d scarcely disguise the relief which these
words brought. He began a grateful acknowledgment of the kindness,
when Arnault interrupted him by saying, "Oh, that's nothing--mere
matter of business. I will write you a check to-night for a thousand.
It's only an advance, you know," and then changed the subject.

"Will you go to town to-morrow?" Mr. Wildmere asked.

"No, not to-morrow. I'll run down Tuesday or Wednesday. In spite of
the times business doesn't give us much leeway this summer, but I've
arranged to be away more or less at present." Then he added, with what
was meant to be a frank, deprecatory laugh, "I suppose you see how
it is. It's some time since I asked permission to pay my addresses to
your daughter. I don't think I've been neglectful of opportunities,
but I don't get on as fast as I would like, and now feel that if I
would keep any chance at all I must be on hand. Muir is a formidable
rival."

"You know that you have my consent and more, Mr. Arnault."

"It's the lady's consent that I must obtain," was the reply. "Muir is
a fine fellow, and I cannot wonder that she hesitates--that is, if
she does hesitate. I may be wasting my time here and adding to the
bitterness of my disappointment, for of course it must become greater
if I see Miss Wildmere every day and still fail."

There was a covert question in this remark, and after a moment or two
Mr. Wildmere said, hesitatingly: "I do not think you are wasting your
time. I think Stella is in honest doubt as to her choice. At least,
that is my impression. You know that young ladies in our free land
do not take much counsel of parents, and Stella has ever been very
independent in her views. When once she makes up her mind you will
find her very decided and loyal. Of course I have my strong preference
in this case, and have a right also to make it known to her, as
I shall. I should be very sorry to see her engaged to a man whose
fortunes are dependent on a brother in such financial straits as Mr.
Muir is undoubtedly in."

"Do you think Henry Muir is in very great danger?"

"I do indeed."

"Hum!" ejaculated Arnault, looking serious.

"What! would he involve you?"

"Oh, no, a mere trifle; but then--Well, please make some inquiries
to-morrow, and I'll see you during the week."

"I'll do anything I can to oblige you, Mr. Arnault. I wouldn't like my
questions, however, to hurt Muir's credit, you understand."

"Of course not, nor would I wish this; but as