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"Well, Fred," said the younger of the two, continuing their conversation, "since, as you say, you neither have a lady-love in America nor expect a legacy there, I confess it puzzles me to know what inducement could have been strong enough to make you quit Paris."

"Very easily told, my dear fellow: I have started for America at the express command of my worthy father."

"Whew! what a dutiful son you are, Fred. And, pray, what has brought Sir William to that rebellious land?"

"To assist in subduing the rebellious Yankees, of course!" replied the young man, with a slight sneer on his well-cut lip.

"And he wishes his son and heir to aid him in that laudable design, instead of spending his time making love in Paris?"

"Yes; he has obtained for me the post of lieutenant in the British army, he says."

"Which you will, of course, accept?" said the younger of the two, with a peculiar smile, as he lit a cigar, and blew a whiff of smoke from the corner of his mouth.

"Which I most decidedly will not!" replied Fred, coolly.