And so it wander’d round

From ear to lip, from lip to ear,

Until it reach’d a gentle heart,

And that—it broke.’”

“Bravo, sis! bravo Phœbe!—delivered with fine effect,” said Mr. Tallant. “May I smoke one cigar, just one?”

“With pleasure,” said Phœbe. “What do you say, Amy dear?”

“I have not the smallest objection; I rather like it.”

“It is better than scandal, infinitely,—eh, Miss Somerton?” said Mr. Tallant, lighting a Cabana.

“Much,” said Amy.

“What do you think now,” said Richard, “they have been saying about me?”