top of a little tower. An awning was spread overhead, and armchairs
+on the floor. A cool breeze blew, and stirred her hair.
+
+"I am more than paid!"
+
+"Fancy, if you had been hurt!"
+
+"Better I than the colonel!" I suggested.
+
+She darted a smile at me.
+
+"Oh, well," she said, "you came, and he didn't. I like you best."
+
+It was all very charming, but time was flying, and I began to plan a
+graceful exit.
+
+"You make it hard to go," I said.
+
+"Yes, I suppose we must go as soon as possible. Herr Vooght said at two
+o'clock."
+
+I was startled. Delightful as she was, I hardly reckoned on her being
+one of the party.
+
+"The prince will be so pleased to see you," she went on.
+
+"Will he?"
+
+"Why, you will have my recommendation!"
+
+"I'm sure it must be all-powerful!"
+
+"But we have two hours before we need start. You must want to rest."
+
+"What a charming tower this is!"
+
+"Yes; such a view. Look, we can see for miles. Only I hate that stretch
+of dusty road."
+
+I looked carelessly toward the road along which we had come.
+
+"Look what a dust!" she said. "It's a carriage! Oh, they'll upset!"
+
+I jumped up. About half a mile off, I saw a carriage and pair driven
+furiously toward the villa. My heart beat.
+
+"Who can it be?" she said.
+
+"Don't be frightened," said I. "Possibly the authorities have found out
+about the duel."
+
+"Oh!"
+
+"Let me go and see."
+
+"Take care!"
+
+"And in case I have to slip away----"
+
+"I shall go alone. You will join us?"
+
+"Yes. But now, in case----"
+
+"Well?"
+
+"As a reward, may I kiss your hand?"
+
+She gave it me.
+
+"I am glad you came," she said. "Stay, perhaps it's only our friends
+coming for us."
+
+"I'll go and see."
+
+I was reluctant to cut short our good-by,--for I feared it must be
+final,--but no time was to be lost. With another kiss--and upon
+my honor, I can't swear whether it was her hand or her cheek this
+time--I rushed downstairs, seized my hat and cane, and dived into the
+shrubberies that bordered on the turf walk. Quickly I made my way to
+within twenty yards of the road, and stopped, motionless and completely
+hidden by the trees. At that moment the carriage, with its smoking
+horses, drew up at the gate.
+
+Dumergue got out; Vooght came next; then a tall, powerful man, of
+military bearing. No doubt this was the colonel. They seemed in a hurry;
+motioning the driver to wait, they walked or almost ran past me up the
+path. The moment they were by me and round a little curve, I hastened to
+the gate, and burst upon the driver.
+
+"A hundred marks to the station!"
+
+"But, sir, I am engaged."
+
+"Damn you! Two hundred!" I cried.
+
+"Get in," said he, like a sensible man, bundling back the nose-bags he
+was just putting on his horses. I leaped in, he jumped on the box, and
+off we flew quicker even than they had come. As we went, I glanced up
+at the tower. They were there! I saw Vooght and Dumergue lean over for
+a moment, and then turn as if to come down. The tall stranger stood
+opposite the lady, and seemed to be talking to her.
+
+"Faster!" I cried, and faster and faster we went, till we reached the
+station. Flinging the driver his money, I took a ticket for the first
+train, and got in, hot and breathless. As we steamed out of the town,
+I saw, from my carriage-window, a neat barouche with a woman and three
+men in it, driving quickly along the road, which ran by the railway.
+It was my party! Youth is vain, and beauty is powerful. I bared my
+head, leaned out of the window, and kissed my hand to the countess.
+We were not more than thirty yards apart, and, to my joy, I saw her
+return my salutation, with a toss of her head and a defiant glance at
+her companions. The colonel sat glum and still; Vooght was biting his
+nails harder than ever; Dumergue shook his fist at me, but, I thought,
+more in jest than in anger. I kissed my hand again as the train and
+the carriage whisked by one another, and I was borne on my way out of
+their reach.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+At the Hôtel Magnifique.
+
+
+To a reflective mind nothing is more curious than the way one thing
+leads to another. A little experience of this tendency soon cured me of
+refusing to go anywhere I was asked, merely because the prospects of
+amusement were not very obvious. I always went--taking credit of course
+for much amiability--and I often received my reward in an unexpected
+development of something new or an interesting revival of a former
+episode. It happened, a few months after my adventure at Heidelberg,
+that my brother's wife, Jane Jason, asked me, as a favor to herself, to
+take a stall at the theater where a certain actress was, after a long
+and successful career in the provinces, introducing herself to a London
+audience. Jane is possessed by the idea that she has a keen nose for
+dramatic talent, and she assured me that her _protégée_ was a wonder. I
+dare say the woman had some talent, but she was an ugly, gaunt creature
+of forty, and did not shine in _Juliet_. At the end of the second act
+I was bored to death, and was pondering whether I knew enough of the
+play to slip out without Jane being likely to discover my desertion by
+cross-examination, when my eye happened to fall on the stage-box in the
+first tier. In the center seat sat a fair, rather stout man, with the
+very weariest expression that I ever saw on human face. He was such
+an unsurpassed impersonation of boredom that I could not help staring
+at him; I could do so without rudeness, as his eyes were fixed on the
+chandelier in the roof of the house. I looked my fill, and was about to
+turn away, and go out for a cigarette, when somebody spoke to me in a
+low voice, the tones of which seemed familiar.
+
+"Ah, impostor, here you are!"
+
+It was Dumergue, smiling quietly at me. I greeted him with surprise and
+pleasure.
+
+"How is the baron?" I asked.
+
+"He cheated the--grave," answered Dumergue.
+
+"And the countess?"
+
+"Hush! I have a message for you."
+
+"From her?" I inquired, not, I fear, without eagerness.
+
+"No," he replied, "from the prince. He desires that you should be
+presented to him."
+
+"Who is he?"
+
+"I forgot. Prince Ferdinand of Glottenberg."
+
+"Indeed! He's in London, then?"
+
+"Yes, in that box," and he pointed to the bored man, and added:
+
+"Come along; he hates being kept waiting."
+
+"He looks as if he hated most things," I remarked.
+
+"Well, most things are detestable," said Dumergue, leading the way.
+
+The prince rose and greeted me with fatigued graciousness.
+
+"I am very much indebted to you, Mr. Jason," he said, "for----"
+
+I began to stammer an apology for my intrusion into his affairs.
+
+"For," he resumed, without noticing what I said, "a moment's
+bewilderment. I quite enjoyed it."
+
+I bowed, and he continued.
+
+"The only things I cling to in life, Mr. Jason, are a quiet time at home
+and my income. You have been very discreet. If you hadn't, I might have
+lost those two things. I am very much obliged. Will you give me the
+pleasure of your company at supper? Dumergue, the princess will be
+delighted to see Mr. Jason?"
+
+"Yes, sir, Her Royal Highness will be delighted," answered Dumergue.
+
+"Where was the princess going?" asked the prince.
+
+"To a meeting of the Women's International Society for the Promotion of
+Morality, at the Mansion House, sir."
+
+"_Mon Dieu!_" said the prince.
+
+"His Majesty is much interested in the society, sir."
+
+"I am sure my brother would be. Come along, Mr. Jason."
+
+The prince and princess were staying at the Hôtel Magnifique in
+Northumberland Avenue. We drove thither, and were told that the princess
+had returned. Upon further inquiry, made by Dumergue, it appeared that
+it would be agreeable to her to sup with the prince and to receive Mr.
+Jason. So we went into the dining room and found her seated by the fire.
+After greeting me, she said to the prince:
+
+"I have just written a long account of our meeting to the king. He will
+be so interested."
+
+She was a small woman, with a gentle manner and a low, sweet voice.
+She looked like an amiable and intelligent girl of eighteen, and had a
+pretty, timid air, which made me wish to assure her of my respectful
+protection.
+
+"My brother," said the prince, "is a man of catholic tastes."
+
+"It is necessary in a king, sir," suggested Dumergue.
+
+The prince did not answer him, but offered his arm to his wife, to
+escort her to the table. She motioned me to sit on her right hand,
+and began to prattle gently to me about the court of Glottenberg. The
+prince put in a word here and there, and Dumergue laughed appreciatively
+whenever the princess' descriptions were neat and appropriate--at least,
+so I interpreted his delicate flattery.
+
+I enjoyed myself very much. The princess was evidently, to judge from
+her conversation, a little Puritan, and I always love a pretty Puritan.
+That rogue Dumergue agreed with all her views, and the prince allowed
+his silence to pass for assent.
+
+"We do try at court," she ended by saying, "to set an example to
+society; and, as the king is unmarried, of course I have to do a great
+deal."
+
+At this moment, a servant entered, bearing a card on a salver. He
+approached the princess.
+
+"A gentleman desires the honor of an audience with Her Royal Highness,"
+he announced.
+
+"At this time of night!" exclaimed the princess.
+
+"He says his business will not bear delay, and prays for a interview."
+
+"All business will bear delay," said the prince, "and generally be the
+better for it. Who is he?"
+
+"The Baron de Barbot."
+
+"Oh, I must see him," cried the princess. "Why, he is a dear friend of
+ours."
+
+I had detected a rapid glance pass between Dumergue and the prince. The
+latter then answered:
+
+"Yes, we must see Barbot. If you will go to the drawing room, I'll take
+your message myself."
+
+"That is kind of you," said the princess, retiring.
+
+"Give me the card," said the prince, "and ask the baron to be kind
+enough to wait a few minutes."
+
+The servant went out, and the prince turned to me.
+
+"Why didn't you kill him, Mr. Jason?" he asked.
+
+"Is it----" I began.
+
+"Yes, it's your baron," said Dumergue.
+
+"It's really a little awkward," said the prince, as though gently
+remonstrating with fate. "We had arranged it all so pleasantly."
+
+"It would upset the princess," said Dumergue.
+
+"What upsets the princess upsets me," said the prince. "I am a devoted
+husband, Mr. Jason."
+
+"If there is anything I can do, sir," said I, "rely on me."
+
+"You overwhelm me," said the prince. "Is there anything, Dumergue?"
+
+"Why, yes, sir. Mr. Jason was at the ball. Why should he have fought, if
+he wasn't?"
+
+"You are right, Dumergue. Mr. Jason, you were at the ball."
+
+"But, sir, I--I don't know anything about the ball."
+
+"It was just like other balls--other _masked_ balls," said Dumergue.
+
+"Perhaps a little more so," added the prince, lighting a cigarette.
+
+"There was a scandal at the last one," Dumergue continued, "and the king
+strictly forbade anyone connected with the court to go, under pain of
+his severe displeasure. There had been a rumor that a royal prince was
+at the one before, and consequently----"
+
+"That royal prince was specially commanded not to go to this one," said
+the prince.
+
+"It was bad enough," resumed Dumergue, "that it should be discovered
+that the princess' favorite lady-in-waiting, the Countess von
+Hohstein----"
+
+"Who bore such a high character," interjected the prince.
+
+"Did go, and, moreover, went under the escort of an unknown gentleman--a
+gentleman whose name she refused to give."
+
+"Was that discovered?" said I.
+
+"It was. This baron detected her, and, with a view, as we have reason
+to believe, to compelling her companion to declare himself, publicly
+insulted her."
+
+"Whereupon," said the prince, "you very properly knocked him down, Mr.
+Jason."
+
+"I beg your pardon, sir?"
+
+"The princess," continued Dumergue, "was terribly agitated and annoyed
+at the scandal and the duel which followed. And of course the countess
+left the court, and returned to England."
+
+"To England?"
+
+"Yes; she was a Miss Mason. The king ennobled her at the princess'
+request."
+
+I smiled and said:
+
+"And now there is a question about who her escort was?"
+
+"There is," said Dumergue. "It is believed that the baron entertains an
+extraordinary idea that the gentleman in question was no other than----"
+
+"Myself," said the prince, throwing away his cigarette.
+
+I remembered the baron's strange questions before the duel.
+
+"Dispose of me as you please, sir," said I.
+
+"Then you were at the ball, and knocked the baron down!" exclaimed
+Dumergue.
+
+"A thousand thanks," said the prince.
+
+"But what are we to do with him now, sir?" asked Dumergue. "The princess
+will be expecting him."
+
+"I will go and tell the princess of Mr. Jason's confession. You go with
+Mr. Jason, and tell the baron that the princess cannot receive him. I
+want him to see Mr. Jason."
+
+"But, sir," said I, "I didn't fight under my own name."
+
+The prince was already gone, and Dumergue was halfway down the stairs. I
+followed the latter.
+
+We found the baron in the smoking room, taking a cup of coffee. A couple
+of men sat talking on a settee near him; otherwise the room was empty.
+
+Dumergue went up to the baron, I following a step or two behind him. The
+baron rose and bowed coldly.
+
+"I am charged," said Dumergue, "to express His Royal Highness' regrets
+that Her Royal Highness cannot have the pleasure of receiving you. She
+has retired to her apartments."
+
+"The servant told me she was at supper."
+
+"He was misinformed."
+
+"I'm not to be put off like that. I'll have a refusal from the princess
+herself."
+
+"I will inform His Royal Highness."
+
+The baron was about to answer, when he caught sight of me.
+
+"Ah, there's the jackal!" he said, with a sneer.
+
+I stepped forward.
+
+"Do you refer to me?" I asked.
+
+"Unless I am wrong in recognizing my former antagonist, Colonel
+Despard."
+
+This was just what I had anticipated. Dumergue did not seem surprised
+either.
+
+"Of course it is Colonel Despard," he said. "You would not be likely to
+forget him, baron."
+
+We had been speaking in a low tone, but at Dumergue's sneer, the baron
+lost his temper. Raising his voice, he said, almost in a shout:
+
+"Then I tell Colonel Despard that he is a mean hound."
+
+If I assumed the colonel's name, I felt I must at least defend it from
+imputations. I began:
+
+"Once before, baron, I chastised----"
+
+I was interrupted. One of the men on the settee interposed, rising as he
+spoke.
+
+"I beg pardon, gentlemen, but is it Colonel Despard of the Hussars to
+whom you refer?"
+
+"Yes," said the baron.
+
+"Then that gentleman is not Colonel Despard," announced our new friend.
+"I am Colonel Despard's brother-in-law."
+
+For a moment I was at a loss; things were falling out so very
+unfortunately. Dumergue turned on the stranger fiercely:
+
+"Pray, sir, was your interposition solicited?"
+
+"Certainly not. But if this gentleman says he is Colonel Despard, I take
+leave to contradict him."
+
+"I should advise you to do nothing of the sort," said I. "M. Dumergue
+knows me very well."
+
+"This person," said the baron, "passed himself off as Colonel Despard,
+and, by that pretext, obtained from me the honor of a duel with me. It
+appears that he is a mere impostor."
+
+The other man on the settee called out cheerfully, "Bob, send for the
+police!"
+
+Dumergue looked rather sheepish; his invention failed him.
+
+"Do either or both of these gentlemen," said I, indicating the baron and
+the colonel's brother-in-law, "call me an impostor?"
+
+"I do," said the baron, with a sneering laugh.
+
+"I am compelled to assert it," said the other, with a bow.
+
+I had edged near the little table, on which the baron's coffee had been
+served. I now took up the coffee-pot and milk-jug. The coffee I threw
+in the baron's face, and the milk in that of his ally. Both men sprang
+forward with an oath. At the same moment, the electric light went out,
+and I was violently pulled back toward the door, and someone whispered,
+"Vanish as quick as you can. Go home--go anywhere."
+
+"All right, sir," said I, for I recognized the prince's voice. "But what
+are they doing?"
+
+"Never mind; be off." And the prince handed me a hat.
+
+I walked quickly to the door, and hailed a hansom. As I drove off, I
+saw the prince skip upstairs, and a _posse_ of waiters rush toward the
+smoking room. I went home to bed.
+
+The next morning, as I was breakfasting, my man told me two gentlemen
+were below, and wished to see me. I told him to show them up, and the
+prince and Dumergue came in, the former wrapped up in a fur coat, with
+a collar that hid most of his face.
+
+"The prince would like some brandy in a little soda water," said
+Dumergue.
+
+I administered the cordial. The prince drank it, and then turned to me.
+
+"Did you get home all right?" he asked.
+
+"Perfectly, sir."
+
+"After you took leave of us, we had an explanation. Mr. Wetherington--it
+was Mr. Wetherington at whom you threw the milk--was very reasonable. I
+explained the whole matter, and he said he was sure his brother-in-law
+would pardon the liberty."
+
+"I'm afraid I took rather a liberty with him."
+
+"Oh," said Dumergue, "we made him believe the milk was meant for
+the baron, as well as the coffee. I said we took it _au lait_ at
+Glottenberg."
+
+"It's lucky I thought of turning out the light," said the prince. "I was
+looking on, and it seemed about time."
+
+"What did the hotel people say, sir?"
+
+"They are going to sue the electric company," said the prince, with a
+slight smile. "It seems there is a penalty if the light doesn't work
+properly."
+
+"And the baron, sir?"
+
+"We kicked the baron out as a blackmailer," said Dumergue. "He is going
+to bring an action."
+
+"I return to Glottenberg to-day," concluded the prince; "accompanied by
+the princess and M. Dumergue."
+
+I thought this course very prudent, and said so. "But," I added, "I
+shall be called as a witness."
+
+"No; Colonel Despard will."
+
+"Well, then----"
+
+"He will establish an _alibi_. _Voilà tout!_"
+
+"I am glad it all ends so happily, sir."
