emselves."

"I see--that is clear. Then, Tom, as they--the pas'ns I mean--are the
best judges of the matter, of course hypocrisy must be more useful than
religion, or they--and such! an immense majority as you say--would not
practise it."

"More useful it unquestionably is, my lord."

"Well, in that case, Tom, try and find me out a good hypocrite, a sound
fellow, who properly understands the subject, and I will take lessons
from him. My terms will be! liberal, say--"

"Unfortunately for your lordship, there are no professors to be had;
but, as I said, it comes to the same thing. Engage a professor of
religion, and whilst you pretend to study his doctrine, make a point
also to study his life, and ten to one but you will close! your studies
admirably qualified to take a degree in hypocrisy, if there were such an
honor, and that you wish to imitate your teacher. Either that, my lord,
or it may tend to cure you of a leaning toward hypocrisy as long as you
live."

"Well, I wish I could make some progress in either one or the other, it
matters not which, provided it be easier to learn, and more useful. We
must think about it, Tom. You will remind me, of course. Was Sir George
here to-day?"

"No, my lord, but he sent to inquire."

"Nor Lord Jockeyville?"

"He drove tandem to the door, but didn't come in. The other members of
our set have been tolerably regular in their inquiries, especially since
they were undeceived as to the danger of your wound."

"By the way, Norton, that was a d----d cool fellow that pinked me;
he did the thing in quite a self-possessed and gentlemanly way, too.
However it was my own fault; I forced him into it. You must know I had
reason to suppose that he was endeavoring to injure me in a certain
quarter; in short, that he had made some progress in the affections of
Lucy Gourlay. I saw the attentions he paid to her at Paris, when I was
sent to the right about. In short--but hang it--there--that will do--let
us talk no more about it--I escaped narrowly--that is all."

"And I must leave you, my lord, for I assure you I have many things to
attend to. Those creditors are unreasonable scoundrels, and must be put
off with soft words and hard promises for some time longer. That Irish
wine-merchant of yours, however, is a model to every one of his tribe."

"Ah, that is because he knows the old peer. Do you know, Tom, after all,
I don't think it so disreputable a thing to be termed a respectable old