ualm
seized him. The gentleman was handsome and commanding; Miss Carden
seemed very happy, hanging on his arm; none the less bright and happy
that he, her humble worshiper, was downcast and wretched.

It did not positively prove much; yet it indicated how little he must
be to her: and somehow it made him realize more clearly the great
disadvantage at which he lay, compared with an admirer belonging to her
own class. Hitherto his senses had always been against his reason: but
now for once they co-operated with his judgment, and made him feel that,
were he to toil for years in London, or Birmingham, and amass a fortune,
he should only be where that gentleman was already; and while the
workman, far away, was slaving, that gentleman and others would be
courting her. She might refuse one or two. But she would not refuse them
all.

Then, in his despair, he murmured, "Would to God I had never seen her!"

He made a fierce resolve he would go home, and tell his mother she could
pack up.

He quickened his steps, for fear his poor sorrowful heart should falter.

But, when he had settled on this course, lo! a fountain of universal
hatred seemed to bubble in his heart. He burned to inflict some mortal
injury upon Jobson, Parkin, Grotait, Cheetham, and all who had taken
a part, either active or passive, in goading him to despair. Now Mr.
Cheetham's works lay right in his way; and it struck him he could make
Cheetham smart a little. Cheetham's god was money. Cheetham had thrown
him over for money. He would go to Cheetham, and drive a dagger into his
pocket.

He walked into the office. Mr. Cheetham was not there: but he found
Bayne and Dr. Amboyne.

"Mr. Bayne," said he, abruptly, "I am come for my month's wages."

The tone was so aggressive, Bayne looked alarmed. "Why, Little, poor Mr.
Cheetham is gone home with a bad headache, and a sore heart."

"All the better. I don't want to tell him to his face he is a bragging
cur; all I want out of him now is my money; and you can pay me that."

The pacific Bayne cast a piteous glance at Dr. Amboyne. "I have told you
the whole business, sir. Oughtn't Mr. Little to wait till to-morrow, and
talk it over with Mr. Cheetham? I'm only a servant: and a man of peace."

"Whether he ought or not, I think I can answer for him that he will."

"I can't, sir," said Henry, sturdily. "I leave the town to-morrow."

"Oh, that alters the case. But must you leave us so soon?"

"Yes, sir."

"I am