The figure was the one thing important to him,--the figure and the nature of the assurance.

Mr.Crowe had made his calculations, and put the matter very plainly.

A certain number of francs,--a hundred francs,--would be paid to him weekly at any town in France he might select,--which however would be forfeited by any letter written either to Mrs.O'Hara, to Miss O'Hara, or to the Earl.
"The Earl!" ejaculated the Captain.
Mr.Crowe had been unable to refrain his tongue from the delicious title, but now corrected himself.

"Nor Mr.Neville, I mean.

No one will be bound to give you a farthing, and any letter asking for anything more will forfeit the allowance altogether." The Captain vainly endeavoured to make better terms, and of course accepted those proposed to him.