tainly has done nothing to make you, my poor boy. His pride, for
it is pride, renders him very disagreeable. If all the sin, which his
harshness and indifference has caused in others, were laid up against
him, 'twould make a mighty pile. There's a day of retribution coming for
him, though."

As Wilkins spoke he bent forward, and rested his head on his hand, with
a peculiar smile upon his lips.

"A day of retribution! What do you mean, Wilkins? Is there any trouble
brooding for him?"

"All pride must have a fall," muttered Wilkins, as if to himself, while
he gave the coals a vehement thrust. "Don't ask me anything more about
it, Guly."

"But you have roused my curiosity," said Guly, looking up in surprise.
"If it isn't a secret, I would like to know more of what you mean."

"I mean a great deal, and would tell you sooner than any one else; but
it would do you no good if I would tell you, which I can't, and so we'll
say no more about it."

"Has Mr. Delancey any children?"

"Two--a son and a daughter; at least he _had_ a son."

"And did he die?"

"Oh, no; he fell in love with a poor but worthy girl, who has no doubt
made him an excellent wife, or at least would have done so had it been
in her power. Instead of taking his daughter-in-law to his heart and
home, and making her what his wealth could have made her, with her worth
and beauty, he met the whole affair with stern opposition, and after his
son's marriage turned him from him with a curse, and disinherited him.
How the poor fellow has managed to live since, I can't imagine; for he
had no profession, nor anything to live by but his wits. I heard once he
had become reckless and dissipated, and had sworn vengeance on his
unnatural father, but I've heard very little of him of late."

"This is shocking. A clerk can expect but little from such a father. Oh,
horrible!"

"He is a man you will probably never know, however long you may live
with him. Had it not been for the necessary contact my position in his
employ brought us into, I should never have known him at all."

"And you believe he really deemed Arthur guilty to-day?"

"That is more than I can answer. Mr. Delancey is close with regard to
money matters."

"My poor brother! Wilkins, promise me to do all you can for him. Oh! I
know how much danger surrounds him. What can I, so young and feeble, do?
We two are all that is left our mother. Help me--I'm sure you will--to
save him."

"I will, Guly--by my