approximation to nature, he actually experiences something of the pain he sees inflicted, and feels something of the joy or sorrow which the denouement affords. Whatever can excite smiles and tears cannot fail to gratify, and the more consummately perfected the delusion, the pleasure will be the greater.

"There is no description of genius so enchanting, yet transitory, as the histrionicthat genius which in such full measure was given to Garrick, to Siddons, and Kemble, and so long as the effect continues, the beholder is fascinated, spell-bound! There can be nothing of that barbarism of which you speak in those gifted attributes, by which Mrs. Siddons exquisitely delineated the convulsions and machinations which operate from time to time in human bosoms. To reveal passions, essence to electrify by a word or gesture-to fling the very scintillations of the soul's fire to those who hear and behold-to throw a kind of reality into what is known as a delusion-by emphasis and a suiting of the word to the action, and the

The

action to the word, to paint a moral or tell a precept, and print it on the memory for ever -require a combination of qualities, a kind. of genius, belonging to the highest order of human faculties, and which when felicitously exerted, could not fail to afford gratification to the most refined understanding. finely modulated strains of music are but momentary and fleeting; by a voluptuous softness, they entrance and ravish the earbut this species of entertainment becomes more sought after during the effeminacy and decline of a nation, than during that period of verile vigour, public patriotism, and social greatness, wherein the high destinies of national prosperity are founded."

"Fitzgerald, my dear fellow, that heterogeneous mixture of esculent vegetables, shell-fish, and the adjuncts, requires a something to qualify it-allow me to present to your notice this very choice Madeira. A few glasses will carry you an octave higher than even Mademoiselle's carolling notes could quaver," said Inglis, to the interruption of the dramatic dialogue.

"With pleasure will I act up to your recommendation, Jemmy," answered Fitzgerald, filling his glass, and then with seeming gusto draining the contents.

When supper was concluded, one of this gay and gladsome quartette made the trifling remark that it was decidedly too early to adjourn; and deferentially asked his companions their opinion, as to the propriety of a single rubber before they departed.

"With all my heart," said one.

"Shall have great pleasure," replied a second.

"Undoubtedly there's time enough," answered the third.

They simultaneously rose from the remnants of lobster salad, scolloped oysters, and the etceteras, and followed the waiter up stairs, to a snug out-of-the-way little room, which, from its construction, verily appeared as if the architect had contrived it with a special reference to whist.

"Now my good friends," said Puffendoff very blandly, and very accommodatingly, "what say you-five guinea points ?"

Five guinea points were agreed to, and after calling for partners, the chances fell to the Count and Fitzgerald, his Lordship and Inglis. With all the earnest determination of veteran players the party commenced the game-not a word more than was absolutely demanded, escaped the lips of any, and each gathered up, sorted, and played his cards, with a zeal, and in a spirit of abstraction worthy of a better cause. The rubber was finished, and another, and another; Squanderfield and Inglis lost almost every deal. Punch and brandy were sought as allies in order to ensure better luck. His lordship and Inglis determined to retrieve this ill fortune, and challenged their conquerors to double the points. They agreed, and Inglis and his noble friend were somewhat more successful. To go home was now out of the question-large sums began to change hands, and the excited gamesters played with more eagerness than ever.

Thus did hour after hour steal away until the gay light of the morning began to stream through the crevices of the shutters, and the

rumble of vehicles, and the loud and monotonous voices of street criers, intimated the resuscitation of light and life, and told that another day had broke upon the great city of the world, with all its tumultuous scenes of business and pleasure-thronging crowds, and many hued vocations. On the floor two heaps of cards had risen like mimic mountains, and every game added to their apical increase. The four sat on with countenances somewhat pallid and unquestionably full of thought. Broad day-light superseded the necessity of candles, but they did. not desist. Inglis looked haggard, and. Squanderfield serious-notes and cheque books lay on the table, and deal succeeded deal-game, game. Breakfast was brought, but so eager and anxious were the players, that they scarcely allowed themselves time to swallow a repast. Under all the impelling and impetuous influences of hope and fear, their seats at the gambling table were resumed. The dull and dreary day wore on, and they now not only increased the points but bet large sums on the chances. Inglis and