eopathic system must be founded on great
natural facts, and there is philosophy, born of the observation of
human nature, in the somewhat vulgar proverb that recommends a "hair
of the dog that bit you." Otherwise, nine men out of every ten who
have been badly treated, or think that they have been badly treated,
by a woman, would not at once rush headlong for refuge to another, a
proceeding which also, in nine cases out of ten, ends in making
confusion worse confounded.

Arthur, though he was not aware of it, was exemplifying a natural law
that has not yet been properly explained. But, even if he had known
it, it is doubtful if the knowledge would have made him any happier;
for it is irritating to reflect that we are the slaves of natural
laws, that our action is not the outcome of our own volition, but of a
vague force working silently as the Gulf Stream--since such knowledge
makes a man measure his weakness, and so strikes at his tenderest
point, his vanity.

But, whilst we have been reflecting together, my reader and I, Arthur
was making his way to Madeira, so we may as well all come to a halt
off Funchal.

Very shortly after the vessel had dropped her anchor, Arthur was
greeted by his friend, the manager of "Miles' Hotel."

"Glad to see you, sir, though I can't say that you look well. I
scarcely expected to find anybody for us at this time of year.
Business is very slack in the summer."

"Yes, I suppose that Madeira is pretty empty."

"There is nobody here at all, sir."

"Is Mrs. Carr gone, then?" asked Arthur, in some alarm.

"No; she is still here. She has not been away this year. But she has
been very quiet; no parties or anything, which makes people think that
she has lost money."

By this time the boat was rising on the roll of the last billow, to be
caught next moment by a dozen hands, and dragged up the shingle. It
was evening, or rather, verging that way, and from under the magnolia-
trees below the cathedral there came the sound of the band summoning
the inhabitants of Funchal to congregate, chatter, and flirt.

"I think," said Arthur, "that I will ask you to take my things up to
the hotel. I will come by-and-by. I should like the same room I had
before, if it is empty."

"Very good, Mr. Heigham. You will have the place nearly all to
yourself now."

Having seen his baggage depart, Arthur turned, and resisting the
importunities of beggars, guides, and parrot-sellers, who had not yet
recognize