tirely and unreservedly as
yourself; and nothing would give me greater pleasure than to serve a man
so highly gifted, so long connected with our family by the closest
friendship. If you think the occupation of a banker suitable to your
present tastes, I believe that I can offer you an appointment worthy
your serious consideration."

Mr Planner rose in his bed, and grasped firmly the hand of Mr Michael
Allcraft. The latter sat at the bedside until past three o'clock, and
then retired, leaving his friend in a state of great mental excitement.
When Michael, upon taking his departure, reached the street door, he
stopped short, and retraced his steps. Entering the apartment for a
second time, he discovered Mr Planner in his night clothes, standing
before a looking glass, and repeating one of his own compositions in a
voice of thunder, and with the most vehement gesticulation.

"I beg your pardon. You told me to remind you, Planner, of your hints to
bankers. Have you the book handy?"

"It is here, Michael. Read it attentively, my boy--trust to me. I'll
make the house's name ring throughout the country. Don't forget what I
have said. We must have a new facade to the old building after a while.
I have such a plan for it!"

CHAPTER II.

A LULL.

_Allcraft, Bellamy, Brammel, and Planner_. It was a goodly ship that
bore the name, and fair she looked at the launching; her sails well set,
her streamers flying, and the music of men's voices cheering her on her
career. Happy and prosperous be her course! We think not of winter's
cold in the fervent summer time, and wreck and ruin seem impossible on
the smooth surface of the laughing sea; yet cold and winter come, and
the smiling, sweet-tempered ripple can awaken from slumber, and battle
and storm with the heavens. Never had bark left haven with finer
promises of success. We will follow her from the port, and keep
watchfully in the good ship's wake.

Michael formed a just conclusion when he reckoned upon increase of
business. His own marriage, and the immense wealth of his lady, had
inspired the world with unbounded confidence. The names of two of his
partners were household words in the county, and stood high amongst the
best. A convulsion of nature may destroy the world in half an hour, as
love, it is said, _may_ transform a man into an oyster; but either of
these contingencies was as remote as the possibility of Allcraft's
failure. Silently and successfully the house went