I have not made a serious reply since I gave up practice at the Scottish Bar.

At my age," added Sir Patrick, cunningly drifting into generalities, "nothing is serious--except Indigestion.

I say, with the philosopher, 'Life is a comedy to those who think, and tragedy to those who feel.'" He took his sister-in-law's hand, and kissed it.

"Dear Lady Lundie, why feel ?" Lady Lundie, who had never "felt" in her life, appeared perversely determined to feel, on this occasion.

She was offended--and she showed it plainly.
"When you are next called on, Sir Patrick, to judge of Miss Silvester's conduct," she said, "unless I am entirely mistaken, you will find yourself _compelled_ to consider it as something beyond a joke." With those words, she walked out of the summer-house--and so forwarded Arnold's interests by leaving Blanche's guardian alone at last.
It was an excellent opportunity.