ourt, with assumed calm, "every man's fortune in
life is at the sport of some petty incident or other, which at the time
he undervalues."

"And then we scoff at those men who scrutinize each move, and hesitate
over every step in life, as triflers and little-minded; while, if your
remark be just, it is exactly they who are the wise and prudent," cried
Glencore, with warmth. "Had I, for instance, seen this occurrence,
trivial as it was, in its true light, what and where might I not have
been to-day?"

"My dear Glencore, the luckiest fellow that ever lived, were he only to
cast a look back on opportunities neglected, and conjunctures unprofited
by, would be sure to be miserable. I am far from saying that some have
not more than their share of the world's sorrows; but, take my word for
it, every one has his load, be it greater or less; and, what is worse,
we all of us carry our burdens with as much inconvenience to ourselves
as we can."

"I know what you would say, Harcourt. It is the old story about giving
way to passion, and suffering temper to get the better of one; but let
me tell you that there are trials where passion is an instinct, and
reason works too slowly. I have experienced such as this."

"Give yourself but fair play, Glencore, and you will surmount all your
troubles. Come back into the world again,--I don't mean this world of
balls and dinner-parties, of morning calls and afternoons in the Park;
but a really active, stirring life. Come with me to India, and let us
have a raid amongst the jaguars; mix with the pleasant, light-hearted
fellows you 'll meet at every mess, who ask for nothing better than
their own good spirits and good health, to content them with the
world; just look out upon life, and see what numbers are struggling and
swimming for existence, while you, at least, have competence and wealth
for all you wish; and bear in mind that round the table where wit is
flashing and the merriest laughter rings, there is not a man--no, not
one--who hasn't a something heavy in his heart, but yet who'd feel
himself a coward if his face confessed it."

"And why am I to put this mask upon me? For what and for whom have I to
wear this disguise?" cried Glencore, angrily.

"For yourself! It is in bearing up manfully before the world you'll
gain the courage to sustain your own heart. Ay, Glencore, you 'll do
it to-morrow. In the presence of royalty you 'll comport yourself with
dignity and reserve, and you 'l