certain young lady would permit me to forget it."

"I would not have mentioned the pleasant bond, you may be assured, without a good reason."

"Stuff and nonsense! What reason?"

"You have not been so long married, and already I begin to notice a return of some of your former levity. You have commenced to give back with interest the glances of a pretty girl as of yore. What was that you were whispering to the brunette you met at Regent Circus last Friday—no appointment? Fie, Peter, what would your charming little woman say?"

"She would go mad with jealousy. She is bad enough as it is."

"She loves you immensely, Peter, and you ought to prize such affection. I hope you will enjoy yourselves."

"But I am not taking Clara with me."

[Pg 21]

[Pg 21]

My reply was not delivered in words, it was whistled. This form of answer evidently did not please Peter.

"You are always lecturing me," he said hotly. "Suppose I turn round and ask your wife how she enjoyed herself in that private box at the Gaiety the other night, what would you say? The plaintiff is expected to come into court with clean hands."

"Relations from the country must be shown a little attention."

"Especially when they are young and pretty."

"Not a drawback, certainly. I am older than you, Peter, and if the advice is not palatable, don't swallow it. Knowing your quicksilver nature, I ventured to turn on the danger signal. I shall not stand idly by with my hands in my pockets and see that nice little woman of yours neglected."

"It is ridiculous to talk of neglect. But because a man happens to get married does it follow that he should be tied to his wife's apron-strings for the rest of his natural life. In my opinion an occasional absence has a salutary effect, and brightens up the old love."

"I daresay that even the devil himself can find some plausible argument for his conduct. Go 

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