and hundreds that are ever done up. A nob was never
nabbed for the sum you are, sir, and ever went to the wall. Trust my
experience. I never knowed such a thing.'

Ferdinand could scarcely refrain from a smile. Even the conversation of
the little waiter was a relief to him.

'You see, sir,' continued that worthy, 'Morris and Levison would never
have given you such a deuce of a tick unless they knowed your resources.
Trust Morris and Levison for that. You done up, sir! a nob like you,
that Morris and Levison have trusted for such a tick! Lord! sir,
you don't know nothing about it. I could afford to give them fifteen
shillings in the pound for their debt myself and a good day's business,
too. Friends will stump down, sir, trust me.'

'Well, it is some satisfaction for me to know that they will not, and
that Morris and Levison will not get a farthing.'

'Well, sir,' said the incredulous little functionary, 'when I find
Morris and Levison lose two or three thousand pounds by a nob who is
nabbed for the first time, I will pay the money myself, that is all I
know.'

Here the waiter was obliged to leave Ferdinand, but he proved his
confidence in that gentleman's fortunes by his continual civility, and
in the course of the day brought him a stale newspaper. It seemed to
Ferdinand that the day would never close. The waiter pestered him about
dinner, eulogising the cook, and assuring him that his master was famous
for champagne. Although he had no appetite, Ferdinand ordered dinner in
order to ensure the occurrence of one incident. The champagne made him
drowsy; he was shown to his room; and for a while he forgot his cares in
sleep.

CHAPTER XIX.

_The Crisis Rapidly Advances_.

HENRIETTA TEMPLE began once more to droop. This change was not unnoticed
by her constant companion Lord Montfort, and yet he never permitted her
to be aware of his observation. All that he did was still more to study
her amusement; if possible, to be still more considerate and tender.
Miss Grandison, however, was far less delicate; she omitted no
opportunity of letting Miss Temple know that she thought that Henrietta
was very unwell, and that she was quite convinced Henrietta was thinking
of Ferdinand. Nay! she was not satisfied to confine these intimations to
Miss Temple; she impressed her conviction of Henrietta's indisposition
on Lord Montfort, and teased him with asking his opinion of the cause.

'What do you think is the cause,