and now I labor for love of
my children, at whatever business I can make the most money."

"You have a family, then?" I asked.

The old gentleman nodded; and through the tobacco smoke I saw that his
eyes grow moist at the question. We sat silent for a few minutes, for we
did not wish to interrogate him in relation to his family affairs,
although I must confess that I felt something of a Yankee's curiosity in
regard to his position in life.

"I have no desire to keep from you my story," Mr. Critchet said,
"although it may not interest you, and is but a repetition of trust and
wrong--of confidence and betrayal. Such as it is, however, I will
confide to you, and hope that it may prevent you from being shipwrecked
on the same sea."

The old gentleman moistened his lips with a drink of cold tea, and
began:--

"My father was a merchant before me, and dealt largely in West India and
India goods; and, when I was of sufficient age, I occupied a stool in
his counting room, and learned the mysteries of buying low and selling
high, for the purpose of taking his place when he felt rich enough to
retire.

"When he did, which was at a ripe old age, I was left in possession of
two thirds of his property, it being shared by my sister and myself; and
when my sister married, which she did without my consent, and almost
before I knew her husband by reputation, I paid over to her every penny
that belonged to her, and wished her God speed on her journey through
life. We were nearly strangers to each other, owing to the death of our
mother during her infancy, when an aunt had volunteered to assume the
control of her education, and that was one reason why, perhaps, my
advice was not listened to in regard to the choice of a husband.

"Well, time passed on, and at length I too married, and was blessed with
a daughter, and then I renewed my exertions for wealth for my child's
sake; for then I was a silly and ambitious man, and hoped that I could
connect myself by marriage with some peer or lord, or even a baronet.
That was eighteen years ago, my friends, and since that period I have
grown wiser, and, as you see, older. If I can live to see my daughter
wedded to an honest man my ambition will be satisfied."

I began to reflect and ponder over those words. How did I know but that
I might suit her fancy! I looked at Fred, and would have sworn that he
was debating the same subject. I already began to feel jealous; for an
English girl, at th