of bread on the shelf. I decline the temptation. It is not becoming at

my age. Turpe senilis amor. I will follow my way alone with Homo. How

astonished Homo will be! Where is Gwynplaine? Where is Dea? Old comrade,

here we are once more alone together. Plague take it! I'm delighted.

Their bucolics were an encumbrance. Oh! that scamp Gwynplaine, who is

never coming back. He has left us stuck here. I say 'All right.' And

now 'tis Dea's turn. That won't be long. I like things to be done with.

I would not snap my fingers to stop her dying--her dying, I tell you!

See, she awakes!"

Dea opened her eyelids; many blind persons shut them when they sleep.

Her sweet unwitting face wore all its usual radiance.

She smiles," whispered Ursus, "and I laugh. That is as it should be."

Dea called,--

"Fibi! Vinos! It must be the time for the performance. I think I have

been asleep a long time. Come and dress me."

Neither Fibi nor Vinos moved.

Meanwhile the ineffable blind look of Dea's eyes met those of Ursus. He

started.

Well!" he cried; "what are you about? Vinos! Fibi! Do you not hear your

mistress? Are you deaf? Quick! the play is going to begin."

The Man Who Laughs