in the dark
night many a boat skimmed the Arno, and directed its course to the last
arch of the Ponte Vecchio. With these rumors we have no concern, nor
with Morlache himself have we more than a passing business.

When Kate Dalton had driven up to the door, she had all but determined
to abandon her intention. The arguments which in the morning had taken
her by surprise seemed now weak and futile, and she was shocked with
herself for even the momentary yielding to Jekyl's counsels. Her only
doubt was whether to drive on without further halt, or leave some short
message, to the effect that she had called but could not delay there.
This seemed the better and more courteous proceeding; and while she was
yet speaking to the dark-eyed, hook-nosed boy who appeared at the door,
Jekyl came up.

"Be quick, Miss Dalton! Don't lose an instant," said he. "Morlache is
going to the palace, and we shall miss him."

"But I have changed my mind. I have resolved not to accept this
assistance. It is better far better that I should not."

"It is too late to think of that now," said he, interrupting, and
speaking with some slight degree of irritation.

"How too late? What do you mean?"

"That I have already told Morlache the whole story, and obtained his
promise for the loan."

"Oh, sir! why have you done this?" cried she, in a voice of anguish.

"I had your free permission for it, Miss Dalton. When we parted this
morning, the matter was fully agreed on between us; but still, if
you desire to retract, your secret is in safe keeping. Morlache never
betrays a confidence."

"And he has heard my name!" cried she, in a broken, sobbing tone.

"Not for the first time, be assured. Even Croesus looked up from his
ingots to ask if it were 'la belle Dalton;' and when I said 'Yes,'
'That's enough,' replied he; 'would that all my moneys had so safe
investment!' But stay; there is Purvis yonder. He is pretending to
examine an eye-glass in that shop opposite, but I see well that he is
there only en vedette."

"What shall I do?" exclaimed the poor girl, now torn by impulses and
emotions the most opposite.

"One thing you must do at once," said Jekyl; "get out of the carriage
and visit two or three of the shops, as if in quest of some article of
jewelry. His anxiety to learn the precise object of your search will
soon draw him from his 'lair.'"

The decision of this counsel, almost like a command, so far imposed upon
Kate that she at once de