ected pleasure," and he
made way for Mrs John, who took my hand, smiling in her gentle way, and
then turning serious and eager as she exclaimed--

"There is something the matter?"

I nodded, for I could not speak.

"Some trouble with--my cousin?"

"Yes, sir," I said, hoarsely; and for a few minutes the words would not
come, the incidents of the past twenty-four hours having upset me more
than I was aware.

"Don't hurry, my boy, don't hurry; and don't question him, Alexes. Did
you walk up?"

"Yes, sir."

"Ah, a nice day for walking. We two ought to have had ours, but some
letters--a little business--kept us in. We have had a very long
communication from my wife's brother, and it necessitates a great deal
of thinking at our time of life."

"I--I have left Mr Dempster, sir," I said.

"Indeed! I am not surprised, Mayne, and--bless me! what is the matter
with your ear?"

The words came now, and I told him everything, while before I had half
got through my narrative, Mr John was upon his legs tramping excitedly
up and down the little room, and uttering angry ejaculations from time
to time.

"You--you are not very angry with me?"

"Angry?" he cried. "I am more than angry that such a thing could have
happened, and the principal actor in it have been one who bears the same
name as myself. It is cruel--scandalous--disgraceful; and above all, to
have exposed you to such an indignity--in custody like a common thief!
But there, you shall not continue in his office."

I could not help giving him rather a droll look.

"Of course, sir," I said, "I am discharged."

"Yes, yes, I had forgotten that," he said, hurriedly. "You must have a
better post--one more suited to your abilities. Now, let me see--let me
see--what steps ought I to take first? Something in the city, perhaps,
or I would rather see you in one of the Government offices."

I looked at him wonderingly, as he sat down at the table now, and taking
up a letter, used it to tap on the polished wood.

"Yes, I think in one of the Government offices," he continued, while I
glanced now at Mrs John, whose face was full of the lines caused by her
thoughts.

As she met my eyes, she gave me a piteous look, and shook her head
sadly, as if saying something by way of warning.

"Yes, I think decidedly one of the Government offices, my dear, but
which?"

As he spoke he raised his eyes and looked at Mrs John, who met his gaze
with one so full of loving tend