quadrangle. It ended
somewhat before the close of Zuleika's rival show; and then the steps
from the Hall were thronged by ladies, who, with a sprinkling of dons,
stood in attitudes of refined displeasure and vulgar curiosity. The
Warden was just awake enough to notice the sea of undergraduates.
Suspecting some breach of College discipline, he retired hastily to his
own quarters, for fear his dignity might be somehow compromised.

Was there ever, I wonder, an historian so pure as not to have wished
just once to fob off on his readers just one bright fable for effect?
I find myself sorely tempted to tell you that on Zuleika, as her
entertainment drew to a close, the spirit of the higher thaumaturgy
descended like a flame and found in her a worthy agent. Specious
Apollyon whispers to me "Where would be the harm? Tell your readers
that she cast a seed on the ground, and that therefrom presently arose
a tamarind-tree which blossomed and bore fruit and, withering, vanished.
Or say she conjured from an empty basket of osier a hissing and bridling
snake. Why not? Your readers would be excited, gratified. And you would
never be found out." But the grave eyes of Clio are bent on me, her
servant. Oh pardon, madam: I did but waver for an instant. It is not too
late to tell my readers that the climax of Zuleika's entertainment was
only that dismal affair, the Magic Canister.

It she took from the table, and, holding it aloft, cried "Now, before I
say good night, I want to see if I have your confidence. But you mustn't
think this is the confidence trick!" She handed the vessel to The
MacQuern, who, looking like an overgrown acolyte, bore it after her as
she went again among the audience. Pausing before a man in the front
row, she asked him if he would trust her with his watch. He held it
out to her. "Thank you," she said, letting her fingers touch his for a
moment before she dropped it into the Magic Canister. From another man
she borrowed a cigarette-case, from another a neck-tie, from another a
pair of sleeve-links, from Noaks a ring--one of those iron rings which
are supposed, rightly or wrongly, to alleviate rheumatism. And when she
had made an ample selection, she began her return-journey to the table.

On her way she saw in the shadow of the wall the figure of her forgotten
Duke. She saw him, the one man she had ever loved, also the first
man who had wished definitely to die for her; and she was touched by
remorse. She had s