exceptional in the highly reasonable desire that we profess. A

large number of our fellowmen, who have grown heartily sick of the

performance in which they are expected to join daily and all their

lives long, are only kept from flight by one or two considerations.

Some have families who would be shocked, or even blamed, if the

matter became public; others have a weakness at heart and recoil

from the circumstances of death. That is, to some extent, my own

experience. I cannot put a pistol to my head and draw the trigger;

for something stronger than myself withholds the act; and although

I loathe life, I have not strength enough in my body to take hold

of death and be done with it. For such as I, and for all who

desire to be out of the coil without posthumous scandal, the

Suicide Club has been inaugurated. How this has been managed, what

is its history, or what may be its ramifications in other lands, I

am myself uninformed; and what I know of its constitution, I am not

at liberty to communicate to you. To this extent, however, I am at

your service. If you are truly tired of life, I will introduce you

to-night to a meeting; and if not to-night, at least some time

within the week, you will be easily relieved of your existences.

It is now (consulting his watch) eleven; by half-past, at latest,

we must leave this place; so that you have half-an-hour before you

to consider my proposal. It is more serious than a cream tart," he

added, with a smile; "and I suspect more palatable."

"More serious, certainly," returned Colonel Geraldine; "and as it

is so much more so, will you allow me five minutes' speech in

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