DUCK-SHOOTING. 243 
other motion testified that life pervaded her uncon- 
scious beauty.” 
A pause ; the chorus, excited—“ What next ? what 
next?” 
“Gentlemen, it would have been a shameful act 
to take advantage of her innocent sleep—a mean, 
unworthy, contemptible act. It is enough to say, 
gentlemen, I did not commit it—for at that moment 
she moved.” 
Cuorus—“ Oh!” 
“She moved, and was evidently about to wake.” 
Cuorus—“ What did you do then?” 
“* Modesty is another of my failings; it is no small 
matter to be found by a lady in her bed-room, and 
you must recollect my dress was scanty. Wishing, 
therefore, to spare her feelings as much as my own, 
I put out the light, and standing still, listened. 
From the sound as she moved, it was clear that she 
was awake and sitting up in bed. [I kept as quiet 
as a mouse, no longer daring to stir and hardly dar- 
ing to breathe. 
*¢< Who is there ?’ asked the sweetest little sleepy 
voice in the world; it was evidently time for me to 
leave if the feelings of either side were to be spared. 
““¢Tfusband, is that you? How late you are, Os- 
ear. I wish there were no balls; you have let the 
light go out and will have to undress in the dark, 
and you have been drinking; you do not answer, 
what are you mumbling in that husky voice; you 
do not walk steady, you shuffle with your feet; let 
me smell your breath, sir! 
