y, but walked on in silence.

"Or have we exposed ourselves to the taunting insolence of these people,
for the mock pleasure of mixing with them. Is that our gain here?"

Still Talbot made no reply, and Mark, as if his passion had expended
itself, now became silent also, and in this wise they reached the hotel,
each sunk in his own personal reflections.

"Now, Mark," said Talbot, when they had gained their room, "now let us
set ourselves to think over what is to be done, and not waste a thought
on what is bygone. At seven, to-morrow, I am to meet Travers; before
nine I must be on the way to France, that is if he do not issue a leaden
'ne exeat' against me. I shall certainly fire at him--your pretty cousin
will never forgive me for it, that I know well"--here he stole a
side look at Mark, across whose features a flash of passion was
thrown--"still, I am sorry this should have occurred, because I had many
things to settle here; among others, some which more nearly concerned
yourself."

"Me! concerned me," said Mark, in surprise.

"Yes; I am deeper in your secrets than you are aware of--deeper than you
are yourself, perhaps. What would you say, Mark, if I could insure you
the possession of your property and estate, as it was left to you by
your grandfather, without debt or incumbrance of any kind, free from
mortgage?"

"Free from Hemsworth," cried Mark, passionately.

"Even so--I was just coming to that.";

"I know not what I should say, Talbot, but I know what I should
do--throw every farthing of it into the scale where I have thrown life
and hope--the cause of my country."

Talbot shook his head, doubtfully, for a second or two, then said: "It
is not money is wanting to the enterprise, it is rather what no money
can buy--the reckless courage of men willing to devote themselves to a
cause which they must never hope to live to see successful, but whose
graves must be the ramparts over which others will achieve liberty.
No, my hopes for you point otherwise. I wish to see you as the head and
representative of an ancient name and house, with the influence property
and position would confer, taking your place in the movement, not as a
soldier of fortune, but as a man of rank and weight." Talbot paused for
a moment to enjoy, as it were, the delight this brilliant picture of
coming greatness produced upon the youth, and then went on, "such a
place I can offer you, Mark."

"How, and on what terms?" cried Mark, burstin