frames rather
characteristic of this cheap, showy age. Even the space between the
larger pictures he had tried to cover with small miniatures on ivory,
and photographs. The young man had evidently done his best to surround
himself by the portraits of his numerous family.

He was busily engaged at his writing-table when Verheyst knocked at
his door.

"I was expecting you," he said. "I knew you would come to help your
friend in need. What a strange letter I wrote you! But now I have
recovered my senses again."

Then turning to his writing-table, he said--

"Look here, here's a bundle of papers soaked with ink. Though
my landlady, Mrs. Joosting, saved the lamp from falling on that
memorable evening, she did not notice the ink-bottle. Three articles
neatly copied, numbered and ready for the press, are utterly
spoiled. Nothing for it but to copy them again. Pleasant work this
for a millionaire! But I have almost finished now, and the work has
done me good; we shall have the whole evening to talk matters over."

Leopold lived, in fact, by his pen, contributing to several papers,
and making translations for the publishers who patronized him. Though
he had not kept his terms at the university, he had talent and style,
and his writings had been very successful.

"Here are the documents: the lawyer's letter, a copy of the will,
the inventory of all effects, both personal and real estate; and all,
so far as I can judge, in perfect order."

After a minute examination, piece by piece, Verheyst answered that
he was of the same opinion.

"But," he said, "I cannot find the fatal clause you mentioned,
anywhere."

"In truth, there is no such clause expressed; nor is there even
a condition set down. But there is a desire, a hope expressed in
this letter from my aunt; and you must read it before giving your
opinion. It seems to me I must renounce the inheritance if I cannot
give effect to the wish you will find set down here."

"Is it, then, such a difficult matter?" inquired Verheyst, before
opening the letter.

"Oh, that depends! My aunt wishes me to marry."

"No unfair request, since she puts you in a position to maintain
a wife."

"I agree; but she has gone further and chosen a wife for me."

"The deuce! that's the worst part of the business."

"Certainly; for she does not seem to have been acquainted with the
young lady herself, who seems to be a granddaughter of a certain
General von Zwenken, who married my aunt'