fire-light tracery fled into the
shadows of the room.

It was a delicate picture.

Mortimer was sitting at Daisy's feet, playing with the fingers of a very
diminutive and dainty hand; Daisy was bending over him; and as the glow
from the fire came and went in their eyes, one could see that a long brown
tress of Daisy's hair rested on Mortimer's.

What if their lips touched?

"O!" cried Daisy, drawing back, "a note was left here this afternoon, while
you were in----"

"The Tombs," finished Mortimer, smiling.

"Yes," replied Daisy. "I was afraid to open it, though."

"Were you?"

"Yes," she said, laughing. "I thought it might be from that charming young
lady whom you assisted to cross Broadway last month; and of whom you speak
so pleasantly when I am the least bit out of humor."

And the girl looked at him quizzically with her impudent eyes.

Mortimer, by kneeling close to the fire, was enabled to read the note.

"That is strange--read it, Daisy."

Daisy read:

"SIR,--By calling at my office, No. ---- Wall-street, to-morrow, at
4 P. M., you will learn something of importance. It is necessary that
Mrs. Snarle and her daughter should accompany you.

"Respectfully,
"J. C. BURBANK,
"_Attorney at Law._"

About the same hour that evening, Mr. Flint received a communication of
similar import, after reading which, he said:

"Hum!" and thrust the note into his vest-pocket.

Hum, indeed, Mr. Flint. There was something in store for you.

The next morning Mortimer bethought himself of his "Romance," and directed
his steps toward the sanctum of Mr. Hardwill.

He found that gentleman talking with three new geniuses in pantelets, who
were attempting to convince the great Pub of his mistake in refusing to
"bring out" a pregnant-looking manuscript which the authoress was holding
in her hand with a tenderness that was touching to behold.

When they had retired, Mr. Hardwill extended his hand to Mortimer.

"Sharp young man," he said, displaying his white teeth. "You didn't wish to
appear anxious about your book; I was on the point of sending for you. You
were to have called on me three days since. Well, sir, I like the story."

Mortimer bowed.

"Did you read it all, sir?"

"I? Not a line of it," returned Mr. Hardwill. "I never look at anything but
the size of the manuscri