ain--I shall bite
out my tongue first."

He was moved, and awoke to the understanding that he had not yet
estimated, according to the ordinary reckoning of the world, the
pecuniary favour he had accepted from her. The fact that he felt shame
at the resource of which circumstances forced him to avail himself
could not affect his sense of her nobility, and it was a true instinct
of gratitude that made him rise in order to bestow what she had ceased
to demand. But, somewhat to his astonishment, she waved him back.

"No, Morgan; I really meant what I said, and you must not think I am
only tricky."

After which he felt forced to pin her to her request, protesting her
honesty was not in dispute.

"You know I am to be trusted," she whispered demurely. "I am so glad
you did not insist on the veil. I must really smoke another cigarette
to get calm; I am as agitated as a girl getting her first kiss."

"And I'll smoke another to keep you company," he said.

"Let us meet clandestinely somewhere on Thursday about ten o'clock,"
she said a little later. "It makes it ever so much more piquant to
proceed mysteriously. We shall lunch in those parts. I must be home
again by five, as I have a small dinner-party. I have an idea, Morgan.
One of my men writes he won't be able to turn up. You've never dined
at my house in state. Come and fill the vacant place."

He shook his head. His instinct was to refuse without considering. She
insisted a little, but, seeing his heart was against it, left the
subject, turning gaily to something else.

Soon he went out with her and saw her into a hansom. It was past two
when he bade her good-night, having agreed to a rendezvous for
Thursday in the heart of the city.

CHAPTER IX.

It was a little past mid-day, and Archibald Druce, who had returned an
hour before from an early morning professional appointment with
Medhurst, was feeling restless and lonely. Morgan was not due till
half-past one, and so the old man wandered disconsolately about the
hotel, seeking some congenial spirit with whom to hold converse. At
length, peering into the smoking-room, he discovered a white-haired,
stately gentleman, with a somewhat military air, whose grave
appearance was encouraging. With him Archibald began an exchange of
civilities, and very soon launched out into an account of his
interview of that morning.

"I assure you, my dear sir," said the banker, though the other had not
questioned the fact i