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." 



Chorus—" Oh ! " 



" She moved, and was evidently about to wake." 



Chorus — "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. 



"'Husband, is that you? How late you arc, Os- 

 car. 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 ; yoa 

 do not walk steady, you shuffle with your feet ; let 

 me smell your breath, sir !' 



