oved, as if
they would disclose the operations of his mind. "Will he do it?"
muttered he. "He shall do it, or by ---- he shall suffer! I have the
means of compelling him. I will use them."

Apparently satisfied with his conclusion, he rose hastily and approached
the attorney. A smooth smile--an unwonted expression on his
features--seemed to come on demand. Again he looked over the lawyer's
shoulder. He saw the name of Henry Carroll, and his former severe
expression returned, and his frame was stirred by angry emotions. A
half-suppressed oath did not escape the quick ear of the attorney, and
he turned to observe the face of his companion. He read at a glance the
dissatisfaction which the will occasioned. The reason was plain; and,
with the intention of drawing out Jaspar's views, he addressed him.

"This Carroll is a lucky fellow," said he.

"The devil is always the luckiest fellow in the crowd," growled Jaspar,
with an oath.

"You are right, sir," returned Maxwell, pleased to see no better feeling
between his rival and the uncle.

"But who is this Carroll?" said he.

"A hungry cub, whom the colonel has helped along in the world."

"Well, he has proved himself a brave and skilful officer, and reflects
credit on your brother's judgment in the selection of a _protege_,"
returned Maxwell, adroitly.

"The fellow is all well enough, for aught I know, but he has wheedled
the colonel out of fifty thousand dollars, and I can never forgive him
for that," said Jaspar, in what was intended for a playful tone, but
which was designed as a "feeler" of the attorney's conscience.

"But there is still an immense property left, even after deducting the
liberal charitable donations," said Maxwell.

"There is, but where does it go to? That whining young cub has divided a
hundred thousand with me, and the silly girl has the rest."

"Which will eventually go into the hands of Captain Carroll,--lucky dog,
he!" returned Maxwell, striving to provoke Jaspar still more.

"What! what mean you, man?" said Jaspar, with a scowl, as he caught a
glimpse of the attorney's meaning.

"Is it possible, my dear sir," said Maxwell, laying down his pen, and
turning half round, "is it possible you have not observed the intimacy
which has grown up between this Carroll and your niece?"

"Intimacy! what do you mean? Speak out! no equivocation!" said Jaspar,
almost fiercely.

"Do you not see that she will yet be the wife of Captain Carroll?"

Jas