+
+"Well, there is one matter," said the prince. "I had to tell the
+princess of your indiscretion in taking Mme. Vooght----"
+
+"Who, sir?"
+
+"Mr. Jason," put in Dumergue, "has not heard that the countess and
+Vooght are married."
+
+"Yes," said the prince, "they are married, and will settle in America.
+Vooght is a loss; but we can't have everything in this world."
+
+"I hope Herr Vooght will be happy," said I.
+
+"I should think it very unlikely," said the prince. "But, to return. The
+princess is very angry with you. She insists----"
+
+"That I should never be presented to her again?"
+
+"On the contrary; that you should come and apologize in person. Only on
+condition of bringing you again could I make my peace for bringing you
+once."
+
+I was very much surprised, but of course I said I was at the princess'
+commands.
+
+"You don't mind meeting us in Paris? We stay there a few days," said
+Dumergue.
+
+"You see," added the prince, "Dumergue says there are things called
+writs, and----"
+
+"I will be in Paris to-morrow, sir."
+
+"I shall be there to-day," said the prince, rising.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+The Mission of the Ruby
+
+
+I could not imagine why the princess desired to see me. It would have
+been much more natural to punish the impertinence of which I had no
+doubt been guilty--I mean, of which it was agreed on all hands that I
+had been guilty--by merely declining to receive me or see me again.
+Even the desire for a written apology would have been treating me as of
+too much account. But she wanted to see me. What I had heard of the
+princess' character utterly forbade any idea which ought not to have
+been, but would have been, pleasant to entertain. No; she clearly
+wanted me, but what for I could not imagine.
+
+When I went to claim my audience, the prince was not visible, nor
+Dumergue either, and I was at once received by the princess alone. She
+was looking smaller, and more simple and helpless than ever. I also
+thought her looking prettier, and I enjoyed immensely the pious, severe,
+forgiving little rebuke which she administered to me. I humbly craved
+pardon, and had no difficulty in obtaining it. Indeed, she became very
+gracious.
+
+"You must come to Glottenberg," she said, "in a few months' time."
+
+"To obey Your Royal Highness' commands will be a delightful duty," said
+I, bowing.
+
+She rose and stood by the fire, "toying" (as the novelists say) with
+her fan.
+
+"You seem to be an obliging man, Mr. Jason," she said. "You were ready
+to oblige Mme. Vooght."
+
+I made a gesture of half-serious protest.
+
+"I wonder," she continued, "if you would do me a little service."
+
+"I shall be most honored if I may hope to be able to," said I. What did
+she want?
+
+She blushed slightly, and, with a nervous laugh, said:
+
+"It's only a short story. When I was a young girl, I was foolish
+enough, Mr. Jason, to fall in love, or at least to think I did. There
+was a young English _attaché_--I know I can rely on your perfect
+discretion--at my father's court, and he--he forgot the difference
+between us. He was a man of rank, though. Well, I was foolish enough
+to accept from him a very valuable ring--a fine ruby--quite a family
+heirloom. Of course, I never wore it, but I took it. And when I married,
+I----"
+
+She paused.
+
+"Your Royal Highness had no opportunity of returning it?"
+
+"Exactly. He had left the court. I didn't know where he was, and--and
+the post was not quite trustworthy."
+
+"I understand perfectly."
+
+"I saw in the papers the other day that he was married. Of course I
+can't keep it. His wife ought to have it--and I dare not--I would prefer
+not to--send it."
+
+"I see. You would wish me----"
+
+"To be my messenger. Will you?"
+
+Of course I assented. She went into an adjoining room, and returned with
+a little morocco case. Opening it, she showed me a magnificent ruby, set
+in an old gold ring of great beauty.
+
+"Will you give it him?" she said.
+
+"Your Royal Highness has not told me his name?"
+
+"Lord Daynesborough. You will be able to find him?"
+
+"Oh, yes!"
+
+"And you will--you _will_ be careful, Mr. Jason?"
+
+"He shall have it safely in three days. Any message with it, madame?"
+
+"No. Yes--just my best wishes for his happiness."
+
+I bowed and prepared to withdraw.
+
+"And you must come and tell me----"
+
+"I will come and make my report."
+
+"I do not know how to thank you."
+
+I kissed her hand and bowed myself out, mightily amused, and, maybe,
+rather touched at the revelation of this youthful romance. Somehow such
+things are always touching, stupid as they are for the most part. It
+pleased me to find that the little princess was flesh and blood.
+
+She followed me to the door, and whispered, as I opened it:
+
+"I have not troubled the prince with the matter."
+
+"Wives are so considerate," thought I, as I went downstairs.
+
+On arriving in England, I made inquiries about Lord Daynesborough. I
+found that it was seven years since he had abruptly thrown up his post
+of _attaché_, without cause assigned. After this event, he lived in
+retirement for some time, and then returned into society. Three months
+ago he had married Miss Dorothy Codrington, a noted beauty, with whom
+he appeared much in love, and had just returned from his wedding tour
+and settled down for the season at his house in Curzon Street. Hearing
+all this, I thought the little princess might have let well alone,
+and kept her ring; but her conduct was no business of mine, and I set
+about fulfilling my commission. I needed no one to tell me that Lady
+Daynesborough had better, as the princess would have phrased it, not
+be troubled with the matter.
+
+I had no difficulty in meeting the young lord. In spite of the times we
+live in, a Jason is still a welcome guest in most houses, and before
+long he and I were sitting side by side at Mrs. Closmadene's table.
+The ladies had withdrawn, and we were about to follow them upstairs.
+Daynesborough was a frank, pleasant fellow, and scorned the affectation
+of concealing his happiness in the married state. In fact, he seemed to
+take a fancy to me, and told me that he would like me to come and see
+him at home.
+
+"Then," he said, "you will cease to distrust marriage."
+
+"I shall be most glad to come," I answered, "more especially as I want
+a talk with you."
+
+"Do you? About what?"
+
+"I have a message for you."
+
+"You have a message for me, Mr. Jason? Forgive me, but from whom?"
+
+I leaned over toward him, and whispered, "The Princess Ferdinand of
+Glottenberg."
+
+The man turned as white as a sheet, and, gripping my hand, said under
+his breath:
+
+"Hush! Surely you--you haven't--she hasn't sent it?"
+
+"Yes, she has," said I.
+
+"Good God! After seven years!"
+
+General Closmadene rose from his chair. Daynesborough drank off a very
+large "white-wash," and added:
+
+"Come to dinner to-morrow--eight o'clock. We shall be alone; and, for
+Heaven's sake, say nothing."
+
+I said nothing, and I went to dinner, carrying the ruby ring in my
+breast-pocket. But I began to wonder whether the little princess was
+quite as childlike as she seemed.
+
+Lady Daynesborough dined with us. She was a tall, slender girl; very
+handsome, and, to judge from her appearance, not wanting in resolution
+and character. She was obviously devoted to her husband, and he treated
+her with an affectionate deference that seemed to me almost overdone.
+It was like the manner of a man who is remorseful for having wounded
+someone he loves.
+
+When she left us, he returned to the table, and, with a weary sigh,
+said:
+
+"Now, Mr. Jason, I am ready."
+
+"My task is a very short one," said I. "I have no message except to
+convey to you the princess' best wishes for your happiness on your
+marriage, of which she has recently heard, and to give you the ring.
+Here it is."
+
+"Have women no mercy?" groaned he.
+
+"I beg your pardon?" said I, rather startled.
+
+"She waits seven years--seven years without a word or a sign--and then
+sends it! And why?"
+
+"Because you're married."
+
+"Exactly. Isn't it--devilish?"
+
+"Not at all. It's strictly correct. She said herself that your wife was
+the proper person to have the ring now."
+
+He looked at me with a bitter smile.
+
+"My dear Jason," he said, "I have been flattering your acumen at the
+expense of your morality. I thought you knew what this meant."
+
+"No more than what the princess told me."
+
+"No, of course not, or you would not have brought it. When we parted, I
+gave her the ring, and she made me promise, on my honor as a gentleman,
+to come to her the moment she sent the ring--to leave everything and
+come to her, and take her away. And I promised."
+
+"And she has never sent till now?"
+
+"I never married till now," he said bitterly. "What's the matter with
+her?"
+
+"Nothing that I know of."
+
+He rose, went to a writing table, and came back with a fat paper book--a
+Continental Bradshaw.
+
+"You're not going?" I exclaimed.
+
+"Oh, yes! I promised."
+
+"You promised something to your wife too, didn't you?"
+
+"I can't argue it. I must go and see what she wants. I--I hope she'll
+let me come back."
+
+I tried to dissuade him. I know I told him he was a fool; I think I
+told him he was a scoundrel. I was not sure of the second, but I thought
+it wisest to pretend that I was.
+
+"I hope it will be all right," he said, again and again; "but, right or
+wrong, I must go."
+
+I took an immediate resolution.
+
+"I suppose you'll go by the eleven-o'clock train to Paris to-morrow?"
+
+"Yes," he said.
+
+"Well, you're wrong. Good-night."
+
+At twelve o'clock the next day I called in Curzon Street, and sent in my
+card to Lady Daynesborough.
+
+She saw me at once. I expect that she fancied I had something to do with
+her husband's sudden departure. She was looking pale and dispirited,
+and I rather thought she had been crying. Her husband, it appeared, had
+told her that he had to go to Paris on business, and would be back in
+three days.
+
+"He didn't tell you what it was?"
+
+"No. Some public affairs, I understood."
+
+"Lady Daynesborough," said I, "you hardly know me, but my name tells you
+I am a gentleman."
+
+She looked at me in surprise.
+
+"Why, of course, Mr. Jason. But what has that to do----"
+
+"I can't explain. But, if you are wise, you will come with me to Paris."
+
+"Go with you to Paris! Oh! is he in danger?"
+
+"In danger of making a fool of himself. Now, I'll say nothing more. Will
+you come?"
+
+"It will look very strange."
+
+"Very."
+
+"In fact--most unusual."
+
+"Most."
+
+"Won't there be a--a--scandal, if----"
+
+"Sure to be. Will you come?"
+
+"You must have a reason," she said. "I will come."
+
+We started that evening, nine hours after My Lord, going separately
+to the station, and meeting on the boat. All through the journey she
+scarcely spoke a word. When we were nearing Paris, she asked:
+
+"Do you know where he is?"
+
+"No; but I can trace him," I replied.
+
+So I could. I bought a paper, and found that Prince and Princess
+Ferdinand had, the day before, proceeded from Paris _en route_ for
+Glottenberg. Of course Daynesborough had followed them.
+
+"We must go on," I said.
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Because your husband has gone on."
+
+She obeyed me like a lamb; but there was a look about her pretty mouth
+that made me doubt if Daynesborough would find her like a lamb.
+
+We went to the principal hotel in Glottenberg. I introduced Lady
+Daynesborough as my sister, Miss Jacynth Jason, and stated that she was
+in weak health, and would keep her room for the present. Then I sallied
+forth, intent on discovering Dumergue; he would be able to post me up in
+the state of affairs.
+
+On my way, I met the king taking his daily drive. He was a dour,
+sour-looking, pasty-faced creature, and I quite understood that he
+would fail to appreciate many of my prince's characteristics. A priest
+sat by him, and a bystander told me it was the king's confessor (the
+Glottenberg family are all of the old church), and added that the king's
+confessor was no mean power in the state. I asked him where M. Dumergue
+was lodged, and he directed me to Prince Ferdinand's palace, which stood
+in a pleasant park in the suburbs of the town.
+
+I found Dumergue in a melancholy condition, though he professed to be
+much cheered by the sight of me.
+
+"My dear fellow," he said, "you, if anybody, can get us out of this."
+
+"I never knew such people," said I. "What's up now?"
+
+"There has been a--an explosion. Did you ever hear of Daynesborough?"
+
+I said no, and Dumergue told me of the princess' former _penchant_ for
+him.
+
+"Well?" said I.
+
+"Well, she's invited him here, and he's now in the palace. You may
+imagine the prince's feelings."
+
+"I suppose the prince can turn him out?"
+
+Dumergue shook his head dolefully.
+
+"She holds the trumps," he answered. "Jason, she's a clever woman. We
+thought we had hoodwinked her. When Daynesborough turned up, looking,
+I'm bound to say, very sheepish, the prince was really quite annoyed. He
+told the princess that she must send him away. She refused flatly. 'Then
+I shall consult my brother,' says the prince. 'I shall consult the king
+too,' said the princess. 'It's indecent,' said he. 'It's not as bad as
+taking my ladies to masked balls in disguise,' she answered. 'Oh, you
+think you imposed on me--you and that clumsy young animal (forgive me,
+my dear fellow), Jason. I am not an idiot. I knew all the time. And now
+the king will know too--unless Lord Daynesborough stays just as long as
+I like.'"
+
+"Confound her!" said I.
+
+"There it is," he went on. "The prince is furious, the princess
+triumphant, and Daynesborough in possession."
+
+"What does he mean to do?"
+
+He shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"Who can tell? She's a little devil. Fancy pretending to be deceived,
+and then turning on us like this! You should have heard her describe
+you, my boy!" and Dumergue chuckled in sad pleasure.
+
+I object to being ridiculed, especially by women. I determined to take
+a hand in the game. I wondered if they knew that Daynesborough was
+married.
+
+"I suppose this young Daynesborough enjoys himself?"
+
+"Well, he ought to. He's got nothing to lose; but he seems a melancholy,
+glum creature. I think he must be one of the king's kidney."
+
+"Or married, perhaps?" I suggested airily.
+
+"Oh, no! She wouldn't have him here, if he were married."
+
+I saw that Dumergue did not yet appreciate the princess in whose
+household he had the honor to serve.
+
+"She won't compromise herself, I suppose?"
+
+"Not she!" he replied regretfully. "She may compromise the prince."
+
+I rebuked him for his cynicism, and promised to consider and let him
+know if anything occurred to me. My hope lay in Daynesborough. I could
+see that he was _galant malgré lui_, and I thought I could persuade him
+that he had done all that his mistaken promise fairly entailed on him;
+or, if I could not convince him, I had a suspicion that his wife might,
+could, and would, in a very peremptory fashion, if I brought about an
+encounter between them. I was full of eagerness, for, apart from my zeal
+in the cause of morality and domestic happiness, I did not approve of
+being called a clumsy young animal. It was neither true nor witty; and
+surely abuse ought to be one or the other, if it is to be distinguished
+from mere vulgar scurrility.
+
+I have been told, by those who know the place, that Glottenberg is not,
+as a rule, a very exciting residence. But for the next four-and-twenty
+hours I, at least, had no reason to grumble at a lack of incidents.
+
+The play began, if I may so express myself, by the princess sending for
+the doctor. The doctor, having heard from the princess what she wanted
+to do, told her what she ought to do; of course I speak from conjecture.
+He prescribed a visit to her country villa for a week or two, plenty
+of fresh air, complete repose, and freedom from worry. Dumergue told
+me that the princess considered that the terms of this prescription
+entailed a temporary separation from her husband, and that the prince
+had agreed to remain in Glottenberg. The princess started for her villa
+at twelve o'clock on Wednesday morning. The distance was but fifteen
+miles, and she traveled by road in her own carriage, although the main
+line of railway from Glottenberg to Paris passed within two miles of her
+destination.
+
+At one o'clock Lord Daynesborough was received by Prince Ferdinand,
+having requested an interview for the purpose of taking his leave, as
+he left for Paris by the five o'clock train. Everybody knew that the
+prince and Daynesborough were not on cordial terms; but this fact hardly
+explained Daynesborough's extreme embarrassment and obvious discomfort
+during the brief conversation. Dumergue escorted him from the prince's
+presence, and said that he was shaking like an aspen-leaf or an
+ill-made blanc-mange.
+
+At three o'clock I went to the hotel, and had an interview with Lady
+Daynesborough. I then returned to the palace, and made a communication
+to the prince. The prince was distinctly perturbed.
+
+"I never thought she would go so far," he said. "It's not that she cares
+twopence about Daynesborough."
+
+"To what, then, sir, do you attribute----"
+
+"Temper! all temper, Mr. Jason! She is angry about that wretched ball,
+and she wants to anger me."
+
+"Her Royal Highness is, however, giving a handle to her enemies," I
+ventured to suggest.
+
+"She must come back to-night," said he. "I won't be made to look like a
+fool."
+
+"My plan will, I hope, dispose of Lord Daynesborough. If so, Your Royal
+Highness might join the princess."
+
+"I shan't do anything of the sort. I shall have her brought back."
+
+Apparently there was a reserve of resolution latent somewhere in this
+indolent gentleman.
+
+"Will you go yourself, sir?"
+
+"No. You must do it."
+
+"I, sir? Surely, M. Dumergue----"
+
+"Dumergue's afraid of her. Will you bring her back?"
+
+"Supposing she won't come?"
+
+"I didn't request you to ask her to come. I requested you to bring her."
+
+I looked at him inquiringly. He inhaled a mouthful of smoke, and added,
+with a nod:
+
+"Yes, if necessary."
+
+"Will Your Royal Highness hold me harmless from the king--or the law."
+
+"No. I can't. Will you do it?"
+
+"With pleasure, sir."
