up, and at first supposed some service was going on within it, but on approaching he heard strains of lively and most irreverent music issuing from within.  Pushing open the door, he entered the sacred edifice, and found it occupied by a party of twenty young men, accompanied by a like number of females, some of whom were playing at dice and cards, some drinking, others singing Bacchanalian melodies, others dancing along the aisles to the notes of a theorbo and spinet.  Leonard was so inexpressibly shocked by what he beheld, that unable to contain himself he mounted the steps of the pulpit, and called to them in a loud voice to desist from their scandalous conduct, and no longer profane the house of God.  But they treated his remonstrances with laughter and derision, and some of the party forming themselves into a group round the pulpit, entreated him to preach to them.

“We want a little variety,” said one of the group, a good-looking young man, upon whom the wine had evidently made some impression—­“we are tired of drinking and play, and may as well listen to a sermon, especially an original one.  Hold forth to us, I say.”

“I would, hold forth till daybreak, if I thought it would produce any impression,” returned Leonard.  “But I perceive you are too hardened to be aroused to repentance.”

“Repentance!” cried another of the assemblage.  “Do you know whom you address?  These gentlemen are the Brotherhood of Saint Michael, and I am the principal.  We are determined to enjoy the few days or hours we may have left—­that is all.  We are not afraid of the future, and are resolved to make the most of the present.”

“Ay, ay,” cried the others, with a great shout of laughter, which, however, was interrupted by a cry of anguish from one of the party.

“There is another person seized,” said the principal; “take him away, brothers.  This is owing to listening to a sermon.  Let us return to our wine.”

“Will you not accept this awful warning?” cried Leonard.  “You will all share your companion’s fate.”

“We anticipate nothing else,” returned the principal; “and are therefore resolved to banish reflection.  A week ago, the Brotherhood of Saint Michael consisted of forty persons.  We are already diminished to half the number, but are not the less merry on that account.  On the contrary, we are more jovial than ever.  We have agreed that whoever shall be seized with the distemper, shall be instantly conveyed to the pest-house, so that the hilarity of the others shall not be interrupted.  The poor fellow who has just been attacked has left behind him a beautiful mistress.  She is yours if you choose to join us.”

“Ay, stop with us,” cried a young and very pretty woman, taking his hand and drawing him towards the company who were dancing beneath the aisles.