red the banker. "I meant what I
said. Come, let's see what can be done. Have you any scheme in view?"

"Yes, I have," said Crombie, with decision.

Littimer gave a grunt. He was afraid of people with schemes, and was
disappointed with the young man's want of helplessness. Dependence
would have been an easier thing to deal with.

"Well," said he, "we must talk it over. Come and see me at the bank
to-morrow. You know the address."

The next day Crombie called at the bank; but Littimer was not there. He
was not very well, it was said; had not come down-town. Crombie did
what he could toward organizing his fight for a directorship, and then
returned to The Lorne, where he punctually inquired after Mr.
Littimer's health, and learned that the banker's ardor in making the
rounds among distressed people the night before had been followed by
reaction into a bad cold, with some threat of pneumonia. Blanche was
plainly anxious. The attack lasted three or four days, and Crombie,
though the affair of the directorship was pressing for attention, could
not forbear to remain as near as possible to Blanche, offering every
aid within his power, so far as he might without overstepping the lines
of his very recent acquaintance. But the Littimers did not, according
to his observation, number any very intimate companions in their
circle, or at least had not many friends who would be assiduous in such
an emergency. Perhaps their friends were too busy with social
engagements. Consequently, he saw a good deal of Blanche, and became to
her an object of reliance.

Well, it was simply one of those things that happen only in fairy tales
or in romances--or in real life. Littimer recovered without any serious
illness, and, after a brief conference with Crombie, entered heartily
into the young man's campaign. Crombie showed him just what
combinations could be formed, how success could be achieved, and what
lucrative results might be made to ensue. He conquered by figures and
by lucid common-sense. Littimer agreed to buy a number of shares in the
Engraving Company, which he happened to know could be purchased, and to
advance Crombie a good sum with which to procure a portion of the same
lot. But before this agreement could be consummated, Crombie, with his
usual frankness, said to the banker:

"I will conceal nothing from you, Mr. Littimer. I fell in love with
Blanche before I knew her, and if this venture of mine succeeds, I
shall ask her to be