hing, 'and he doesn't believe us, doesn't
think it possible we can have had our little romances or novelettes; at
all events, he's getting infernally jealous. And I'm sure he may save
himself the trouble. I was most abominably treated, at all events.'

"So was I, in a way,' said Marzell, 'and I give you my word that the
spark which fell into my heart that Whit Monday has gone out most
completely, beyond the possibility of ever being kindled again. So you
may be as deeply in love with the lady as ever you like!'

"'So you may as far as I'm concerned too,' said Severin.

"Alexander, now quite reassured again, laughed very heartily, and said:

"'You were right about me, to a certain extent, though you're partly on
a wrong scent, too. So just listen a moment. It is quite true that,
when I remembered that eventful afternoon, that lovely girl, in all her
marvellous attractiveness, came so vividly to my mind's eye that I
fancied I could hear her beautiful voice, and touch her white, delicate
hand as she held it out to me. I felt as though it was to her alone
that I could devote the whole affection of my heart and being, and as
if I never could be happy without her! Now, supposing this to be true,
just think what a terrible thing it would be!'

"'What for? Why on earth?' cried Severin and Marzell, both together.

"'Because I have been married for the last year,' answered Alexander
quietly.

"You married, for the last year?' the friends cried, clapping their
hands, and then shouting with laughter. 'Who is it? Is she
nice-looking? Rich, poor, young, old: how, when, what, where?'

"Alexander stopped his ears. 'I beg of you,' he cried imploringly, as
he leant his left hand on the table, and with the right (on the little
finger whereof the betrothal ring glittered, beside a chrysophrase)
took the spoon and stirred his coffee. 'I implore you to spare me all
these questions, and, if you would do me a real favour, tell me what
happened to you after our adventure here with the lady.'

"'Ay! ay! brother!' said Marzell; 'it strikes me you haven't made a
very good job of it. It isn't Falter's little witch, is it?'

"'If you have any real regard for me,' said Alexander, 'please don't
badger me with questions, but let me hear about your own adventures.'

"'It's the ghost's doing,' said Severin. 'He felt himself compelled to
add some wife or another to his collection of pots and pans and plate
and household linen. So there he sits,