THREE HOURS ON THE DIAL OF A RHAPSODIST. 229

fortune has given me. I need them all; and just now, especially,would not part with them for worlds.”

“Indeed! I too am disposed, just at this time, to regardworldly wealth and station more genially. The sudden accountof Mr. Greville’s fatal speculations-”

“ My own reason. I am going to offer him this very morn-ing free use of my purse. Thank Heaven, it is a well-filledone!”

“Though probably unnecessary,” interposed De Grey, with

a half smile. “ I am no Croesus , but-” he hesitated, “I

possess, perhaps, a claim, or may do so, to assist-”

“ You speak in enigmas : it is too true, you own some hiddenknowledge which forewarns you of the future, and furnishes youwith a clue to actions past and present. These very picturesbreathe a mystery; ever you develope to me some new relation :so that, like the student of Egyptian lore in ancient days, I walkby the light of an arch-priest through long passages, in whichobscurity only renders immense forms of half-discovered truth,more vast and awful by revealing their very indistinctness. Doyou know what is said of you, my friend ? The foolish world,superstitious in its ignorance, deems that you have travelled uponthe track of some forbidden lore. I know otherwise: thekindest, ten derest spirit, could not ally itself to the enemy ofgood; but-”

“ Listen, Jocelyn. We met first in scenes where Nature inher grandest form, and purest, evokes, nay more, instils thoughtsof excellence, and awakens holy aspirations by the sublimityshe wears in every aspect. Ever since that time I have cherishedfor you a love deeper than our hard sex allows itself to feel in itssearing commerce with the world. Hence I will confess toyou—I do possess a power beyond the reach of those whojostle us in the streets. My eyes are given to see the mysticlines of the Future, and scenes are pictured before me which as