is no
undoing what has happened. I must say that at once, and as firmly as
possible. We may talk of how I can compensate you for--for the injury;
but of nothing else."

He ended with much mental objurgation, which swelled his throat.

"You can't compensate a man," returned Northway, "for an injury of this
kind."

"Strictly speaking, no. But as it can't be helped--as I wronged you
without knowing you--I think I may reasonably offer to do you whatever
good turn is in my power. Please to tell me one thing. Have you spoken
to any one except Mrs. Wade of what you have discovered?"

"No--to no one."

It might be true or not. Denzil could only hope it was, and proceed on
that assumption.

"I am sure I may trust your word," he said, beginning to use diplomacy,
with the immediate result that Northway's look encouraged him. "Now,
please tell me another thing, as frankly. Can I, as a man of some means
and influence, offer you any acceptable service?"

There was silence. Northway could not shape a reply.

"You have been in commerce, I think?" proceeded the other. "Should you
care to take a place in some good house of business on the Continent,
or elsewhere abroad? I think it's in my power to open a way for you
such as you would not easily make by your own exertions."

The listener was suffering. But for one thing, this offer would have
tempted him strongly; but that one thing made it idle for him to think
of what was proposed. To-day or to-morrow Quarrier would be exposed by
his plotting enemies, and thereupon any bargain made with reference to
the future would collapse. If he were to profit by Quarrier at all, it
must needs be in the shape of a payment which could not be recovered.

"I don't care to go into business again," he said, with a mingling of
real annoyance and affected superiority. "I have other views."

"Can I help to advance them?" asked Denzil, sickening under the
necessity of speaking fair.

The dialogue lasted for half an hour more. Jealousy notwithstanding,
Northway had made up his mind to gain what was to be gained. Lilian was
beyond his reach; it would be foolish to go back to his poverty and
cloudy overlook when solid assistance was held out to him. With much
posturing and circumlocution, he came at length to the avowal that a
sum of ready money would not be refused.

"Are you wise in preferring this to the other kind of help?" Denzil
urged.

"I have my own views."

Quarrier ridiculed hims