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ing both our hands; 'and now that we are friends you must come to my next symposium.'
"'When is it to be?' asked Teleny.
"'On Tuesday week.'
"Then turning to me,—'I'll introduce you to a lot of pleasant fellows who'll be delighted to make your acquaintance, and many of whom have long been astonished that you are not one of us.'
"The week passed quickly. Joy soon made me forget the dreadful anxiety caused by Briancourt's card.
"A few days before the night fixed for the feast,—'How shall we dress for the symposium?' asked Teleny?
"'How? Is it to be a masquerade?'
"'We all have our little hobbies. Some men like soldiers, others sailors; some are fond of tightrope dancers, others of dandies. There are men who, though in love with their own sex, only care for them in women's clothes. L'habit ne fait pas le moine is not always a truthful proverb, for you see that even in birds the males display their gayest plumage to captivate their mates.'
"'And what clothes should you like me to