+
+At ten minutes to five, Lady Daynesborough, heavily veiled, and I drove
+up to the station in a hired cab, and hid ourselves in the third-class
+waiting room. At five minutes to five, Lord Daynesborough arrived. He
+wore a scarf up to his nose, and a cap down to his eyes, and walked to
+the station, unattended and without luggage. He got into a second-class
+smoking carriage--one of the long compartments divided into separate
+boxes by intervening partitions reaching within a yard of the roof,
+a gang-way running down the middle. On seeing him enter, I caught the
+guard, gave him twenty marks, and told him to admit no one except myself
+and my companion into that carriage. Then I hauled Lady Daynesborough
+in, and we sat down at the opposite end to that occupied by her husband.
+
+The train started. It was only five-and-twenty minutes' run to the
+station for the princess' villa. There was no time to lose.
+
+"Are you ready?" I whispered.
+
+"Yes," she answered, her voice trembling a little.
+
+We rose, walked along, and sat down opposite to Lord Daynesborough. He
+was looking out of the window, although it was dark, and did not turn.
+
+"Lord Daynesborough," said I, "you have forgotten your ticket." And I
+held out a through ticket to Paris.
+
+He started as if he had been shot.
+
+"Who the devil----" he began. "Jason!"
+
+"Yes," said I. "Here's your ticket."
+
+"I thought you were in England," he gasped.
+
+"No, I am here."
+
+"Spying on my actions?"
+
+"Acquainted with them."
+
+"I'll have no interference, sir. If you know me, you will kindly be
+silent, and leave me to myself."
+
+Time was passing.
+
+"You are going to Paris with this lady," said I.
+
+"You're insolent, sir--you and your----"
+
+"Don't say what you'll regret. She's your wife."
+
+Well, of course he was very much in the wrong, and looked uncommonly
+ridiculous to boot. Still, the way he collapsed was rather craven. I
+withdrew for five minutes. Then I returned, and held out the ticket
+again. He took it.
+
+"If you will leave us for five minutes, Lady Daynesborough?"
+
+She went into the next box. Then I said:
+
+"Now, we've only ten minutes. We're going to change clothes. Be quick."
+
+I took off my coat.
+
+"By God, I'll not stand this!"
+
+And he rose.
+
+In a moment I had him by the collar, and was presenting a pistol at his
+head.
+
+"No nonsense!" I whispered. "Off with them!"
+
+He might have known I would not shoot him in his wife's presence; but I
+could and would have undressed him with my own hands. Perhaps he guessed
+this.
+
+"Let me go," he muttered.
+
+I released him, and he took off his coat.
+
+The train began to slacken speed. I called to Lady Daynesborough, who
+rejoined us.
+
+"You have fulfilled your promise," said I to the young man. "And," I
+added, turning to her, "I have fulfilled mine. Good-night!"
+
+I opened the door, and jumped out as we entered the station. I stood
+waiting till the train started again, but Lord Daynesborough remained in
+his place. I wonder what passed on that journey. She was a plucky girl,
+and I can only trust she gave him what he deserved. At any rate, he
+never, so far as I heard, ran away again.
+
+I asked my way to the villa, and reached it after half an hour's
+walking. I did not go in by the lodge gates, but climbed the palings,
+and reached the door by way of the shrubberies. I knocked softly. A man
+opened the door instantly. He must have been waiting.
+
+"Is it Milord?" he said in French.
+
+"Yes," I answered, entering rapidly.
+
+"You are expected, Milord."
+
+I did not know his voice, and it was dark in the passage.
+
+"I am wet," I said. "Take me to a fire."
+
+"There is one in the pantry," he answered, leading the way.
+
+We reached the pantry, and he turned to light the gas.
+
+Looking at me in the full blaze, he started back, then scrutinized me
+closely, then exclaimed:
+
+"What? You are not----"
+
+"Oh, yes, I am! I am Lord Daynesborough."
+
+"It's a lie. You are a robber--a----"
+
+"I am Lord Daynesborough--Lord Daynesborough--Lord Daynesborough."
+
+At each repetition I advanced a step nearer; at the last I produced my
+trusty pistol, at the same time holding out a bank-note in the other
+hand.
+
+He took the note.
+
+"You will stay here," I said, "for the next two hours. You will not come
+out, whatever happens. Is there anyone else in the house?"
+
+"One maid, Milord, and a man in the stables."
+
+"Where is the maid?"
+
+"In the kitchen."
+
+"Is the man within hearing?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Good! Is the princess upstairs?"
+
+"She is, Milord."
+
+I made him direct me to the room, and left him. I thought I would
+neglect the maid, and go straight to work. I went up to the door to
+which I had been directed, and knocked.
+
+"Come in!" said the gentle, childlike voice.
+
+I went in. The princess was lying on a sofa by the fire, reading a
+paper-covered book. She turned her head with a careless glance.
+
+"Ah, you have come! Well, I almost hoped you would be afraid. I really
+don't want you."
+
+This reception would probably have annoyed Lord Daynesborough.
+
+"Why should I be afraid?" I asked, mimicking Daynesborough's voice as
+well as I could.
+
+Meanwhile I quietly locked the door.
+
+"Why, because of your wife. I know you tremble before her."
+
+I advanced to the sofa.
+
+"I have no wife," I said; "and, seeing what I do, I thank God for it."
+
+She leaped up with a scream, loud and shrill.
+
+A door opposite me opened, and a girl rushing in, crying:
+
+"Madame!"
+
+"Go back!" I said. "Go back!"
+
+She paused, looking bewildered. I walked quickly up to her.
+
+"Go back and keep quiet;" and, taking her by the shoulders, I pushed
+her back into the next room.
+
+The princess rushed to the other door, and, on finding it locked,
+screamed again.
+
+"Nobody," I remarked, "should embark on these things who has not good
+nerves."
+
+She recognized me now. Her fright had been purely physical--I suppose
+she thought I was a burglar. When she knew me, she came forward in a
+dignified way, sat down on the sofa, and said:
+
+"Explain your conduct, sir, if you are in a condition to do so."
+
+"I am sober, madame," said I; "and I have two messages for you."
+
+"You present yourself in a strange way. Pray be brief," and she glanced
+anxiously at the clock.
+
+"Time does not press, madame," said I. "Nobody will come."
+
+"Nobody will---- What do you mean? I expect nobody."
+
+"Precisely, madame--and nobody will come."
+
+Her ivory fan broke between her fingers with a sharp click.
+
+"What do you want?" she said.
+
+"To deliver my messages."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"First, Lord Daynesborough offers his apologies for being compelled to
+leave for Paris without tendering his farewell."
+
+She turned very red, and then very white. But she restrained herself.
+
+"And the other?"
+
+"His Royal Highness requests that you will avail yourself of my escort
+for an immediate return to Glottenberg."
+
+"And his reasons?"
+
+"Oh, madame, as if I should inquire them!"
+
+"You are merely insolent, sir. I shall not go to-night."
+
+"His Royal Highness was very urgent."
+
+She looked at me for a moment.
+
+"Why had Lord Daynesborough to leave so suddenly?" she asked
+suspiciously.
+
+"His wife wished it."
+
+"Did she know where he was?"
+
+"Apparently. She followed him to Glottenberg. She arrived there
+yesterday."
+
+"Now I see--now I understand! I had to deal with a traitor."
+
+"You must bestow trust, if you desire not to be deceived, madame. You
+dared to use me as a go-between."
+
+"You had had practice in the trade."
+
+The princess had a turn for repartee. I could not have set her right
+without quite an argument. I evaded the point.
+
+"And yet Your Royal Highness thought me a clumsy animal!"
+
+"Oh," she said, with a slight laugh, "it's wounded _amour propre_, is
+it? Come, Mr. Jason, I apologize. You are all that is brilliant and
+delightful--and English."
+
+"Your Royal Highness is too good."
+
+"And now, Mr. Jason, your device being accomplished, I suppose I may
+bid you good-night?"
+
+"I regret, madame, that I must press the prince's request on your
+notice."
+
+She sighed her usual impatient, petulant little sigh.
+
+"Oh, you are tiresome! Pray go!"
+
+"I cannot go without you, madame."
+
+"I am not going--and my establishment does not admit of my entertaining
+gentlemen," she said, with smiling effrontery.
+
+"Your Royal Highness refuses to allow me to attend you to Glottenberg?"
+
+"I order you to leave this room."
+
+"Finally refuses?"
+
+"Go."
+
+"Then I must add that I am commissioned, if necessary, to convey your
+Royal Highness to Glottenberg."
+
+"To convey me?"
+
+I bowed.
+
+"You dare to threaten me?"
+
+"I follow my instructions. Will you come, madame, or----"
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Will you be taken?"
+
+I was not surprised at her vexation. Dumergue had, in his haste, called
+her "a little devil." She looked it then.
+
+"You mean," she asked slowly, "that you will use force?"
+
+I bowed.
+
+"Then I yield," she said, after a pause.
+
+I called the maid, and told her to order the carriage in five minutes.
+The silence was unbroken till it came round. The princess went into her
+room, and returned in cloak and hat, carrying a large muff. She was
+smiling.
+
+"Ah, Mr. Jason, what can a woman do, against men? I am ready. We will go
+alone. The servants can follow."
+
+I handed her into the coach, ordering the coachman to drive fast. He was
+the only man with us, and we were alone inside.
+
+I began, perhaps stupidly, to apologize for my peremptory conduct. The
+princess smiled amiably.
+
+"I like a man of resolution," she said, edging, I thought, a trifle
+nearer me, her hands nestling in her muff.
+
+Apparently she was going to try the effect of amiability. I was prepared
+for this. She would not tempt me in that way.
+
+"Your Royal Highness is most forgiving."
+
+"Oh, that is my way," she answered, with the kindest possible glance,
+and she came nearer still.
+
+"You are a most generous foe."
+
+She turned to me with a dazzling smile.
+
+"Don't say _foe_," she said, with a pretty lingering on the last word.
+And as she said it, I felt a knife driven hard into my ribs, and the
+muff dropped to the ground.
+
+"God in heaven!" I cried.
+
+The princess flung herself into the corner of the carriage.
+
+"Ha--ha--ha! Ha--ha--ha!" she laughed, merrily, musically, fiendishly.
+
+I tried to clutch her; I believe I should have killed her, I was half
+mad. But the blood was oozing fast from the wound--only the knife itself
+held my life in. Things danced before my eyes, and my hands fell on my
+lap.
+
+The carriage stopped, the door opened, and the coachman appeared. It was
+all like a dream to me.
+
+"Take his feet," said the princess. The man obeyed, and between them
+they lifted, or, rather, hauled and pushed, me out of the carriage, and
+laid me by the roadside. I was almost in a faint, and the last thing I
+was conscious of was a pretty, mocking mouth, which said:
+
+"Won't you escort me, Mr. Jason?"--and then added to the coachman, "To
+Glottenberg--quick!"
+
+I did not die. I was picked up by some good folk, and well tended.
+Dumergue arrived and looked after me, and in a couple of weeks I was on
+my legs.
+
+"Now for Glottenberg!" said I.
+
+Dumergue shook his head.
+
+"You won't be admitted to the town."
+
+"Not admitted!"
+
+"No. They have made it up--for the time. There must be no scandal. Come,
+Jason; surely you see that?"
+
+"She tried to murder me."
+
+"Oh, quite, quite!" said he. "But you can't prosecute her."
+
+"And I am to be turned adrift by the prince?"
+
+"What use would it be to return? No doubt you annoyed her very much."
+
+"I wish you had undertaken the job."
+
+"I know her. I should have ridden outside."
+
+"It is, then, the prince's wish that I should not return?"
+
+"Yes. But he charges me to say that he will never forget your friendly
+services."
+
+I was disgusted. But I would force myself on no man.
+
+"Then I'll go home."
+
+"That will be much best," he answered, with revolting alacrity.
+
+"I say, Dumergue, what does the princess say about me?"
+
+"She laughs every time your name is mentioned, and----"
+
+"The devil take her!"
+
+"She says you may keep the knife!"
+
+I have it still, a little tortoise-shell-handled thing, with a sharp--a
+very sharp--point. On the blade is engraved, in German letters,
+"Sophia." It is a pretty toy, and in its delicacy, its tininess, its
+elegance, its seeming harmlessness, and its very sharp point, it reminds
+me much of Princess Ferdinand of Glottenberg.
+
+
+
+
+A TRAGEDY IN OUTLINE.
+
+
+I.
+
+  DEAR MR. BROWN: * * * *
+      Yours sincerely,
+          M. ROBINSON.
+
+
+II.
+
+  MY DEAR MR. BROWN: * * * *
+      Always yours very sincerely,
+          MINNIE ROBINSON.
+
+
+III.
+
+  MY DEAR JACK (!): * * * *
+      Yours always,
+          MINNIE ROBINSON.
+
+
+IV.
+
+  MY DEAREST JACK: * * * *
+      Yours,
+          MINNIE.
+
+
+V.
+
+  MY DARLING JACK: * * * *
+      Lovingly, your
+          MIN.
+
+
+VI.
+
+  MY DEAREST JACK: * * * *
+      Lovingly,
+          MINNIE.
+
+
+VII.
+
+  MY DEAR JACK: * * * *
+      With love,
+          Yours,
+              MINNIE.
+
+
+VIII.
+
+  DEAR JACK: * * * *
+      Ever yours,
+          MINNIE ROBINSON.
+
+
+IX.
+
+  MY DEAR MR. BROWN: * * * *
+      Your sincere friend,
+          MINNIE ROBINSON.
+
+
+X.
+
+  DEAR MR. BROWN: * * * *
+      Yours sincerely,
+          M. ROBINSON.
+
+
+XI.
+
+Silence.
+
+
+
+
+A MALAPROPOS PARENT.
+
+
+Young Mr. Pippitt had a father somewhere in America. Everyone who knew
+young Mr. Pippitt knew that; for he had often spoken of his father, of
+the fortune he was making, and of the liberal presents he sent home.
+Then came a time when young Mr. Pippitt said less about his father and
+less about the presents. Thus it was that people had almost forgotten
+the existence of old Mr. Pippitt, when it was recalled to their memories
+in a very startling and tragical way. Old Mr. Pippitt had landed in
+England and was on his way to London, when he was killed in a great
+railway disaster. His name, discovered from a letter in his pocket, was
+published; and young Mr. Pippitt flew to the scene. The body was not
+mangled or disfigured, and after one moment of extreme agitation the
+bereaved son informed the official who had led him to where the dead man
+lay that it was indeed his father. His evidence before the coroner put
+the matter beyond doubt. Mr. Pippitt buried his father, assumed deep
+mourning, and wrote to the company's solicitors. Repugnant as it was to
+him to appear to make money out of the unhappy occurrence, the loss of
+a rich and liberal parent was a matter which no struggling young man
+could, in justice to himself, submit to without compensation.
+
+Railway companies, having an extensive experience of humanity, are
+prone to skepticism; and very many inquiries were made as to the life,
+doings, profession, and profits of old Mr. Pippitt, and especially as
+to his alleged remittances to his son. That gentleman stood the fire
+of questions very successfully; he had letters from his father up to
+within six months of the accident, and he proved the receipt of very
+considerable yearly sums, in each of the four years during which his
+father had been absent. In face of this evidence, the matter in issue
+reduced itself to a difference of opinion between the company and
+young Mr. Pippitt: first, as to the probability of old Mr. Pippitt
+continuing to make money; secondly, as to the probability of his
+continuing to share what he made with his son. More concretely still,
+the company, without prejudice, offered two thousand pounds, and Mr.
+Pippitt, without prejudice, asked seven thousand; whereupon the case
+was entered for trial.
+
+Mr. Naylor, the company's counsel, declared that young Mr. Pippitt was
+one of the best witnesses he had ever seen. His demeanor was excellent,
+his facts irrefragable, his memory neither unnaturally bad nor
+suspiciously good. The last letter he produced from his father inclosed
+a draft for three hundred pounds, and announced the writer's return on
+a business visit by the next mail but one. By that mail, a gentleman of
+the name of Pippitt had crossed the ocean, and had, presumably, taken
+the train on landing, and met his death in the accident. Mr. Naylor
+felt his case was so bad that he almost charged young Mr. Pippitt with
+direct perjury, and twisted up a note to Mr. Budge, who was on the other
+side, offering four thousand pounds and costs. Mr. Budge answered that
+he must consult his client, and that he would wait till the end of the
+plaintiff's evidence. Mr. Naylor nodded, and redoubled his insinuations
+of an unscrupulous conspiracy.
+
+Mr. Budge rose to re-examine with a smile on his face. Mr. Pippitt said
+he had no reason to anticipate a falling-off in his father's business;
+it was well established: nor in his father's liberality; his father had
+always led him to suppose that he would provide for him. Yes, there was
+a strong--yes, a very strong, affection between them. Here Mr. Pippitt's
+voice faltered; the judge nodded sympathetically; and the foreman of
+the jury wrote "£5,000?" on a slip of paper and passed it round the box.
+
+That artistic falter produced another effect also. The gangways of the
+court were crowded with the usual throng of idle folk, assembled to hear
+Mr. Naylor's cross-examination; and as the plaintiff bore witness to the
+bonds of love which bound him to his father there came from the recesses
+of the crowd a voice, which said:
+
+"That there is! Let me through! Who's saying my boy doesn't love his old
+father?"
+
+The group of people parted; and an elderly man came to the front,
+advancing in an uncertain, apologetic manner.
+
+"Silence! silence!" cried the usher, a world of pained indignation in
+his accents.
+
+"You mustn't disturb the court, sir!" thundered the judge.
+
+"I came to speak a word for Joe. I was passing, and dropped in, and,
+seeing Joe, I made bold to speak. He's been a good son, has Joe."
+
+The judge looked appealingly at counsel.
