possible.

"I have," said the old man, as if talking to himself, "I have gathered
together large sums. I scarcely know the exact amount myself. There
is principal, interest, and compound interest, still heaping up the
pile. I do not intend it shall be squabbled over when I am in the
dust, or left open to the rapacity of lawyers. I shall dispose of my
concerns while I have reason and health, in such a way, by Heaven! as
Heaven itself cannot interfere with my plans!"

Why did not that boastful, gold-withered, shrivelled up old man, pause?
How dare he throw such defiance in the face of Almighty God over his
unrighteous gains!--yes, unrighteous gains, for mammon held them in
trust. None had ever gone into the treasure-house of God to relieve
the suffering, or aid the indignant. The few good acts of his life had
been _wrested_ from him, and the recollection of them filled him with
bitterness instead of joy.

"That is wise and prudent, sir," observed Mr. Jerrold.

"Of course it is. But now to the point. I will take you into
partnership on condition that you, as my successor, marry my niece,
Helen Stillinghast, and promise on your honor to endeavor to overcome
her Catholic tendencies. She is not very strong in her faith, but as I
intend to leave her a considerable amount of property, I do not wish it
to go to the support of a creed I detest--not one copper of it. What
do you say?"

"What amount of capital do you require, Mr. Stillinghast?"

"Whatever you have, sir. If it is much, well; if nothing, it makes no
difference: but, do you hesitate? I suppose the girl is an obstacle."

"None in the least, sir. But I am overwhelmed by your generosity, sir;
the advantages you offer place me in a position which it would have
taken me years of toil to attain, and I must confess, that I am quite
thrown off my balance. Will you allow me at least a few hours to
_think_?" said Walter Jerrold, highly excited.

"Your caution is no discredit to you. I see that I am not deceived,"
said Mr. Stillinghast, with a grim smile. "To-morrow evening I shall
expect an answer; at which time you can come to my house, and take your
tea, and look at my niece."

"You will certainly see me then, sir, and hear my decision." And the
young man, with steps that scarcely felt the earth he trod on, hurried
away, nor paused an instant, until he reached home. Mrs. Jerrold was
standing on her marble carriage-step, just ready to get into her