oldsow
littered
.
That
's
annygoat
the
first
.
Then
come
a
terrible
buffoon
—
a
tifoon
,
I
mean
—
and
down
tumbled
the
eastern
stack
of
chimbleys
.
That
's
annygoat
the
second
.
Third
,
the
young
water-cress
gal
was
confined
with
a
unlegitimated
child
;
and
so
I
told
her
mother
never
to
let
her
call
here
again
,
as
we
did
n't
encourage
immoral
karikters
.
That
's
annygoat
the
third
.
Next
,
there
's
poor
Ben
Halliday
,
who
would
n't
pay
the
pavement
rate
at
Holloway
,
'
cause
he
has
n't
got
any
pavement
before
his
house
,
sold
up
,
stick
and
stock
;
and
so
I
gave
him
a
couple
of
guineas
.
Annygoat
the
fourth
.
And
last
of
all
,
a
gentleman
's
livery
servant
—
not
that
villain
Yorkminster
's
,
or
whatever
his
name
was
—
come
with
a
horse
and
shay
and
left
your
pokmanty
,
without
saying
a
word
.
That
's
anny
—
"
"
My
portmanteau
!
"
exclaimed
Richard
,
whose
countenance
was
now
suddenly
animated
with
a
ray
of
hope
:
"
and
have
you
unpacked
it
?
"
"
Not
yet
:
I
have
n't
had
no
time
.
"
"
Bring
it
to
the
bed-side
,
place
it
upon
a
couple
of
chairs
,
and
open
it
at
once
,
"
said
Markham
hastily
.
"
Bestir
yourself
,
good
Whittingham
:
I
am
anxious
to
see
if
there
be
any
note
—
any
letter
—
any
—
"
While
Richard
uttered
these
words
with
a
considerable
degree
of
impatience
,
the
butler
dragged
the
portmanteau
from
beneath
the
bed
,
where
he
had
deposited
it
,
and
placed
it
close
to
his
master
's
right
hand
.
It
was
speedily
opened
,
unpacked
,
and
examined
throughout
;
the
clothes
and
linen
were
unfolded
;
and
Richard
's
eyes
followed
the
investigation
with
the
most
painful
curiosity
.
But
there
was
no
letter
—
no
note
from
any
inmate
of
the
count
's
abode
.
A
sudden
reminiscence
entered
his
mind
.
Was
the
document
signed
at
the
Dark
House
amongst
his
papers
?
He
recollected
having
handed
it
to
the
count
;
but
he
could
not
call
to
mind
what
had
afterwards
become
of
it
.
A
moment
's
examination
convinced
him
that
it
had
not
been
returned
to
him
.
At
first
he
was
grievously
annoyed
by
this
circumstance
;
—
in
another
minute
he
was
pleased
,
for
it
struck
him
that
,
after
all
,
its
contents
might
have
been
perused
by
the
count
and
his
family
when
the
excitement
of
that
fatal
night
had
worn
off
.
But
how
to
wipe
away
the
dread
suspicion
raised
by
the
Resurrection
Man
,
relative
to
the
burglary
—
oh
!
that
was
the
most
painful
,
and
yet
the
most
necessary
task
of
all
!
Markham
sank
back
upon
his
pillow
,
and
was
lost
in
thought
,
when
a
low
knock
was
heard
at
the
door
of
his
chamber
.
Whittingham
answered
it
,
and
introduced
Mr.
Monroe
.
The
old
man
was
the
very
picture
of
care
and
wretchedness
:
—
the
mark
of
famine
was
,
moreover
,
upon
his
sunken
cheeks
.
His
eyes
were
dead
and
lustreless
;
—
his
neck
,
his
wrists
,
and
his
hands
seemed
nothing
but
skin
and
bone
.
In
spite
of
the
cleanliness
of
his
person
,
the
thread-bare
shabbiness
of
his
clothes
could
not
escape
the
eye
of
even
the
most
superficial
observer
.
Markham
had
not
seen
him
for
some
months
;
and
now
,
forgetting
his
own
malady
and
his
own
cares
,
he
felt
shocked
at
the
dreadful
alteration
wrought
upon
the
old
man
's
person
during
that
interval
.
On
his
part
,
Mr.
Monroe
was
not
less
surprised
to
find
Richard
upon
a
bed
of
sickness
.
"
My
dear
sir
,
"
said
Markham
,
"
you
are
ill
—
you
are
suffering
—
and
you
do
not
come
to
me
to
—
"
"
What
!
you
have
penetrated
my
secret
,
Richard
!
"
exclaimed
the
old
man
bitterly
.
"
Well
—
I
will
conceal
the
truth
no
longer
:
yes
—
myself
and
my
poor
daughter
—
we
are
dying
by
inches
!
