afternoon, and brought his father's will.

Then Edith offered the security, and tried to convey to the trustee her
full belief that it was undeniable.

Guy picked terrible holes in it, and read their father's will, confining
the funds to consols, or a first mortgage on land. "You take the money
on these conditions: it is almost as improper of you to wish to evade
them, as it would be of me to assist you. And then there is your child;
I am hound in honor not to risk his little fortune. See, here's my
signature to that."

"My child!" cried Edith. "When he comes of age, I'll go on my knees to
him and say, 'My darling, I borrowed your money to save your father's
credit.' And my darling will throw his arms round me, and forgive me."

"Simpleton!" said Guy. "And how about your daughters and their husbands?
And their husbands' solicitors? Will they throw their arms round your
neck, and break forth into twaddle? No! I have made inquiries. Your
husband's affairs are desperate. I won't throw your money into his well;
and you will both live to thank me for seeing clearer than you do, and
saving this L1900 for you and yours."

James Little had writhed in his chair for some time: he now cried out
wildly,

"Edith, you shall demean yourself no more. He always hated me: and now
let him have his will, and seal my dishonor and my ruin. Oblige me by
leaving my house, Mr. Raby."

"Oh, no, James!" cried Edith, trembling, and shocked at this
affront. But Guy rose like a tower. "I've noticed this trait in all
tradespeople," said he grimly. "They are obsequious to a gentleman so
long as they hope to get the better of him; but, the moment they find
it is impossible to overreach him, they insult him." And with this he
stalked out of the house.

"Oh, my poor James, how could you?" said Edith.

"Forgive me," said he, quietly. "It is all over. That was our last
chance."

Guy Raby walked down the street, stung to the quick. He went straight to
his solicitor and arranged to borrow L1900 on his own property. "For,"
said he, "I'll show them both how little a snob can understand a
gentleman. I won't tamper with her son's money, but I'll give her my own
to throw into his well. Confound him! why did she ever marry him?"

When the business was virtually settled, he came back to the house in
great haste.

Meantime Mr. James Little went up to his dressing-room, as usual, to
dress for dinner; but he remained there so long that, at last, Mrs.