their lives in books. Why should he not
be one of them? Why not plunge into study in this delightful
retirement--and perhaps, one day, astonish Regina and Mr. Farnaby
by bursting on the world as the writer of a famous book? Exactly as
Amelius, two days since, had seen himself in the future, a public
lecturer in receipt of glorious fees--so he now saw himself the
celebrated scholar and writer of a new era to come. The woman who showed
the cottage happened to mention that a gentleman had already looked over
it that morning, and had seemed to like it. Amelius instantly gave her
a shilling, and said, "I take it on the spot." The wondering woman
referred him to the house-agent's address, and kept at a safe distance
from the excitable stranger as she let him out. In less than another
hour, Amelius had taken the cottage, and had returned to the hotel with
a new interest in life and a new surprise for Rufus.

As usual, in cases of emergency, the American wasted no time in talking.
He went out at once to see the cottage, and to make his own inquiries
of the agent. The result amply proved that Amelius had not been imposed
upon. If he repented of his bargain, the gentleman who had first seen
the cottage was ready to take it off his hands, at a moment's notice.

Going back to the Hotel, Rufus found Amelius resolute to move into
his new abode, and eager for the coming life of study and retirement.
Knowing perfectly well before-hand how this latter project would end,
the American tried the efficacy of a little worldly temptation. He had
arranged, he said, "to have a good time of it in Paris"; and he proposed
that Amelius should be his companion. The suggestion produced not the
slightest effect; Amelius talked as if he was a confirmed recluse,
in the decline of life. "Thank you," he said, with the most amazing
gravity; "I prefer the company of my books, and the seclusion of my
study." This declaration was followed by more selling-out of money
in the Funds, and by a visit to a bookseller, which left a handsome
pecuniary result inscribed on the right side of the ledger.

On the next day, Amelius presented himself towards two o'clock at Mr.
Farnaby's house. He was not so selfishly absorbed in his own projects
as to forget Mrs. Farnaby. On the contrary, he was honestly anxious for
news of her.

A certain middle-aged man of business has been briefly referred to, in
these pages, as one of Regina's faithful admirers, patiently submitting