THREE HOURS ON THE DIAL OF A RHAPSODIST. 223

came into his possession by the hands of a woman, whilst youthought it destroyed; she gave it to him, and he retains it tillthe proper hour. Your ruin will be complete.”

“ It is false ! These tricks shall not delude me, neither shallyou escape the penalty which these slanders-”

“ If they be so, what of them ?”

“ You have outraged my honour, and the insult shall beavenged; you shall hear from me.”

“ Stay,” said the other, in the same calm voice he had pre-served throughout, strangely impressive in its impassiveness.“ Listen ! I am not destined to fall, or even be wounded, byyour hand; our very passions are fettered by the manaclesof fate, and we cannot pass beyond its magic circle. Is it worthwhile to risk the alternative ? ”

There was a slight stir—a gentleman had fainted.

Ascending to the box-tier, the painter was now joined bya youth of singularly prepossessing appearance. Instanta-neously, also, a most winning change of expression passed overhis own features, and his voice assumed a light and almostjoyous tone.

“ What, my pupil! ” he exclaimed, linking his arm withthat of the other. “I hardly dreamed of finding you hereto-night.”

“ I am looking up my relations, De Grey. After our longabsence in Italy , I really must become acquainted with some;and find, indeed, no difficulty, if the warmth of my welcomecontinues everywhere-”

“ As it will; the world’s doors are well-oiled to admit theheir to 40,0001. a-year and a marquisate.”

“ A truce to your philosophy; let me enjoy my vanity atleast for a time, or I shall begin to lecture you en revanche.And, indeed, you are changed, De Grey, and have grown aperfect misanthrope. When I first knew you, and opened my