shore of his hopes, without rudder or compass, into an ocean of mists and storms. It resulted, from this system of conduct, that all that passed between Scythrop and Marionetta, consisted in making and unmaking love. He had no opportunity to take measure of her understanding by conversations on general subjects, and on his favourite designs; and, being left in this respect to the exercise of indefinite conjecture, he took it for granted, as most lovers would do in similar circumstances, that she had great natural talents, which she wasted at present on trifles: but coquetry would end with marriage, and leave room for philosophy to exert its influence on her mind. Stella had no coquetry, no disguise: she was an enthusiast in subjects of general interest; and her conduct to Scythrop was always uniform, or rather showed a regular progression of partiality which seemed fast ripening into love. * * * * * CHAPTER XI Scythrop, attending one day the summons to dinner, found in the drawing-room his friend Mr Cypress the poet, whom he had known at college, and who was a great favourite of Mr Glowry. Mr Cypress said, he was on the point of leaving England, but could not think of doing so without a farewell-look at Nightmare Abbey and his respected friends, the moody Mr Glowry and the mysterious Mr Scythrop, the sublime Mr Flosky and the pathetic Mr Listless; to all of whom, and the morbid hospitality of the melancholy dwelling in which they were then assembled, he assured them he should always look back with as much affection as his lacerated spirit could feel for any thing. The sympathetic condolence of their respective replies was cut short by Raven's announcement of 'dinner on table.' The conversation that took place when the wine was in circulation, and the ladies were withdrawn, we shall report with our usual scrupulous fidelity. MR GLOWRY You are leaving England, Mr Cypress. There is a delightful melancholy in saying farewell to an old acquaintance, when the chances are twenty to one against ever meeting again. A smiling bumper to a sad parting, and let us all be unhappy together. MR CYPRESS (_filling a bumper_) This is the only social habit that the disappointed spirit never unlearns. THE REVEREND MR LARYNX (_filling_) It is the only piece of academical learning that the finished educatee retains. MR FLOSKY (_filling_) It is the only objective fact which the sceptic can realise. SCYTHROP (_filling_) It is the only styptic for a bleeding heart. THE HONOURABLE MR LISTLESS (_filling_) It is the only trouble that is very well worth taking. MR ASTERIAS (_filling_) It is the only key of conversational truth. MR TOOBAD (_filling_) It is the only antidote to the great wrath of the devil. MR HILARY (_filling_) It is the only symbol of perfect life. The inscription 'HIC NON BIBITUR' will suit nothing but a tombstone. MR GLOWRY