st as safe to his
own peace, and to that of the poor child, whom, no matter what her
parentage, Darrell could not but desire to free from the claim set up
by so bold a ruffian, to gratify Losely's wish, and let him remain
in England, upon an allowance that would suffice for his subsistence?
Unluckily for Jasper, it was while this doubt passed through Darrell's
relenting mind, that the miscreant, who was shrewd enough to see that
he had gained ground, but too coarse of apprehension to ascribe
his advantage to its right cause, thought to strengthen his case by
additional arguments. "You see, sir," resumed Jasper, in almost familiar
accents, "that there is no dog so toothless but what he can bite, and
no dog so savage but what, if you give him plenty to eat, he will serve
you."

Darrell looked up, and his brow darkened.

Jasper continued: "I have hinted how I might plague you; perhaps, on the
other hand, I might do you a good turn with that handsome lady who drove
from your park-gate as I came up. Ah! you were once to have been married
to her. I read in the newspapers that she has become a widow; you may
marry her yet. There was a story against you once; her mother made use
of it, and broke off an old engagement. I can set that story right."

"You can," said Darrell, with that exceeding calmness which comes from
exceeding wrath; "and perhaps, sir, that story, whatever it might be,
you invented. No dog so toothless as not to bite--eh, sir?"

"Well," returned Jasper, mistaking Darrell's composure, "at that time
certainly it seemed my interest that you should not marry again; but
_basta! basta!_ enough of bygones. If I bit once, I will serve now.
Come, sir, you are a man of the world, let us close the bargain."

All Darrell's soul was now up in arms. What, then! this infamous wretch
was the author of the tale by which the woman he had loved, as woman
never was loved before, had excused her breach of faith, and been
lost to him forever? And he learned this, while yet fresh from her
presence--fresh from the agonising conviction that his heart loved
still, but could not pardon. With a spring so sudden that it took Losely
utterly by surprise, he leaped on the bravo, swung aside that huge bulk
which Jasper had boasted four draymen could not stir against its will,
cleared his way; and turning back before Losely had recovered his amaze,
cried out: "Execrable villain! I revoke every offer to aid a life
that has existed but to da