Page 179 (1/2)

"Indeed," stammered Barnabas, "I--it was only three pounds, after all,

and--there,--go,--hurry away to your husband, and--ah! that reminds

me,--he ant help, perhaps!" Here Barnabas took out his card,

and thrust it into her hand "Take that to my house, ask to see my

Steward, Mr Peterby,--stay, I'll write the naood-by!"

"It is a truly pleasant thing to ratitude, sir,"

said Jasper Gaunt, as the door closed behind the woman "And now I

am entirely at your service,--this way, sir"

Forthwith Barnabas followed his stretched out before hi away at vacancy

"Sir," said Jasper Gaunt, glancing froain, "he will not trouble us, I think, but if you wish him to

withdraw--?"

"Thank you--no," answered Barnabas, "Captain Slingsby is my friend!"

Jasper Gaunt bowed, and seated himself at his desk opposite Barnabas

His face was in shadow, for the blind had been half-drawn to exclude

the glare of the afternoon sun, and he sat, or rather lolled, in a

low, deeply cushioned chair, studying Barnabas with his eyes that

were so bright and so very knowing in the ways offor Barnabas to begin Now on

the wall, ier,

that glittered evilly where the light caught it; and as he sat there

so very quiet and still, with his face in the shadow, it seeger sh his throat, and in that moment Barnabas fancied he