may the - my friend I mean - may any of us be pitched upon this

evening as the slayer of another man's body and immortal spirit?

Can such things be possible among men born of women? Oh! infamy of

infamies!"

He was about to rise in his horror, when he caught the Prince's

eye. It was fixed upon him from across the room with a frowning

and angry stare. And in a moment Geraldine recovered his

composure.

"After all," he added, "why not? And since you say the game is

interesting, VOGUE LA GALERE - I follow the club!"

Mr. Malthus had keenly enjoyed the Colonel's amazement and disgust.

He had the vanity of wickedness; and it pleased him to see another

man give way to a generous movement, while he felt himself, in his

entire corruption, superior to such emotions.

"You now, after your first moment of surprise," said he, "are in a

position to appreciate the delights of our society. You can see

how it combines the excitement of a gaming-table, a duel, and a

Roman amphitheatre. The Pagans did well enough; I cordially admire

the refinement of their minds; but it has been reserved for a

Christian country to attain this extreme, this quintessence, this

absolute of poignancy. You will understand how vapid are all

amusements to a man who has acquired a taste for this one. The

game we play," he continued, "is one of extreme simplicity. A full

pack - but I perceive you are about to see the thing in progress.

Will you lend me the help of your arm? I am unfortunately

paralysed."

Indeed, just as Mr. Malthus was beginning his description, another

pair of folding-doors was thrown open, and the whole club began to

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