+
+"Who is Joe, and who is this person?" And getting no answer, he turned
+to the plaintiff. Young Mr. Pippitt met his eye with an uneasy smile.
+
+"I haven't the least idea, my lord," he said.
+
+The judge looked at the writ.
+
+"Your name is Joseph?" he asked.
+
+"No, it--yes--that is, certainly, my lord."
+
+"You don't seem very sure, sir," remarked the judge; and he added,
+addressing the intruder, "Who are you, sir?"
+
+The old man seemed in a nervous and broken-down condition; but he
+stammered out, "He's my son, my son, my lord."
+
+"It's a lie," cried young Mr. Pippitt.
+
+"Hold your tongue till you're asked to speak," said his lordship
+snappishly. "I want to hear what this man has to say."
+
+The old man had much to say: much of young Mr. Pippitt's virtue,
+industry, and much of his own fortunes, misfortunes, and wrongs. He
+usurped the functions of both lawyer and witness, and all the court
+listened to him.
+
+"I'm glad to be here, gentlemen," he said--"glad to be here. I thought
+I was never going to get out of that cell they put me in, not for long
+years. But here I am, Joe, thank God!"
+
+"Who put you in a cell?" asked the judge.
+
+"I'm telling you as fast as I can," answered the old man petulantly.
+"I'd just written to Joe to send him a bit of money and tell him
+to look out for me, when they brought a charge of fraud against
+me--against me, a respectable merchant. And I was tried: tried and
+found guilty--unjustly, my lord--and sentenced to five years. To think
+of it! They didn't know me out in Louisiana; no east-coast jury would
+have convicted."
+
+"Why didn't they know you?"
+
+"I wasn't going to have my name known. I called myself Brown; and they
+convicted me--as I wrote to you, Joe--for five years. But the Governor
+did his duty. He was a white man, the Governor. He let me out."
+
+"Why?" asked the judge curiously.
+
+"Was a white man to get five years for besting a nigger?" demanded the
+old man, with his first approach to vigor. "Not if the Governor knew it!
+Oh, he was a white man. So here I am, Joe--here I am, thank God!"
+
+The judge leaned forward and asked, "Have you any letters from the man
+you say is your son?"
+
+The old man pulled a dirty letter out of his pocket, and handed it up
+with a bewildered look.
+
+Young Mr. Pippitt still looked on with his fixed smile, while the judge
+read:
+
+  "DEAR FATHER:
+
+  "It's a bad job that you're nabbed. Five years is no joke. Why were
+  you such a fool? You were right about the name. Keep it quite dark,
+  for God's sake! I'll see what I can do.
+
+      "Yours,
+          "J. P.
+
+  "Received your last all right."
+
+
+"Is that your handwriting?" the judge asked of the plaintiff; but young
+Mr. Pippitt swayed to and fro and fell in a faint in the witness-box.
+The judge turned to Mr. Budge.
+
+"Do you desire," he asked, "that this man should be sworn, and repeat
+his evidence on oath, so that you may cross-examine him?"
+
+Mr. Budge looked at his inanimate client, and answered, "I do not, my
+lord. I shall probably have your lordship's approval in withdrawing from
+the case?"
+
+While the judge directed the jury to return a verdict for the defendant,
+the old man had anxiously watched the usher, who was unloosing young Mr.
+Pippitt's neckcloth. When the plaintiff revived, the old man leaned over
+to Mr. Budge, and said, with a pleased smile, "Oh, he'll be all right
+directly, won't he? I thought I could help a bit. I have helped a bit,
+haven't I?"
+
+"You have helped him to twelve months' hard labor," said Mr. Budge.
+
+But the old man did not understand what it all meant, till one day they
+took him to Kensal Green, and showed him a handsome tombstone. The
+inscription ran:
+
+  "IN MEMORY OF JAMES PIPPITT."
+
+The old man read and laughed.
+
+"To think of that!" he said. "It beats everything!"
+
+He read on with a chuckle:
+
+  "Erected by his sorrowing son, Joseph Pippitt. Born 13th December,
+  1821. Died 5th February, 1891. 'I shall go to him, but he shall not
+  return to me.'"
+
+This prophecy might or might not be true of the person interred beneath
+the tombstone. On its unfortunate inapplicability to his father, and on
+the tainting of the fountain of Louisiana justice, young Mr. Pippitt
+enjoyed twelve months' quiet reflection.
+
+
+
+
+HOW THEY STOPPED THE "RUN."
+
+
+There was a run on the Sandhill and District Bank. It had lasted the
+whole of one day, and had shown no signs of abating in the evening. If
+it lasted another day! Old Mr. Bradshaw wiped his brow. It had come
+just at the awkwardest time--just after the farmers had got their usual
+loans, just when securities were hard to realize; in fact, just at the
+moment when the bank, though in reality solvent, was emphatically not in
+a position in answer a long-continued demand for payment on the spot.
+Mr. Bradshaw groaned out all these distressing facts to his son Dick.
+It was, indeed, no use talking to Dick, for he took no interest in
+business, and had spent the day in a boat with the Flirtington girls;
+still, Mr. Bradshaw was bound to talk to someone.
+
+"We shall have to put the shutters up. One day's grace would save us,
+I believe; we could get the money then. But if they're at us again
+to-morrow morning, we can't last two hours."
+
+Dick sympathized, but had nothing to suggest, except that it would not
+make matters worse if he carried out his engagement to go to the circus
+with the Flirtington girls.
+
+"Oh, go to h--ll with the Flirtington girls, if you like," groaned Mr.
+Bradshaw.
+
+So Dick went--to the circus (the other expedition, as he observed,
+would keep), and enjoyed the performance very much, especially the
+lion-taming, which was magnificent, and so impressed Dick that he
+deserted his companions, went behind the scenes, and insisted on
+standing Signor Philippini several glasses.
+
+"Is that big chap quite safe?" he asked admiringly.
+
+"_I_ can do anythink with 'im," said the signor (whose English was
+naturally defective); "but with anyone helse 'e's a roarer, 'e is, and
+no mistake."
+
+After the performance Dick took the Flirtington girls home; then, with a
+thoughtful look on his face, he went and had some talk with his father,
+and came away, carefully placing a roll of notes in his breast pocket.
+Then he sought Signor Philippini's society once more. And that's all
+that is really known about it--if, that is, we discard the obviously
+fanciful statement of Fanny Flirtington that, as she was gazing at
+the moon about 2 A. M., she saw a heavy wagon, drawn by two horses and
+driven by Signor Philippini, pass along the street in the direction of
+the bank. She must have been wrong; for Philippini, by the evidence of
+his signora (whose name, notwithstanding that Philippini's morals were
+perfectly correct, was Mrs. Buggins), went to bed at 11.30, and snored
+like a pig all night.
+
+However these things may be, this is what happened next morning. When
+the first of the depositors arrived at 7 A. M., they found one of the
+windows of the bank smashed to pieces and the shutter hanging loose. A
+cry went up that there had been a robbery, and one or two men began to
+climb in. They did not get far before a fearful roar proceeded from the
+neighborhood of the counter. They looked at one another, and said it
+would be more regular to wait for the officials. The roars continued.
+They sent for Mr. Bradshaw. Hardly had he arrived (accompanied by Dick,
+breathless and in shirt-sleeves) before the backmost rows of the now
+considerable crowd became agitated with a new sensation. The news
+spread rapidly. Frantic men ran to and fro; several ladies fainted; the
+circus-proprietor was sent for. A lion had escaped from the menagerie,
+and was supposed to be at large in the town!
+
+"Send for Philippini!" cried the proprietor. They did so. Philippini
+had started early for a picnic in the country, and would not return
+till just before the performance in the evening. The proprietor was in
+despair.
+
+"Where's the beast gone to?" he cried.
+
+A roar from the bank answered his question.
+
+"Well, I'm blowed if he's not in the bank!" exclaimed the proprietor.
+
+It certainly appeared to be the fact that Atlas (that was the lion's
+name) had taken refuge in the bank, and was in full possession of the
+premises and assets. Under these circumstances there was, Mr. Bradshaw
+explained, a difficulty in resuming cash payments; but if his checks
+would be accepted---- The crowd roared almost as loud as Atlas at such
+an idea. Something must be done. They sent for the mayor; he repudiated
+liability. They sent for the fire brigade and the lifeboat crew; neither
+would come. They got guns, and peppered the furniture. Atlas retired
+behind the fireproof safe and roared worse than ever. Meanwhile the
+precious hours were passing. Mr. Bradshaw's money was also on its way
+from London. At last Dick took a noble resolution.
+
+"I will go in at any cost," he cried, and, in spite of Fanny
+Flirtington's tears, he scaled the window and disappeared from view. The
+crowd waited to hear Atlas scrunching; but he only roared. When Dick was
+inside, he paused and asked in a low voice: "Is he chained?"
+
+"Yes," answered Signor Philippini from behind the safe. "Is the Aunt
+Sally business over?" and he came out with a long pole in his hand. He
+used the pole to stir poor Atlas up when the roars became deficient in
+quantity and quality.
+
+"The money ought to be here in three hours," said Dick. "Have you got
+the back-door key?"
+
+Philippini reassured him. Then Dick took a wild running leap at the
+window; Philippini stirred up Atlas, who roared lustily. Dick escaped
+with his life, and landed, a breathless heap, at the mayor's feet. The
+mayor raised him, and said he should write to Her Majesty, and suggest
+that Dick would be a proper recipient of the Albert Medal, and the
+vicar (who had no money in the bank) indignantly asked the crowd if they
+could not trust a family which produced scions like that. Several people
+cried "Hear, hear!" and told Mr. Bradshaw that they never really meant
+to withdraw their deposits. Mr. Bradshaw thanked them, and looked at his
+watch.
+
+At half-past three Philippini ran up; he also was breathless, and his
+shoes were dusty from walking in the country. At once he effected an
+entry, amid a scene of great excitement. A moment later he appeared at
+the window and cried in a terror-stricken voice:
+
+"I can't 'old 'im! I can't 'old 'im! 'E's mad! Look out for yourselves!"
+and he leaped from the window.
+
+The crowd fled in all directions, and two boys were all but run over by
+a cart which was being driven rapidly from the railway station to the
+bank.
+
+"All right," said Dick to the signor; "bring up the wagon." And then,
+with great difficulty and consummate courage, the signor and Dick
+brought an iron cage up to the window, and drove Atlas in. The operation
+took more than an hour, because they had to feed Atlas and drink a
+bottle of champagne themselves before they set about it. So that it was
+six o'clock before Atlas was out, and the money was in, and the Sandhill
+and District Bank opened its doors for business.
+
+"We gained just the time we needed," said Mr. Bradshaw. "It was
+dirt-cheap at fifty pounds!"
+
+And Dick, although he did not get the Albert Medal, was taken into
+partnership, and married Fanny Flirtington. It was the only way of
+preventing her seeing things she was not meant to see out of the window
+at 2 A. M. and chattering about them in public.
+
+
+
+
+A LITTLE JOKE.
+
+
+A day or two before Easter, I was sitting in my office, finishing up
+some scraps of work, and ever and anon casting happy glances at my
+portmanteau, which stood in the corner. I was just off to spend a
+fortnight with my old friend Colonel Gunton, in Norfolk, and I was
+looking forward to seeing him again with great pleasure. We had not met
+for ten years, and I had never been to his place or seen any of his
+family. It would be delightful.
+
+The telephone bell rang.
+
+"Oh, confound it! I hope that's nothing to keep me!" I exclaimed; and I
+rose to see to it.
+
+"Mr. Miller? Are you there?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"All right. I'll come round."
+
+A few minutes passed, and then my clerk announced, "A lady to see you,
+sir."
+
+A remarkably pretty girl of about eighteen was ushered in. She stood
+still some way from me till the door was closed. Then she suddenly
+rushed toward me, fell at my feet, and exclaimed, "You will protect me,
+won't you?"
+
+"My dear young lady, what in the world----"
+
+"You're the famous Mr. Miller, aren't you? Mr. Joseph Miller, the
+philanthropist?"
+
+"My name is Joseph Miller certainly."
+
+"Ah! Then I am safe;" and she sat down in an armchair, and smiled
+confidingly at me.
+
+"Madam," said I sternly, "will you have the goodness to explain to what
+I owe the pleasure of this visit?"
+
+"They told me to come to you."
+
+"Who?"
+
+"Why, the people at the police station."
+
+"The police station?"
+
+"Yes, when they let me go--because it was a first offense, you know.
+They said you always took up cases like mine, and that if I stuck to you
+I should be well looked after."
+
+It was quite true that I have taken an interest in rescuing young
+persons from becoming habitual criminals; but I was hardly prepared for
+this.
+
+"What have you been doing?"
+
+"Oh, nothing this time--only a bracelet."
+
+"This time?"
+
+"They didn't know me up here," she explained smilingly. "I've always
+practiced in the country. Wasn't it lucky? But really, Mr. Miller, I'm
+tired of it; I am indeed. The life is too exciting: the doctors say so;
+so I've come to you."
+
+The case was a strange one, but I had no time to investigate it now. It
+wanted only half an hour to the time my train left Liverpool Street.
+
+"What is your name?" I asked.
+
+"Sarah Jones."
+
+"Well, I will have your case looked into. Come and see me again; or, if
+you are in distress, you may write to me--at Colonel Gunton's, Beech
+Hill, Norfolk. I shall be staying there----"
+
+"Going now?"
+
+"I start in a few minutes."
+
+"Oh, I'll come with you."
+
+"Madam," I answered, with emphasis, "I will see you--out of the office
+first."
+
+"But what am I to do? Oh, it's nonsense! I shall come. I shall say I
+belong to you."
+
+I rang the bell. "Show this lady out, Thomas, at once."
+
+She laughed, bowed, and went. Evidently a most impudent hussy. I
+finished my business, drove to Liverpool Street, and established myself
+in a first-class smoking carriage. I was alone, and settled myself for
+a comfortable cigar. I was rudely interrupted. Just as the train was
+starting, the door opened--and that odious young woman jumped in.
+
+"There! I nearly missed you!" she said.
+
+"I can hold no communication with you," said I severely; "you are a
+disgrace to your--er--sex."
+
+"It's all right. I've wired to the colonel."
+
+"You've wired to my friend Colonel Gunton?"
+
+"Yes, I didn't want to surprise them. I said you would bring a friend
+with you. It's all right, Mr. Miller."
+
+"I don't know who you are or what you are; but the Guntons are
+respectable people, and I am a respectable man, and----"
+
+"That's no reason why you should promenade up and down, Mr. Miller.
+It's very uncomfortable for me."
+
+"What is the meaning of this insolent behavior?"
+
+"Why not be friendly? We're off now, and I must go on."
+
+"I shall give you in charge at the next station."
+
+"What for?"
+
+On reflection, I supposed she had committed no criminal offense; and
+with a dignified air I opened my paper.
+
+"I don't mind you smoking," she said, and took out a box of chocolates.
+
+I was at my wits' end. Either this girl was mad or she was a dangerous
+and unscrupulous person. She was quite capable of making a most
+unpleasant and discreditable commotion on the platform at Beach Hill
+Station. What in the world was I to do?
+
+"Shall we stay long at the Guntons'?" she asked.
+
+"You, madam, will never go there."
+
+"Oh, yes, I shall."
+
+"Indeed you won't. I'll take care of that. The police will see to
+that."
+
+"I don't care a fig for the police. I shall go and stay as long as you
+do. They told me to stick to you."
+
+I became angry. Any man would have. But nothing was to be gained by
+losing my temper. I took out a sovereign.
+
+"If you'll get out at the next station, I'll give you this."
+
+She laughed merrily. "I thought you went in for personal supervision,
+not mere pecuniary doles," she said; "I read that in your speech at the
+Charity Organization meeting. No; I'm not to be bribed. I'm going to the
+Guntons'."
+
+"It's absurd. It's preposterous. What will--what will Mrs. Gunton say?"
+
+"Oh, _she_ won't mind," answered my companion, with a confident nod.
+"She's used to girls like me."
+
+"You surprise me," I retorted sarcastically; but she only laughed again.
+I returned to my paper.
+
+An hour passed in silence. The train began to slacken speed as we neared
+the station next before Beech Hill. She looked up and said:
+
+"Would you really rather I didn't come with you?"
+
+I had passed a wretched hour. This girl was evidently bent on blasting
+my character.
+
+"Madam," I said, "if you'll get out at this station, I'll give you a
+five-pound note."
+
+"What? I heard you never gave away a farthing! They said no one could
+get a penny out of you."
+
+"It is true that I disapprove of indiscriminate charity; but, under the
+circumstances, I----"
+
+"Think I am a deserving object? Well, I'll take it."
+
+With a sigh of relief, I took a note from my pocket-book, and gave it
+her.
+
+"I'll pay it back soon," she said.
+
+"Never let me see your face again."
+
+"Apologize for me to the Guntons. Good-by."
+
+She jumped out lightly, and I sank back, murmuring, "Thank Heaven!"
+
+After I got rid of her my journey was peaceful and happy, and I forgot
+my troubles in the warm greeting my old friend Bob Gunton and his wife
+gave me. The girl must have lied about the telegram; at least, Bob
+made no reference to it. He had a fine family of boys and girls, and
+presented them to me with natural pride.
+
+"That's my lot--except Addie. She's gone to see some friends; but we
+expect her back every minute. They keep me alive, I can tell you,
+Miller."
+
+After tea, my host and hostess insisted on taking me for a stroll on the
+terrace. It was a beautiful evening, and I did not mind the cold. As we
+were talking together, I heard the rumble of wheels. An omnibus stopped
+at the gate.
