triumph of his smile, as he asked if you had heard any tidings yet of Stephen. Why was the question put at that moment? Why put at all? And why, when put, was every difficulty removed which before seemed to obstruct the attainment of his ends? Think you he is silent among his fellows upon the power he has to draw your purse-strings thus? Or, if he were, will others be, when they learn that you are his ready banker on all occasions ?"

"Question your servants thus," replied Sir Everton proudly: "I am not to be so interrogated. You know the origin of my acquaintance with this man, and why I have considered him to have some claims upon my good offices. In fact, you know all there is to know; but it has been your humour from the first to imagine what there is not."

"Again, I say," replied her ladyship, "it is not of what you have done for him, nor of what you may choose do, that I complain. Indeed, I complain of nothing; I only lament there should be any circumstances that make you the instrument of his crafty designs.

Whatever the man was, he is, worthless. His character is notoriously infamous, and yet—”

Enough of this," interrupted Sir Everton. "A little less asperity would have gained all you seek, and in a manner somewhat more agreeable to my feelings. I have reasons for not wishing to give his tongue a licence to talk. Another time, when you are in a fit temper to receive the communication, I may, perhaps, break through this reserve. Meanwhile, oblige me by letting our present conversation terminate."

Lady Azledine withdrew, silent and mortified. She had betrayed her own secret without mastering her husband's. On no former occasion had she ventured to glance at his motives in befriending Mayfield; still less to condemn, with so much austerity, his submission to what she had called his "crafty designs."

The Baronet, when alone, sat ruminating upon all that had occurred. It appeared extraordinary, so many months should have elapsed since the flight of Stephen, without

the slightest information respecting him. He was aware, too, of the circumstance to which her ladyship had adverted; for the rector had very recently apprised him of rumours that were afloat, concerning what was beginning to be called the "mysterious disappearance of his nephew," and these rumours were coupled with dark hints, that involved an odious suspicion of his own motives for protecting Mayfield.

On the following morning Andrew was punctual in his attendance, and immediately admitted to Sir Everton's presence.

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Mayfield," said he, "I intend to let you have the hundred pounds."

Mayfield made a scrape and a bow. The Baronet proceeded.

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"I intend, also, to take your acknowledgment for it."

"With all my heart," said Mayfield, "and if you are pleased to give me a longish time, I shall have no fears of being able to return it."

"In making it a loan instead of a gift," continued the Baronet, "I do not mean that

it shall be a clog upon your future exertions. It is yours for ten years unconditionally; and, at any time within that period, may be converted into a gift, according as circumstances may warrant such an alteration. Moreover, that you may be under no temptation to shape your answers to a few questions I intend putting, by any notion that what you say will influence me in granting or withholding this loan, I shall place the money at once in your hands, after you have signed this paper."

Sir Everton read a short memorandum, to which Mayfield affixed his signature. He then gave him the hundred pounds. Andrew counted the money without saying a word, and put it into his pocket.

"And now, Mayfield," continued the Baronet, "listen to me

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Suppose you first listen to me," interrupted Mayfield, picking up his hat and stick which he had laid on the floor, to sign the memorandum, and count the money. "When I was here yesterday, I said, I wanted a hundred pounds, but did know where to get them.

To-day I have them: they are in my pocket, and now, for aught I know, you are ready with a hundred questions, to which you expect as many answers. I am a man of few words. Your first question, I dare say, would be the same as I took the liberty of putting yesterday, when her ladyship looked at me as if she would have been well pleased to pluck out my tongue for asking it. You replied to my question, that you had sought no tidings of young Master Stephen; but, should that be your question to me -"

"Mayfield!" exclaimed the Baronet, with some warmth; "I desire you will not forget in whose presence you are."

"Lest I should," replied Andrew," and so give offence, Good morning!"

With these words he walked out of the

room.

There was no insolent exultation in his manner; no vulgar derision, as in conscious triumph of having over-reached Sir Everton. It was merely the cool, intrepid manifestation of a spirit which had gained one object, and