Once, he was referred to as the shrewdest of business men; now, he was held up to ambitious young tradesmen as a warning wreck, stranded amid the breakers.
How painfully was Mr.Markland reminded, at almost every turn, of the changed relations he bore to the world! He had not doubted his ability to form a good business connection with some house of standing, or with some young capitalist, ready to place money against his experience and trade.

But in this he was doomed to disappointment.

His friends spoke discouragingly; and everywhere he met but a cold response to his views.

Meantime, one creditor of the Company, in New York, who held a matured piece of paper on which Mr.
Markland's name was inscribed, commenced a suit against him.

To prevent this creditor getting all that remained of his wasted estate, an assignment for the benefit of all was made, and preparations at once commenced for removing from Woodbine Lodge.
A few days after this arrangement, Mr.Willet, whose family had gathered closer around their neighbours the moment the fact of their misfortune was known, came over to see Mr.Markland and have some talk with him about his future prospects.