+
+"Ah, the 'bus," said Gunton; "it runs between here and our market-town."
+
+I hardly heard him; for, to my horror, I saw, descending from the 'bus
+and opening the gate, that girl!
+
+"Send her away!" I cried; "send her away! On my honor, Bob, as a
+gentleman, I know nothing about her."
+
+"Why, what's the matter?"
+
+"I solemnly assure Mrs. Gunton and yourself that----"
+
+"What's the matter with the man? What's he talking about?"
+
+"Why, Bob, that girl--that barefaced girl!"
+
+"That girl! Why, that's my daughter Addie!"
+
+"Your daughter?"
+
+The little minx walked up to me with a smile, dropped a little courtesy,
+and said: "I knew, Mr. Miller, that it wasn't true that you would refuse
+to help a really deserving case. The others said you would; but I
+thought better of you."
+
+And she had the effrontery, then and there, to tell her parents all
+about it!
+
+I think parents are the most infatuated class of persons in the
+community. They laughed, and Mrs. Gunton said, "How clever of you,
+Addie! You must forgive her, Mr. Miller. My dear girls are so playful!"
+
+_Playful!_ And she never returned the five-pound note!
+
+
+
+
+A GUARDIAN OF MORALITY.
+
+
+Miss Tabitha Grey had not reached the age of forty-five years without
+acquiring an extensive and unfavorable knowledge of her sex. Men were
+wicked; Miss Grey admitted and deplored the fact, but it was so much in
+the order of nature that she had almost ceased to cavil at it. But that
+women should be wicked! Here Miss Grey's toleration gave out. And so
+many women, especially young women, and more especially pretty young
+women, were wicked. It was atrocious! Entertaining this general opinion,
+Miss Grey, as a matter of course, held Maggie Lester in the utmost
+detestation. The Waterfall Hotel was, in fact, hardly large enough to
+contain, in any comfort, Miss Grey on the one hand and on the other
+Maggie Lester, her brother Charles, and their friend and traveling
+companion. Captain Petrie. It is true that the feeling of discomfort was
+entirely confined to Miss Grey. The young people were very civil to her
+when any one of them happened to be next her at _table d'hôte_, and at
+other times thought nothing about her; but Miss Grey endured agonies
+enough for an hotelful of people. She shuddered at Maggie's striped
+waistcoat and white sailor's knot with its golden pin, at her brown
+boots, at her love of long and hard rides, at her not infrequent slang;
+above all, at the terms of hearty and familiar _camaraderie_ on which
+she thought fit to conduct her acquaintance with Captain Petrie. The
+decorum of literature forbids that Miss Grey's inmost suspicions should
+be put in writing; it must suffice to say that they were very dark
+indeed--so dark that all the other ladies, to whom Miss Grey repeated
+them, could not but come to the conclusion that there must be some truth
+in them.
+
+One morning, after breakfast, Miss Grey took her knitting and the
+_Church Times_ and sat down in the veranda. A moment later, to her
+disgust, Charlie Lester and Captain Petrie came out of the breakfast
+room, lit their pipes, and, after a polite "Good-morning," took their
+seats a few yards from her. Miss Grey sniffed the tobacco-tainted air,
+and was about to rise and ostentatiously remove herself from the
+infected zone, when she heard a scrap of conversation between the two
+young men which entirely altered her determination. She sat still and
+listened with all her might.
+
+"I wonder when Maggie will be down," said Lester; "I want to tell her."
+
+"Oh, you're too late," said Petrie; "I've told her."
+
+"What, have you seen her?"
+
+"Yes. I knew she'd like to know, so I went outside her door five minutes
+ago and shouted what we'd heard, and she came out directly."
+
+"Had she anything on?" inquired Lester, in an interested tone.
+
+"No," responded Captain Petrie; "but that made no difference."
+
+"It would to me," said Lester, with a smile.
+
+"And to me," said the captain; "but it didn't to her. I reminded her of
+it, and she said that it made no odds--she wanted to hear all I knew
+directly. So we stood in the passage, and----"
+
+Miss Grey had been gradually becoming more and more horrified. She had
+been prepared for a good deal, but this was too much. And the creature's
+own brother listened to it! Her knitting fell from her grasp, and the
+needles jangled on the tiled floor. The captain hastened to pick them
+up, interrupting his narrative for that purpose; but Miss Grey froze him
+with an awful look, and strode into the house.
+
+Miss Grey was a woman who never allowed herself to be turned from
+the path of duty, however painful that path might be to others. She
+soon made up her mind as to what she must do, and, having come to a
+resolution, she laid the whole matter before an informal committee of
+three irreproachable and austere matrons, whom she selected from among
+her fellow-guests. The immediate result of their conference was, that
+when Maggie Lester, looking very fresh and blooming after her morning
+gallop, came in to luncheon and took her place at the table, no fewer
+than four elderly ladies put down their knives and forks, rose from
+their chairs, and solemnly stalked out of the room.
+
+"Hullo! what's up?" said Charlie Lester.
+
+But nobody knew what was up; and, to all appearance, Maggie least of
+all, for she cheerfully began her lunch, mere remarking to the captain,
+as though in continuance of a previous conversation:
+
+"It wouldn't have been so bad if I'd had anything--even the least little
+bit--on, would it?"
+
+"Ah, you ought to have put your boots on," said the captain, with a
+smile.
+
+A fifth lady, sitting by, overheard these remarks, and when, after
+lunch, Miss Grey informed her of the startling occurrence of the
+morning, her testimony completed the damning chain of evidence. They
+made a joke of it! What could the suggestion of boots--only boots--be,
+except a vulgar, shameless jest? The ladies went in a body to the
+proprietor, and intimated that either they or the Lester party must
+forthwith leave the hotel. The proprietor demanded reasons; cogent,
+irrefragable reasons were supplied by Miss Grey and the fifth
+lady--reasons clothed, of course, in decorous language, but unmistakably
+revealing the infamous conduct of Maggie Lester.
+
+"I assure you, ladies," exclaimed the proprietor, beads of perspiration
+standing on his brow, "it's the first time such a thing has ever
+occurred in my house."
+
+"It must be the last," said Miss Grey firmly.
+
+"I will act at once," declared the proprietor. "This is a respectable
+house, and such proceedings cannot be tolerated. Good gracious! It would
+endanger my license!"
+
+"And your soul," said Miss Grey solemnly.
+
+"I beg your pardon, miss?" said the proprietor.
+
+"_And_ your soul," repeated Miss Grey.
+
+"Oh, yes, to be sure--of course, my soul, miss. As it was, I had a
+bother about it last year--my license, I mean, miss. I'll go to Mr.
+Lester at once."
+
+The proprietor was a nervous, bashful man, and when he found himself
+standing before the Lesters and Captain Petrie, as they drank their
+after-luncheon coffee, he was much embarrassed. At last he managed to
+indicate that he wished to speak to Mr. Lester alone.
+
+"Oh, nonsense!" said Charlie. "Go on. What's the matter?"
+
+The proprietor nerved himself for the effort. After all, if these people
+were not ashamed for themselves, why should he blush for them? Looking
+sternly at Charlie, he began to formulate his accusation. He had not
+got far before Maggie gave a little shriek of amazement; and the
+captain, jumping up, seized him by the collar, and exclaimed:
+
+"What do you mean, you little rascal? What's this scandalous nonsense
+you've got hold of?" and the captain shook his host severely.
+
+"I am not to be bullied, sir," said the proprietor stoutly. "I have
+excellent authority for what I say, and----"
+
+"Whose authority?"
+
+The proprietor vouched Miss Grey and the fifth lady.
+
+"We must look into this," said the captain.
+
+Maggie, who was blushing severely, but was not without a secret tendency
+to convulsive laughter, was prevailed upon to accompany them, and the
+four proceeded to the drawing room, where the Inquisition sat enthroned
+on the sofa, Miss Grey presiding. Miss Grey rose with a gesture of
+horror.
+
+"Not gone yet?" she exclaimed.
+
+"No, ma'am," said the captain; "we want to hear your story first."
+
+"Have you no shame?" demanded Miss Grey of Maggie.
+
+"Never mind that, ma'am," said the captain; "let's have the story
+first."
+
+Miss Grey cast an appealing glance at the ceiling, and began: "With my
+own ears I heard it. Mrs. Britson [Mrs. Britson was the fifth lady] will
+confirm what I say. With my own ears I heard Captain Petrie relate to
+Mr. Lester--to this person's brother--that he had had an interview with
+this person when this person was entirely----" Miss Grey paused for
+a moment, gathered her courage, and added in an awestruck whisper,
+"disrobed."
+
+A shudder ran through the audience. The culprits' faces expressed real
+or simulated astonishment.
+
+"If I must put it plainly," pursued Miss Grey--and at this several
+ladies opened their fans and held them before their faces--"Captain
+Petrie said that Miss Lester--that person--had nothing on, and that when
+he reminded her of it she stated that the circumstance was immaterial.
+Subsequently, at luncheon, the young woman herself admitted the fact in
+the hearing of Mrs. Britson. If that is not enough----"
+
+It apparently was enough, for Charlie Lester threw himself into an
+armchair with a wild shriek of laughter. Maggie's slight figure shook
+convulsively as she hid her face in her handkerchief, and Captain
+Petrie, after a moment's blank amazement, cried out:
+
+"By Jove! I've got it. Oh! this beats anything!" And he joined in with a
+loud guffaw.
+
+"Is that the way you treat such a--an abominable----" began Miss Grey
+austerely.
+
+"Oh, stop! for Heaven's sake stop!" exclaimed the captain; "you'll be
+the death of me, you really will!"
+
+Silence followed for a moment, and the captain, conquering his mirth,
+went on: "I don't know if any of you ladies go in for horse-racing.
+Probably not; I'm sure Miss Grey doesn't. Well, this morning I heard
+that a horse of mine which is running in a race to-day had done an
+exceptionally and quite unexpectedly good trial--I mean, had proved a
+far faster runner than we had supposed. In fact, there was little doubt
+that he would win the race. Sometimes, ladies, I am wicked enough to
+bet. Occasionally Charlie Lester is equally wicked. Now and then Miss
+Lester yields to that vice. Well, as you know, we are far from a
+telegraph here; and we were much annoyed, Charlie and I, that we could
+not take advantage of our fresh information to bet on the horse--to put
+something on, as we say. Miss Lester regretted also, when I told her the
+news, that she had nothing on--the horse. Do you begin to understand,
+ladies?"
+
+The ladies glanced at one another in some confusion. Miss Grey looked
+angry and suspicious.
+
+"And the boots?" she said.
+
+"To put your boots on a horse," explained the captain politely, "is
+a slang expression for betting your entire available fortune on his
+success. Another expression is to put your shirt----"
+
+"Sir!" said Miss Grey.
+
+But Miss Grey's sway was ended. Maggie burst into a fresh fit of
+laughter, and, after a moment's pause the whole company followed suit.
+Miss Grey turned and left the room. The next day she left the hotel; she
+could not face her victorious foes. Captain Petrie insisted on handing
+her into the omnibus, saying as he did so, "Be easy, my dear madam. In
+future it shall be my care to see that Miss Lester has something on."
+
+
+
+
+NOT A BAD DEAL.
+
+
+The little volume of verses entitled, "To Lalage," made quite a stir in
+the literary world. One critic of note said that it was instinct with
+classic grace; another that it was informed by the true spirit of
+Hellas; a third that it had a whiff of Hymettus; a fourth that it was
+hardly suitable for family reading; and on the strength of all this
+laudation, "To Lalage" was a success, and several copies were _bonâ
+fide_ sold to complete strangers. Imagine, then, the bitterness of heart
+with which Adrian Pottles, the gifted author, saw himself compelled to
+maintain strict anonymity, and to conceal from a world thirsting to
+know him that he was the "A. P." whose initials appeared in Old English
+letters on the title-page. Yet he did not hesitate; for he knew that if
+his uncle, Mr. Thomas Pottles, of Clapham Common, discovered that he
+wrote not only verses, which was bad, but amatory verses, which was
+atrocious, his means of present livelihood and prospects of future
+affluence would vanish into thin air. For Mr. Pottles was a man of
+strict views; and, whether one regarded this world or the next, there
+could be no question that a bank clerk of Evangelical connections
+committed a grave fault in writing love poems. So poor Adrian had to
+make up his mind to remain unknown, and to hold his tongue even when he
+heard that another man had been claiming the authorship of "To Lalage."
+Luckily, perhaps, he failed to find out who this miscreant was, or
+probably his indignation would have overcome his prudence, and he would
+at any cost have claimed his own.
+
+The secret was well kept; and Adrian received the usual check at
+Christmas-time, and with it the usual invitation to spend the festive
+season with his uncle, and to bring with him his young friend Peter
+Allison, to whom old Mr. Pottles had taken a great fancy. Peter was
+a man of many engagements, but, sought after as he was and proclaimed
+himself to be, he remembered the good cheer at Mr. Pottles', and
+accepted the invitation. They went down together; Adrian bewailing his
+hard fortune and denouncing the impostor; Peter warmly sympathizing,
+but counseling continued silence and prudence.
+
+"Ah, if I could only claim it!" cried Adrian, opening his Gladstone bag
+and gazing fondly at half a dozen neat, clean copies of "To Lalage." "I
+should be the lion of the season, Peter."
+
+Peter smiled and shook his head. "A fortune is better than fame,
+Adrian," said he.
+
+For a day or two all went well at Clapham. The old gentleman was in the
+best of tempers, and the two young men did their best to keep him in it,
+indorsing all his views as to the lax morality and disgraceful tone
+which pervaded modern literature and modern society; and when they had
+done their duty in this way they rewarded themselves by going in next
+door and having tea with Dora Chatterton, a young lady whom they both
+thought charming. Indeed, Adrian thought her so charming that, after a
+short acquaintance, he sent her a copy of "To Lalage"--with the author's
+kind regards. Now, Miss Dora Chatterton adored genius. She had thought
+both Adrian and Peter very pleasant young men; she had perceived that
+they both thought her a very pleasant young woman; and she had been
+rather puzzled to know which of them she would, in a certain event, make
+up her mind to prefer. "To Lalage" settled the question. It was the
+gifted author, A. P., who deserved her love; and A. P. obviously stood,
+not for Peter Allison, but for Adrian Pottles.
+
+The very next morning she called early at Mr. Pottles'. She found
+him alone; the boys, he explained, had gone for a walk. Dora was
+disappointed; but, failing the author himself, she was content to pour
+her praises into the ears of an appreciative and proud uncle. She did
+so, expressing immense admiration for Adrian's modesty in not having
+told Mr. Pottles of his achievement.
+
+"Humph!" said Mr. Pottles. "Let me see these--er--things."
+
+The effect of "To Lalage" on Mr. Pottles was surprising, and
+particularly so to Dora. In less than ten minutes she found herself
+being shown the door, and intrusted with a letter to her mother in which
+Mr. Pottles stated that she had been reading wicked books, and ought, in
+his opinion, to be sent to her own room for an indefinite period.
+
+"And I shall know if you don't give it her," said Mr. Pottles
+viciously.
+
+Thus it happened that Adrian and Peter, as they were returning, met
+poor Dora on the steps with this horrid note in one hand and her
+pocket-handkerchief in the other--for Mrs. Chatterton shared Mr.
+Pottles' views, and Dora did not enjoy having to deliver the note.
+They were just hastening up to speak to her, when Mr. Pottles himself
+appeared on the steps, holding out "To Lalage" in his hand. Adrian
+grasped the situation.
+
+"For Heaven's sake, Peter," he whispered, "say you wrote the beastly
+thing; I'm ruined if you don't."
+
+"Eh? But he'll kick me out."
+
+"I'll stand a pony."
+
+"_Two_," said Peter firmly.
+
+"Well, two; but be quick."
+
+Then Peter spoke up like a man, and accepted the blame of "To Lalage."
+
+"But your initials aren't A. P.," objected Mr. Pottles.
+
+"To avoid suspicion, I reversed the order; mine are P. A."
+
+"James," said Mr. Pottles to the footman, "pack Mr. Allison's bag."
+
+But Dora gave Peter the kindest and most admiring glance as she murmured
+softly to Adrian, "They're lovely! Oh, don't you wish you could write
+verses, Mr. Pottles?"
+
+Adrian started. He had not bargained for this; but Peter had overheard,
+and interposed:
+
+"I am more than consoled by your approval, Miss Chatterton."
+
+Mr. Pottles called to Adrian, and he had to go in, leaving Dora and
+Peter in close conversation, and to assure his uncle solemnly that he
+had been entirely disappointed and deceived in Peter, and, worse still,
+in Dora, and that he never wished to see either of them again. Mr.
+Pottles shook him by the hand and forgave him.
+
+Adrian passed a wretched week. In several newspapers he saw it openly
+stated that Peter now admitted he was the author of "To Lalage." Peter
+wrote that the fifty pounds were most convenient, and that he had had
+a most charming letter from Dora, and that all the literary world was
+paying him most flattering attentions. Adrian ground his teeth, but he
+had to write back, thanking Peter for all his kindness.
+
+Meanwhile Mr. Pottles grew restless. Every paper he took up was full of
+the praises of "To Lalage." The author was becoming famous, and Mr.
+Pottles began to doubt whether he had done well to drive him forth with
+contumely.
+
+"Adrian," he said suddenly one morning, "I don't know that I did justice
+to young Allison. I shall have another look at that book. I shall order
+it at Smith's."
