m at all, he was floating like a jaunty cork on the very top of the
wave. He was a marvel to everyone; it was a mystery how he lasted so
long. Money went away from him as rain runs off the oiled surface of a
shiny mackintosh coat. And yet he had always plenty of it; eclipses he
might know, but they were partial; collapse might threaten, but it was
always delayed. He had still the best dinners, the best cigars, the
best brougham; was _bien vu_ in the best society: had the best
boot-varnish in London, and wore the most curly-brimmed hats, the envy
of every hatter but his own. To all outward seeming there was no more
fortunate prosperous man about town; the hard shifts to which he had
been put at times were known only to himself--and to one other man,
who had caught him tripping once, and found his account in the fact.
The pressure this man excited drove Gilly Jillingham nearly to
despair. He was really on the brink of ruin at this moment, although
he stood before Phillipa as reckless and defiant as when he had first
won her girlish affections, and thrown them carelessly on one side.

"How can I help you?" asked Phillipa, when he had repeated his news.

"I never imagined you could; but you take such an interest in me, I
thought you might like to know."

"And you have dragged me up to London simply to tell me this?"

"Certainly. You always took a delight in coming when I called."

It was evident that he had a strong hold over her. She trembled
violently.

"Are these lies I hear?" he went on, speaking with mocking emphasis.
"Can it be possible you mean to marry that cub?"

"Who has been telling you this?"

"Answer my question."

"What right have you to ask?"

"The best. You know it. Have you not been promised to me
since--since--"

"Well, do you wish me to redeem my promise? I am ready to marry you
now--to-day, if you please. Ruined as you are, reckless, unprincipled,
gambler--I know not what--"

"That's as well. But I am obliged to you; I will not trespass on your
good-nature. I shall have enough to do to keep myself."

"We might go to a colony."

"I can fancy you in the bush!"

"Anything would be preferable to the false, hollow life I lead. I want
rest. I could pray for it. I long to lay my head peacefully where--"

"Wherever you please. Try Mr. Purling's shoulder. You have my full
permission."

Phillipa's eyes flashed fire at this heartless _persiflage_.

"There is no such luck."

"Can he dare to