New Arabian Nights | Page 7

Railways separated
us infallibly from our friends; and so telegraphs were made that we
might communicate speedier at great distances. Even in hotels we have
lifts to spare us a climb of some hundred steps. Now, we know that life
is only a stage to play the fool upon as long as the part amuses us.
There was one more convenience lacking to modern comfort; a decent,
easy way to quit that stage; the back stairs to liberty; or, as I said this
moment, Death's private door. This, my two fellow-rebels, is supplied
by the Suicide Club. Do not suppose that you and I are alone, or even
exceptional in the highly reasonable desire that we profess. A large
number of our fellowmen, who have grown heartily sick of the
performance in which they are expected to join daily and all their lives
long, are only kept from flight by one or two considerations. Some
have families who would be shocked, or even blamed, if the matter

became public; others have a weakness at heart and recoil from the
circumstances of death. That is, to some extent, my own experience. I
cannot put a pistol to my head and draw the trigger; for something
stronger than myself withholds the act; and although I loathe life, I
have not strength enough in my body to take hold of death and be done
with it. For such as I, and for all who desire to be out of the coil
without posthumous scandal, the Suicide Club has been inaugurated.
How this has been managed, what is its history, or what may be its
ramifications in other lands, I am myself uninformed; and what I know
of its constitution, I am not at liberty to communicate to you. To this
extent, however, I am at your service. If you are truly tired of life, I will
introduce you to-night to a meeting; and if not to-night, at least some
time within the week, you will be easily relieved of your existences. It
is now (consulting his watch) eleven; by half-past, at latest, we must
leave this place; so that you have half-an-hour before you to consider
my proposal. It is more serious than a cream tart," he added, with a
smile; "and I suspect more palatable."
"More serious, certainly," returned Colonel Geraldine; "and as it is so
much more so, will you allow me five minutes' speech in private with
my friend, Mr. Godall?"
"It is only fair," answered the young man. "If you will permit, I will
retire."
"You will be very obliging," said the Colonel.
As soon as the two were alone - "What," said Prince Florizel, "is the
use of this confabulation, Geraldine? I see you are flurried, whereas my
mind is very tranquilly made up. I will see the end of this."
"Your Highness," said the Colonel, turning pale; "let me ask you to
consider the importance of your life, not only to your friends, but to the
public interest. 'If not to-night,' said this madman; but supposing that
to-night some irreparable disaster were to overtake your Highness's
person, what, let me ask you, what would be my despair, and what the
concern and disaster of a great nation?"

"I will see the end of this," repeated the Prince in his most deliberate
tones; "and have the kindness, Colonel Geraldine, to remember and
respect your word of honour as a gentleman. Under no circumstances,
recollect, nor without my special authority, are you to betray the
incognito under which I choose to go abroad. These were my
commands, which I now reiterate. And now," he added, "let me ask you
to call for the bill."
Colonel Geraldine bowed in submission; but he had a very white face
as he summoned the young man of the cream tarts, and issued his
directions to the waiter. The Prince preserved his undisturbed
demeanour, and described a Palais Royal farce to the young suicide
with great humour and gusto. He avoided the Colonel's appealing looks
without ostentation, and selected another cheroot with more than usual
care. Indeed, he was now the only man of the party who kept any
command over his nerves.
The bill was discharged, the Prince giving the whole change of the note
to the astonished waiter; and the three drove off in a four- wheeler.
They were not long upon the way before the cab stopped at the entrance
to a rather dark court. Here all descended.
After Geraldine had paid the fare, the young man turned, and addressed
Prince Florizel as follows:-
"It is still time, Mr. Godall, to make good your escape into thraldom.
And for you too, Major Hammersmith. Reflect well before you take
another step; and if your hearts say no - here are the cross-roads."
"Lead on,