The

accidental, but I have done very wrong. fact is, I was induced to go to London with the intention of making the acquaintance of your national painter, Rashkin, three of whose unrivalled works you yourself possess, and whom I understood to be residing in that capital. My object was to purchase a picture from him, that my house might boast at least one ornament similar to those you possess, and which I am sure must be worth 6,000 roubles apiece at the very least. But Raskhin was ill, and had no picture to sell, so that, as often happens, I transgressed to no purpose.'

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"I think my pictures are worth more than 6,000 roubles apiece," said the General, thoughtfully.

""I would give 7,000 for them," said Y, eagerly.

""You shall have them at that price," said the Governor. "By-the-bye, when you went to London, notwithstanding your promise to the contrary given to me as the representative

of his Imperial Majesty, did you see any fine horses ?"

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Many, General; but none, I think, equal to the pair you are in the habit of driving.” "And what do you think they are worth?" inquired the General.

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least."

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Eight thousand roubles at the very

Perhaps you would give 9,000 for them ?"

"With pleasure," said Y; and he never spoke a truer word. He had expended 21,000 roubles for three daubs of pictures, and 9,000 for two very indifferent nags; but there was no further danger of his going to Siberia. Such is the way,' observed the Professor in conclusion, in which justice is administered. in my unfortunate country. What is your view?'

As his eyes chanced to light upon Mr. Fluker, that eminent financier thought himself called upon to make a suggestion.

gave

'It is just possible,' he said, 'that X the information to the Governor, and went halves in the-the-operation.'

What betray his brother!' exclaimed the Professor, throwing up his hands in horror.

'I didn't say he did it,' returned Mr. Fluker, apologetically; 'but human nature is human nature, you know.'

A titter ran round the table.

Setting aside the morals of the question,' remarked Mr. Mavors, 'the Governor might, after all, have done worse, for he might have sent the man to Siberia.'

The moral of the case, as far as the Governor was concerned,' said Adair, 'seems to be that when you have got somebody's secret, you should make the most out of it you can.'

He spoke in a low voice, like one who makes a reflection rather than an observation; but Sophy heard him, and the blood fled from

her cheeks. She began to hate this young

man, whom she had only seen the previous evening in her uncle's room-and on one other occasion.

73

CHAPTER V.

STRANDED.

It is the instinct of most persons when they stand in fear of a fellow-creature to avoid his society as much as is consistent with the concealment of their dislike; but though Sophy Gilbert was stricken with a great fear of John Adair, she adopted the contrary course. Without any sudden withdrawal of her attention to Mr. Mavors she dexterously transferred it to her other neighbour, and laid herself out to please him. In a man's case this would have been impossible; to most women it would have been difficult; but to Sophy it was comparatively easy. Youth and Beauty were on her side; but, powerful auxiliaries