ld be absurd. It would result in no benefit to anyone, simply
in misery to himself. The true Richard Devine was buried fathoms deep
in the greedy ocean of convict-discipline, and the waves of innumerable
punishments washed over him. John Rex flattered himself that he had
usurped the name of one who was in fact no living man, and that, unless
one should rise from the dead, Richard Devine could never return to
accuse him. So flattering himself, he gradually became bolder, and by
slow degrees suffered his true nature to appear. He was violent to the
servants, cruel to dogs and horses, often wantonly coarse in speech,
and brutally regardless of the feelings of others. Governed, like most
women, solely by her feelings, Lady Devine had at first been prodigal
of her affection to the man she believed to be her injured son. But his
rash acts of selfishness, his habits of grossness and self-indulgence,
gradually disgusted her. For some time she--poor woman--fought against
this feeling, endeavouring to overcome her instincts of distaste, and
arguing with herself that to permit a detestation of her unfortunate son
to arise in her heart was almost criminal; but she was at length forced
to succumb.

For the first year Mr. Richard conducted himself with great propriety,
but as his circle of acquaintance and his confidence in himself
increased, he now and then forgot the part he was playing. One day Mr.
Richard went to pass the day with a sporting friend, only too proud to
see at his table so wealthy and wonderful a man. Mr. Richard drank a
good deal more than was good for him, and returned home in a condition
of disgusting drunkenness. I say disgusting, because some folks have the
art of getting drunk after a humorous fashion, that robs intoxication of
half its grossness. For John Rex to be drunk was to be himself--coarse
and cruel. Francis Wade was away, and Lady Devine had retired for
the night, when the dog-cart brought home "Mr. Richard". The virtuous
butler-porter, who opened the door, received a blow in the chest and
a demand for "Brandy!" The groom was cursed, and ordered to instant
oblivion. Mr. Richard stumbled into the dining-room--veiled in dim light
as a dining-room which was "sitting up" for its master ought to be--and
ordered "more candles!" The candles were brought, after some delay, and
Mr. Richard amused himself by spilling their meltings upon the carpet.
"Let's have 'luminashon!" he cried; and climbing with muddy boot