will be a more manly one
to follow. And if I am to linger on to that period of life when to look
back is nearly all that's left us--why, then, the retrospect will be
less dashed with shame than with such a career as this is. Meanwhile,
my boy, the decanter is with you, so fill your glass; I 'll join you
presently.'

As he spoke, O'Grady sprang up and walked to the other end of the room,
where a party of some half-dozen persons were engaged in putting on
greatcoats, and buttoning up previous to departure. In an instant I
could hear his voice high above the rest--that cheerful ringing tone
that seemed the very tocsin of a happy heart--while at some observation
he made, the whole party around him were convulsed with laughter. In the
midst of all this he drew one of them aside, and conversing eagerly with
him for a few seconds, pointed to me as he spoke.

'Thank you, my lord, thank you,' said he, as he turned away. 'I'll be
answerable for my friend. Now, Hinton,' whispered he, as he leaned his
hand upon my shoulder and bent over me, 'we 're in luck to-night, at all
events, for I have just got permission to bring you with me where I
am to spend the evening. It's no small favour if you knew but all; so
finish your wine, for my friends there are moving already.'

All my endeavours to ascertain where we were going, or to whose house,
were in vain; the only thing I could learn was, that my admission was a
prodigious favour--while to satisfy my scruples about dress he informed
me that no change of costume was necessary.

'I perceive,' said O'Grady, as he drew the curtain and looked out into
the street, 'the night is fine and starlight; so what say you if we
walk? I must tell you, however, our place of rendezvous is somewhat
distant.'

Agreeing to the proposition with pleasure, I took his arm, and we
sallied forth together. Our way led at first through a most crowded and
frequented part of the capital We traversed Dame Street, passed by the
Castle, and ascended a steep street beyond it; after this we took a
turning to the left, and entered a part of the city, to me at least,
utterly unknown. For about half an hour we continued to wander on, now
to the right, now to the left, the streets becoming gradually narrower,
less frequented, and less lighted; the shops were all closed, and few
persons stirred in the remote thoroughfares.

'I fear I must have made a mistake,' said O'Grady, endeavouring to take
a short cut; 'but here c