ithout the smallest difficulty. All
debts were promptly discharged, and Adeliza was astonished at the splendour
and variety of the presents she was constantly receiving.

Lucifer had all but brought her to name the day, when he was informed that
a gentleman of clerical appearance desired to wait upon him.

"Wants money for a new church or mission, I suppose," said he. "Show him
up."

But when the visitor was ushered in, Lucifer found with discomposure that
he was no earthly clergyman, but a celestial saint; a saint, too, with whom
Lucifer had never been able to get on. He had served in the army while on
earth, and his address was curt, precise, and peremptory.

"I have called," he said, "to notify to you my appointment as Inspector of
Devils."

"What!" exclaimed Lucifer, in consternation. "To the post of my old friend
Michael!"

"Too old," said the Saint laconically. "Millions of years older than the
world. About your age, I think?"

Lucifer winced, remembering the particular business he was then about. The
Saint continued:

"I am a new broom, and am expected to sweep clean. I warn you that I mean
to be strict, and there is one little matter which I must set right
immediately. You are going to marry that poor young fellow's betrothed, are
you? Now you know you cannot take his wife, unless you give him yours."

"Oh, my dear friend," exclaimed Lucifer, "what an inexpressibly blissful
prospect you do open unto me!"

"I don't know that," said the Saint. "I must remind you that the dominion
of the infernal regions is unalterably attached to the person of the
present Queen thereof. If you part with her you immediately lose all your
authority and possessions. I don't care a brass button which you do, but
you must understand that you cannot eat your cake and have it too. Good
morning!"

Who shall describe the conflict in Lucifer's bosom? If any stronger passion
existed therein at that moment than attachment to Adeliza, it was aversion
to his consort, and the two combined were well-nigh irresistible. But to
disenthrone himself, to descend to the condition of a poor devil!

Feeling himself incapable of coming to a decision, he sent for Belial,
unfolded the matter, and requested his advice.

"What a shame that our new inspector will not let you marry Adeliza!"
lamented his counsellor. "If you did, my private opinion is that
forty-eight hours afterwards you would care just as much for her as you do
now for Madam Luc