one
could set up the want of identity as a plea in bar. It would be a
consolation to an elderly gentleman.'

'I am afraid mankind are too hostile to philosophy,' said Herbert,
smiling, 'to permit so desirable a consummation.'

'Should you consider a long life a blessing?' said Cadurcis. 'Would
you like, for instance, to live to the age of Methusalem?'

'Those whom the gods love die young,' said Herbert. 'For the last
twenty years I have wished to die, and I have sought death. But my
feelings, I confess, on that head are at present very much modified.'

'Youth, glittering youth!' said Cadurcis in a musing tone; 'I remember
when the prospect of losing my youth frightened me out of my wits;
I dreamt of nothing but grey hairs, a paunch, and the gout or the
gravel. But I fancy every period of life has its pleasures, and as we
advance in life the exercise of power and the possession of wealth
must be great consolations to the majority; we bully our children and
hoard our cash.'

'Two most noble occupations!' said Herbert; 'but I think in this world
there is just as good a chance of being bullied by our children first,
and paying their debts afterwards.'

'Faith! you are right,' said Cadurcis, laughing, 'and lucky is he who
has neither creditors nor offspring, and who owes neither money nor
affection, after all the most difficult to pay of the two.'

'It cannot be commanded, certainly,' said Herbert 'There is no usury
for love.'

'And yet it is very expensive, too, sometimes, said Cadurcis,
laughing. 'For my part, sympathy is a puzzler.'

'You should read Cabanis,' said Herbert, 'if indeed, you have not.
I think I may find it here; I will lend it you. It has, from its
subject, many errors, but it is very suggestive.'

'Now, that is kind, for I have not a book here, and, after all, there
is nothing like reading. I wish I had read more, but it is not too
late. I envy you your learning, besides so many other things. However,
I hope we shall not part in a hurry; we have met at last,' he said,
extending his hand, 'and we were always friends.'

Herbert shook his hand very warmly. 'I can assure you, Lord Cadurcis,
you have not a more sincere admirer of your genius. I am happy in your
society. For myself, I now aspire to be nothing better than an idler
in life, turning over a page, and sometimes noting down a fancy. You
have, it appears, known my family long and intimately, and you were,
doubtless, surprised at finding