+
+"I--I happen to have a copy," said Adrian timidly.
+
+"Get it," said Mr. Pottles. Mr. Pottles read it--first with a deep
+frown, then with a judicial air, then with a smile, lastly with a
+chuckle.
+
+"Ask him to dinner," he said. "Oh, and, Adrian, we'll have the
+Chattertons. I wish you could do something to get your name up, my boy."
+
+"You like it, uncle?"
+
+"Yes, and I like the manly way he owned to it. If he had prevaricated
+about it, I'd never have forgiven him."
+
+After this Adrian did not dare to confess. It was too bad. Here were
+both his uncle and Dora admiring Peter for his poems, and crediting
+Peter with candor and courage. He was to lose both fame and Dora! It was
+certainly too much. A sudden thought struck him. He went to town, called
+on Peter, and, as the police reports say, "made a communication" to him.
+
+"It makes me look a scoundrel," objected Peter.
+
+"Two hundred--at six months," suggested Adrian.
+
+"And she is a nice girl---- No, I'm dashed----"
+
+"A monkey at three!" cried Adrian.
+
+"Done!" said Peter.
+
+It was a sad tale of depravity on one side, and of self-sacrificing
+friendship on the other, that Mr. Pottles and Dora Chatterton listened
+to that evening.
+
+"He had made," said Adrian sadly, "a deliberate attempt to rob
+me of my fame before, and he repeated it. And yet, uncle, an old
+friend--boyhood's companion--how could I betray him? It was weak, but
+I could not. I stood by, and let him deceive you."
+
+"You're a noble fellow," said Mr. Pottles, in tones of emotion.
+
+"Indeed, yes," said Dora, with an adoring glance.
+
+"There, let us say no more about it," pursued Adrian magnanimously. "I
+have my reward," and he returned Dora's glance behind Mr. Pottles' broad
+back.
+
+The next time he met Peter, he said, "I am really immensely indebted to
+you, old fellow. My uncle has come down handsome, and if the monkey now
+would be conv----"
+
+"By Gad, yes!" said Peter. He took it in crisp notes, and carefully
+pocketed them.
+
+"And is Miss Dora kind?" he asked.
+
+"She's an angel."
+
+"And you are generally prosperous?"
+
+"Thanks to you, my dear old friend."
+
+"Then," said Peter, producing a piece of paper from his pocket, "you
+might persuade your publishers to withdraw this beastly thing." It was a
+writ, and it claimed an injunction to restrain Peter from claiming the
+authorship of "To Lalage."
+
+"Then you've been publicly claiming it?"
+
+"I had to keep up the illusion, Adrian. Do me justice."
+
+"But," said Adrian, "how, Peter--how does it happen that the writ is
+dated the day _before_ we went to Clapham?"
+
+He paused. Peter grinned uneasily. A light broke in on Adrian.
+
+"Why," he exclaimed, "you're the villain who----"
+
+"Exactly. Wonderfully provident of me, wasn't it? What, you're not
+going?"
+
+"Never let me see your face again," said Adrian. "I have done with you."
+
+He rushed out. Peter whistled gently, and said to himself, "Not a bad
+deal! He must stop the action, or the old man will twig."
+
+Then he whistled again, and added, "Glad I got it in notes. He'd have
+stopped a check."
+
+A third time he whistled, and chuckled and said, "Now, I wonder if old
+Adrian'll make five hundred and fifty out of it! Not a bad deal, Peter,
+my boy!"
+
+
+
+
+MIDDLETON'S MODEL.
+
+
+Middleton was doing very well; everybody admitted that--some
+patronizingly, others enviously. And yet Middleton aimed high. He
+eschewed pot-boilers, and devoted himself to important subject pictures,
+often of an allegorical description. Nevertheless, his works sold, and
+that so well that Middleton thought himself justified in taking a wife.
+Here, again, good fortune attended him. Miss Angela Dove was fair to
+see, possessed of a nice little income, and, finally, a lady of taste,
+for she accepted Middleton's addresses. Decidedly a lucky fellow all
+round was Middleton. But, in spite of all his luck, his face was clouded
+with care as he sat in his studio one summer evening. Three months
+before he had been the recipient of a most flattering commission from
+that wealthy and esteemed connoisseur the Earl of Moneyton. The earl
+desired two panels for his hall. "I want," he wrote, "two full-length
+female figures--the one representing Heavenly Love, the other Earthly
+Love. Not a very new subject, you will say; but I have a fancy for it,
+and I can rely on your talent to impart freshness even to a well-worn
+theme."
+
+Of course there was no difficulty about Heavenly Love. Angela filled the
+bill (the expression was Middleton's own) to a nicety. Her pretty golden
+hair, her sweet smile, her candid blue eyes, were exactly what was
+wanted. Middleton clapped on a pair of wings, and felt that he had done
+his duty. But when he came to Earthly Love the path was not so smooth.
+The earl demanded the acme of physical beauty, and that was rather hard
+to find. Middleton tried all the models in vain; he frequented the
+theaters and music-halls to no purpose; he tried to combine all the
+beauties of his acquaintance in one harmonious whole, but they did not
+make what tea-dealers call a "nice blend." Then he tried to evolve
+Earthly Love out of his own consciousness, but he could get nothing
+there but Angela again; and although he did violence to his feelings by
+giving her black hair and an evil cast in her eye, he knew that, even
+thus transformed, she would not satisfy the earl. Middleton was in
+despair; his reputation was at stake. The thought of Angela could not
+console him.
+
+"I'd give my soul for a model!" cried he, flinging aside his pencil in
+despair.
+
+At this moment he heard a knock at the door. He existed on the charwoman
+system, and after six o'clock in the evening had to open his own door. A
+lady stood outside, and a neat brougham was vanishing round the corner.
+Even in the darkness Middleton was struck by the grace and dignity of
+his visitor's figure.
+
+"Mr. Middleton's, is it not?" she asked, in a very sweet voice.
+
+Middleton bowed. It was late for a call, but if the lady ignored that
+fact, he could not remind her of it. Fortunately there was no chance of
+Angela coming at such an hour. He led the way to his studio.
+
+"May I ask," he began, "to what I am indebted for this honor?"
+
+"I see you like coming to business directly," she answered, her neatly
+gloved hands busy unpinning her veil. She seemed to find the task a
+little difficult.
+
+"You see, it's rather late," said Middleton.
+
+"Not at all. I am only just up. Well, then, to business. I hear you want
+a model for an Earthly Love."
+
+"Exactly. May I ask if you----"
+
+"If I am a model? Oh, now and then--not habitually."
+
+"You know my requirements are somewhat hard to fulfill?"
+
+"I can fulfill them," and she raised her veil. She certainly could. She
+realized his wildest dreams--the wildest dream of poets and painters
+since the world began. Middleton stood half-stupefied before her.
+
+"Well, shall I do?" she asked, turning her smile on him.
+
+Middleton felt as if it were a battery of guns, as he answered that he
+would be the happiest painter in the world if she would honor him.
+
+"Head only, of course," she continued.
+
+"Of course," said he hastily; "unless, that is, you will give me hands
+and arms too."
+
+"I think not. My hands are not so good." And she glanced at her kid
+gauntlets with a smile.
+
+"And--er--as to terms?" he stammered.
+
+"Oh, the usual terms," she answered briskly.
+
+Middleton hinted at pre-payment.
+
+"I'm not allowed to take that," she said. "Come, I will ask for what I
+want when the time comes. You won't refuse me?"
+
+"It's a little vague," he said, with an uneasy laugh.
+
+"Oh, I can go away." And she turned toward the door.
+
+"Whatever you like," he cried hastily.
+
+"Ah, that's better. I shall not take anything of great value."
+
+She gave him her hand. He ventured on a slight pressure. The lady did
+not seem to notice it, and her hand lay quite motionless in his.
+
+"To-morrow, then?" he said.
+
+"Yes. I won't trouble you to call a cab. I shall walk."
+
+"Have you far to go?"
+
+"Oh, some little way; but it's an easy road."
+
+"Can't I escort you?"
+
+"Not to-night. Some day, I hope"--and she stepped into the street and
+disappeared round the corner.
+
+Punctually the next day she reappeared. Apart from her incomparable
+beauty--and every time she came, Middleton was more convinced that it
+was incomparable--she was a charming companion. She was very well read,
+and her knowledge of the world was wonderful.
+
+"I wish it wasn't rude to ask your age!" he exclaimed one day.
+
+"Ah, I am older than I look. My work keeps me young."
+
+"Are you very busy, then?"
+
+"I am always busy. But I don't grudge the time I give to you. No, don't
+thank me. I am to be paid, you know." And she laughed merrily. If there
+were a flaw in her, it was her laugh. Middleton thought it rather a
+cruel laugh.
+
+"Do you know," he resumed, "you have never told me your name yet."
+
+"I am here _incognita_."
+
+"You will tell me some day?"
+
+"Yes, you shall know some day."
+
+"Before we part forever?"
+
+"Perhaps we shall not part--forever."
+
+Middleton said he hoped not; but what would Angela say?
+
+"My name is not so pretty a one as your _fiancée's_," the lady
+continued.
+
+"How do you know I am engaged?"
+
+"I always know that sort of thing. It's so useful. Angela Dove, isn't
+it?"
+
+"Yes; I hope you like it?"
+
+"To be candid, not very much. It happens to have unpleasant
+associations."
+
+It was fortunate that Angela was staying out of town. Middleton felt
+that the two ladies would not have got on well together; and---- He
+checked himself in shame; for his thought had been that not even for
+Angela could he send the stranger away. Middleton struggled against the
+treacherous passion that grew upon him; but he struggled in vain. He was
+guilty of postponing the finishing of his panel as long as he could. At
+last the lady grew impatient.
+
+"I shall not come after to-day," she announced. "You can finish it
+to-day."
+
+"Oh, hardly!" he protested.
+
+"I'll stay late; but I can't come again."
+
+Middleton worked hard, and by evening the panel was finished.
+
+"A thousand thanks," he said. "And now you'll have something to eat,
+won't you?"
+
+She agreed, and they sat down to a merry meal. The lady surpassed
+herself in brilliancy, and her mad gayety infected Middleton. Forgetful
+of his honor and allegiance, he leaned over to toast his guest, with a
+passionate gaze in his eyes. Insensibly the evening sped away; suddenly
+the clock struck twelve.
+
+"I am going now," she said.
+
+"Ah, you won't leave me!" cried Middleton.
+
+"For the moment."
+
+"But when shall I see you again?"
+
+"As soon as you like, but not later than you must."
+
+"You are charmingly mysterious. Tell me where you are going?"
+
+"To my home."
+
+"If you won't come to me, I shall come to you," he insisted.
+
+"Yes, you will come to me," she answered, smiling.
+
+"And we shall be together?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"As long as ever I like?"
+
+"Yes--longer."
+
+"Impossible! Eternity would not be too long."
+
+"_Nous verrons_," said she, with a laugh.
+
+"At least you will write? You'll send me your picture?"
+
+"I never write, and you have my picture."
+
+"And another in my heart," he cried hotly.
+
+"I have tried to put it there."
+
+"But give me some token--anything--a ribbon--a glove--anything."
+
+"Well, let it be a glove. As I go I will give you a glove."
+
+She rose from her chair and rested her right hand on the table.
+
+"Till we meet again!" she said.
+
+"I am yours for ever!" he cried, seizing her hand.
+
+"True! true!" she answered triumphantly. "You are mine forever!" and
+with a sudden movement she drew her arm away from him and left on the
+table--her glove, was it, or her hand? It seemed her very hand! and as
+Middleton looked up he had a vision of a blood-red claw shaken in his
+face, and devilish laughter rattled in his ears. The lady was gone, and
+Middleton fell full length on his studio floor.
+
+Middleton is a very devoted husband to Angela Dove. When he is well and
+cheerful, he blames himself for having made love to a model, and laughs
+at himself for having been fool enough to fancy--well, all sorts of
+rubbish. But when he is out of sorts he does not like to be complimented
+on his figure of Earthly Love, and he gives a shudder if he happens to
+come across an article which lies hidden in his cupboard--a perfect
+model of the human hand covered with black kid; the model is hollow, and
+there is a curious black mark inside it.
+
+And the earl? The earl was delighted with the panel.
+
+"Was she a professional model?" he asked.
+
+"She made it a matter of business with me," said Middleton uneasily. It
+was one of his bad days.
+
+"I must know that girl," continued the earl, with a cunning look in his
+eye.
+
+"I expect you will some day."
+
+"What's her name?"
+
+"I don't know. She didn't tell me."
+
+"Didn't she sign anything when you paid her?"
+
+"I haven't paid her yet."
+
+"But you're going to?"
+
+"I--I suppose so," answered Middleton.
+
+"Well, you'll find out who she is then. And, I say, Middleton, just let
+me know."
+
+"I will if I can--unless you've found it out before."
+
+The earl took up his hat with a sigh.
+
+"A glorious creature!" he said. "I hope I shall see her sometime."
+
+"I think it's very likely, my lord," said Middleton.
+
+"Have you any notion where she comes from?"
+
+Middleton compromised. He said he understood that the lady was from
+Monte Carlo.
+
+
+
+
+MY ASTRAL BODY.
+
+
+"There's no doubt at all about it," said the rajah, relighting his
+cigar.
+
+"It's perfectly easy, if you know how to do it. The skepticism of the
+West is nothing less than disgusting."
+
+The rajah had come to Oxford to complete his education and endue himself
+with the culture of Europe; and he sat in my rooms, in a frock-coat
+of perfect cut (he always wore a frock-coat), smoking one of my weeds
+and drinking a whisky-and-soda. The rajah took to European culture
+with avidity, and I have very little doubt that he learned many new
+things with which it might or might not be expedient to acquaint his
+fellow-countrymen and subjects when he returned to India. But all the
+intellectual interests of Oxford were not strong enough to wean him from
+his love for the ancient lore of his own country, and he was always
+ready to expound the hidden wisdom of the East to any inquiring spirit.
+As soon as I found this out, I cultivated his acquaintance sedulously;
+for, in common with all intelligent men of the present day, I took
+a keen interest in that strange learning which seemed to give its
+possessors such extraordinary powers.
+
+"Can you do it?" I asked.
+
+"I should hope so," said the rajah contemptuously. "If I couldn't do
+that, I'd turn Mahommedan."
+
+"I wish you'd teach me."
+
+The rajah took in a deep puff of smoke. "You're sure you could manage
+it?" he asked.
+
+"I beg your pardon?"
+
+"Well, of course, like anything else, an astral body must be treated
+with tact, or it gets out of hand."
+
+"Does it?"
+
+"Why, yes; you must be firm and yet kind. Don't let it take liberties,
+or you don't know where it will land you. I rather doubt if I ought to
+show you."
+
+I implored him to do so. I was young, rash, self-confident, and I
+thought I could manage an astral body as easily as I did the dean.
+
+"Don't blame me if you find it too much for you, that's all," said the
+rajah. "And of course you must promise not to tell anyone."
+
+"Oh, must I?"
+
+"Yes, you must; because it's quite irregular in me to show you like
+this. You ought, by rights, you know, to go to Thibet for seven years."
+
+"That would be rather a bore."
+
+"Beastly," said the rajah; "but of course they insist on it, because
+they get the fees."
+
+He swore me to secrecy by all manner of oaths, and lastly on my word as
+a gentleman; and then he showed me. I practiced all that evening, and
+was tolerably proficient by the time the rajah knocked out his last pipe
+and went off to bed. I must not tell how it is done, as I promised not
+to; besides, if anyone reads this narrative through, he will never want
+to know.
+
+At first it was very convenient. I always used to project it to chapel
+instead of going myself. It did capitally there, because it had only to
+behave itself and hold its tongue. At lectures it was a failure; it was
+such an inattentive beggar that its notes were worth nothing. And it was
+no sort of use in the Torpid; I was told that I should be turned out if
+I went on "sugaring" like that--there's no pluck or endurance in these
+Orientals. On the whole, however, I was very well satisfied with it,
+and came to rely upon it more and more for all the unpleasant duties of
+life.
+
+"Well, how do you like it?" asked the rajah one day in Quad.
+
+"My dear fellow, it's splendid," I answered. "It's up in town, being
+measured for trousers, now. You can't think how much trouble it saves."
+
+The rajah smiled and shook his head.
+
+"Be moderate," he said. "You mustn't use it too much, or it'll presume
+on it."
+
+"Will it? What will it do?"
+
+"Why, if it's always being projected, it's as likely as not it'll learn
+the trick of it, and take to projecting itself. Then you'll be left in
+the lurch."
+
+"What shall I do then?"
+
+"I don't see what you can do," said the rajah, scratching his head. "Of
+course, I should merely report it at headquarters; but you can't,
+because you've no business with it at all."
+
+"Well, I shan't grudge it a holiday now and then," I said magnanimously.
+
+The rajah was right. It did begin to take French leave. Several times
+when I wanted it I found it had, without a word of apology, projected
+itself off to Iffley or somewhere, and was not available. I spoke very
+severely to it. It said nothing, but listened with an unpleasant sort
+of smile. "We all have our duties," I remarked, "and yours is to be
+here"--and I pointed to my chest--"when you are wanted. You're as bad as
+a scout."
+
+"I ought to have a little relaxation," it answered sulkily.
+
+"I never heard of such a thing in connection with you. Isn't it enough
+for you to meditate in four dimensions when you're not at work? That
+would satisfy most people."
