to the purchaser."

"The cost of transferring property in France is considerable, I believe,
and there is some difficulty respecting the right of foreigners to
inherit," said Rica, again.

"Take him, I say; the risk is mine," whispered Linton, whose impatience
at the other's caution became each moment stronger.

"Do you accept, Monsieur de Rica?" said the Duke, pushing back his chair
from the table, as though about to rise, "or is there to be an armistice
for the present?"

"It would be ungenerous, my Lord Duke, to refuse you anything in my
power to grant," said Rica, obsequiously. "As a high-spirited but
unfortunate player--"

"Let not this weigh with you, sir," said the Duke, proudly; "the chances
are that I leave my estate behind me on this table. That is the only
consideration for you to entertain."

"Take him at once; it will be too late soon," whispered Linton again.

"I agree, my Lord," said Rica, with a slight sigh, as if yielding in
opposition to his inclination. "When is the money to be forthcoming?"

"Now, sir. Here, upon this spot; here, where, before I rise, I am
determined to have my revenge."

"The bank always closes at daybreak," said Rica, gravely.

"Upon this occasion it will not," said the Duke, with an air of command.

"Be it so, my Lord Duke; you shall have everything as you wish it. I
only call these gentlemen to witness that this proceeding is contrary to
my desire, and must form no precedent for the future."

"Few will be found to ask for such concession," said the Duke, tartly.
"Let us have no more trifling, but begin."

"I back the Duke," said Linton, opening his pocket-book, and taking out
a roll of bank-notes. "Whatever I have touched to-night has gone luckily
with me, and I am sure to bring him good fortune."

"If I might ask a favor, Monsieur," said the Duke, "it would be to leave
me to deal single-handed with my destiny."

"As you please, my Lord," said Linton, gayly. "If you will not accept me
as ally, you must have me as adversary. Charley, make room for me beside
you," continued he, addressing a man whose haggard cheek and deep sunken
eye could scarcely recall the features of Lord Charles Frobisher.

"He's in for it," muttered Frobisher, as Linton seated himself at his
side.

"We shall see," said Linton, calmly, arranging his notebook before him.
Meanwhile, Rica was busily engaged in counting out to the Duke the heavy
sum of the purchase. This occupied a considerabl