Beaufort's Life Was a Laughter, if You'll Believe It

Beaufort approached the marchioness and newland with his usual half sneering smile. Archer, who had not seen him for two or three months, was struck by the change in his appearance. There were all sorts of rumours afloat about beaufort. In the spring, he had gone off on a long cruise to the west indies in his new steam yacht. And it was reported that at various points where he had touched, a lady resembling miss fanny ring had been seen in his company. Some people said he had speculated, unfortunately, in railways. Others that he was being bled by one of the most insatiable members of her profession. To every report of