So she said, but her head careened, she gave him her coy reluctant ear, with total abandonment to the seductions of his whispers, and the lord let fly a peal of laughter. It had been a supper of copious wine, and the songs which rise from wine. Nature was excused by our midnight naturalists. The two great dames, admonished by the violence of the nobleman's laughter, laid claim on Mr. Beamish to accompany them at their parting with Chloe and Duchess Susan. In the momentary shuffling of couples incident to adieux among a company, the duchess murmured to Caseldy: 'Have I done it well.' He praised her for perfection in her acting. 'I am at your door at three, remember.' 'My heart's in my mouth,' said she. Colonel Poltermore still had the privilege of conducting her the few farther steps to her lodgings. Caseldy walked beside Chloe, and silently, until he said, 'If I have not yet mentioned the subject--' 'If it is an allusion to money let me not hear it to-night,' she replied. 'I can only say that my lawyers have instructions. But my lawyers cannot pay you in gratitude. Do not think me in your hardest review of my misconduct ungrateful. I have ever esteemed you above all women; I do, and I shall; you are too much above me. I am afraid I am a composition of bad stuff; I did not win a very particularly good name on the Continent; I begin to know myself, and in comparison with you, dear Catherine----' 'You speak to Chloe,' she said. 'Catherine is a buried person. She died without pain. She is by this time dust.' The man heaved his breast. 'Women have not an idea of our temptations.' 'You are excused by me for all your errors, Caseldy. Always remember that.' He sighed profoundly. 'Ay, you have a Christian's heart.' She answered, 'I have come to the conclusion that it is a Pagan's.' 'As for me,' he rejoined, 'I am a fatalist. Through life I have seen my destiny. What is to be, will be; we can do nothing.' 'I have heard of one who expired of a surfeit that he anticipated, nay proclaimed, when indulging in the last desired morsel,' said Chloe. 'He was driven to it.' 'From within.' Caseldy acquiesced; his wits were clouded, and an illustration even coarser and more grotesque would have won a serious nod and a sigh from him. 'Yes, we are moved by other hands!' 'It is pleasant to think so: and think it of me tomorrow. Will you!' said Chloe. He promised it heartily, to induce her to think the same of him. Their separation was in no way remarkable. The pretty formalities were executed at the door, and the pair of gentlemen departed.