he cannot see papa," said Nelly; "the doctor more strongly
than ever insists on perfect repose."

"And it's little worth his while to make the journey to see me," said
he, dispiritedly.

"Perhaps he only wants your sanction, your concurrence to something he
thinks it wise to do--who knows?"

"Just so, Nelly; who knows? All these weighty speculations entered upon
to convert thousands into tens of thousands have no sympathy of mine. I
see no object in such wealth. The accumulation of what never spares one
a moment for its enjoyment, seems to me as foolish as the act of a man
who would pass his life scaling a mountain to obtain a view, and drop
down of fatigue before he had once enjoyed it. You and I, I take it,
would be satisfied with far humbler fortune?"

"You and I, Gusty," said she, laughingly, "are the ignoble members of
this family."

"Then there comes another difficulty; Sedley will at once see that I
have not shared my father's confidence, and he will be very cautious
about telling me of matters which have not been intrusted to me
already."

"Perhaps we are only worrying ourselves for nothing, Gusty. Perhaps
there are no secrets after all; or at worst, only those trade secrets
which are great mysteries in the counting house, but have no interest
for any not deep in speculation."

"If I only thought so!"

"Have you sufficient confidence in Mr. Cutbill to take him into your
counsel? He will be back here to morrow."

"Scarcely, Nelly. I do not exactly distrust, but I can't say that I
like him."

"I hated him at first; but either I have got used to his vulgarity, or
I fancy that he is really good-natured, or from whatever the cause, I
incline to like him better than when he came, and certainly he behaved
well to poor Jack."

"Ah, there 's another trouble that I have not thought of. Jack, who does
not appear to know how ill my poor father is, asks if he could not be
induced to write to--somebody--I forget whom, in his behalf. In fact,
Nelly, there is not a corner without its special difficulty, and
I verily believe there never was a man less made to meet them than
myself."

"I 'll take as much of the load as I have strength for," said she,
quietly.

"I know that; I know it well, Nelly. I can scarcely say what I 'd do
without you now. Here comes the doctor. I 'm very anxious to hear what
he 'll say this evening."

Belton had made a long visit to the sick room, and his look was graver
than usual as h