ere Mr. Stacy laid a package of bonds in Lady Clara's lap, and stood
with a beaming face, regarding her puzzled look, as she examined them.

"And these are worth ten thousand pounds?" she said.

"Exactly."

"And left to me without reservation or condition, by my mother?"

"Exactly. 'My dear friend,' said she, 'you will find somewhere about
three thousand pounds in the bank. That money I leave in your hands, for
I have faith in you, Stacy. That money is sure to grow, and when my
daughter, Clara, gets to be about eighteen or so, pay it and the
increase over to her in my name; tell her to keep it for her own
independent use; to say nothing to Lord Hope or his wife--I mean if he
should marry again--but to use it just as she pleases, without regard to
her grandmother or any one else.' These were the directions your mother
left with the money, and I hope you will make sure to abide by them, my
lady."

"I will remember every word you have said," answered Clara, whose face
was beginning to brighten under a new idea, and the bonds were becoming
very precious to her. "But is there nothing I can do in return for this
kindness?"

"I expected this. That was just what she said, 'My friend,' says she,
'there will be no such thing as paying you in specie for the service you
will do my child; but she will be a lady of rank, Mr. Stacy, and as such
will know how to return your kindness, and entertain you with the best.
Though dukes and princes should be her guests, she will have pride and
glory in introducing her mother's faithful friend to them all. Yes, him
and that splendid woman, who is your wife, the friend of my bosom,' says
she; 'and if you ever go to England, be sure to take your wife along,
then you'll have a chance to learn what British hospitality is in the
walls of Houghton Castle, my own birthplace.'"

"My mother has promised nothing in my power to perform which shall not
be done," said Clara, a good deal puzzled by all that she heard, and
quite at a loss to judge of the social status of her visitor. But the
great fact remained--her mother had trusted him; he had brought her a
large sum of money, which nothing but the most honorable integrity would
have prevented him keeping for his own benefit. The man who could so
faithfully render back an important trust, must be worthy even of her
grandmother's hospitality.

The moment Mr. Stacy had bowed and stumbled himself from the room, Clara
ran to Lady Carset, and obtained