d-hearted as he seemed, for he ceased
blustering and shook Maurice's hand very heartily; nay, more, when
they told their story, and Mr. Huntingdon frowned angrily on hearing
Maurice had connived at the criminal's escape, he spoke up for
Maurice. "You did not expect the young gentleman, sir, to put the
handcuffs on his old pal; it is against human nature, you see."

"Perhaps so," returned Mr. Huntingdon, coldly; "but I should have
thought better of you, Trafford, if you had sacrificed feeling in the
matter. Well, it may rest now. I have struck off George Anderson's
name as defaulter out of my book and memory, and I will tell Dobson to
add his salary to yours. No thanks," he continued in rather a chilling
manner, as Maurice's eyes sparkled, and he attempted to speak; "it is
a fair recompense for your sagacity. Go on as well as you have begun,
and your future will be assured. To-morrow I shall expect you to dine
with me at Belgrave House. Dobson is coming, too," and with a slight
nod Mr. Huntingdon dismissed him.

That night Maurice laid his head upon his pillow and dreamed happy
dreams of a golden future. To-morrow he should see the dark-eyed girl
who had spoken so sweetly to him; and as he remembered her words and
glances of gratitude, and the touch of her soft, white hands,
Maurice's heart gave quick throbs that were almost pain.

He should see that lovely face again, was his first waking thought;
but when the evening was over Maurice Trafford went back to his
lodgings a sadder and a wiser man.

He was dazzled and bewildered when he saw her again--the young girl in
the white gown was changed into a radiant princess. Nea was dressed
for a ball; she came across the great lighted room to greet Maurice in
a cloud of gauzy draperies. Diamonds gleamed on her neck and arms; her
eyes were shining; she looked so bewilderingly beautiful that Maurice
grew embarrassed, all the more that Mr. Huntingdon's cold eyes were
upon them.

Maurice never recalled that evening without pain. A great gulf seemed
to open between him and his master's daughter; what was there in
common between them? Nea talked gayly to him as well as to her other
guests, but he could hardly bring himself to answer her.

His reserve disappointed Nea. She had been longing to see him again,
but the handsome young clerk seemed to have so little to say to her.
He was perfectly gentlemanly and well bred, but he appeared somewhat
depressed.

Nea's vanity was piqu