ow. "We are
going to see the conjuring!" he shouted cheerfully. "Carmina! don't you
see Mr. Le Frank? He is bowing to you. Do you like conjuring, Mr.
Le Frank? Don't tell the children where we are going! They would be
disappointed, poor things--but they must have their lessons, mustn't
they? Good-bye! I say! stop a minute. If you ever want your umbrella
mended, I know a man who will do it cheap and well. Nasty day, isn't it?
Go on! go on!"

The general opinion which ranks vanity among the lighter failings of
humanity, commits a serious mistake. Vanity wants nothing but the
motive power to develop into absolute wickedness. Vanity can be savagely
suspicious and diabolically cruel. What are the two typical names which
stand revealed in history as the names of the two vainest men that ever
lived? Nero and Robespierre.

In his obscure sphere, and within his restricted means, the vanity of
Mrs. Gallilee's music-master had developed its inherent qualities, under
her cunning and guarded instigation. Once set in action, his suspicion
of Carmina passed beyond all limits. There could be no reason but a bad
reason for that barefaced attempt to entrap him into a reconciliation.
Every evil motive which it was possible to attribute to a girl of her
age, no matter how monstrously improbable it might be, occurred to him
when he recalled her words, her look, and her manner at their meeting
on the stairs. His paltry little mind, at other times preoccupied in
contemplating himself and his abilities, was now so completely absorbed
in imagining every variety of conspiracy against his social and
professional position, that he was not even capable of giving his
customary lesson to two children. Before the appointed hour had expired,
Miss Minerva remarked that his mind did not appear to be at ease, and
suggested that he had better renew the lesson on the next day. After a
futile attempt to assume an appearance of tranquillity--he thanked her
and took his leave.

On his way downstairs, he found the door of Carmina's room left half
open.

She was absent with Mr. Gallilee. Miss Minerva remained upstairs with
the children. Mrs. Gallilee was engaged in scientific research. At that
hour of the afternoon, there were no duties which called the servants to
the upper part of the house. He listened--he hesitated--he went into the
room.

It was possible that she might keep a journal: it was certain that she
wrote and received letters. If he could on