home he sunk into a chair, and stared vacantly at the fire. At length he rang the bell; the valet entered.

Court," said More, "what do I owe

you ?"

"Eight months wages, Sir, and three months board."

Very good. Sell the pianoforte to-day; pay yourself and the housemaid.

you go."

"But, Sir-really, Sir."

To-morrow

"That will do, Court. You know me; leave the room."

Court stared, shook his head, and did as he was ordered.

More looked round his beautifully furnished room. Each picture, each nick-nack and curiosity passed before his eyes. The sofas, the easy chairs, the piano--all were looked at and considered; for all were looked at for the last time. He smiled.

"What does it matter now?" he said.

"What is money worth? what are these trumperies worth? what is life worth, when she is lost?" a tear trickled down his cheek.

Why weep?" he muttered, hastily dashing it away; "silly fool! No, no tears! they are no use; crying won't make a heart hard. Mine's too soft by half; has been! has been !"

He paced rapidly up and down the room. Presently he stopped, consulted "Bradshaw's Railway Guide," then rang the bell for his

servant.

"Court, pack one of my portmanteaus for a week, and have a cab here in twenty minutes. Before leave you into their cases, and take them to ——, to be

left till called for.”

all my

put all

books

"Won't you please to take breakfast, Sir ?" inquired Mr. Court in rather a pathetic tone of voice.

"No."

1

CHAPTER VIII.

THAT same evening More reached Mossbank Cottage. Mr. Bellerby was from home. Miss Bellerby was unwell and confined to her room. It was late before the attorney came in. He was surprised to see More.

Surprised, and he might add delighted. He hoped Mr. More would make some stay. Not such quarters as he was used to, but humble people, he trusted, might be hospitable people."

Mr. Bellerby thought his visitor had come to pay the interest on the mortgage.

"Bless me," said Mr. Bellerby, when lights were brought in, "bless me, Mr. More, how very ill you look, Sir.

anything?-a cup of tea

meat?"

Won't you take

and a little cold

"I'll have a glass of brandy, if you've got any in the house."

More had not tasted food since he left Mona.

"I'm sorry to hear Miss Bellerby is not well."

Mr. Bellerby looked uncomfortable.

"Nothing serious," said the attorney; "rather nervous; she is suffering from a slight nervous attack; but will be quite well to-morrow, quite well, I hope! Well, Sir, London very gay? I suppose the season is drawing to a termination; is it not. Won't you come nearer to the fire, Sir? the evenings get very cold at this time of the

There was a pause of some minutes. Business of an unpleasant nature is very hard to introduce in a pleasant way.

"I suppose," said Mr. Bellerby, breaking the silence, "I suppose, Mr. More, you will drive over and pay a short visit to Moreton. I shall be very happy to accompany you any day you please; I was there myself a day or two since. I never saw Moreton looking more beautiful."

"It was with reference to the Moreton estate that I came to see you.'

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Indeed," said Mr. Bellerby, with a complacent smile.

"Yes, I shall have to sell it, after all," said More.

"Not a very favourable time to sell properties just now," said Mr. Bellerby.

"I can't help it. Moreton must be sold, and partly to pay you, Mr. Bellerby."

"My dear Sir, I am sure I should be extremely sorry to-to-be the cause of-of