At length, when he had reached the proper elevation, he began:-- "There's no man, my dear Harry, speaks apparently more nonsense than I do in ordinary chat and conversation.

For instance, to-day I was very successful in it; but no matter, I hate seriousness, certainly, when there is no necessity for it.

However, as a set-off to that, I pledge you my honor that no man can be more serious when it is necessary than myself.

For instance, you let out a matter to me the other night that you probably forget now.

You needn't stare--I am serious enough and honorable enough to keep as an inviolable secret everything of the kind that a man may happen to disclose in an unguarded moment." "Go on, Hycy, I don't forget it--I don't, upon my soul." "I allude to M'Mahon's farm in Ahadarra." "I don't forget it; but you know, Hycy, my boy, I didn't mention either M'Mahon or Ahadarra." "You certainly did not mention them exactly; but, do you think I did not know at once both the place and the party you allude to?
My word and honor, I saw them at a glance." "Very well, go on with your word and honor;--you are right, I did mean M'Mahon and Ahadarra--proceed, most accomplished, and most moral--" "Be quiet, Harry.