"St. Germain is backed up by force and caution," replied Vahl. "If you play with him, let it be on the flute, there you'll beat him. "I haven't seen Miss De Lastre to-night. Where is she? Lavishing her sighs on the moon, as she used to do at Darmaya? She was often in cold winters' evenings sitting alone, as if she preferred star-gazing to society. But whom is she to marry after all? I've heard many set down for her." "There can be little doubt whom," Vahl informed him, coldly. 66 "Oh! I beg your pardon," said Murphy; you've made a beautiful choice. I was almost in love with her once myself." "Who's squalling that woeful ditty, out of tune and out of time ?" 66 My sister Betsy, by particular desire," Murphy added; "I was tired, and therefore put her in my place." "It's wise to retreat in time, at any rate," said Vahl, 66 if retreat we must: but your sister is not invincible in song, though you are the ablest man I know-Bon soir.” CHAPTER XI. Alas! how little from the grave we claim ! Pore. "PRAY, has St. Germain discovered a mine of gold?" Belnovine inquired; "or been let into the secret of the alchemist, for he joins the écarté click with great nonchalance." "I wish he would be liberal, and impart the method of transmutation into gold," Vahl replied; "for he has won every sous of my slender finance, and I am totally hors de combat for the remainder of the season." "You and I may condole with each other on that point," rejoined Belnovine. "We have been dupes,” replied Lord Vahl, "in trusting ourselves to the mercy of St. Germain; for he secures the chances before he dashes to the point." "Do you really believe so?" Belnovine emphatically asked. "What are your reasons for entertaining such an opinion ?" "I do not understand his sudden amitié with Darmaya," Vahl replied: "he has admittance toujours, and one is ordered to wait. This is not satisfactory; but you and Lorevaine patronize St. Germain-I never did ;" and Lord Vahl drew up his neckcloth, adding, “If I am to be your adviser, in due respect to your maturer years, I would recommend you to find out the channel whence St. Germain's debts of honour have been paid." 66 Belnovine was thoughtful, but Vahl recommenced. "I came here exprès, to consult with you as a near relation, one from whom I have expectations, not of your estate, which is dinned into one's ears by my family sans cesse; but I want your service in a delicate concern of immediate import, and you will protect my you are frank and proud. You must learn then, that Lord Darmaya has persuaded me into a fallacy, inasmuch as I conceived Miss De Lastre loved me as I do her; name for that she was devoted to your young cousin and humble servant from the instant of introduction; in short, that I might say yes or no. Darmaya hurried on my resolve. Lady Belnovine confirmed it, and I must add, that Miss De Lastre looked it. So I arranged accordingly." "And told your happiness," Belnovine laughingly declared. 66 Why should I not, Bel? for I hate mysteries! but lo and behold! who would conjecture it? When I talked to Ellen upon the affair, as to house, jewels, and all that, she positively insulted me, and laughed outright in my face; but when I showed her I was thoroughly taken in, and spoke of Lady Belnovine and Darmaya's agreement and offer of her, she looked as wild as a hunted hare. What do you say to that?" But not waiting for Belnovine's reply, he continued, "It is infamous! How I've been deceived! But they shall all know me, and what I am. The promise was openly given, and the very day almost decided on. Besides, twenty thousand pounds were borrowed by Lord Delainey, as the marriage present from him to me; not that I regret the paltry trash, only from man to man a promise should hold steadily." "As to promise,” replied Belnovine, “I am surprised you should place any reliance on any of Darmaya's." "I shall oblige him to fulfil it,” said Vahl, angrily. "Revenge is sweet! Yes, I have a rod in pickle for Darmaya!" "Don't convert the rod into a pistol!" Belnovine said gaily; "for, much as I esteem Lorevaine, I do not desire him to take possession of the rents and effects just at this period." "But my honour and fame are at stake, — I've been ridiculed, imposed upon, and—” "You surely do not think of challenging old Darmaya !" "Of course I do!" Lord Vahl replied, frowning. "And what do you expect to reap from such a chivalrous token of valour? You put a fox to guard your lamb, and then wonder you are outwitted." that "I shall punish him," pursued Vahl. “I |