to show himself worthy of
her love, and he would do this. With what resolution he would address
himself to the stern work of life! It was not enough to say affluence
had not spoiled him, he ought to be able to prove that the gentleman
element was a source of energy and perseverance which no reverses could
discourage. Julia was a girl to value this. She herself had learned how
to meet a fallen condition, 'and had sacrificed nothing that graced or
adorned her nature in the struggle. Nay, she was more lovable now than
he had ever known her. Was it not downright luck that had taught them
both to bear an altered lot before the trial of their married life
began? It was thus he reasoned as he went, canvassing his condition in
every way, and contented with it in all.

"What good news have you got this morning?" cried Cutbill, as he
entered. "I never saw you look so jolly in my life."

"Well, I did find half-a-crown in the pocket of an old letter-case this
morning; but it's the only piece of unexpected luck that has befallen
me."

"Is the lawyer gone?"

"No."

"Nor thinking of going?"

"I won't say that. I suspect he 'll not make a long halt after he has a
talk with Gusty to-day."

And now Jack told in a few words the object of Sedley's coming, what
Pracontal had offered, and what Augustus had resolved to send for
answer.

"I'd have said the Frenchman was the biggest fool in Europe if I had
n't heard of your brother," said Cutbill, puffing out a long column of
smoke, and giving a deep sigh.

"That's not exactly how I read each of them," said Jack, sternly.

"Possibly; but it's the true rendering after all. Consider for one
moment--"

"Not for half a moment, Master Cutbill. That my brother might make a
very good bargain, by simply bartering such an insignificant thing as
his honor as a gentleman, is easy to see; and that scores of people
would n't understand that such a compromise was in question, or was of
much consequence if it were, is also easy to see; and we need waste no
time in discussing this. I say Gusty's right, and I maintain it; and if
you like to hold a different opinion, do so in Heaven's name, but don't
disparage motives simply because you can't feel them."

"Are you better after all that?" said Cutbill, dryly, as he filled
Jack's glass with water, and pushed it towards him. "Do you feel
refreshed?"

"Much better--considerably relieved."

"Could I offer you anything cooling or calming?"

"Noth