mpany. The transaction differed in nothing from those of ordinary
business"--a last sentence slily added by the Socialist son, and
innocently accepted by one of the shrewdest of men.

After which Master George Denny scarcely slept, and by nine o'clock next
morning was in a hansom on his way to Wilkins's lodgings in Westminster.
The glee of that black-bearded patriot hardly needs description. He
flung himself on the letter with a delight and relief so exuberant that
George Denny went off to another more phlegmatic member of the
anti-Wharton "cave," with entreaties that an eye should be kept on the
member for Derlingham, lest he should do or disclose anything before the
dramatic moment.

Then he himself spent the next forty-eight hours in ingenious efforts to
put together certain additional information as to the current value of
founders' shares in the new company, the nature and amount of Wharton's
debts, and so on. Thanks to his father's hints he was able in the end
to discover quite enough to furnish forth a supplementary statement. So
that, when the 10th arrived, the day rose upon a group of men
breathlessly awaiting a play within a play--with all their parts
rehearsed, and the prompter ready.

* * * * *

Such in substance, was Anthony's story. So carried away was he by the
excitement and triumph of it, that he soon ceased to notice what its
effect might be upon his pale and quick-breathing companion.

"And now what has happened?" she asked him abruptly, when at last he
paused.

"Why, you saw!" he said in astonishment, pointing to the evening
paper--"at least the beginning of it. Louis is at the House now. I
expect him every moment. He said he would follow me here."

Marcella pressed her hands upon her eyes a moment as though in pain.
Anthony looked at her with a tardy prick of remorse.

"I hear Louis's knock!" he said, springing up. "May I let him in?" And,
without waiting for reply, he hobbled as fast as his crutch would carry
him to the outer door. Louis came in. Marcella rose mechanically. He
paused on the threshold, his short sight trying to make her out in the
dusk. Then his face softened and quivered. He walked forward quickly.

"I know you have something to forgive us," he said, "and that this will
distress you. But we could not give you warning. Everything was so
rapid, and the public interests involved so crushing."

He was flushed with vengeance and victory, but as