sante_," and extended four cards of invitation.

"Most happy!" exclaimed Spendquick. "I don't dance in general; but to
oblige X---- I mean to have a better acquaintance, sir, with _you_--I would
dance on the tight-rope."

There was a good-humored pleasant laugh at Spendquick's enthusiasm, and a
general shaking of hands and pocketing of the invitation cards.

"You don't look like a dancing-man," said Avenel, turning to the wit, who
was plump and somewhat gouty--as wits who dine out five days in the week
generally are; "but we shall have supper at one o'clock."

Infinitely offended and disgusted, the wit replied dryly, "that every hour
of his time was engaged for the rest of the season," and, with a stiff
salutation to the Baron, took his departure. The rest, in good spirits,
hurried away to their respective cabriolets; and Leslie was following them
into the hall, when the Baron, catching hold of him, said, "Stay, I want
to talk to you."

Chapter XIV.

The Baron turned into his drawing-room, and Leslie followed.

"Pleasant young men, those," said Levy, with a slight sneer, as he threw
himself into an easy chair and stirred the fire. "And not at all proud;
but, to be sure, they are--under great obligations to me. Yes; they owe me
a great deal. _Apropos_, I have had a long talk with Frank Hazeldean--fine
young man--remarkable capacities for business. I can arrange his affairs
for him. I find, on reference to the Will Office, that you were quite
right; the Casino property is entailed on Frank. He will have the fee
simple. He can dispose of the reversion entirely. So that there will be no
difficulty in our arrangements."

"But I told you also that Frank had scruples about borrowing on the event
of his father's death."

"Ay, you did so. Filial affection! I never take that into account in
matters of business. Such little scruples, though they are highly
honorable to human nature, soon vanish before the prospect of the King's
Bench. And, too, as you so judiciously remarked, our clever young friend
is in love with Madame di Negra."

"Did he tell you that?"

"No; but Madame di Negra did."

"You know her?"

"I know most people in good society, who now and then require a friend in
the management of their affairs. And having made sure of the fact you
stated, as to Hazeldean's contingent property (excuse my prudence), I have
accommodated Madame di Negra, and bought up her debts."

"You have--you surprise me!"