I thought my unexampled generosity in turning you out of that accursed counting-house would be duly appreciated some day: 'Cast your bread on the waters, and it shall be found after many days,' say the Scriptures.

Yes, that's right, lad--make much of me--I'm a nonpareil: there's nothing like me in the common herd.

In the meantime, to put all humbug aside and talk sense for a few moments, you would be greatly the better of a situation, and what is more, you are a fool if you refuse to take one from any hand that offers it." "Very well, Mr.Hunsden; now you have settled that point, talk of something else.

What news from X---- ?" "I have not settled that point, or at least there is another to settle before we get to X----.

Is this Miss Zenobie" (Zoraide, interposed I)--"well, Zoraide--is she really married to Pelet ?" "I tell you yes--and if you don't believe me, go and ask the cure of St.
Jacques." "And your heart is broken ?" "I am not aware that it is; it feels all right--beats as usual." "Then your feelings are less superfine than I took them to be; you must be a coarse, callous character, to bear such a thwack without staggering under it." "Staggering under it?
What the deuce is there to stagger under in the circumstance of a Belgian schoolmistress marrying a French schoolmaster?
The progeny will doubtless be a strange hybrid race; but that's their Look out--not mine." "He indulges in scurrilous jests, and the bride was his affianced one!" "Who said so ?" "Brown." "I'll tell you what, Hunsden--Brown is an old gossip." "He is; but in the meantime, if his gossip be founded on less than fact--if you took no particular interest in Miss Zoraide--why, O youthful pedagogue! did you leave your place in consequence of her becoming Madame Pelet ?" "Because--" I felt my face grow a little hot; "because--in short, Mr.
Hunsden, I decline answering any more questions," and I plunged my hands deep in my breeches pocket.
Hunsden triumphed: his eyes--his laugh announced victory.
"What the deuce are you laughing at, Mr.Hunsden ?" "At your exemplary composure.