VANCE.--"And not pay your share of the bill yonder?"

LIONEL.--"Ah, I forgot that! But come, I am not too proud to borrow
from you: it is not for a selfish purpose."

VANCE.--"Borrow from me, Cato! That comes of falling in with bandits
and their children. No; but let us look at the thing like men of sense.
One story is good till another is told. I will call by myself on Rugge
to-morrow, and hear what he says; and then, if we judge favourably of the
Cobbler's version, we will go at night and talk with the Cobbler's
lodgers; and I dare say," added Vance, kindly, but with a sigh,--"I
daresay the three pounds will be coaxed out of me! After all, her head
is worth it. I want an idea for Titania."

LIONEL (joyously).--"My dear Vance, you are the best fellow in the
world."

VANCE.--"Small compliment to humankind! Take the oars: it is your turn
now."

Lionel obeyed; the boat once more danced along the tide--thoro' reeds,--
--thoro' waves, skirting the grassy islet--out into pale moonlight. They
talked but by fits and starts. What of?--a thousand things! Bright
young hearts, eloquent young tongues! No sins in the past; hopes
gleaming through the future. O summer nights, on the glass of starry
waves! O Youth, Youth!