Colonel's previous conversation, which evidently alluded to his conviction, and not to his affection.

Colonel Delville was a most careful magistratenot of the clerical cast of magistrates, who are too much inclined to take part with the rich against the poor, and who invariably are harsh against their dissenting brethren, shewing that the law and the prophets are never happily placed in juxta position in the seat of justice-but a most pains-taking and kind magistrate, who, if ever he signed a warrant of distress, evinced more distress than the warrant. He was, after Gerald's avowal of the fault, about to give his decision, when it occurred to him that he had not seen the summons, nor did he know by whom it had been served, as Mr. Dan Scott was a stranger to him, and as it turned out, to his business. Before, however, a question could be put, a commotion at the study door excited attention, when out of breath, if not out of temper, in burst Admiral Perton,

"Well, Colonel, here's a pretty kettle of fish! to summons an Admiral of the White for poaching!

What you here, Gerald? Perhaps this dirty piece of paper is intended for you. What! you are the Edward Peach?-gratitude for giving you coals last winter; ah, you are one of nature's afterguard. And there's another, Mr. Peach!" And Mr. Dan Scott looked on the carpet as if the red and blue streaks of the pattern peculiarly interested him; whilst Tim Fligg enjoyed the whole scene, and thought how he would amuse Mr. Markham by a description of it as he drove him to

town.

"I see the mistake, Admiral, and am very sorry for it. It has been occasioned by the employment of a novice."

"Oh, he is a novice!—not at taking unwarrantable liberties, and bringing two babies into the world, where there are enough already; but this I will explain hereafter."

"Well, Admiral, still an apology is due to you." "Not another word!"

"The case is dismissed," and all rose to retire, though Gerald detained the Colonel, told his errand, and was very cordially received as his future son-in

law, laughing heartily as he did at the conversation at breakfast. In a short time everything was explained to the Admiral, who at luncheon kissed Mabel, who had regathered the roses in her cheeks, and called her his dear daughter; and filling a bumper, drunk to her health, and toasted that Gerald would make the most of such " a rare oppor

tunity!"

CHAPTER VI.

REAL CASE OF AFFLICTION."-The Standard.

"AND you really have a brother!

Why. Mr.

Samson, wonders will never cease. All the time I have known you I never knew of his existence!"

"And I very little of it, Sir.

separated for years: he went to returned with a lac of rupees."

"And a lack of liver, of course.

we are. We leave our native land,

We have been

India, and has

Queer people

gather gold in

some hot climate, and return to die.

eyesight in Egypt."

I lost my

"But you did not return with a fortune, Sir?"

"How is the wind, Mr. Samson?" put by Markham in a peculiar tone, convinced his friend that to his secrets no person was admitted except on

business. "And so your brother is ill, and a rich bachelor, and has sent for you, which is equivalent to his death, your wealth and marriage."

"Marriage, Sir, is the last subject in my thoughts."

"I have no doubt; and Miss Geraldine Fortescue the subject, Samson. I am an old man, and can perceive the sequence of events much better than you would give me credit for; and all I predict will turn out. However, you must not forget Estrella; whon I last saw her I neglected to tell her of the papers in the secret drawer; and as I go to town to-day to see her, you can drive me up, and I will send Tim by the coach—but I trust you will not be absent more than a week. And now, as we have breakfasted, you had better prepare for the journey."

"If you please, Sir, there is a gentleman waiting to see you in the library, of the name of Valdi.”

"Very well, Tim. Put yourself on the coach which will pass the door in half-an-hour, and wait my arrival in town."

"Who drives you, Sir?"