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Rh that you do. I thought all you gay cavaliers had a thousand of these pleasant adventures, each dismissed more easily than the other.'

"'But I tell you I have been crazy enough to marry her.'

"'For the time. Why, a farewell letter, and a confession that your marriage is not legal in your own country, settles the business.'

"'Arden, you are my better angel. But suppose they follow me to England?'

"'The most unlikely thing in the world; England to them is at the other end of the earth. Women never doubt what a lover says; so Beatrice will take you at your word. And Carrara, except in his own peculiar studies, is as ignorant as a child. Besides, I will confirm the assertion, hint that you might hang him up with the crows in England, and will enforce my words with proper exclamations of horror, sorrow, and sympathy.'

"'Arden, you are my best friend. But poor Beatrice—so beautiful, so confiding, so loving!'

"'Very true. But are you quite sure these very estimable qualities are only called into existence by yourself? I am much mistaken if the pretty Beatrice will be left quite destitute of consolation. You flatter yourself.'