sure to her the same
independence that you yourself would maintain."

"Very good," says Don Sanchez, in a sonorous voice of approval, as he
lies back in his high chair, his eyes closed, and a cigarro in the
corner of his mouth.

"I thank you with all my heart, Mr. Hopkins," says Mr. Godwin, warmly.
"I entreat you have this deed drawn up--if it be my wife's wish."

"You may count with certainty on that," says I; "for if my arguments
lacked power, I have but to say 'tis your desire, and 'twould be done
though it took the last penny from her."

He made no reply to this, but bending forward he gazed into the fire,
with a rapture in his face, pressing one hand within the other as if it
were his sweetheart's.

"In the meantime," says I, "if you have necessity for a hundred or two
in advance, you have but to give me your note of hand."

"Can you do me this service?" cries he, eagerly. "Can you let me have
five hundred by to-morrow?"

"I believe I can supply you to the extent of six or seven."

"All that you can," says he; "for besides a pressing need that will take
me to London to-morrow, I owe something to a friend here that I would
fain discharge."

Don Sanchez waived his hand cavalierly, though I do believe the subtle
Spaniard had hinted at this business as much for his own ends as for our
assurance.

"I will have it ready against we meet in the morning," says I. "You are
so certain of her sanction?" he asks in delight, as if he could not too
much assure himself of Moll's devotion.

"She has been guided by me in all matters relating to her estate, and
will be in this, I am convinced. But here's another question, sir,
which, while we are about business, might be discussed with advantage.
My rule here is nearly at an end. Have you decided who shall govern the
estate when I am gone?"

"Only that when I have authority that rascal Simon shall be turned from
his office, neck and crop. He loves me as little as he loves his
mistress, that he would set us by the ears for his own advantage."

"An honest man, nevertheless--in his peculiar way," observes the Don.

"Honest!" cries Mr. Godwin, hotly. "He honest who would have suffered
Judith to die in Barbary! He shall go."

"Then you will take in your own hands the control of your joint estate?"

"I? Why, I know no more of such matters than the man in the moon."

"With all respect to your cousin's abilities, I cannot think her
qualified for this office."

"Surely