Mr. Jinks was clad in his habitual costume:  half dandy, half militaire; and when he moved, his great sword rattled against his grasshopper legs in a way terrifying to hear.

Ralph, richly dressed as usual, and reclining in his chair, smiled lazily, and looked at the scowling Mr. Jinks.  The apartment in which the worthies were seated was one possessing the advantages of dormer windows, and an extensive prospect over the roofs of Winchester; the furniture was rough; and in the corner a simple couch stood, whereon Mr. Jinks reposed himself at night.

While the various events which we have lately adverted to have been occurring, Mr. Jinks has not forgotten that triple and grand revenge he swore.

Mr. Jinks has un-christian feelings against three persons, for three reasons: 

First, against Verty:  the cause being that gentleman’s defiance and disregard of himself on various occasions; also his rivalry in love.

Second, against Miss Sallianna:  beautiful and perfidious; the cause:  slights put on his youthful love.

Third, against O’Brallaghan; the cause:  impudence on various occasions, and slanderous reports relating to cabbaged cloth since the period of their dissolving all connection with each other.

Mr. Jinks has revolved, in the depths of his gloomy soul, these darling projects, and has, perforce of his grand faculty of invention, determined upon his course in two out of the three affairs.

Verty annoys him, however.  Mr. Jinks has ceased to think of a brutal, ignoble contest with vulgar fists or weapons ever since the muzzle of Verty’s rifle invaded his ruffles on the morning of his woes.  He would have a revenge worthy of himself—­certain, complete, and above all, quite safe.  Mr. Jinks would wile the affections of Miss Redbud from him, fixing the said affections on himself; but that is not possible, since the young lady in question has gone home, and Apple Orchard is too far to walk.  Still Mr. Jinks does not despair of doing something; and this something is what he seeks and ruminates upon, as the mixed rum and water glides down his throat.

Ralph yawns, laughs, and kicks his heels.

Then he rises; goes to the mantel-piece and gets a pipe; and begins to smoke—­lazier than ever.

Mr. Jinks sets down his cup, and murmurs.

“Hey!” cries Ralph, sending out a cloud of smoke, “what are you groaning about, my dear fellow?”

“I want money,” says Mr. Jinks.

“For what?”

“To buy a horse.”

“A horse?”

Mr. Jinks nods.

“What do you want with a horse?”

“Revenge,” replies Mr. Jinks.

Ralph begins to laugh.

“Oh, yes,” he says, “we spoke of that; against Sallianna.  I’ll assist you, my boy.  The fact is, I have caught the infection of a friend’s sentiments on Sallianna the divine.  I have a cousin who abominates her.  I’ll assist you!”