'Ah, well,' he said, casting aside his momentary gloom; 'it's all a game, and wot's the odds so long as yer 'appy.

'Ave a wet ?' "I declined the wet, and left him playing sentimental airs to himself upon the concertina.
"One afternoon, about a month later, the servant came to me with a card on which was engraved the name of 'Mr.Joseph Smythe.' I requested her to show him up.

He entered with his usual air of languid superciliousness, and seated himself in a graceful attitude upon the sofa.
"'Well,' I said, as soon as the girl had closed the door behind her, 'so you've got rid of Smith ?' "A sickly smile passed over his face.

'You have not mentioned it to any one ?' he asked anxiously.
"'Not to a soul,' I replied; 'though I confess I often feel tempted to.' "'I sincerely trust you never will,' he said, in a tone of alarm.

'You can have no conception of the misery the whole thing causes me.