that as a grown up young lady, she made constant use of it. These were his words, and that he would be bound to say she would pick it out of the whole house. Will you tell me, dear sir, whether in your judgment, I shall do right to entreat Mrs. Meredith's acceptance of it?"

Meredith rushed to the window and laid his burning forehead against the pane of glass. Doubtless Mrs. de Snobyn meant to be very kind-doubtless she did-every word was cordial and sympathising; yet, what was there in her aspect, handsome and elegant as she was, that caused such an indefinable sensation throughout his frame. Oh, it was his errand, his miserable mission. And then this cabinet-kindly intentioned no doubt, but was this miserable piece of Indian jugglery all that his poor Emily was to retain of her father's rich possessions and ample belongings—once, as it had seemed, all so surely her own! How he longed civilly and coolly to decline it. But could he dare he--ought he!

Could he decline a kindly-meant compliment, and then in the same breath ask a material favour? Dare he run the risk of having his request denied by refusing a propitiatory offering? And ought he, from any feelings of pride or dislike, to refuse a gift which might be most acceptable to his bereaved Emily-for well he remembered that cabinet-and well he remembered it as a cherished favourite of hers. It had been in the family, he knew, for generations; on Mr. Dalton's marriage had been assigned by him to the use of his bride, and on Mrs. Dalton's death, in Emily's childhood, had been even then given to her. He had heard this account from Emily more than once, and knew well that in her mind the cabinet was associated with treasured recollections of her mother. Ought he to refuse it?-no!

Having come to this resolution, he turned and in a hurried, abrupt manner, expressed his wish to speak with Mrs. de Snobyn alone. She started a little, half hesitated,

as if the request were not altogether agreeable; but the delay was but instantaneous when

"Helena, my dear; Augustus," sent both the young people from the room.

"What can I do for you, dear Mr. Meredith?" in even a more sympathizing tone than before, again raised Henry's hopes; and he raised his eyes to the lady's face, but instantly dropped them again, influenced, by he knew not what feeling. Mrs. De Snobyn, too, looked at him with a sort of surprised scrutiny, which did not tend to alleviate his embarrassment, any more than it seemed satisfactory or agreeable to herself. She was becoming, in her turn, a little excited and nervous, when Meredith, severely upbraiding himself for his childishness and folly ; and making a great effort, resumed a more manly tone and demeanour.

"You have it in your power, madam, to do much for us; to aid us most materially.

Indeed, to you alone, can we look for redemption in our present necessity."

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Necessity, dear sir-of what sort? You

speak in parables."

Necessity of almost every sort, Mrs. De Snobyn. My wife is on a sick bed-I have no means to supply her with the comforts she requires. I have not the power to procure her the common decencies of her station."

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This is a sad account, indeed, sir; but, doubtless, your fears for Mrs. Meredith, cause you to exaggerate your trouble ?"

"They do not, I assure you; if I make any error at all, it is in understatement not exaggeration."

"This trouble is but temporary, doubtless, and will pass away shortly."

"I would gladly hope so; but I have no firmer basis than hope on which to rely."

"Well, sir, if it be so-though I do not

understand how it can be so, I shall be happy if it be in my power to serve you."

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Madam, it is in your power, and in yours only. I appeal to you in the terms of Mr. Dalton's will that you should assist his daughter."

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My dear sir, you are somewhat too peremptory. You speak as if you had a right to apply to me."

"And so I surely have; you have just succeeded to a noble property in detriment of Mr. Dalton's only child ; and he expressly states in his will that, should his child be in want, he looks to you to succour her with a portion of that large property which, but for my most unhappy fault, would have been all bequeathed to her, not one guinea to you!"

"You speak warmly, sir; rather unjustifiably so; but a little scope may be allowed to the expressions of a disappointed man. Mr. Dalton does refer to me under certain circumstances, but he refers to my