catrice extending on the right cheek from lip
almost to ear; the second, the loss of the little finger of the left
hand, which was cut off at the first joint. As he examined the man a
second and more violent fit of coughing shook him.

"You seem to be very ill," said Lucian, pitying the feebleness of the
poor creature.

"Dying of consumption--one lung gone!" gasped Berwin. "It will soon be
over--the sooner the better."

"With your health, Mr. Berwin, it is sheer madness to dwell in this
rigorous English climate."

"No doubt," replied the man, pouring himself out a tumbler of claret,
"but I can't leave England--I can't leave this house, even; but on the
whole," he added, with a satisfied glance around, "I am not badly
lodged."

Lucian agreed with this speech. The room was furnished in the most
luxurious manner. The prevailing hue was a deep, warm red--carpet,
walls, hangings, and furniture were all of this cheerful tint. The
chairs were deep, and softly cushioned; on the walls were several oil
paintings by celebrated modern artists; there were dwarf bookcases
filled with well-chosen books, and on a small bamboo table near the fire
lay magazines and papers.

The mantelpiece, reaching nearly to the ceiling, was of oak, framing
mirrors of bevelled glass; and on the numerous shelves, cups, saucers,
and vases of old and valuable china were placed. There was also a gilt
clock, a handsome sideboard, and a neat smoking-table, on which stood a
cut-glass spirit-stand and a box of cigars. The whole apartment was
furnished with taste and refinement, and Lucian saw that the man who
owned such luxurious quarters must be possessed of money, as well as the
capability of using it in the most civilised way.

"You have certainly all that the heart of man can desire in the way of
material comforts," said he, looking at the supper table, which, with
its silver and crystal and spotless covering, glittered like a jewel
under the brilliant lamplight. "My only wonder is that you should
furnish one room so finely and leave the others bare."

"My bedroom and bathroom are yonder," replied Berwin, pointing towards
large folding doors draped with velvet curtains, and placed opposite to
the window. "They are as well furnished as this. But how do you know the
rest of this house is bare?"

"I can hardly help knowing it, Mr. Berwin. Your contrast of poverty and
riches is an open secret in this neighbourhood."

"No one has been in my house sa