ccupied in walking from Brown's hotel to the office of Mr. Emerson,
may easily be conceived. On reaching that gentleman's place of business,
Maurice learned that he was not within, but would probably return
immediately. The young viscount was painfully conscious that the clerks
answered his inquiries with a pointedly cold brevity. He saw them glance
at each other, and one of them shrugged his shoulders, and gave a low
whistle as Maurice seated himself to wait. The blood mounted to his face
at this indignity, and rage took the place of mortification; but he
could only nerve himself to endure with assumed composure the scorn he
so little deserved. It was half an hour before Mr. Emerson entered.

"The business which brings me here is so important that I took the
liberty of waiting," said Maurice, rising.

Mr. Emerson answered, stiffly,--

"Have the goodness to walk into my private apartment."

Maurice obeyed.

Mr. Emerson was one of those reserved men who never choose the
initiative in any transaction. He motioned Maurice to take a chair, then
seated himself in the attitude of a listener.

"I am placed in a position which renders explanation very difficult,"
commenced the viscount.

Mr. Emerson assented by a half bow, but did not in any manner assist the
speaker.

"Nothing could have astonished me more than the letter I have just
received from you," continued Maurice.

Mr. Emerson lifted his eyebrows a little incredulously, and crossed his
legs, but still played the auditor only.

Maurice, galled by his supercilious manner, said, in a tone of
irritation of which he repented a moment afterward, "I presume that you
had no doubt that my conduct justified your letter?"

"None," replied Mr. Emerson, with quiet severity.

"You were wrong, you did me the greatest injustice," cried Maurice, "and
yet unless you can credit this fact upon my bare assertion I have no
means of convincing you."

Mr. Emerson smiled sarcastically.

"You do not seem to me desirous, sir, of learning in what manner this
mistake has arisen, even if I could make it clear."

"You are right," returned Mr. Emerson; "I do not see that it is a matter
which further concerns me."

"But it concerns my honor"--began Maurice, angrily.

He was checked by another contemptuous smile from Mr. Emerson.

"I see, sir, you are not disposed to allow me to defend myself, or to
encourage me to enter into any explanation."

"I have said that the matter no lo