"You cannot marry me, ma'am," said he, "because
I'm married already."

The woman turned round on him angrily.

"Don't be making any argument with me now," said
she, "for I won't stand it."

The first man looked fiercely at the Philosopher, and
then motioned to his companion.

"Give that man a clout in the jaw," said he.

The second man was preparing to do this when the
woman intervened angrily.

"Keep your hands to yourself," said she, "or it'll be
the worse for you. I'm well able to take care of my
own husband," and she drew nearer and sat between the
Philosopher and the men.

At that moment the Philosopher's cake lost all its
savour, and he packed the remnant into his wallet. They
all sat silently looking at their feet and thinking each
one according to his nature. The Philosopher's mind,
which for the past day had been in eclipse, stirred faintly
to meet these new circumstances, but without much re-
sult. There was a flutter at his heart which was terrify-
ing, but not unpleasant. Quickening through his appre-