is to be admired for the little check which he contrived to keep over his reason, saving him from absolute insanity and a

on hope and fear-the hope of frightening the unfortunate Brammel senior into payment when he met with him again, the fear of making Brammel junior desperate by his refusal, and of his divulging all he knew. Could a man, not crazy, carry more care upon his brain? Yes, for demands on account of Planner poured in, the very instant that fortunate speculator had taken his lucky leave of the establishment-demands for which Michael had rendered himself liable in law, by the undertaking which he had drawn up and signed in his alarm and haste. Oh, why had he overwhelmed himself with partners-why had he married-why had he taken upon himself the responsibility of his parent's debts-why had he not explained every thing when he might have done it with honour and advantage-why had he not relied upon his own integrity-and why had he attempted, with cunning and duplicity, to overreach his neighbours? Why, oh why, had he

rom her. And how much the better was he for all that he had taken already? Poor Michael had not time to enquire and answer the question. He could not employ his precious moments in retrospection. He lived from hand to mouth; struggled every hour to meet the exigencies of the hour that followed. He was absorbed in the agitated present, and dared not look an inch away from it. Now, thanks to the efforts of her people, England is a Christian country; and whenever fortune goes very hard with a man who has received all the assistance that his immediate connexions can afford him, there is a benevolent brotherhood at hand, eager to relieve the sufferer's wants, and to put an end to his anxiety. This charitable band is known

ayed for maledictions on his head; and mothers taught their little ones to hate the very name he bore, and frightened them by making use of it. Miserable pictures, one upon the other, rose before him-dark judgments, which he had never dreamed of or anticipated; and he stood like a stricken coward, and he yearned for the silence and concealment of the grave. Ay-the grave! Delightful haven to pigeon-hearted malefactors-inconsistent criminals, who fear the puny look of mortal man, and, unabashed, stalk beneath the eternal and the killing frown of God. Michael fixed upon his remedy, and the delusive opiate gave him temporary ease; but, in an another instant, he derived even hope and consolation from another and altogether opposite view of things. A thought suddenly occurred to him, as thoughts will occur to the tossed and working mind-how, why, or whence we know not; and the drowning man, catching sight of the straw, did not fail to clutch it. What if, after all, Mr. Bellamy proposed to sell his property in favour of the bank!! Very likely, certainly; and yet Allcraft, sinking, could believe it possible-yes possible, and (by a course of happy reasoning and self-persuasion) not only so-but true. And if this were Mr. Bellamy's motive and design, how cruel had been his own suspicions-how vain and wicked his previous disturbance and complaints! And why should it not be? Had he not engaged to restore the money which he had borrowed; and had he not given his word of honour to pay in a large amount of capital? At the memorable meeting, had he not promised to satisfy Allcraft of the justice of his own proceedings, and the impropriety of Michael's attack upon his character? And had not the time arrived for the redemption of his word, and the payment of every farthing that was due from him? Yes; it had arrived-it had come-it was here. Mr Bellamy was about to assert his integrity, and the banking-house was saved. Michael rose from his chair-wiped the heavy sweat-drops from his brow-dried his tears, and gave one long and grateful sigh for his deliverance from that state of horror, by which, for one sad, sickening moment, he had been bewildered and betrayed. But, satisfied as he was, and rejoiced as he pretended to be, it could hardly be expected that a gentleman possessed of so lively a temperament as that enjoyed by Mr. Allcraft would rest quietly upon his convictions, and take no steps to strengthen and establish them. Michael for many days past had had no direct communication

the master-"most glad-most happy-pray, be seated.

ichael, declining the kind offer. "I h

of coming home until I started, and I arrived here only late l

k of meaning, which showed that he had taken hope from Mr Bellamy's expression-"

off again to-morrow." (Michael moved uneasily in his chair.) "But, how are you, Mr Allcraft? How are all our friends? Nothing new, I'll venture to say. This world is a stal

surprise me by yo

, Mr Allcraft. Take things as th

emark, but he looked at the man in crimson plus

ak without reserve. As much as you please, and as quickly as you please, for I assure you t

s pretending to throw his mind into the coming wee

; "but it can be answered in a moment, and at another oppo

no end of engagements, and if I am

hout an explanation, which he dreaded to receive. Mr Bellamy continued to be very polite and very talkative, and to prosecute his repast with unyielding equanimity. At the close of the meal the servant removed the cloth, and de

, turning sharply upon his partner: "W

f life and death to both of us. Your conduct is a mystery. I cannot explain it. I know not what are the motives which a

f. When will you cease to be a very young man? I will answer voluntarily any questions put to me by

lcraft, "your property is

" said

uncement has

ha

ealized by that sal

gh he wished his partner

," said the

propose to make good the losses which th

Is there any

t for ever. At this very time your purpose is known to the world; and, before we can prevent it, the bank may be run upon and annihilated. What will be said of your pr

sir?" said Bellamy

nd easy as you profess to be, I will be cozened by you no longer. If you carry out your work, your doings shall be told to every human soul within a hundred miles of where you stand. You shall be exhibited as you are.

hed, sir?" repe

be resolute. Persist in your determination

ct, Mr Allcraft, precisely as you think proper. It is all I ask on my own account. I have unfortunately private debts to a very large amount. What is st

d moved about in it, groaning. Mr Bell

t," said the imperturbable Bellamy; "very-and can answer n

beggared, and that this very property may be wrested from you by our angry creditors. What will become of us? For Heaven's sake, my dear, good sir, do not rush blindly

ll probability, not have met on the present business. I cannot help saying, that, when you are ready to justify to me your conduct in respect of your late father's liabilitie

appy speaker, stammering until he almost burst with rage. "You are a villain! You have heard of my misfortun

rang the bell. The stout gentleman in plush walked

ft, William,"

ll be coincident with mine. Not a step shall I fall, down which you shall not follow and be dragged yoursel

have been drinkin

e lied for months and yea

finish your sentence, sir, elsewhere. Bego

ichael stared at him for a second or two, as if confounde