much of the wretchedness and misery that we
see in the homes of our friends. For my part I am committed to
the doctrine of affinities. It is true that I, like many others,
was guilty of the usual folly in my youth, and perhaps that gave
me the wisdom to wait for my second venture until precisely the
fight party came along. Matrimony, Bunsey, is an exact science.
If we regulate our passion, control all silly emotion, study
feminine nature as critically and methodically as we investigate
a mathematical problem, and commit ourselves only when the
affinity presents herself, we shall make no mistakes. For, after
all, what is an affinity? Nothing more than a human being sent by
Providence as perfectly adapted to the wheels and curves of your
nature."

"A very pretty theory," retorted Bunsey, grimly; "and, by the
way, when do you think of rushing into matrimony?"

"Really," I said, somewhat confused, "to be entirely honest with
you, I have not settled on any particular day. You see Phyllis
should have her fling. She is very young."

"True, but you are not."

As Bunsey said this he rose and tossed his cigar out of the
window. "Stanhope," he went on, "we are old friends, and I don't
wish to be continually seeming to interfere with your business,
but if I were a man with fifty years leering hideously at me, and
engaged to a pretty girl of two and twenty, I'd make quick work
of it before Providence came along with a younger affinity in a
Panama hat, negligee shirt, and duck trousers."

I stared at him with a sort of helpless amazement. "Exactly what
do you mean?" I asked.

"Well," he answered, shrugging his shoulders, "at the risk of
being kicked out of the house, let me say that I think such an
affinity has already presented himself."

"Indeed, and who may that be?"

"Suppose we say Frederick."

"My nephew?"

"Exactly; your nephew. He is an uncommonly good-looking fellow,
and, thanks to his uncle's childlike belief in Providence and
the doctrine of affinities, he has most unusual opportunities to
test that doctrine for himself. I dare say that he is making a
formal study of the situation at this very moment, and inviting
Providence to appear on the scene as his sponsor."

What more was said at this interview, if, indeed, it did
not terminate with this brutal statement, I cannot recall,
for Bunsey, usually so flippant and cynical, spoke with an
earnestness that stunned me. My knowledge of the philosophy of
love