this morning discussing matters
of business."

"Business,--that means money."

"Truly," said Lucretia, "money does make the staple of life's business.
In spite of his new appointment, your father needs some sums in
hand,--favours are to be bought, opportunities for speculation occur,
and--"

"And my father," interrupted Gabriel, "wishes your consent to raise the
rest of your portion?"

Lucretia looked surprised, but answered quietly: "He had my consent
long since; but the trustees to the marriage-settlement--mere men
of business, my uncle's bankers; for I had lost all claim on my
kindred--refuse, or at least interpose such difficulties as amount to
refusal."

"But that reply came some days since," said Gabriel, musingly.

"How did you know,--did your father tell you?"

"Poor belle-mere!" said Gabriel, almost with pity; "can you live in this
house and not watch all that passes,--every stranger, every message,
every letter? But what, then, does he wish with you?"

"He has suggested my returning to England and seeing the trustees
myself. His interest can obtain my passport."

"And you have refused?"

"I have not consented."

"Consent!--hush!--your maid; Marie is not waiting without;" and Gabriel
rose and looked forth. "No, confound these doors! none close as they
ought in this house. Is it not a clause in your settlement that the half
of your fortune now invested goes to the survivor?"

"It is," replied Lucretia, struck and thrilled at the question. "How,
again, did you know this?"

"I saw my father reading the copy. If you die first, then, he has all.
If he merely wanted the money, he would not send you away."

There was a terrible pause. Gabriel resumed: "I trust you, it may be,
with my life; but I will speak out. My father goes much to Bellanger's
widow; she is rich and weak. Come to England! Yes, come; for he is
about to dismiss me. He fears that I shall be in the way, to warn you,
perhaps, or to--to--In short, both of us are in his way. He gives you an
escape. Once in England, the war which is breaking out will prevent your
return. He will twist the laws of divorce to his favour; he will marry
again! What then? He spares you what remains of your fortune; he
spares your life. Remain here,--cross his schemes, and--No, no; come to
England,--safer anywhere than here!"

As he spoke, great changes had passed over Lucretia's countenance. At
first it was the flash of conviction, then the stunned shock of h