"Now," said the owner to his wife and daughter, "leave me; I wish to speak with this gentleman." And he glanced towards the clerk of Thomson & French, who had remained motionless in the corner during this scene, in which he had taken no part, except the few words we have mentioned.

The two women looked at this person whose presence they had entirely forgotten, and retired; but, as she left the apartment, Julie gave the stranger a supplicating glance, to which he replied by a smile that an indifferent spectator would have been surprised to see on his stern features.

The two men were left alone.

"Well, sir," said Morrel, sinking into a chair, "you have heard all, and I have nothing further to tell you." "I see," returned the Englishman, "that a fresh and unmerited misfortune his overwhelmed you, and this only increases my desire to serve you." "Oh, sir!" cried Morrel.
"Let me see," continued the stranger, "I am one of your largest creditors." "Your bills, at least, are the first that will fall due." "Do you wish for time to pay ?" "A delay would save my honor, and consequently my life." "How long a delay do you wish for ?"--Morrel reflected.

"Two months," said he.
"I will give you three," replied the stranger.
"But," asked Morrel, "will the house of Thomson & French consent ?" "Oh, I take everything on myself.