libitum_; and very little else except three challenges, ten writs, and
seventy-four unpaid bills, elegantly disposed around the
looking-glass. To the poor youth's praise be it said, there were no
_billets-doux_, except from the Lady Adeliza herself.

Noting the address of these carefully, the Devil sallied forth, and
nothing but his ignorance of the topography of the hotel, which made
him take the back stairs, saved him from the clutches of two bailiffs
lurking on the principal staircase. Leaping into a cab, he thus
escaped a perfumer and a bootmaker, and shortly found himself at the
Lady Adeliza's feet.

The truth had not been half told him. Such beauty, such wit, such
correctness of principle! Lucifer went forth from her presence a
love-sick fiend. Not Merlin's mother had produced half the impression
upon him; and Adeliza on her part had never found her lover
one-hundredth part so interesting as he seemed that morning.

Lucifer proceeded at once to the City, where, assuming his proper
shape for the occasion, he negotiated a loan without the smallest
difficulty. All debts were promptly discharged, and Adeliza was
astonished at the splendour and variety of the presents she was
constantly receiving.

Lucifer had all but brought her to name the day, when he was informed
that a gentleman of clerical appearance desired to wait upon him.

"Wants money for a new church or mission, I suppose," said he. "Show
him up."

But when the visitor was ushered in, Lucifer found with discomposure
that he was no earthly clergyman, but a celestial saint; a saint, too,
with whom Lucifer had never been able to get on. He had served in the
army while on earth, and his address was curt, precise, and
peremptory.

"I have called," he said, "to notify to you my appointment as
Inspector of Devils."

"What!" exclaimed Lucifer, in consternation. "To the post of my old
friend Michael!"

"Too old," said the Saint laconically. "Millions of years older than
the world. About your age, I think."

Lucifer winced, remembering the particular business he was then about.
The Saint continued:

"I am a new broom, and am expected to sweep clean. I warn you that I
mean to be strict, and there is one little matter which I must set
right immediately. You are going to marry that poor young fellow's
betrothed, are you? Now you know you can not take his wife, unless you
give him yours."

"Oh, my dear friend," exclaimed Lucifer, "what an inexpressibly