own similarity to the "ball in a fix" too keenly to appreciate the
interesting character of the amusement, or the coolness of the chief
performer in it; but "Beauty's Solitaire" became a synonym thenceforth
among the Household to typify any very tender passages "sotto quartr'
occhi."

This made his reputation on the town; the ladies called it very wicked,
but were charmed by the Richelieu-like impudence all the same, and
petted the sinner; and from then till now he had held his own with them;
dashing through life very fast, as became the first riding man in the
Brigades, but enjoying it very fully, smoothly, and softly; liking the
world and being liked by it.

To be sure, in the background there was always that ogre of money, and
the beast had a knack of growing bigger and darker every year; but
then, on the other hand, Cecil never looked at him--never thought about
him--knew, too, that he stood just as much behind the chairs of men whom
the world accredited as millionaires, and whenever the ogre gave him a
cold grip, that there was for the moment no escaping, washed away the
touch of it in a warm, fresh draft of pleasure.



CHAPTER II.

THE LOOSE BOX, AND THE TABAGIE.

"How long before the French can come up?" asked Wellington, hearing of
the pursuit that was thundering close on his rear in the most critical
hours of the short, sultry Spanish night. "Half an hour, at least," was