offspring, and so we may ascend the scale, from the threescore and ten of the Psalmist to the immortality of which we speak.  Indeed I, for my own part, believe the operation has already commenced, although thousands of centuries may elapse before it is consummated; the threescore and ten of the Psalmist is already obsolete; the whole world is talking of the general change of its seasons and its atmosphere.  If the origin of America were such as many profound philosophers suppose, viz., a sudden emersion of a new continent from the waves, it is impossible to doubt that such an event must have had a very great influence on the climate of the world.  Besides, why should we be surprised that the nature of man should change?  Does not everything change?  Is not change the law of nature?  My skin changes every year, my hair never belongs to me a month, the nail on my hand is only a passing possession.  I doubt whether a man at fifty is the same material being that he is at five-and-twenty.’

‘I wonder,’ said Lord Cadurcis, ’if a creditor brought an action against you at fifty for goods delivered at five-and-twenty, one could set up the want of identity as a plea in bar.  It would be a consolation to an elderly gentleman.’

‘I am afraid mankind are too hostile to philosophy,’ said Herbert, smiling, ‘to permit so desirable a consummation.’

‘Should you consider a long life a blessing?’ said Cadurcis.  ’Would you like, for instance, to live to the age of Methusalem?’

‘Those whom the gods love die young,’ said Herbert.  ’For the last twenty years I have wished to die, and I have sought death.  But my feelings, I confess, on that head are at present very much modified.’

‘Youth, glittering youth!’ said Cadurcis in a musing tone; ’I remember when the prospect of losing my youth frightened me out of my wits; I dreamt of nothing but grey hairs, a paunch, and the gout or the gravel.  But I fancy every period of life has its pleasures, and as we advance in life the exercise of power and the possession of wealth must be great consolations to the majority; we bully our children and hoard our cash.’

‘Two most noble occupations!’ said Herbert; ’but I think in this world there is just as good a chance of being bullied by our children first, and paying their debts afterwards.’

‘Faith! you are right,’ said Cadurcis, laughing, ’and lucky is he who has neither creditors nor offspring, and who owes neither money nor affection, after all the most difficult to pay of the two.’

‘It cannot be commanded, certainly,’ said Herbert ’There is no usury for love.’

’And yet it is very expensive, too, sometimes, said Cadurcis, laughing.  ‘For my part, sympathy is a puzzler.’

‘You should read Cabanis,’ said Herbert, ’if indeed, you have not.  I think I may find it here; I will lend it you.  It has, from its subject, many errors, but it is very suggestive.’