view Mr. Morris surprised
him still more than on the first. The easy elegance of his manners, the
distinction, amiability, and courage that appeared upon his features,
fitted very ill with the Lieutenant's preconceptions on the subject of
the proprietor of a hell; and the tone of his conversation seemed to
mark him out for a man of position and merit. Brackenbury found he had
an instinctive liking for his entertainer; and though he chid himself
for the weakness, he was unable to resist a sort of friendly attraction
for Mr. Morris's person and character.

"I have heard of you, Lieutenant Rich," said Mr. Morris, lowering his
tone; "and believe me I am gratified to make your acquaintance. Your
looks accord with the reputation that has preceded you from India. And
if you will forget for a while the irregularity of your presentation in
my house, I shall feel it not only an honour, but a genuine pleasure
besides. A man who makes a mouthful of barbarian cavaliers," he added
with a laugh, "should not be appalled by a breach of etiquette, however
serious."

And he led him towards the sideboard and pressed him to partake of some
refreshment.

"Upon my word," the Lieutenant reflected, "this is one of the
pleasantest fellows and, I do not doubt, one of the most agreeable
societies in London."

He partook of some champagne, which he found excellent; and observing
that many of the company were already smoking, he lit one of his own
Manillas, and strolled up to the roulette-board, where he sometimes made
a stake and sometimes looked on smilingly on the fortune of others. It
was while he was thus idling that he became aware of a sharp scrutiny to
which the whole of the guests were subjected. Mr. Morris went here and
there, ostensibly busied on hospitable concerns; but he had ever a
shrewd glance at disposal; not a man of the party escaped his sudden,
searching looks; he took stock of the bearing of heavy losers, he valued
the amount of the stakes, he paused behind couples who were deep in
conversation; and, in a word, there was hardly a characteristic of any
one present but he seemed to catch and make a note of it. Brackenbury
began to wonder if this were indeed a gambling-hell: it had so much the
air of a private inquisition. He followed Mr. Morris in all his
movements; and although the man had a ready smile, he seemed to
perceive, as it were under a mask, a haggard, careworn, and preoccupied
spirit. The fellows around him laughe