pleasant to him as poverty had always been. Argentine, after
some little consideration, came to the conclusion that dining,
regarded as a fine art, was perhaps the most amusing pursuit
open to fallen humanity, and thus his dinners became famous in
London, and an invitation to his table a thing covetously
desired. After ten years of lordship and dinners Argentine
still declined to be jaded, still persisted in enjoying life,
and by a kind of infection had become recognized as the cause of
joy in others, in short, as the best of company. His sudden and
tragical death therefore caused a wide and deep sensation.
People could scarcely believe it, even though the newspaper was
before their eyes, and the cry of "Mysterious Death of a
Nobleman" came ringing up from the street. But there stood the
brief paragraph: "Lord Argentine was found dead this morning by
his valet under distressing circumstances. It is stated that
there can be no doubt that his lordship committed suicide,
though no motive can be assigned for the act. The deceased
nobleman was widely known in society, and much liked for his
genial manner and sumptuous hospitality. He is succeeded by,"
etc., etc.

By slow degrees the details came to light, but the case
still remained a mystery. The chief witness at the inquest was
the deceased's valet, who said that the night before his death
Lord Argentine had dined with a lady of good position, whose
named was suppressed in the newspaper reports. At about eleven
o'clock Lord Argentine had returned, and informed his man that
he should not require his services till the next morning. A
little later the valet had occasion to cross the hall and was
somewhat astonished to see his master quietly letting himself