522 AN EPOCH IN THE LIFE OF 



" Why, Mulciber, you are to know that the other day I fell in with 

 a singularly strange adventure." 



" The old story again ; seven a week, and each more extraordinary 

 than the last." 



" Hold your tongue, and listen. This is one unparalleled for brightness 

 of promise." 



" Of course ; woman or wealth, which is in the wind now ?" 



" Both. Hear me. Last Friday " 



" Friday is a marvellously unlucky day, Fred, but go on." 



" Your interruption is an impertinence last Friday I found myself 

 in the anti-chamber of the Diorama. Some round dozen of visitors, 

 whom curiosity, assignation, or time-killing, had brought thither, were 

 patiently awaiting the stoppage of the round-about, then in motion. My 

 attention was attracted by the appearance of a very comely matron, 

 as I supposed, verging towards her fifth lustre. Her eyes, full, black, 

 beaming, and liquid, were, strange to tell, directed to my unworthy 

 self. Now, to me the fixed gaze of a woman but I need not senti- 

 mentalize with you. She instantly withdrew her regards, but forgot to 

 avert her face ; it was a superb one ! and certainly the first time ever 

 beheld by me. After a pretty pause she again looked up, and seeing 

 that I still continued my inquisitorial observation, again became dis- 

 creetly downcast. The tinkle of the bell now announced the completed 

 revolution of the Vat within ; the door opened, and the company pro- 

 ceeded to enter. With no very definable object I kept as closely to her 

 sublimity, as politeness warranted. The transition from day-light to 

 obscurity, produced the usual effect, and rendered the descent an ex- 

 ploit of hazard ; she seemed sadly bewildered, and prompted by 

 courtesy I, " 



" Impudence, undeniably; yes, go on." 



" I touched her wrist with the intention of guiding her down into the 

 arena ; a gloved hand, however, on the instant glided snake-like into 

 mine, and it struck me that the pressure was a leetle firmer than the fear 

 of a false step " 



" Many have been made there, Fred " 



" Slanderer ! rendered strictly necessary. That she recognised in 

 me the humble instrument of her protection through the dangers of that 

 perilous navigation, I was morally certain, because no other male ani- 

 mal was near her, when we entered. I conducted her into one of the 

 boxes, groped for a chair, and brought it and her dear delightful self into 

 opposition. She gave a faint, quick, premonitory, ' hm !' which a 

 sudden huskiness unaccountably attacking me I returned ; and then in 

 a half whisper, half murmur, the conventional tone in which dialogue is 

 carried on at this establishment, you know, my paragon exclaimed, 

 ' Really, Mr. G,, but for your very polite attention, I must have fallen.' 

 Mr. G. ! whom, then, can she mistake me for, thought I ? No matter ; 

 if a lady may innocently err in such a place, why may not a gentleman ? 

 the darkness is an apology for both. I was preceding to assure her in 

 my most dulcet accents of the happiness I felt but the pretty speech 

 was cut short by a soft ' sh !' " 



" You of course took the hint and a seat ?" 



" Be all ear, and tongueless." 



