se hundred years.
I _am_ surprised it never once occurred to you. Your mind, Planner,
should have grasped it."

"What can it be?"

"We mean to call it the _Pantamorphica_, because it takes all shapes. We
are in treaty now for a hundred acres of land within three miles of
London. We are to have a race-course--public gardens with fountains and
promenades--a gymnasium for callisthenic and other exercises--boating--a
menagerie--a library--lecture-rooms--conservatories"----

"By Jove, I see!" ejaculated Planner. "Capital!--a universal playground;
trust me, I have thought of it before. Go on."

"These are for the daylight. At night we have a concert-room--a
theatre--saloons for dancing--halls for refreshment--museums for
_converzatione_. In the centre of the public walks we have a synagogue,
a church, and chapel for Sabbath visitors. Then we shall have
aviaries--apiaries--caves--alpine scenery"----

"Upon my soul, Wedge, it's a grand conception!" There was a large clock
at the bottom of the stairs which struck twelve, loud enough to awake
the sleeping household; but, strange to say, neither Planner nor his
friend heard a single chime. "Who are your men?" continued Planner.

"Oh, first-rate men! Three of the first London bankers, two of the chief
architects, the richest capitalist in England"----

"What, have you got them all?"

"No, but we mean to ask them to take shares, and to take part in the
direction. They'll jump, sir, at the offer."

"Ah, that they will! What's your capital?"

"Half a million--five thousand shares of a hundred each. It's nothing at
all!"

"No, nothing really. What is your appointment?"

"I am secretary; and I am to have a bonus of five thousand pounds when
the thing is fairly started."

"You well deserve it, Wedge. Ah, sir, I have dreamt of this before!"

"No--have you?"

"It must do, Wedge. It can't help itself. People will be amused--people
will pay for it. Amuse them from morning till night--change the scene
every hour of the day--vary the pleasures. Wedge, you are a national
benefactor."

"It is past twelve," said Wedge hesitatingly, looking at the watch.

"No--is it?" asked Planner, looking at it likewise. "There must be some
mistake. Have you heard the clock strike?"

"No."

"Nor I; my watch is out of order--too fast a great deal. Let us go by
the big clock. Now, when that strikes twelve, Wedge, you shall go home,
and I'll to bed--an understanding is an understanding, Wed