njoyed a fortune and an enviable reputation for
philanthropy, thanks to the combination of glucose, vitriol and other
chemicals which he prepared under the humorous pretext of manufacturing
beer--wrung high encomiums from Mr. Sheridan.

"The proceeds of these endeavors," Miss Ogle added, "are
conscientiously devoted to ameliorating the condition of meritorious
paupers. I would be happy to submit to you our annual report. Then
you may judge for yourself how many families we have snatched from the
depths of poverty and habitual intoxication to the comparative comfort
of a vine-embowered cottage."

Mr. Sheridan replied: "I have not ever known of any case where
adoration needed an affidavit for foundation. Oh, no, incomparable
Esther Jane! I am not in a position to be solaced by the reports of a
corresponding secretary. I gave my heart long since; to-night I fling
my confidence into the bargain; and am resolved to serve wholeheartedly
the cause to which you are devoted. In consequence, I venture to
propose my name for membership in the enterprise you advocate and
indescribably adorn."

Miss Ogle was all one blush, such was the fervor of his utterance.
"But first you must win your spurs, Mr. Sheridan. I confess you are
not abhorrent to me," she hurried on, "for you are the most
fascinatingly hideous man I have ever seen; and it was always the
apprehension that you might look on burglary as an unmaidenly avocation
which has compelled me to discourage your addresses. Now all is plain;
and should you happen to distinguish yourself in robbery of the
criminally opulent, you will have, I believe, no reason to complain of
a twelfth refusal. I cannot modestly say more."

He laughed. "It is a bargain. We will agree that I bereave some
person of either stolen or unearned property, say, to the value of
L10,000----" And with his usual carefulness in such matters, Mr.
Sheridan entered the wager in his notebook.

She yielded him her hand in token of assent. And he, depend upon it,
kissed that velvet trifle fondly.

"And now," said Mr. Sheridan, "to-morrow we will visit Bemerside and
obtain possession of that crystal which is in train to render me the
happiest of men. The task will be an easy one, as Eiran is now in
England, and his servants for the most part are my familiars."

"I agree to your proposal," she answered. "But this diamond is my
allotted quarry; and any assistance you may render me in procuring it
wil