s an insult too great to be
endured, and he would have braved any peril to avenge it. His sudden
access to wealth, far from allaying the irritabilities of his nature,
had increased and exaggerated them all. The insolence of prosperity
was now added to the querulous temperament that narrow fortune had
engendered, and the excitement of his brain was little short of actual
frenzy. To what extent of outrage passion might have carried him there
is no saying, for he was already hurriedly advancing towards the Count,
when the door opened, and Polly Fagan entered. She had overheard from an
adjoining room the words of high altercation, and recognizing Curtis as
one of the speakers, determined, at any cost, to interfere.

"I am sure, sir," said she, addressing the old man, while she courtesied
deeply to the stranger, "that you will forgive my intrusion; but I
only this moment learned that you were here writing, and I thought that
probably the quiet seclusion of my room would suit you better: may I
make bold to offer it to you?"

"Thanks, madam; but, with your leave, this is quite to my taste," said
he, stiffly.

"It is so comfortable, sir, and looks out upon our little garden!" said
Polly, coaxingly.

"I am certain, madam, that it has every attraction, and only needs your
presence there to be incomparable."

"Nay, sir," said she, laughing, "I'll not take your innuendo, save in
its flattering sense."

"I never flatter, madam, for I would n't try to pass on another the
base coinage I 'd reject myself. Others, however," and here he glanced
towards the Frenchman, "may not have these scruples; and I am sure the
charms of your apartment will be fully appreciated elsewhere."

Polly blushed deeply, not the less so that the Frenchman's eyes were
bent upon her during the delivery of the speech with evident admiration.

"If mademoiselle would permit me, even as a sanctuary--" began the
Count.

"Just so, Miss Polly," broke in Curtis; "let him take refuge there, as
he tells you, for he feels very far from at his ease in my company."

Polly's quick intelligence read in these few words the real state of the
case; and, resolved at all hazards to prevent untoward consequences, she
made a sign to the Frenchman to follow her, and left the room.

It was in vain that the old man re-seated himself at the writing-table;
all his efforts at composure were fruitless, and he muttered to himself
threats of vengeance and imprecations till he wor