"Brother, I implore you not so to do!" cried Mr. Homer, earnestly. "I believe that other and happier things are in store for you. I have a vision, sir, of a home replete with elegant comfort. Miss Bethia, though not opulent, is possessed of a comfortable competence--though Mammon is far from my thoughts!" cried Mr. Homer, blushing again. "A home, I say, sir, brightened by the society of--of Woman, and by every evidence of a refined and cultivated taste. My dear brother, return with me now to the--the bower, if I may so express myself, of our esteemed and valued friend. Miss Bethia urged, I may say, implored, me to bring you back." "Not so!" murmured Mr. Pindar. "Alarums and excursions. Exit--" But Mr. Homer interrupted him, a sudden fire shining in his mild eyes. "Brother Pindar," he cried, "you have many times alluded, since your return, to the Dramatic Moment; you have commented upon the absence of the dramatic element in my composition. But, sir, it is borne in upon me strongly at this instant that a Dramatic Moment is now striking in--in your life and that of our esteemed and valued friend. As you yourself would observe, hark to it, sir! it strikes;--a--resounds;--a--larums, sir, larums." The two brothers had risen, and stood facing each other in the moonlight. They waved their arms with an identical gesture; never had they looked so alike. "It larums!" repeated Mr. Pindar, solemnly. Suddenly he seized his brother's hand, and motioned him forward. "Flourish and a sennet!" he cried. "Possible joy-bells! Brother, set on!" CHAPTER XV. AFTER ALL!