The Seraph strode after him, and as the attendant closed the door and left them alone in the first of the great lofty suite, all glittering with gilding, and ormolu, and malachite, and rose velvet, and Parisian taste, stood like a tower above the Jew's small, slight form; while his words came curtly, and only by a fierce effort through his lips.
"Substantiate what you dare to say, or my grooms shall throw you out of that window! Now!" Baroni looked up, unmoved; the calm, steady, undisturbed glance sent a chill over the Seraph; he thought if this man came but for purposes of extortion, and were not fully sure that he could make good what he said, this was not the look he would give.
"I desire nothing better, my lord," said Baroni quietly, "though I greatly regret to be the messenger of such an errand.

This bill, which in a moment I will have the honor of showing you, was transacted by my house (I am one of the partners of a London discounting firm), indorsed thus by your celebrated name.

Moneys were lent on it, the bill was made payable at two months' date; it was understood that you accepted it; there could be no risk with such a signature as yours.

The bill was negotiated; I was in Leyden, Lubeck, and other places at the period; I heard nothing of the matter.

When I returned to London, a little less than a week ago, I saw the signature for the first time.