will believe I had no malice in what I utter'd, when I concluded by observing"the goodness of their hearts made ample amends for any little deficiency there might be in their heads." "So far I am satisfied," replied O'Brad ley; "but my other cause of complaint is of a more serious nature-The lady, Mr. Travers-how will you get over that?" "Without some farther elucidation on your part, I shall be hamper'd-as I am ignorant who the lady is, between whom and yourself I stand.” "Indeed!--Don't you know Mrs. Bentinck, of Upper Baker-Street? Your visits are pretty frequent, considering you have no knowledge of the dear little crature." "Here your accusation is brought with more justice. I, certainly, have the pleasure to be on terms of the strictest intimacy, and the strictest honor, with that lady. To the present moment I have been unconscious of any pretensions you might have there; but, had I known them, I will tell you with the like candor, that (while my hopes flatter'd me with success) they would not have intimidated me in the pursuit. If this be your ground of quarrel, Sir Arthur, you may seek your remedy, for I shall, atsuredly, give you the meeting you have required, rather than give you the lady." Upon my faith! young jontleman, you speak fairly and openly," rejoin'd the baronet. "I had been taught to believe you had dealt rather unfairly, with regard to the lady in question. As it is, let him wear her, who wins her-every young fellow, like you and myself, is after a petticoat-and the loser must consider his fortune " as the fortune of war;' as we say in French-I ask your pardon for my suspicions; and entreat that we may dine, together, at the Prince of Wales.-I have, Irishman-like, a bad head; but I don't care if that were found in the next kennel, so long as my heart stays where it ought to be; and, believe me, Mr. Travers, I had much rather draw a dozen corks with a man, in the way of friendship, than one trigger against him, as an enemy." "I am satisfied," quoth Philip; and, as it is much pleasanter to smell roast beef than powder, we'll meet you, there, at your own time." Say five for half-past, and let dinner be on table at six, precisely, if you plaise, for I like to be punctual." The parties met; and a good dinner, and a batch of claret, terminated the quarrel. Sir Arthur gave the health of Mrs. Bentinck, as the future Lady O'Bradley, while Philip toasted her as his destined wife, and, inwardly, enjoy'd the triumph he should have over his rival. "Mark the sequel, Master Brook !" CHAPTER IT. Who was the cause of a long ten years' siege, Revenge, impatient, rose! OTWAY. COLLINS. TRAVERS call'd on his mistress, one morning; and, as usual, ran up into the drawingroom, un-announced. Isabella was not there; but an open letter lay upon the table, on which his eye glanced, and he saw his own name, coupled with the epithet of "dupe." The hand was evidently his friend's, Lord Vulture-the superscription. to" Mrs. Bentinck." His curiosity was excited-his fears took alarm-and, after some hesitation, he read the letter. Thus it ran "Let me congratulate thee, my lovely Queen of Duplicity !-Our plan is nearly brought to perfection—that ridiculous dupe, Travers, gorges my bait with the avidity of a gudgeon. The sooner the marriage is solemnised (and a solemn business it will be to him) the better; and with what sincerity shall I wish him joy of his amiable bride— of thee, my once-adored, and still-dear Isabella!-Who will no longer live in fear of bailiffs, from whose taking ways the legislature, with the shield of matrimony, defends thy happy sex. But, to return to Travers. I have lent him five hundred pounds-most of which (if not all) is gone by this time; and for which, so soon as the happy knot is tied, I'll lay him by the heels. This, with thy debts as detainers, will insure him a snug retreat, until death, or an act of grace, releases him; and will take a burthen off my shoulders which, you know, I am incapable to bear. At worst, 'twill but be the biter bit;' for never would |