to Riccabocca that praise which is due to the air and manner of all unmistakeable gentleman. And certainly as, after dinner, conversation grew more familiar, and the Parson and Mrs Dale, who had been invited to meet their friend, did their best to draw him out, his talk, though sometimes a little too wise for his listeners, became eminently animated and agreeable. It was the conversation of a man who, besides the knowledge which is acquired from books and life, had studied the art which becomes a gentleman--that of pleasing in polite society. Riccabocca, however, had more than this art--he had one which is often less innocent--the art of penetrating into the weak side of his associates, and of saying the exact thing which hits it plump in the middle, with the careless air of a random shot. The result was, that all were charmed with him; and that even Captain Barnabas postponed the whist-table for a full hour after the usual time. The Doctor did not play--he thus became the property of the two ladies, Miss Jemima, and Mrs Dale. Seated between the two, in the place rightfully appertaining to Flimsey, who this time was fairly dislodged, to her great wonder and discontent, the Doctor was the emblem of true Domestic Felicity, placed between Friendship and Love. Friendship, as became her, worked quietly at the embroidered pocket-handkerchief, and left Love to its more animated operations. "You, must be very lonely at the Casino," said Love, in a sympathising tone. "Madam," replied Riccabocca, gallantly, "I shall think so when I leave you." Friendship cast a sly glance at Love--Love blushed or looked down on the carpet, which comes to the same thing. "Yet," began Love again--"yet solitude, to a feeling heart--" Riccabocca thought of the note of invitation, and involuntarily buttoned his coat, as if to protect the individual organ thus alarmingly referred to. "Solitude, to a feeling heart, has its charms. It is so hard even for us, poor ignorant women, to find a congenial companion--but for _you_!" Love stopped short, as if it had said too much, and smelt confusedly at its bouquet.