this at once," he replied. "Now, look here, Mr. Jinnee," he
added, "I don't know what new scheme you have got in your head--but if
you are proposing to marry me to anybody in particular----"

"Have I not informed thee that I have it in contemplation to obtain for
thee the hand of a King's daughter of marvellous beauty and
accomplishments?"

"You know perfectly well you never mentioned it before," said Horace,
while Sylvia gave a little low cry.

"Repine not, O damsel," counselled the Jinnee, "since it is for his
welfare. For, though as yet he believeth it not, when he beholds the
resplendent beauty of her countenance he will swoon away with delight
and forget thy very existence."

"I shall do nothing of the sort," said Horace, savagely. "Just
understand that I don't intend to marry any Princess. You may prevent
me--in fact, you _have_--from marrying this lady, but you can't force me
to marry anybody else. I defy you!"

"When thou hast seen thy bride's perfections thou wilt need no
compulsion," said Fakrash. "And if thou shouldst refuse, know this: that
thou wilt be exposing those who are dear to thee in this household to
calamities of the most unfortunate description."

The awful vagueness of this threat completely crushed Horace; he could
not think, he did not even dare to imagine, what consequences he might
bring upon his beloved Sylvia and her helpless parents by persisting in
his refusal.

"Give me time," he said heavily; "I want to talk this over with you."

"Pardon me, Ventimore," said the Professor, with acidulous politeness;
"but, interesting as the discussion of your matrimonial arrangements is
to you and your--a--protector, I should greatly prefer that you choose
some more fitting place for arriving at a decision which is in the
circumstances a foregone conclusion. I am rather tired and upset, and I
should be obliged if you and this gentleman could bring this most trying
interview to a close as soon as you conveniently can."

"You hear, Mr. Fakrash?" said Horace, between his teeth, "it is quite
time we left. If you go at once, I will follow you very shortly."

"Thou wilt find me awaiting thee," answered the Jinnee, and, to Mrs.
Futvoye's and Sylvia's alarm, disappeared through one of the bookcases.

"Well," said Horace, gloomily, "you see how I'm situated? That obstinate
old devil has cornered me. I'm done for!"

"Don't say that," said the Professor; "you appear to be on the eve of a
most brilli