lent glances of the lacqueys sank deeper
into my spirit than the flattering smile of the Prince's adieu. How
much more alive is our nature to the pang of scorn than to the balm
of kindness! These were my reflections as I entered my humble chamber,
every portion of which seemed doubly miserable to me now. "Is it
possible," thought I, "that I have endured this hitherto? Have I really
sat in that crazy old chair, and stretched my limbs upon that wretched
pallet? Can it be real? or which is the delusion,--my recent splendor,
or my present squalor?" Although up all night, I was far too much
excited for sleep, even could I have persuaded myself to seek it on so
bumble a couch. I therefore set myself to think over the future, and
wonder whether the brilliant scene in which I had so lately mixed would
remain in its isolated brightness amid the desolation of my life, or
be the guide-star to future greatness and distinction. My late success
emboldened me to think that Fortune had not yet deserted me. "Who
knows," thought I, "but the Spaniards may behave handsomely yet, and
make restitution of my property; or what if the Mexican banker should be
a true man, and acknowledge my claim upon him?" "If I could but enlist
the Prince in my cause," thought I again, "how certain should I be of
the issue! French influence always was powerful in Spain. Napoleon used
to say, 'There were no Pyrenees;' I should be content if there were
only a good road over them to convey the despatches that might assert my
just right."

A quick step upon the stairs at that instant caught my ear; few ever
ascended so high up as my story, so I listened, and almost at once my
door was thrown open, and my host of the preceding evening rushed into
the room. Having shaken hands with me cordially, he said, "Corneille,
mon ami! I have made another wager about you; and although the sum is
a trifling one, I am curious to ascertain if I am the winner. Jules de
Montserrat and Emile de Gency and myself had a dispute last night about
your nationality, which ended in a bet. I am bound in honor not to tell
you what our several opinions and guesses were, but still at liberty to
ask you, what is your native country?"

"I am an Irishman, and derive my name from the ancient family of
Cregan. Cornelius is but my Christian name, which I assumed to cover the
disgrace of my altered fortune."

"As to our wager, then, we were all in error,--none of us guessed
Ireland. As to your bein