very
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 bold 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!"

"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!"

"The surprise will vanish on reflection. But you are very new to the
world yet, my dear Leslie. By the way, I have had an interview with
Peschiera--"

"About his sister's debts?"

"Partly. A man of the nicest honor is Peschiera."

Aware of Levy's habit of praising people for the qualities in which,
according to the judgment of less penetrating mortals, they were most
deficient, Randal only smiled at this eulogy, and waited for Levy to
resume. But the Baron sate silent and thoughtful for a minute or two,
and then wholly changed the subject.

"I think your father has some property in ----shire, and you probably
can give me a little information as