When Neville told the attorney of the two ladies, and of the anxiety which he felt to screen them from the terrible annoyance of the Captain's visits, Mr.Crowe smiled, but made no remark.

"It will be enough for you to know that I am in earnest about it," said the future Earl, resenting even the smile.

Mr.Crowe bowed, and asked his client to finish the story.

"The man is to be with me to-morrow, here, at twelve, and I wish you to be present.

Mr.Crowe, my intention is to give him two hundred pounds a year as long as he lives." "Two hundred a year!" said the Ennis attorney, to whom such an annuity seemed to be exorbitant as the purchase-money for a returned convict.
"Yes;--I have already mentioned that sum to his wife, though not to him." "I should reconsider it, Mr.Neville." "Thank you;--but I have made up my mind.