"To the eternal memory of Baron Trenck, the type of suicides!"

cried one. "He went out of a small cell into a smaller, that he

might come forth again to freedom."

"For my part," said a second, "I wish no more than a bandage for my

eyes and cotton for my ears. Only they have no cotton thick enough

in this world."

A third was for reading the mysteries of life in a future state;

and a fourth professed that he would never have joined the club, if

he had not been induced to believe in Mr. Darwin.

"I could not bear," said this remarkable suicide, "to be descended

from an ape."

Altogether, the Prince was disappointed by the bearing and

conversation of the members.

"It does not seem to me," he thought, "a matter for so much

disturbance. If a man has made up his mind to kill himself, let

him do it, in God's name, like a gentleman. This flutter and big

talk is out of place."

In the meanwhile Colonel Geraldine was a prey to the blackest

apprehensions; the club and its rules were still a mystery, and he

looked round the room for some one who should be able to set his

mind at rest. In this survey his eye lighted on the paralytic

person with the strong spectacles; and seeing him so exceedingly

tranquil, he besought the President, who was going in and out of

the room under a pressure of business, to present him to the

gentleman on the divan.

The functionary explained the needlessness of all such formalities

within the club, but nevertheless presented Mr. Hammersmith to Mr.

Malthus.

Mr. Malthus looked at the Colonel curiously, and then requested him

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