It is
pleasant to ignore the Commandments and enjoy the full liberty of a
debauched conscience. But there are attendant evils. It costs money and
wears out the constitution."

"I should have thought that you had never felt the latter evil."

"The money goes first, no doubt. This, however, must surely be clear. A
man should make up his mind and not shilly-shally between the two."

"I should have thought you had made up your mind very absolutely."

"I thought so, too, Adelaide, till I knew Lady George Germain. I'll
tell you what I feel about her now. If I could have any hope that he
would die I would put myself into some reformatory to fit myself to be
her second husband."

"Good heavens!"

"That is one idea that I have. Another is to cut his throat, and take
my chance with the widow. She is simply the only woman I ever saw that
I have liked all round."

"You come and tell me this, knowing what I think of her."

"Why shouldn't I tell you? You don't want me to make love to you?"

"But a woman never cares to hear all these praises of another."

"It was you began it, and if I do speak of her I shall tell the truth.
There is a freshness as of uncut flowers about her."

"Psha! Worms and grubs!"

"And when she laughs one dreams of a chaste Venus."

"My heavens, Jack! You should publish all that!"

"The dimples on her cheeks are so alluring that I would give my
commission to touch them once with my finger. When I first knew her I
thought that the time would come when I might touch them. Now I feel
that I would not commit such an outrage to save myself from being
cashiered."

"Shall I tell you what you ought to do?"

"Hang myself."

"Just say to her all that you have said to me. You would soon find that
her dimples are not more holy than another's."

"You think so."

"Of course I think so. The only thing that puzzles me is that you, Jack
De Baron, should be led away to such idolatry. Why should she be
different from others? Her father is a money-loving, selfish old
reprobate, who was born in a stable. She married the first man that was
brought to her, and has never cared for him because he does not laugh,
and dance, and enjoy himself after her fashion. I don't suppose she is
capable of caring very much for anybody, but she likes you better than
any one else. Have you seen her since the row at Mrs. Jones's?"

"No."

"You have not been, then?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because I don't think she would wis