dabblers in science are experimenting with
it at Gresham College. A taste of it means death--a painless, quick
and honorable death. You will have died of a heart seizure. Come,
Robin, let us drink to the honor of the Calverleys."

The poet-earl paused for a little while. Now he was like some seer of
supernal things.

"For look you," said Lord Ufford, "we come of honorable blood. We two
are gentlemen. We have our code, and we may not infringe upon it. Our
code does not invariably square with reason, and I doubt if Scripture
would afford a dependable foundation. So be it! We have our code and
we may not infringe upon it. There have been many Calverleys who did
not fear their God, but there was never any one of them who did not
fear dishonor. I am the head of no less proud a house. As such, I
counsel you to drink and die within the moment. It is not possible a
Calverley survive dishonor. Oh, God!" the poet cried, and his voice
broke; "and what is honor to this clamor within me! Robin, I love you
better than I do this talk of honor! For, Robin, I have loved you
long! so long that what we do to-night will always make life hideous to
me!"

Calverley was not unmoved, but he replied in the tone of daily
intercourse. "It is undoubtedly absurd to perish here, like some
unreasonable adversary of the Borgias. Your device is rather
outrageously horrific, Horace, like a bit out of your own romance--yes,
egad, it is pre-eminently worthy of the author of _The Vassal of
Spalatro_. Still I can understand that it is preferable to having fat
and greasy fellows squander a shilling for the privilege of perching
upon a box while I am being hanged. And I think I shall accept your
toast--

"You will be avenged," Ufford said, simply.

"My dear, as if I ever questioned that! Of course, you will kill
Pevensey first and Umfraville afterward. Only I want to live. For I
was meant to play a joyous role wholeheartedly in the big comedy of
life. So many people find the world a dreary residence," Mr. Calverley
sighed, "that it is really a pity some one of these long-faced
stolidities cannot die now instead of me. For I have found life
wonderful throughout."

The brows of Ufford knit. "Would you consent to live as a transported
felon? I have much money. I need not tell you the last penny is at
your disposal. It might be possible to bribe. Indeed, Lord Bute is
all-powerful to-day and he would perhaps procure a pardon