his house and furniture. I was not so indiscreet as you
supposed. I have at least secured this to my wife, and she will be a
rich woman even if I fail, and will not let me starve. I shall divide
about ten per cent with my creditors, but my wife will be rich enough
for us both."

"This gives me to understand that you intend to make a fraudulent
bankruptcy. You have settled every thing upon your wife to save yourself
from the unhappy consequences of your failure. You will still be a rich
man if your wife should sell her house, works of art, diamonds, gold and
silver service, and equipages."

"Yes, indeed, a very rich man," said Marie. "In the last few weeks
I have had my property estimated, and it would at least bring three
hundred thousand dollars."

"If the baron only possessed this, he could pay his creditors, and have
a small amount over, sufficient to live upon economically and genteelly.
But you would rather enjoy splendor, and are not particular about living
honorably. You will undoubtedly sell your property, and go to Paris,
to revel in luxury and pleasure, while your defrauded creditors may,
through you come to poverty and want.--Baron, I now see that your wife
did well to bring about my removal. I should have, above all things,
given you the unwelcome advice to sustain your honor unblemished, and
dispose of your costly surroundings for the benefit of your creditors,
that when you die it may be with a clear conscience. You prefer a life
of luxury and ease, rocking your conscience to sleep until God will
rouse it to a fearful awaking. But do as you like. I came here to offer
you assistance, thinking that you would dispose of this property, and
after paying your creditors have sufficient to live upon. Then I could
be permitted to prove my fidelity to you. I now see that I was a
fool. Yet in parting I will still beg of you to avoid the unfavorable
impression of this dinner. The bill of exchange will be presented at
four o'clock, and the bearer will not be satisfied with the excuse of
your non-payment on account of dinner-company. You will be obliged
to settle at once or be arrested. I have learned this from your chief
creditor, and I begged him to have forbearance for you. I shall now
justify him in showing you none, as you do not deserve it!--Farewell!"

The old book-keeper turned with a slight nod, and strode away through
the drawing-room.

"Have you nothing to say to him? Will you let him go thus?" asked Mar