It was the manner of the man to be so,--if that continual playfulness which was natural to him, lying over a melancholy which was as continual, be compatible with jollity.

He laughed, and ate, and drank, and threw his pearls about with miraculous profusion.

But I fancy that he was far from happy.

I remember once, when I was young, receiving advice as to the manner in which I had better spend my evenings; I was told that I ought to go home, drink tea, and read good books.

It was excellent advice, but I found that the reading of good books in solitude was not an occupation congenial to me.