omised him, of completing that very inauspicious sentence-the last which he had uttered in Mr. Bellamy's house previously to his abrupt departure. Michael had not been in the banking-house an hour

nishment of self-murder. Bellamy was reputed a first-rate shot. Michael was aware of the fact, and hugged the consciousness to his soul. He would not detract from his reputation; the duellist should add another laurel to his chaplet of honour, and purchase it with his blood. He had resolved to fight and fall. It was very evident that the friend of Mr Bellamy expected rather to frighten Michael i

ut I decline to make any whatever. I am prepared to give Mr Bellamy all the satisfaction that h

llcraft, you must regre

that he lied. I repeat the word to you. I would say it in

nly unprepared for Michael's resoluti

to seek him, and the poor bewildered man rubbed his hands gleefully, as though h

as Burrage. He had been a servant in the banking-house for forty years, and had known Michael since his birth. It was he who gave the newspaper into Allcraft's hands, on the first arrival of the latter at the bank that morning. He was a quiet old man of sixty, an affectionate creature, and as

r," said Burrage most respectfully

been so well for years. I am composed and happy. I have

core, sir; old

ld man, when it comes to the care-w

am sure your poor father never expected this. Nobody could have expected it in his time, when you were a lit

ster and faster into his eyes, and he sobbed as only men so

am sure you are unwell. You have been ill for some time. You should see a doctor-a

t is all over. It is finished. Prepare for the crash-look to your own s

eally very ill. Your brain is overworked

jail-the repose of a tomb. We will have one, a

d any bad news

nd fears-no alarms-no lying and knavery-eter

Allcraft, and go home? Your hands are

lerk. "Write bankrupt on the door-write it in large letters-in staring capitals-that the c

t I do not understand you. Yo

listen to the truth? Man," he continued, raising his voice and looking the clerk steadily in the face.

orbid,

Am I to be devoured, eaten away by anxiety and trouble? Have you

possibl

ent tells its own tale. We close the door to-night, to open it no more. You hear the words

said Burrage, wringing his hands; "but it ha

ow it in my teeth so soon? You are in the right, man-go with

lerk. "You will break my heart at once if you do. Wha

h, old friend. Go your ways. Leave me to myself. I have told you a secret-keep it whilst it remains one. O

cay, and its still more awful and obscure uncertainties, started suddenly before him, and sent a sickening chill through every pore of his unnerved flesh. Then he retreated from his position-fled, as it were, for life, and dared not look behind, so terrible was the sight of his grim adversary. He leaped from his chair, as if unable to sit there; and, whilst he paced the room, he drew his breath, as though he needed air for respiration-his heart throbbed, and his brain grew tight and hot within his skull. The fit passing away, Michael hastened to review the last few years of his existence, and to bribe himself to quietness and resignation, by contrasting the hateful life which he had spent with the desirable repose offered to him in the grave; and by degrees the agitation ceased-the alarm subsided, and the deluded man was once more cozened into hardened and unnatural tranquillity. In this way flew the hours-one train of feeling succeeding to another, until the worn-out spirit of the man gave in, and would be moved no longer. At last, the unhappy banker grew sullen and silent. He ceased to sigh, and groan, and weep. His brain refused to think. He

red to him; for an ashy paleness came over him-his eyelid trembled, and his lips were drawn down convuls

came to

him spitefully, "have you no heart-no fee

hat,

earnings? Why did you rob his little ones? Why clutch the bread from his starving grandchildren? He will

thing, sir. You forbade

e his life, and my soul from everlasting ruin? You might, you could have done it, but

nds, shook them piteously, si

e both in the private room, which the former had not quitted during the day. Michael was writing a letter; the clerk was sta

o-night, Burrage. I have bus

ad better go home.

eglected. I have written to Mrs Allcraft, explaining the reason of my absence. You

red Burrage, wish

no more to say. G

" said the man, w

oken unkindly-very harshly and cruelly to-day. Do not think ill of me. My temper

t to his lips and kissed it; and then, ashamed not of the act, but of his unmanly tears, he walked slo

ot die until he had done so. Where Allcraft passed the night was never known. He was punctual to his appointment on the following morning; and so was Mr Bellamy. It is due to the latter to state, that, at the latest moment, he was willing, as far as in him lay, to settle the difference without proceeding to extreme measures. All that a man could offer, who did not wish to be suspected of rank cowardice, he offered without reservation. But Allcraft was inexorable. He repeated his insult on the field; and there was nothing to be done but to make hi

the morning, when he received a letter informing him of his father's death, and an intimation from a lawyer, that every farthing which he inherited would be taken from him, as goods and chattels, for the discharge of claims which the creditors of the bank might have against him. Later in the day, he heard of Allcraft's death and Bellamy's escape, and then he rushed into a chemist's shop and bought an ounce of arsenic; but after he had purchased it