+
+"It's all very well in Thibet," it grumbled; "but a fellow doesn't come
+to Oxford to do that."
+
+"One would think you had nothing to do with me. You seem to forget that
+you are simply a projection of mine."
+
+We had some high words and parted--I mean, united--in very bad temper
+with one another. It was in the middle of a most impertinent and
+positively threatening speech, when I terminated the interview by
+resuming it. It was very unreasonable and irritating, and I made up
+my mind to ask the rajah to speak to it the next morning. I had an
+engagement that evening, or I would have done it then. How I wish I had!
+
+At half-past nine I went to an "At Home" at Professor Drayton's. As a
+rule, "At Homes" are dull; but I had a reason for going to this one. The
+professor had a very pretty daughter, and I was vain enough to think
+that my presence was welcome to her. In fact, we were great friends,
+and I had not been at the house a quarter of an hour before I had
+forgotten all my worries with my unruly Astral Body, and was sitting
+by Bessie in the small drawing room, enjoying myself immensely.
+Suddenly--mysteriously--I felt something like a violent push. Bessie
+vanished; the drawing room vanished; and I found myself in the High,
+standing in dripping rain, without a hat or coat. I stood still in
+bewilderment. What had happened? A moment later the proctor was upon
+me. I gave my name and college in a mechanical way, and he passed on,
+leaving me still standing in the rain. What had happened? Then it
+flashed across my mind. I understood its threats. It had projected me!
+
+I woke up next morning, determined to have it out with it. I found, as
+I expected, that it had waited till I was asleep; then it slunk in and
+united without my knowing it. I went and paid my fine, and then, not
+waiting to breakfast, I proceeded to project it. It wouldn't move! I
+tried again and again. I had no more power over it than a child. I knew
+it was there; but I could not move it an inch. In wrath, I jumped up,
+seized my cap, and started for the rajah's rooms. The rogue saw what
+I was up to. I give you my word, I had not reached the door when it
+projected me most viciously, and I landed down in the Parks.
+
+I was not to be beaten. I came back to college at a run, and made
+straight for the rajah's rooms. It was on the lookout for me. As I
+ran by my oak, which I had to pass, it rushed out on me, united, and
+projected me back again to Magdalen Bridge. This happened three times.
+Then I sat down in the Parks, just where I dropped, and acknowledged to
+myself that I was in a pretty fix.
+
+I had a fearful week of it. Of course, wherever I was, it could unite
+at once by just thinking of me; and, directly it had united, it used,
+I believe out of pure malice, to project me somewhere where I did not
+want to go. It was lucky for me that it was new to the business; its
+powers were as yet very undeveloped, and, consequently, it did not
+carry very far. If it could, I am sure it would have sent me to the
+Antipodes; but as it was, I never went further than the University
+boat-house--a pretty tidy step on a bad morning. Still, it was
+improving; and I felt that I must act at once if I did not want to be
+a permanent wanderer on the face of the earth.
+
+My only chance was to engross its attention in some way, so that it
+would forget me for a little while, and leave me free to speak to the
+rajah. I pinned all my hopes on the rajah. Well, one morning, about a
+week after it first projected me, I went for a walk in Christchurch
+Meadow. We were united, and it had actually left me in peace ever since
+breakfast. I hoped its better feelings were beginning to get the mastery
+of it, and, in order to see, I tried to project it. No, it wouldn't
+move! The creature was still recalcitrant.
+
+Suddenly I saw Bessie Drayton just in front of me. In delight at seeing
+her, I forgot about it, and, quickening my pace, overtook her, and
+lifted my hat. She smiled divinely, saying, "Why, Mr. Nares, I just
+going to write----" At that moment, when I was listening to her sweet
+voice, it projected me! Could ill-nature go further? But, luckily, its
+mind was not really concentrated on what it was doing. I believe it was
+thinking of Bessie, and consequently it only carried about a hundred
+yards. I landed behind one of the big elms, where I lay _perdu_ till it
+had gone by. It and Bessie passed me together, and it was grinning from
+ear to ear, and looked as pleased as Punch. And poor Bessie, who thought
+she was talking to me, was being most charming to it.
+
+I did not waste time in swearing. I ran like the wind back to college,
+hoping that Bessie's society would prevent it coming after me till I
+had spoken to the rajah. I still retained one pull over it. In order
+to unite, it had to come where I was; it could not resume me from a
+distance, as I used to resume it; so if it united now it would have to
+leave Bessie.
+
+By a blessed chance, the rajah was at home, and in trembling haste I
+poured my story into his ear. He burst out laughing.
+
+"I was afraid of it!" he gasped, holding his sides. "How splendid!"
+
+I restrained my annoyance, and after a time he became a little more
+grave.
+
+"Do help me!" I urged. "It may unite at any moment, and project me the
+deuce knows where."
+
+"Oh, it'll be all right with the young lady."
+
+"Not for long. She's very particular, and won't let it walk far with
+her."
+
+"Oh, then we must act. You don't feel it yet?"
+
+"No; but do be quick!"
+
+The rajah sported his oak, took off his coat, lay down on the floor, and
+went into strong convulsions.
+
+I regretted putting him to so much trouble, but my need was urgent, and
+I knew that he was a good-natured man. Presently he cried (and I was
+just getting alarmed about him):
+
+"Are you there, Nani-Tal?"
+
+"Certainly," said an old white-haired gentleman, dressed in a sheet, who
+sat in the rajah's armchair.
+
+"That's all right," said the rajah, getting up and putting on his coat.
+"You were very difficult."
+
+"We're so busy just now," said Nani-Tal apologetically. "I'm
+demonstrating three nights a week, and the preparations take all my
+time."
+
+"Well, you can't have a boom for nothing," said the rajah, smiling.
+
+"I don't complain," said Nani-Tal; "I only mentioned it to excuse myself
+for keeping you waiting. I was in New York when you began materializing.
+It's a lively city."
+
+"You must tell him all about it," said the rajah to me; "he won't be
+very hard on us."
+
+Nani-Tal was, however, rather severe. He said it was too bad of the
+rajah. How were they to live, if that sort of thing went on? Then he
+turned to me, and added, "Of course you couldn't manage it. If you'd
+gone through the course, you would have been all right. But there, it's
+everything for nothing nowadays!"
+
+"My friend couldn't go to Thibet."
+
+"He might have paid the fees anyhow," grumbled Nani-Tal, "and taken
+correspondence lessons."
+
+We smoothed him down with the promise of a handsome donation, and at
+last he consented to help us. It was only just in time, for at that very
+moment I felt my Astral Body uniting. A second later it made a violent
+effort to project me; of course, it saw Nani-Tal, and knew it was in for
+it. The old gentleman was too quick for it.
+
+"Come out of that!" he cried imperiously, and the wretch stood in the
+middle of the room.
+
+It did my heart good to hear Nani-Tal fall on the creature. After giving
+it no end of a lecture, he concluded, "And now, young man, you'll just
+go back to your jackal for a thousand years, and learn better manners."
+
+The wretch protested; it asked for an elephant or even a tiger. Nani-Tal
+was obdurate.
+
+"A jackal will just suit you," he said. "Be off!" The creature vanished.
+Simultaneously Nani-Tal began to disintegrate.
+
+"Wait a bit!" cried the rajah.
+
+"I can't. I'm summoned to St. James' Hall. There's a large audience, and
+the professor has been in convulsions seven minutes."
+
+I tried to grasp his hand in thanks. "If you want another," he said,
+"you must go through the course--the full course. There's no other
+way. Let this be a lesson to you." And with this parting remark he
+disintegrated.
+
+The rajah lit a cigar, and I, lighter at heart than I had been for many
+days, followed his example.
+
+"It was wrong of me," said the rajah; "I won't do it again."
+
+"It's a pity it turned out so badly," I remarked; "it was quite a
+comfort at first."
+
+"They're all like that, unless you keep a tight hand on them. Shall you
+take the course?"
+
+"Not I. I've had enough of it."
+
+"Perhaps you're right. Excuse me; I have to go to the Deccan on
+business."
+
+He fell back on the sofa, apparently in a trance, and I went off to the
+dean's lecture. It makes all the difference whether you know how to do a
+thing or not.
+
+
+
+
+THE NEBRASKA LOADSTONE.
+
+
+If there was one man in college whom the rajah thoroughly and heartily
+detested, it was the captain of the boat club. He had many faults; he
+was very tall and powerful, and delighted in contrasting the English
+physique with that of inferior races; by which he meant, among others,
+the rajah's race. His manner was abrupt and overbearing, his laugh
+loud and unmusical. In fact, he grated horribly on the rajah; and
+it was merely the final straw when, in the exhilaration of a bump
+supper,--full, as the rajah remarked in disgust, of cow and strong
+drink,--he called that prince, in playful chaff, a "nigger." The rajah
+swore melodiously in Hindustani, and I saw that he meant to be revenged.
+
+In those days the entertainment of the Nebraska Loadstone created a
+_furore_. Everybody went to see her, and everybody came away convinced
+that she possessed marvelous powers. Her peculiar gift--but everybody
+remembers the details of the performance, and how the tricks were
+finally, one by one, exposed, so that her adherents and believers were
+driven from one position to another, until at last they had to fall back
+on one single performance out of all those that the Loadstone gave,
+and maintain that on that occasion at least something unexplained
+and inexplicable did really happen. It is with the events of that
+particular evening that I am concerned. I think I can throw some light
+on them.
+
+At first, however, there were many believers and few skeptics. The dean
+carefully pointed out that Plato nowhere denied the existence of odic
+force; and the bursar, who was generally supposed to be little better
+than an atheist, declared that Spencer in one passage impliedly asserted
+it; even the warden, in his sermon, told us that it was better,
+according to Bacon, to believe two errors than refuse one truth--which
+was, to say the least of it, sitting on the fence. But none of these
+authorities shook the robust skepticism of the captain of the boat club.
+He knew a conjurer, and the conjurer had told him how it was done, and
+he was going to expose the Loadstone.
+
+"But why haven't you?" I urged. "She's been here a week."
+
+"He will not be too hard on her at first," said the rajah, with a little
+sneer.
+
+"I'll bust her up this very night," said Waterer. "I would have done it
+before, only I was gated."
+
+The excuse was good, and Waterer departed, full of boastings and
+self-confidence, to gather together a large number of the noisy men, and
+make a pleasant party to "guy" the unhappy Loadstone. I stayed to smoke
+a pipe with the rajah.
+
+"Of course she's a fraud," said he; "and I believe that animal really
+has got hold of the right explanation."
+
+"I shall go and see it," I announced.
+
+After a moment's silent smoking, the rajah looked up with a twinkle in
+his eye. "So shall I--if niggers are admitted."
+
+After hall, he and I set out together for the town hall. We found the
+first two rows of stalls occupied by Waterer and his friends. They were
+all in evening dress, and had obviously dined--not in hall. The rajah
+and I seated ourselves just behind them. The room was full, and the
+feats were being most successful; each was followed by general applause,
+broken only by some gibes from our friends in front. These latter grew
+so pronounced that the Loadstone's manager at last came forward and
+pointedly invited one of the scoffers to submit himself to experiment.
+
+Now was Waterer's chance. He rose in the majesty of his bulk, walked on
+to the platform, and said in a loud voice, as he settled himself on a
+chair, "If the lady can move me one foot from this chair, I'll give her
+a pony!"
+
+The Loadstone advanced and began to paw him about in her usual fashion.
+Waterer, who was sober enough to have lost nothing but his shyness, was
+apparently too many for her. He was immovable; and cries of, "Now then!
+when are you going to begin?" and so on, became audible. Two or three
+minutes passed, and the Loadstone turned with a gesture of despair
+toward her manager.
+
+"I can't----" she began.
+
+I jumped to my feet, crying, "Wait a minute! Look!"
+
+For even as she spoke, there was what is scientifically called a
+solution of continuity between Waterer and his chair. Still in a
+sitting posture, but sitting on nothing, he was at least two inches from
+the wicker-work of the chair. I glanced from him to the rajah. That
+extraordinary man was in deep, placid, profound slumber. I jogged his
+elbow and pinched his arm; he showed no consciousness whatever. I looked
+at the Loadstone. She was standing motionless on the stage about a yard
+from Waterer, with one hand outstretched toward him, and her eyes fixed
+on his ascending figure; for Waterer was gradually, slowly, steadily
+mounting in his strange journey. He was now a foot from his chair, still
+in a sitting position--and up, up, up he was going. The wretch was
+white as a sheet, and gasping with fright and bewilderment. Thunders of
+applause burst from the audience. It was again and again renewed; but
+the Loadstone did not, as her custom was, bow and smile in response. She
+still stood motionless, and Waterer still ascended.
+
+At last, at a height of fully twenty feet from the stage, he stopped.
+Simultaneously the Loadstone gave a loud shriek as she fell back into
+the arms of the manager--and the rajah awoke.
+
+"I beg your pardon," he said politely; "I was drowsy. Anything going
+on?"
+
+"No; he's stopped now," I answered, my eyes eagerly fixed on Waterer.
+
+The rajah rose from his seat with a yawn. "There'll be nothing more
+to-night," he said. "Let's go home."
+
+"Go home, man!--with that before our eyes!"
+
+The rajah shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"She won't do anything more," he repeated. "Look at her; she's quite
+done up."
+
+And, indeed, the Loadstone looked half dead as she gazed fearfully up at
+Waterer. Her demeanor was not that of a triumphant performer.
+
+"Do sit down," I urged; "we must see the end of it."
+
+With a weary sigh, the rajah sat down, saying, "I'm not sure you will,
+you know."
+
+While we talked, the audience grew impatient. However wonderful a feat
+may be, the public likes to have things kept moving. They thought
+Waterer had been in the air long enough, and there were cries of
+"That'll do! Let him down!" "Give us another."
+
+The manager held a hasty conference with the Loadstone: he seemed to
+urge her; but she shook her head again and again, and would do nothing
+but lie back in a chair, and pass her hand to and fro over her head. The
+rajah looked at her with a slight smile. The clamor increased. I think a
+sort of panic--an angry panic--seized the audience.
+
+"Bring him down! Bring him down!" they cried, pointing to the pallid
+Waterer, who sat as rigid as a trussed fowl.
+
+After another despairing appeal to the Loadstone, the manager came
+forward and made a lame speech. The Loadstone was exhausted with her
+unparalleled exertions. She must rest; presently she would bring him
+down. Then Waterer's friends arose and ascended the platform. They
+walked about, they stood on one another's shoulders; they made it clear
+that no cords held Waterer. A pair of steps was called for and brought.
+Placed on a sturdy table, they just enabled a man to reach Waterer's
+feet. One mounted amidst intense excitement. Turning to the rajah, I
+exclaimed, "Look!"
+
+He was asleep again; and the Loadstone stood stiffly upright, beckoning
+toward Waterer. Slowly and gradually he descended, leaving the man on
+the ladder grasping at empty air, till he sat again on his seat. The
+applause burst out, and the Loadstone sank back in a faint on the floor.
+The rajah awoke, and the manager dropped the curtain, hiding the
+Loadstone, Waterer, and his friends from our view.
+
+"Give me your arm," said the rajah; "I am tired." I escorted him to a
+cab, and we drove home.
+
+The Loadstone gave no performance the next evening: she was too
+fatigued; and Waterer was absent from the boat and from the sight of
+men two days. When he reappeared he made no reference to his friend the
+conjurer. He slunk about the Quad, looking very pale and upset. I met
+him once, when I was with the rajah, on our way to lecture. The rajah
+smiled urbanely at Waterer, and said to me, when he had passed:
+
+"It's such a rude thing to call a gentleman a nigger, isn't it?"
+
+Waterer has not done it again. And the Loadstone never did that trick
+again. She took the pony, though. The manager called on Waterer, and
+asked for a check. I think that incident pleased the rajah most of all.
+
+"It is a ready utilization of the unexpected," he remarked, "which does
+our friend much credit."
+
+
+
+
+A SUCCESSFUL REHEARSAL.
+
+
+Mr. Aloysius Tappenham, of Stamford Road, was a dealer in frauds.
+It must not be understood from this statement that he was either a
+company-promoter or the manager of a philanthropic undertaking. On
+the contrary, he was as honest a man of business as you would find in
+London, and he earned his living by discovering and introducing new
+attractions in the shape of "Wonders," "Phenomenons," and so forth.
+The music-halls were Mr. Tappenham's best customers, and when he
+successfully launched a new impostor, he reaped a handsome return in
+the way of commissions on the salary of the impostor and the profits of
+the _entrepreneur_. All his _protégés_ were a success--a fact chiefly to
+be attributed to his unvarying habit of insisting that he himself should
+be shown "how it was done." He promised and observed absolute secrecy;
+but, as he always said, he could not properly judge of the merit of any
+particular fraud, unless he were allowed a private view of the machinery
+by which it was worked. Some few years ago, in the very prime of life
+and the full tide of a profitable trade, Mr. Tappenham suddenly retired
+from business. This was the reason:
+
+One day Mr. Tappenham discovered a treasure in the shape of a very
+attractive young lady whose name was Hopkins, but who proposed to call
+herself Mlle. Claire. Claire was hardly suitable to the music-halls;
+Mr. Tappenham thought that she was above that, and proposed to "run"
+her himself in Bond Street, on half-profit terms. Her specialty was the
+production of any spirit you liked to order. She received in a dimly
+lighted room; you told her who you were, and whose spirit you wished
+to interview, and forthwith, without any nonsense of hand-holding or
+table-turning, she caused to appear a shadowy yet clearly perceptible
+figure which was exactly like the person you named, spoke with that
+person's voice, and exhibited full--or reasonably full--knowledge of
+everything which that person, and that person only, might be expected to
+know.
