r hearts with sweet awe."

The friends applauded this story, and unanimously voted that Ottmar had
utilised, in true Serapiontic fashion, the veracious history of the
proud and unfortunate Doge, Marino Falieri.

"He spared himself no trouble over writing it," said Lothair. "For,
besides being inspired to it by Kolbe's picture, Le Bret's 'History of
Venice' was always open on his table, and he had views of the streets
and palaces of Venice hanging all about his room; heaven only knows
where he had got hold of them all. That is why the story is so bright
with local colouring."

Midnight having tolled, the friends separated in the most genial frame
of mind, and in true Serapiontic manner.

* * * * *

SECTION FOURTH.

Vincent and Sylvester having joined the Brotherhood, Lothair delivered
a long harangue to them, in which he set forth, in most entertaining
fashion, at great length, and with much minuteness, the duties
incumbent upon a true Serapion Brother. "And now," he concluded, "give
me your solemn word, dear and worthy novices of our Order, confirming
the same by solemn handgrip, that you will faithfully observe and
follow the rule of Saint Serapion; that is to say, that you will, at
all times, and in all circumstances, devote your every endeavour to
be--at the meetings of the Brotherhood--as genial, witty, kindly, and
sympathetic as may be in your power."

"I, for my part," said Vincent, "enter into this undertaking with all
my heart. I mean to pay over my entire stock of brains and imagination
into the coffers of the Brotherhood; expecting to be therefrom, at
all times, and on all occasions, not only fed and supported, but
actually crammed. On every occasion when I purpose to come among you I
shall--according to the proverb--give my ape a full allowance of sugar,
that he may be sufficiently primed for the execution of the merriest
capers. And, inasmuch as our patron saint has acquired his fame and
glory from a decided _quantum_ of insanity, I shall copy him, in this
respect, to the utmost of my power, so that the Brotherhood may never
have to complain of an absence of this important element of their
being. I am prepared, if that should be your desire, to dish you up a
most varied and extensive assortment of the most interesting 'fixed
ideas.' I can imagine myself to be a Roman emperor, like Professor
Titel; or a cardinal, like Father Scambati. I