of ourselves; that, although you scorn to take advantage
of a circumstance thus accidentally revealed, yet that, as chance has
put you in possession of certain facts, that---that, in short--"

"That, in short, I ought to profit by my good fortune," said she,
calmly, finishing the phrase for him.

"Unquestionably," chimed in Hankes, quickly; "and, what's more, demand
very high terms too. Dunn is a practical man," added he, in a lower and
more confidential tone; "nobody knows better when liberality is the best
policy."

"So that this is a case for a high price?" asked she, in the same calm
tone.

"I 'd make it so if I were in your place. I 'd certainly say a 'high
figure,' Miss Keliett."

"Shall I confess, sir, that, in so far as knowing how to profit by it,
I am really unworthy of this piece of fortune? Is Mr. Hankes enough my
friend to enlighten me?"

There was a smile that accompanied this speech which went far--very
far--to influence Mr. Hankes. Once again did his personal fortunes rise
before him; once again did he bethink him that this was an alliance that
might lead to much.

"I can give you a case in point, Miss Keliett,--I mean as to the value
of a secret. It was when Sir Robert Peel meditated his change in
the Corn-laws. One of the council--it does not matter to say his
name--accidentally divulged the secret intention, and a great journal
gave no less than ten thousand pounds for the intelligence,--ten
thousand pounds sterling!"

She seemed to pause over this story, and reflect upon it.

"Now," resumed Hankes, "it is just as likely he 'd say, 'Money is scarce
just now; your demand comes at an inconvenient moment' This would be
true,--there's no gainsaying it; and I'd reply, 'Let me have it in
shares,--some of the new preference scrip just issued.'"

"How it does allay difficulties to deal with persons of great practical
intelligence,--men of purpose-like mind!" said Sybella, gravely.

"Ah, Miss Kellett, if I could only believe that this was a favorable
moment to appeal to you in their behalf,--at least, in so far as regards
one of their number,--one who has long admired your great qualities in
silence, and said to himself, 'What might she not be if allied to one
well versed in life, trained to all its chances and changes--'"

"It never occurred to me to fancy I had inspired all this interest,
sir," said she, calmly.

"Probably because your thoughts never dwelt on _me_," said Hankes,
with a most