After All;

men are sitting in a richly-furnished room , in earnest and excited conversation . Between them is the corner of a table , on which are placed a couple of glasses , and as many decanters , the former full of a red liquor , the latter nearly empty . Evidently they had both been freely imbibing the wine in front of them , especially the younger man ; but , still , they cast cautious glances around as they continued their conversation with renewed vigour . Every little rustle

appeared to disturb and alarm them , and they would get up and peep behind the heavy curtains and underneath the furniture , as if fearful lest some intruder should have been present and overheard them . " You credit him with more honour than he possesses , " said the older one ; "he will yield to it like a child . Besides , he is no friend of yours , and has often cast a stigma on your name . His very action with your fiancee should

have told you all this before now , " continued the speaker , insinuatingly . " Yes ; curse him ! That ' s where it galls me , " answered the other , bitterly . " Of course ; and you must remember , too , it is the old man ' s wish ancl suspicion as well as mine , ancl must now be carried out . " "Yes , but all at your instigation . " " Well , you know I don't bear him any love , but if he falls into the snare

it will be his own voluntary fault . " " I don't see it exactly in that light myself ; and it seems hard lines on the poor fellow , though I do hate him . " " Yes ; but look at the triumph , look at the prize , rightfully yours , taken away under your very nose . Depend upon it he deserves it . " " Damme , but its a scurvy trick , ancl I don't like it ; but something must

be done , and all's fair in love ancl war . " " Decidedly . That ' s a sensible view of the question ; and then , remember , there isn't the slightest risk of being detected . The old man acts entirel y under my direction , and is easily led off the scent . So we shall have it all our own way , reap the benefit , and laugh in our sleeves at short-si ghted humanity . "

" I don't half like it ; but I suppose it must be done . " " Certainly it must , and speedily , unless you wish to see the usurper marry her and carry all before him , after you have so nearly won the prize yourself . "

" Damme ! it shall be clone ! Torment me with no more arguments . I banish all my scruples to the devil . Miserable tempter , you have made me mad ; you have gained my assistance in your vile plots—you , who have no other motive than a petty revenge ; while I am goaded to desperation b y the unrequited passion of love , " said the younger one , wildly , inflamed by the wine he had imbibed . And then , in more cautious tones , he added , " But I am with youcount on my assistance" and he drained off another lass of the

, , g deceitful liquor . All this time the eyes of the elder man glittered from beneath his heavy brows as he gleefully watched the effect of his words , as the other worked himself into a passion over his real or supposed injuries . All his mental suffering seemed to be enjoyment to him , ancl he administered his poison in small doses , being by no means anxious to shorten the agony of his victim . It was

a picture worthy the inimitable pen of a Dickens to portray , or the unique pencil of a Hogarth to delineate . On the one hand , there was the disappointed , dissipated youth of fashion , reluctantly yielding his vacillating will to the committal of a cowardly crime ; on the other hand , sat the hardened hypocrite , the deep lines on whose deceitful face told of a vindictive nature that had long forgotten all interests but those connected with selfancl whose

sinis-, ter smile seemed to be gloating over his prey with moistened lip . After a short silence , during which many conflicting emotions were experienced b y the worthy couple ( co-partners in the same object , but with very different feelings ) , the elder spoke again :