"
"
My
God
!
and
you
were
too
proud
to
come
to
me
!
Oh
!
how
sincerely
—
how
eagerly
would
I
have
offered
you
the
half
of
all
I
possess
—
"
"
How
could
I
come
to
you
,
Richard
,
"
interrupted
the
old
man
,
bursting
into
tears
,
"
when
I
had
already
ruined
you
?
"
"
No
—
not
you
—
not
you
,
"
said
Markham
:
"
you
were
the
victim
of
a
scoundrel
;
and
,
in
acting
for
the
best
,
you
lost
all
!
"
"
God
knows
how
truly
you
speak
!
"
cried
the
old
man
fervently
.
"
But
tell
me
—
what
ails
you
?
and
how
long
have
you
been
upon
a
bed
of
sickness
?
"
"
A
day
or
two
;
—
it
is
nothing
!
Never
mind
me
—
I
am
now
well
—
at
all
events
,
much
better
:
—
let
us
talk
of
yourself
and
your
own
affairs
.
"
"
My
fate
,
Richard
,
is
a
melancholy
one
—
my
destiny
is
sad
,
indeed
!
From
the
pinnacle
of
wealth
and
prosperity
I
have
been
dashed
down
to
the
lowest
abyss
of
destitution
and
misery
!
But
it
is
not
for
myself
that
I
complain
—
it
is
not
for
myself
that
I
suffer
!
I
am
by
this
time
inured
to
every
kind
of
disappointment
and
privation
:
—
but
my
daughter
—
my
poor
Ellen
!
Oh
!
my
God
—
it
was
for
her
sake
that
I
came
to
you
this
morning
to
implore
the
wherewith
to
purchase
a
loaf
of
bread
!
"
"
Merciful
heavens
,
Mr.
Monroe
!
are
you
reduced
to
this
?
"
cried
Richard
,
horror-struck
at
the
piteous
tale
thus
conveyed
to
him
in
a
few
words
.
"
It
is
true
:
—
we
are
starving
!
"
answered
the
old
man
,
sinking
into
a
chair
,
and
sobbing
bitterly
.
Whittingham
walked
towards
the
window
,
and
wiped
his
eyes
more
than
once
.
"
Ah
!
I
am
glad
you
have
come
to
me
at
last
,
"
said
Markham
.
"
I
will
assist
you
to
the
utmost
of
my
power
—
I
will
never
let
you
want
again
!
Oh
!
that
villain
Montague
!
how
many
hearts
has
he
already
broken
—
how
many
more
will
he
yet
break
!
"
"
He
is
the
cause
of
all
this
deep
—
deep
misery
,
"
observed
Monroe
.
"
But
not
alone
by
me
is
his
name
mentioned
with
loathing
and
horror
:
others
have
doubtless
been
,
and
will
yet
be
,
his
victims
.
I
have
learnt
—
by
the
merest
accident
—
that
he
has
changed
his
name
,
and
is
now
pursuing
at
the
West
End
,
the
same
course
he
so
successfully
practised
in
the
City
.
"
"
Changed
his
name
!
"
ejaculated
Markham
.
"
And
what
does
he
call
himself
now
?
"
"
Greenwood
,
"
answered
Mr.
Monroe
.
"
Greenwood
!
George
Montague
and
Greenwood
one
and
the
same
person
!
"
cried
Richard
,
suddenly
recalling
to
mind
the
name
of
the
individual
to
whom
the
count
had
entrusted
his
capital
.
"
Ah
!
you
talk
of
new
victims
—
I
know
one
,
whose
ruin
is
perhaps
by
this
time
consummated
.
Quick
—
quick
,
Whittingham
,
give
me
writing
materials
:
I
will
send
a
warning
—
although
I
am
afraid
it
is
already
too
late
!
"
While
Whittingham
was
arranging
his
master
's
portfolio
upon
the
coverlid
of
the
bed
,
Markham
reflected
upon
the
best
means
of
communicating
to
Count
Alteroni
the
character
of
the
man
to
whom
he
had
confided
his
fortune
,
and
whom
he
thought
of
favourably
as
a
suitor
for
his
daughter
's
hand
.
Anonymous
letters
were
detestable
to
the
honourable
and
open
disposition
of
Richard
,
and
he
hesitated
at
the
idea
of
sending
a
note
direct
from
himself
,
fearing
that
it
might
be
thrown
into
the
fire
the
moment
its
signature
should
be
perceived
,
and
thus
fail
in
its
proposed
aim
.
To
call
upon
the
count
was
impossible
:
to
send
Mr.
Monroe
was
disagreeable
.
To
communicate
the
important
intelligence
was
imperiously
necessary
.
But
how
was
it
to
be
conveyed
?
