in some Mexican mining affairs too. They 've
all been living very fast; and a crash a real crash" this word he gave
with a force of utterance that only malignity could compass "is almost
certain to follow! What an excellent stable will come to the hammer
then! There 's a 'Bone setter' colt worth a thousand guineas, with his
engagements."

And now there was a little pause in the dialogue, while each followed
out the thoughts of his own mind. Haggerstoue's were upon the admirable
opportunity of picking up a first-rate batch of horses for a fourth
of their value; Mrs. Ricketts was pondering over the good policy of
securing possession of a rich heiress as a member of her family, to be
held in bondage as long as possible, and eventually if it must be given
in marriage to some unprovided-for cousin; the Pole's dreams were of a
rich wife; and Purvis, less ambitious than the rest, merely revelled in
the thought of all the gossip this great event, when it should come off,
would afford him; the innumerable anecdotes he would have to retail of
the family and their wastefulness; the tea-parties he should enliven
by his narratives; the soirees he would amuse with his sallies. Blessed
gift of imbecility! how infinitely more pleasurable to its possessor
than all the qualities and attributes of genius!

"Dat is ver pretty indeed, tres jolie!" said the Count, bestowing a look
of approval at the embroidery-frame, whereupon, for eight mortal months,
poor Martha labored at the emblazonment of the Ricketts' arms; "de
leetle dogs are as de life."

"They are tigers, Monsieur le Comte," replied she, modestly.

"Oh, pardon! dey are tigres!"

"Most puppies are somewhat tigerish nowadays," chimed in Haggerstone,
rising to take his leave.

"You are leaving us early, Colonel," said the old General, as he
awoke from a long nap on the little corner sofa, which formed his
resting-place.

"It is past two, sir; and, even in your society, one cannot cheat time."
Then, having acquitted himself of his debt of impertinence, he wished
them good-night. The others, also, took their leave and departed.

CHAPTER XXII. KATE.

LET us now return to Kate Dalton, whose life, since we last saw her, had
been one round of brilliant enjoyment. To the pleasure of the journey,
with all its varied objects of interest, the picturesque scenery of the
Via Mala, the desolate grandeur of the Splugen, the calm and tranquil
beauty of Como, succeeded the thousand