latter resisted his demand, or opposed it with one kind word of
remonstrance. Michael was prepared for this, and the gentlest opposition
would have saved them both. But what did Margaret possess, which she
wished not to share with him who was her idol--dearer to her than her
life--the joy and light of life! He hinted his request; she hardly
suffered him to hint it. She placed her substance at his command, and
bade him use it. Like a guilty man--one guilty of his first but heavy
fault--blushing and faltering, Allcraft thanked his Margaret for the
loan, promised speedy payment, and vowed that he would beg no more. Fond
Margaret! she kissed the vow away, and bade him clear his brow, smile,
and be happy. It was a woman's part, who loves not wisely, but too well.
The day that gave him the means of satisfying the claims of one great
creditor, bound Allcraft more seriously to another; but he rejoiced at
his success, which brought him temporary ease, and he congratulated
himself upon his deliverance from failure and exposure. There was little
to do. The lady's broker was written to; the legal adviser of the
gentleman, at Michael's own request, prepared an instrument to secure
repayment of the loan; the money came--the debts of Allcraft senior to
the last farthing were discharged, and scarcely discharged before
Michael, eager and anxious to be at home, quitted Vienna, ready to
travel by night and day, and longing to feel his footing safely in the
banking-house again.

It is now proper to state, that on the very day that Michael's draft of
five thousand pounds applied for honourable reception at the counter of
his most respectable establishment, by a curious coincidence another
demand for double that amount appeared there likewise; not in the shape
of cheque or written order, but in that of a request, personal and oral,
proceeding from the proud and high-born lips of Walter Bellamy, Esquire,
lord of the manor--gentleman and banker. Mr Bellamy was not the first
man, by a great number, who has attempted to clothe and conceal real
poverty in the stately apparel of arrogance and offensive
self-sufficiency. He, man of the world, knew well enough, that, thus
disguised, _necessity_ need never fear discovery--might look and laugh
in secret at mankind--might feed and thrive upon its faults and
weaknesses. How comparatively easy it is to avoid the shoals and rocks
of life--to sail smoothly and pleasantly on its waters, when we take for
ou