'But now the bubble has burst, and it is we who have burst it. A curious cave has been found on the wooded grounds of D---- MacD----, Esq., which is always full of water, but which has a wide opening below its rocky side opening into the sea beyond. Any ordinary diver can easily, therefore, take a header, swim through the aperture, and find himself in the open sea under the cliffs; and, there disporting as a mermaid, or a sea-lion if he likes, quite as easily dive and make his way into the cave again. 'And this is precisely what occurred. Then the great tank in the Queerest Show on Earth was a divided one, and built on precisely the same lines. That is all. 'We are sorry for that enterprising showman, Biffins Lee, Esq. He is certainly clever; and if he does as well in his next venture as he has done in this he will be able to marry and settle down for life. 'We are sorry for Lee,' the article concluded; 'but we are still more so for those well-known scientists or savants, Professors A., B., and C., let us call them, who wrote such splendid papers on this mermaid question, and delivered lectures thereon all over the country, thus literally playing into the capacious and rapacious pockets of Biffins Lee. We heartily hope that these scientists may find some handy bag in which to hide their sorely diminished heads.' Biffins Lee was reading this staggerer, as he called it, for the second time when Crona herself was announced. She had Joe on her shoulder. It was Mary who had ushered her in. 'I think, Mary,' said Biffins, not unkindly but sadly, 'Crona would like to see me alone.' Mary curtseyed and retired. Now, what passed between Crona and Biffins Lee at this time hardly affects this ower true tale to any great degree. So the chief details of the interview may be omitted. But towards its close Biffins Lee turned towards Crona. 'And,' he said, 'supposing that I refuse point-blank to do as you tell me, Miss'---- 'Stop!' cried his interviewer; 'I am Crona, and you are Biffins Lee--er--_for the present_. As to your refusing my offer--for an offer, and a good one it is--when you have time to consider you will not dream of such a thing. I do not apprehend any obstinacy on your part, Mr--Biffins Lee. I will call again to-morrow for your answer.' She was about to leave when Lee called to her. 'Stay, stay,' he said. 'I will not require to ask you to call to-morrow. I shall give you my answer _now_.' 'And that is?' 'I accept.' 'Wise man! Better is a handful with quietness than both hands full with vexation of spirit.' * * * * *