hus presented was actually admitted at last to be
reasonable--for the time being--and Paul was sent away with the
tenderest farewells and a profound belief--for the time being--that
Claudia was an angel.

'Whatever you do, dear,' she had said at parting, with her sisterly arms
about his neck, 'you must not dream of following me to London. I could
not bear to think that you had imperilled your prospects for my sake.'

'I care for nothing in the world but you,' said Paul.

He played honest coin against counters.

'It is sweet to hear you say so,' said the sisterly Claudia, and she was
so touched by his devotion that she allowed him to kiss her almost as
wildly as he wished to do.

An hour or two later Paul was in Darco's presence. He had a hang-dog
look and felt ashamed, but he was resolute.

'I beg your pardon, sir,'he said, 'but it has become absolutely
necessary that I should go to London.'

'Oh!' said Darco, 'is there anythings the madder? Ven do you want to co
and for how lonk?'

'I must go at the end of next week,' Paul answered, not daring to look
at him, 'and I must go for good.'

'I am baying you goot vages,' said Darco. 'You vill not get as goot
vages. Vot is the madder?'

'It is no question of wages, sir,' returned Paul 'I had not thought of
looking for another situation even, though I shall have to do so, of
course. But it is absolutely essential that I should be in London. I
hope you won't think that I am acting ungratefully. I feel as if I
were, but it will be easy for you to fill my place, and I shall always
remember how kind and generous you have been to me.'

'Now, loog you here,' said Darco; 'there is somethings the madder. I can
see it in your vace. You dell me vod it is, and I will but it straight
for you. I can see that somethings is the madder. I am not a fool. I am
Cheorge Dargo. Now dell me.'

'I can't explain,' said Paul. 'I can only tell you that I have to go to
London. I must go.'

'You vait there a liddle bid,' returned Darco. 'I am going to think.'
He rolled away, and Paul hoped he might think to little purpose, but in
half an hour he was back again. His eyes snapped, but he was as cold as
an iceberg. 'Ven do you vant to co?' he asked abruptly.

'As soon as you can spare me,' Paul answered.

'I can sbare you now,' said Darco. 'You are a pick-headed younk itiot,
ant you can co at once. There is your zalary for next week. Goot-efening
to you.'

He went out, banging the door