does not affect the
legal or moral rights of others," replied Maxwell, a little touched by
the seeming reflection of Jaspar.

"Fudge! how long have you been so conscientious?" sneered Jaspar.

"When a man has a reputation to make or break, it becomes him to handle
it with care."

"Out upon you, man! _Your_ reputation is not so fair, that you need be
so tender of it," replied Jaspar, with some severity.

"Sir!"

"O, you needn't '_sir_' me! You have led me to commit myself, and now
assume a virtue you possess not."

"Sir, I value my reputation, and--"

"Of course you do, but you would not sacrifice a fortune for it,"
interrupted Jaspar, easily changing the tenor of the conversation.

"I certainly would not stain it unnecessarily," replied Maxwell, with a
meaning smile, for he saw the folly of attempting the "high flight" with
Jaspar.

"Now you talk sensibly," said Jaspar.

"Mr. Dumont, it is useless to beat about the bush any longer; if you
have any proposition to make, out with it at once; and if I cannot aid
you, I will, at least, keep your secret."

"Will you swear never to reveal what I shall propose?"

"Yes, if paid for it," said Maxwell, frankly.

"It is well. Now, I will put you in the way of making ten thousand
dollars, if you so will," said Jaspar, slapping the attorney on the back
with a familiarity which was likely to breed contempt.

This was a tempting offer, and Maxwell prepared to listen to the
proposition. He was aware that it was some design upon the estate of
Colonel Dumont, and he inwardly resolved to be a gainer by the
operation, whether he joined in it or not.

Jaspar Dumont laid aside his sternness, and disclosed his plot to
Maxwell. It was, as may be supposed, a nefarious scheme, and not only
intended to deprive Henry Carroll of his legacy, but also to disinherit
the heiress, and cast a stigma upon the character of his brother.

The plot we will not here disclose.

Maxwell listened attentively, occasionally interrupting the speaker, by
asking for details, or pointing out dangers But the foul wrong intended
towards her for whom he entertained warmer sentiments than those of
friendship shocked even his hardened sensibilities, and he strongly
objected to its consummation. It would also, by stripping her of her
broad lands, and stigmatizing her birth, render her undesirable as a
wife. But Jaspar was firm in his purpose, and refused to listen to any
other scheme. This one, he conten