+
+Mr. Tappenham was much struck with the dexterity of this performance.
+Of course, when explained, it resolved itself into some clever optical
+illusion, a little ventriloquism, and a good deal of tact in returning
+to the inquirer in another form information pumped out of him
+beforehand. The materials were simple, the result was highly artistic;
+and Mr. Tappenham determined to furnish the only thing needful to set
+London aflame with the new marvel--namely, capital. However, before
+taking the last irreparable step, he decided on a final trial. He
+prepared the _mise-en-scène_ with due completeness, and invited Mlle.
+Claire to experiment on himself.
+
+"Consider me as one of the public," he said, "and give me a
+hair-raiser."
+
+Mlle. Claire protested that he was too much behind the scenes; but, on
+being pressed, she consented to try, and asked Mr. Tappenham to name
+his spirit.
+
+He thought for a moment, and then said, "When I was a young man, I knew
+a girl called Nellie Davies--a pretty girl, my dear. I dare say I didn't
+treat her over well; but that's neither here nor there. Let's have her."
+
+Clever little Mlle. Claire asked a question or two--and Mr. Tappenham
+admired the neat and apparently undesigned nature of her questions--and
+then set to work, after drawing the curtains a shade closer, and turning
+the light a trifle lower.
+
+Mr. Tappenham sat comfortably in an armchair, his hands crossed over his
+white waistcoat, and a smile of satisfaction on his face. Presently the
+shadowy shape began to form itself a yard or two from Mr. Tappenham.
+
+"Capital, capital!" he chuckled. "That'll fetch 'em." The shape grew
+more definite.
+
+"Will that do?" asked Mlle. Claire triumphantly. "Is it like?"
+
+"Now, by Jove, it is rather! Make it speak."
+
+Mlle. Claire laughed, and, projecting her voice to the shape, began in
+low, sweet, sad tones. "You summoned me. What do you desire of your dead
+friend?"
+
+She stopped, laughing again, and said, "It's no use, when you're up to
+it beforehand."
+
+Mr. Tappenham did not answer her. He sat looking at the shape, and
+seemed to be listening intently.
+
+"Shall I go on?" she inquired.
+
+Mr. Tappenham took no notice.
+
+"What's the matter with him?" thought Mlle. Claire. "I shan't go on if
+he's not listening."
+
+Assuming her pretended voice again, she said, "I will try to forgive.
+Farewell, farewell!" and, with a merry, boisterous laugh, she displaced
+the arrangement which produced the illusion, and said to Mr. Tappenham:
+
+"Now are you satisfied?" Then she added, in a tone of surprise,
+"Whatever is the matter?" For, as she looked, the expression of his face
+changed from attention to surprise, from surprise to uneasiness. He
+turned to her and said, with a forced smile, "It's too clever--a sight
+too clever. That'll do; stop it, please."
+
+"Stop it?"
+
+"Yes. I've had enough. It's--it's damned absurd, but it's getting on my
+nerves. Stop it, I say--stop it!" His voice rose at the end almost into
+a cry.
+
+"Why, I have stopped it this three minutes!" she answered in surprise.
+
+His eyes had wandered from her to where the shape had been; but at
+her last words he turned to her again with a start. "What? No, no! No
+nonsense! Come, now, be a good girl and stop it. I've had enough."
+
+"Are you drunk?" asked Mlle. Claire impatiently. "It's all over."
+
+"I won't be made a fool of," said he angrily. "Stop it, or not a
+farthing do you get from me."
+
+"Heaven bless the man, he's mad!" exclaimed the lady, who began to be a
+little uncomfortable herself. It is an eerie thing to see a man looking
+hard at--nothing, and listening intently to--nothing.
+
+Suddenly he jumped up and ran toward Mlle. Claire. He seized her by the
+arm, and cried, "Stop, you little devil, stop! Do you want to madden
+me? I never did it, I never did. At least, I never meant it--so help me,
+God, I never meant it."
+
+"Mr. Tappenham, you're dreaming. There's nothing there. I'm saying
+nothing."
+
+"She's coming! she's coming!" he cried. "Take her away! take her away!"
+
+Mlle. Claire looked at his face. Then she too gave a shriek of fright,
+and, hiding her face in her hands, sank on the floor, sobbing. She saw
+nothing. But what was that face looking at?
+
+As for Mr. Tappenham, he fled into the corner of the room. And when
+Mlle. Claire recovered herself enough to draw back the curtains, and let
+in the blessed sun, he lay on the floor like a man dead.
+
+Mlle. Claire was a good girl. She had a mother and two little brothers
+to keep: so she stuck to the business; but she never liked it very much
+after that day. Mr. Tappenham could afford to retire, and he did retire.
+He lives very quietly, and gives large sums in charity. Mlle. Claire
+knows all the tricks that ever were invented; she is a thorough-going
+little skeptic, and believes in nothing that she does not see, and in
+very little of what she does. Therefore she merely exemplifies feminine
+illogicality when she thinks to herself, as she cannot help thinking now
+and then:
+
+"I wonder what he did to Nellie Davies!"
+
+She told me about it, and I believed her when she said that she was
+not playing a trick on Mr. Tappenham. But perhaps she was deceiving me
+also; if so, that is an explanation.
+
+I repeated the story to a scientific man. He said that it furnished an
+interesting instance of the permanence of an optical impression after
+the removal of the external excitant. That is another explanation.
+
+Or it may have been the working of conscience: that is an explanation
+in a way, though an improbable one, because, in spite of many
+opportunities, Mr. Tappenham's conscience had never given him any
+inconvenience before. It has since.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+BUCKRAM SERIES.
+
+Small 16mo, with frontispieces, 75c. each.
+
+  THE PRISONER OF ZENDA. (_15th Ed._) By ANTHONY HOPE. A stirring
+    romance.
+
+  THE INDISCRETION OF THE DUCHESS. By ANTHONY HOPE. (_5th Edition._)
+
+  THE WAYS OF YALE. (_Just Published._) Sketches, mainly humorous. By
+    H. A. BEERS.
+
+  A SUBURBAN PASTORAL. (_3d Edition._) American stories. By HENRY A.
+    BEERS.
+
+  JACK O'DOON. (_2d Edition._) An American novel. By MARIA BEALE.
+
+  QUAKER IDYLS. (_4th Edition._) By MRS. S. M. H. GARDNER.
+
+  A MAN OF MARK. (_2d Edition._) A South American tale. By ANTHONY
+    HOPE.
+
+  SPORT ROYAL. (_Just Published._) And Other Stories. By ANTHONY HOPE.
+
+  THE DOLLY DIALOGUES. (_5th Edition._) By ANTHONY HOPE.
+
+  A CHANGE OF AIR. (_5th Edition._) By ANTHONY HOPE. The adventures of
+    an English poet. With an account of the author.
+
+  JOHN INGERFIELD. (_4th Edition._) By JEROME K. JEROME. A love
+    tragedy of old London, and four short tales.
+
+  SLUM STORIES OF LONDON. (_Neighbors of Ours._) By H. W. NEVINSON.
+
+
+HENRY HOLT & CO., NEW YORK.
+
+
+
+
+FIFTEENTH EDITION.
+
+THE PRISONER OF ZENDA.
+
+By ANTHONY HOPE.
+
+16mo, buckram, gilt top, with frontispiece, 75 cents.
+
+
+"The ingenious plot, the liveliness and spirit of the narrative, and its
+readable style."--_Atlantic Monthly._
+
+"A glorious story, which cannot be too warmly recommended to all who
+love a tale that stirs the blood. Perhaps not the least among its many
+good qualities is the fact that its chivalry is of the nineteenth, not
+of the sixteenth century; that it is a tale of brave men and true, and
+of a fair woman of to-day. The Englishman who saves the king ... is as
+interesting a knight as was Bayard.... The story holds the reader's
+attention from first to last."--_Critic._
+
+"A rollicking and exciting tale of adventure."--_Boston Transcript._
+
+"The dash and galloping excitement of this rattling story."--_London
+Punch._
+
+"A more gallant, entrancing story has seldom been written."--_Review of
+Reviews._
+
+"It is not often that such a delightful novel falls into the reviewer's
+hands."--_London Athenæum._
+
+"A rattling good romance."--_N. Y. Times._
+
+"The plot is too original and audacious to be spoiled for the reader by
+outlining it. The author is a born story-teller, and has, moreover, a
+very pretty wit of his own."--_The Outlook._
+
+"Told a wildly and delightfully improbable tale in a plausible
+manner.... Readers who are tired of realism and bored with studies
+of painful consciences attended by weak heads and sickly bodies will
+appreciate _The Prisoner of Zenda_."--_Philadelphia Enquirer._
+
+"A grand story.... It is dignified, quick in action, thrilling,
+terrible."--_Chicago Herald._
+
+
+HENRY HOLT & CO., New York.
+
+
+
+
+  _BY THE AUTHOR OF
+      THE PRISONER OF ZENDA._
+
+16mo, buckram, with frontispieces, 75 cents each.
+
+
+THE INDISCRETION OF THE DUCHESS.
+
+"The most surprising inventions flow from his brain in novel
+combinations. Nineteenth century adventures though they are, they are
+told with an old-time air of romance that gives them the fascination
+of an earlier day; an air of good faith, almost of religious chivalry,
+gives reality to their extravagance.... Marks Mr. Hope as a wit, if he
+were not a romancer."--_Nation._
+
+
+A MAN OF MARK.
+
+  A tale of a Revolution in the Republic of Aureataland, South America.
+
+SPORT ROYAL.
+
+  A Heidelberg romance, and four short stories.
+
+
+THE DOLLY DIALOGUES.
+
+"Smart, tersely written, delicate, and characterized by a delicious
+drollery ... beneath the surface play of words lies a tragi-comedy of
+life.... There is infinite suggestion in every line."--_Boston
+Transcript._
+
+
+A CHANGE OF AIR.
+
+"A highly clever performance, with little touches that recall both
+Balzac and Meredith. Mr. Hope, being disinclined to follow any of
+the beaten tracks of romance writing, is endowed with exceeding
+originality."--_New York Times._
+
+
+HENRY HOLT & CO., New York.
+
+
+
+
+Narrow 16mo, buckram, with frontispieces, 75 cents each.
+
+
+JACK O'DOON. (_2d Edition._)
+
+  A Romance of the North Carolina Coast. By MARIA BEALE.
+
+"There is a maturity of conception, an accuracy of artistic perception,
+not often noticed in an author's first novel ... the landscapes are as
+faithfully definite as any artist could make them.... There is a great
+deal of vigor in the characterization, and no little humor, while the
+conversation is straightforward and natural.... Too much praise can
+hardly be given to the management of the tragic close of the book ...
+very carefully as well as finely related ... the tale ends precisely
+where it should, and this is not one of the least of the several
+excellences of this delightful story."--_Boston Transcript._
+
+
+SLUM STORIES OF LONDON.
+
+  By HENRY W. NEVINSON.
+
+"Depicted with wonderful vividness.... They are wholly original.... The
+touch, the manner is delightfully new."--_N. Y. Times._
+
+"Graphically told, most vividly realistic."--_Boston Advertiser._
+
+
+QUAKER IDYLS. (_4th Edition._)
+
+  By Mrs. S. M. H. GARDNER.
+
+"Her accounts of these (an anti-slavery fair and the trial of a fugitive
+slave) seem to be descriptions of actual happenings, and she describes
+men and incidents vividly."--_New York Times._
+
+"Quiet but deep tales."--_Literary World._
+
+
+JOHN INGERFIELD. (_4th Edition._)
+
+  A love tragedy of old London, and four short tales. By JEROME K.
+  JEROME. Illustrated.
+
+"A very sweet and pathetic love story ... true to the best there is in
+human nature ... many diverse traits of character and striking incidents
+being compressed within its narrow limits."--_New York Times._
+
+
+HENRY HOLT & CO., New York.
+
+
+
+
+TEN BRINK'S FIVE LECTURES ON SHAKESPEARE.
+
+  Translated by JULIA FRANKLIN. 12mo, gilt top, $1.25.
+
+
+A HISTORY OF THE NOVEL.
+
+  Previous to the Seventeenth Century. By F. M. WARREN, Professor in
+  Adelbert College. 12mo, gilt top, $1.75.
+
+
+KALIDASA'S SHAKUNTALA, OR THE RECOVERED RING.
+
+  Translated by Prof. A. H. EDGREN of the University of Nebraska.
+  (Library of Foreign Poetry.) 12mo, gilt top, $1.50.
+
+
+HEINE'S LIFE TOLD IN HIS OWN WORDS.
+
+  Edited by KARPELES. Translated by ARTHUR DEXTER. With portrait.
+  12mo, $1.75.
+
+"On every page there is an illustration, worth reproduction, of the wit,
+the sentiment, and the romantic charm which flowed without an effort
+from the author's brain."--_New York Tribune._
+
+
+THE DAYS OF LAMB AND COLERIDGE.
+
+  An Historical Romance. By ALICE E. LORD. 12mo, $1.25.
+
+"The relations of the two principal characters are traced from their
+schooldays to their death.... The pathos and tenderness of Lamb's life
+with his sister are well brought out, and the pages are brightened with
+touches of the humor and brilliant repartee characteristic of the great
+essayist."--_Critic._
+
+
+HEYSE'S THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD.
+
+  An intense romance of German life that has become a classic. 12mo,
+  $1.25.
+
+
+HENRY HOLT & CO., New York.
+
+
+
+
+A very good novel.--_The Nation._
+
+Mr. Ford's able political novel.--_New York Times._
+
+
+HON. PETER STIRLING,
+
+And what People thought of Him.
+
+By PAUL LEICESTER FORD.
+
+12mo. $1.50.
+
+
+_The Nation_ further says he throws "floods of light on the _raison
+d'être_, origin, and methods of the dark figure that directs the
+destinies of our cities.... So strongly imagined and logically drawn
+that it satisfies the demand for the appearance of truth in art....
+Telling scenes and incidents and descriptions of political organization,
+all of which are literal transcripts of life and fact--not dry
+irrelevancies thrown in by way of imparting information, but lively
+detail, needful for a clear understanding of Stirling's progress from
+the humble chairmanship of a primary to the dictator's throne.... In the
+use of dramatic possibilities, Mr. Ford is discreet and natural, and,
+without giving Stirling a heroic pose, manages to win for him very
+hearty sympathy and belief. Stirling's private and domestic story is
+well knit with that of his public adventures."
+
+_The Literary World_ says: "Of the mismanagement and villainy practiced
+in the wards, of bossism, obstructions to reform, wranglings and riots,
+we have had more or less in fiction, but nothing like this.... Pages
+which read like actual history.... A fine, tender love story.... A very
+unusual, but, let us believe, a possible, character.... Peter Stirling
+is a man's hero.... Very readable and enjoyable."
+
+_The Boston Advertiser_ says: "The book is sure to excite attention and
+win popularity."
+
+
+HENRY HOLT & CO., New York.
+
+
+
+
+BY JEROME K. JEROME.
+
+_AUTHOR'S EDITION._
+
+
+JOHN INGERFIELD.
+
+  Three Serious and Two Humorous Stories. Ill'd. 16mo, buckram, 75
+  cts.
+
+
+NOVEL NOTES.
+
+  Stories Tragic and Comic. 140 Illustrations. 12mo, $1.25.
+
+
+THREE MEN IN A BOAT.
+
+  Illustrations by H. Frederics. 12mo, cloth, $1.25; paper, 40 cents.
+
+
+IDLE THOUGHTS OF AN IDLE FELLOW.
+
+  12mo, cloth, $1.00; paper, 35 cents.
+
+
+STAGE-LAND.
+
+  Curious Habits and Customs of its Inhabitants. Illustrated by J.
+  Bernard Partridge. 12mo, cloth, $1.00; paper, 30 cents.
+
+
+TOLD AFTER SUPPER.
+
+  With 96 Illustrations by K. M. Sheaping. Cloth, $1.00; paper, 30
+  cents.
+
+
+DIARY OF A PILGRIMAGE.
+
+  [And Six Essays]. With upward of 100 Illustrations by G. G. Fraser.
+  Cloth, $1.25; paper, 40 cents.
+
+
+ON THE STAGE--AND OFF.
+
+  The Brief Career of a Would-be Actor. Cloth, $1.00; paper, 25 cents.
+
+
+  HENRY HOLT & CO.,
+  Publishers,         New York.
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note
+
+
+Text in italics was surrounded by _underscores_, text in small capitals
+was changed to all capitals.
+
+Errors in punctuation have been silently corrected. Also the following
+corrections have been made, on page
+
+  11 "hesitatation" changed to "hesitation" (very little hesitation in
+     assuming that)
+  14 "my my" changed to "my" (that my opponent was not to be)
+  21 "reremark" changed to "remark" (This was my first truthful remark)
+  41 "cigaette" changed to "cigarette" (lighting a cigarette)
+  68 "Ferdinard" changed to "Ferdinand" (that Prince and Princess
+     Ferdinand had)
+  83 "prommise" changed to "promise" (You have fulfilled your promise)
+  94 "Highnes" changed to "Highness" (Royal Highness is most)
+  171 "beatuy" changed to "beauty" (the acme of physical beauty)
+  212 "semeed" changed to "seemed" (he seemed to urge her).
+
+Otherwise the original was preserved.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Sport Royal, by Anthony Hope
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 40697 ***