The following conversation may serve to explain to our readers this apparently unaccountable alteration of deportment on the part of Mr. Tracy Tupman.

The time was evening; the scene the garden. There were two figures walking in a side path; one was rather short and stout; the other tall and slim. They were Mr. Tupman and Mr. Jingle. The stout figure commenced the dialogue.

“How did I do it?” he inquired.

“Splendid⁠—capital⁠—couldn’t act better myself⁠—you must repeat the part tomorrow⁠—every evening till further notice.”

“Does Rachael still wish it?”