" said Toff. "I have only to
add that I am not so old as I look, and that my political opinions have
changed, in later life, from red-republican to moderate-liberal. I also
confess, if necessary, that I still have an ardent admiration for the
fair sex." He laid his hand on his heart, and waited to be engaged.

So the household at the cottage was modestly limited to Amelius and
Toff.

Rufus remained for another week in London, to watch the new experiment.
He had made careful inquiries into the Frenchman's character, and had
found that the complaints of his temper really amounted to this--that
"he gave himself the airs of a gentleman, and didn't understand a joke."
On the question of honesty and sobriety, the testimony of the proprietor
of the hotel left Rufus nothing to desire. Greatly to his surprise,
Amelius showed no disposition to grow weary of his quiet life, or to
take refuge in perilous amusements from the sober society of his books.
He was regular in his inquiries at Mr. Farnaby's house; he took long
walks by himself; he never mentioned Sally's name; he lost his interest
in going to the theatre, and he never appeared in the smoking-room of
the club. Some men, observing the remarkable change which had passed
over his excitable temperament, would have hailed it as a good sign for
the future. The New Englander looked below the surface, and was not so
easily deceived. "My bright boy's soul is discouraged and cast down,"
was the conclusion that he drew. "There's darkness in him where there
once was light; and, what's worse than all, he caves in, and keeps it to
himself." After vainly trying to induce Amelius to open his heart, Rufus
at last went to Paris, with a mind that was ill at ease.

On the day of the American's departure, the march of events was resumed;
and the unnaturally quiet life of Amelius began to be disturbed again.

Making his customary inquiries in the forenoon at Mr. Farnaby's door,
he found the household in a state of agitation. A second council of
physicians had been held, in consequence of the appearance of some
alarming symptoms in the case of the patient. On this occasion, the
medical men told him plainly that he would sacrifice his life to his
obstinacy, if he persisted in remaining in London and returning to
his business. By good fortune, the affairs of the bank had greatly
benefited, through the powerful interposition of Mr. Melton. With the
improved prospects, Mr. Farnaby (at his niece's