vertu est vertu parce qu'elle est
bonne en son fonds, et le vice tout au contraire, ce n'est pas les faire
connoitre.' For me, if I was to write a novel, I would first make myself
an acute, active, and vigilant observer of men and manners. Secondly, I
would, after having thus noted effects by action in the world, trace the
causes by books, and meditation in my closet. It is then, and not till
then, that I would study the lighter graces of style and decoration; nor
would I give the rein to invention, till I was convinced that it would
create neither monsters of men nor falsities of truth. For my vehicles
of instruction or amusement, I would have people as they are--neither
worse nor better--and the moral they should convey, should be rather
through jest or irony, than gravity and seriousness. There never was
an imperfection corrected by portraying perfection; and if levity or
ridicule be said so easily to allure to sin, I do not see why they
should not be used in defence of virtue. Of this we may be sure, that as
laughter is a distinct indication of the human race, so there never was
a brute mind or a savage heart that loved to indulge in it." [Note: The
Philosopher of Malmesbury express a very different opinion of the origin
of laughter, and, for my part, I think his doctrine, in great measure,
though not altogether--true.--See Hobbes on Human Nature, and the answer
to him in Campbell's Rhetoric.]

Vincent ceased.

"Thank you, my lord," said Lady Roseville, as she took Miss Glanville's
arm and moved from the table. "For once you have condescended to give
us your own sense, and not other people's; you have scarce made a single
quotation."

"Accept," answered Vincent, rising--

"'Accept a miracle instead of wit.'"

CHAPTER LIII.

Oh! I love!--Methinks This word of love is fit for all the world, And
that for gentle hearts, another name Should speak of gentler thoughts
than the world owns.--P. B. Shelley.

For me, I ask no more than honour gives, To think me yours, and rank me
with your friends,--Shakspeare

Callous and worldly as I may seem, from the tone of these memoirs, I can
say, safely, that one of the most delicious evenings I ever spent, was
the first of my introduction to Miss Glanville. I went home intoxicated
with a subtle spirit of enjoyment that gave a new zest and freshness
to life. Two little hours seemed to have changed the whole course of my
thoughts and feelings.

There was nothing about