ortunity to find out
later. Meantime, this dual condition was productive of not a little
harmless entertainment to Mr. Helwyse, at times when persons less
happily organized would become victims of ennui. Be the conditions
what they might, he was never without a companion, whose ways he knew,
and whom he was yet never weary of questioning and studying. No
subject so dull that its different aspects, as viewed from soul and
from body, would not give it piquancy. No question so trivial that its
discussion on material and on spiritual grounds would not lend it
importance. Nor was any enjoyment so keen as not to be enhanced by the
contrast of its physical with its psychical phase.

Waking up, therefore, on this May morning, and being in a charming
humor, he chose to look upon himself as the proprietor of a
body-servant, and to give his orders with patrician imperiousness. The
obedient menial, then,--to resume the thread,--sprang upon the
tub-trunk, whipped off the lid, and discharged the contents upon the
bed in a twinkling. This done, he stepped to the bell-rope, and lent
it a vigorous jerk, soon answered by a brisk tapping at the door.

"Please, sir, did you ring?"

"Indeed I did, my dear. Are you the pretty chambermaid?"

This bold venture is met by silence, only modified by a low delighted
giggle. Presently,--"Did you want anything, sir, please?"

"Ever so many things, my girl; more than my life is long enough to
tell! First, though, I want to apologize for addressing you from
behind a closed door; but circumstances which I can neither explain
nor overcome forbid my opening it. Next, two pails of the best cold
water at your earliest convenience. Hurry, now, there's a Hebe!"

"Very good, sir," giggles Hebe, retreating down passage.

It is to be supposed that it was the plebeian body-servant that
carried on this unideal conversation, and that the patrician soul had
nothing to do with it. The ability to lay the burden of lapses from
good taste, and other goods, upon the shoulders of the flesh, is
sometimes convenient and comforting.

Balder Helwyse, master and man, turns away from the door, and catches
sight of a white-robed, hairy-headed reflection in the looking-glass,
the phantom face of which at once expands in a genial expression of
mirth; an impalpable arm is outstretched, and the mouth seems thus to
speak:--

"Stick to your bath, my good fellow, and the evil things of this life
shall not get hold of you. Wa