An
idea
struck
across
his
brain
in
this
perplexity
:
—
he
would
write
to
the
countess
,
and
trust
to
the
natural
curiosity
of
the
female
disposition
to
ensure
the
perusal
of
his
letter
.
He
accordingly
penned
the
ensuing
epistle
:
—
"
Madam
,
"
Although
calumniated
in
the
presence
of
Count
Alteroni
,
without
being
permitted
to
justify
myself
;
and
although
ruined
in
your
estimation
,
without
the
freedom
of
explanation
,
—
believe
me
,
I
have
still
the
welfare
of
your
family
most
sincerely
at
heart
.
As
a
proof
of
this
assertion
,
allow
me
to
inform
you
that
the
Mr.
Greenwood
,
to
whom
Count
Alteroni
has
entrusted
his
capital
,
is
an
adventurer
and
a
villain
.
I
on
several
occasions
casually
mentioned
to
you
that
I
was
plundered
of
all
my
property
,
before
I
became
of
an
age
entitled
to
enjoy
it
.
My
guardian
Mr.
Monroe
,
employed
a
certain
Mr.
Allen
to
speculate
for
him
;
and
this
Mr.
Allen
was
mercilessly
robbed
of
all
he
possessed
,
and
all
he
could
raise
,
and
all
his
friends
who
backed
him
could
provide
him
with
,
by
a
miscreant
of
the
name
of
Montague
.
These
particulars
,
which
I
never
mentioned
to
you
before
,
I
now
deem
it
requisite
to
acquaint
you
with
.
Madam
,
that
same
George
Montague
is
your
Mr.
Greenwood
!
"
I
remain
,
Madam
,
your
obedient
servant
,
"
RICHARD
MARKHAM
.
"
This
letter
was
dispatched
that
same
evening
to
Richmond
.
CHAPTER
LIII
.
ACCUSATIONS
AND
EXPLANATIONS
.
It
was
seven
o'clock
in
the
evening
.
Count
Alteroni
was
sipping
his
claret
;
the
countess
was
reading
a
new
German
novel
;
and
the
Signora
Isabella
was
sitting
in
a
pensive
and
melancholy
mood
,
apparently
occupied
with
some
embroidery
or
other
fancy-work
,
but
in
reality
bent
only
upon
her
own
painful
reflections
.
The
air
of
this
charming
girl
was
languishing
and
sorrowful
;
and
from
time
to
time
a
tear
started
into
her
large
black
eye
.
That
crystal
drop
upon
the
jet
fringe
of
her
eye-lid
,
seemed
like
the
dew
hanging
on
the
ebony
frame
of
a
window
.
The
delicate
hue
of
the
rose
which
usually
coloured
her
cheeks
,
and
appeared
as
it
were
beneath
the
complexion
of
faint
bistre
which
denoted
her
Italian
origin
,
had
fled
;
and
her
sweet
vermilion
lips
were
no
longer
wreathed
in
smiles
.
"
Isabel
,
my
love
,
"
said
the
count
,
"
you
are
thoughtful
this
evening
.
What
a
silly
girl
you
are
to
oppose
that
tyrannical
little
will
of
your
own
to
my
anxious
hopes
and
wishes
for
your
welfare
—
especially
as
I
must
know
so
much
better
than
you
what
is
for
your
good
and
what
is
not
.
"
"
I
think
,
"
answered
Isabella
,
with
a
deep
sigh
,
"
that
I
oppose
no
tyrannical
will
to
your
lordship
's
commands
.
"
"
Lordship
's
commands
!
"
repeated
the
count
,
somewhat
angrily
.
"
Have
I
not
ordered
our
rank
and
station
to
be
forgotten
here
—
in
England
?
And
as
for
commands
,
Bella
,
"
added
the
nobleman
,
softening
,
"
I
have
merely
expressed
my
wish
that
you
should
give
Mr.
Greenwood
an
opportunity
of
proving
his
disinterested
affection
and
securing
your
esteem
—
especially
on
the
occasion
of
our
approaching
visit
to
our
friends
the
Tremordyns
.
"
"
My
dear
papa
,
"
answered
the
signora
,
"
I
have
faithfully
promised
you
that
if
Mr.
Greenwood
should
gain
my
affections
,
he
shall
not
sue
in
vain
for
my
hand
.
"
"
That
is
a
species
of
compromise
which
I
do
not
understand
,
"
exclaimed
the
count
.
"
Have
you
any
particular
aversion
to
him
?
"
"
I
have
no
aversion
—
but
I
certainly
have
no
love
,
"
replied
Isabella
firmly
;
"
and
where
there
is
not
love
,
dear
father
,
you
would
not
have
me
wed
?
"
"
Oh
!
as
for
love
,
"
said
the
count
,
evading
a
direct
reply
to
this
query
,
"
time
invariably
thaws
away
those
stern
resolves
and
objections
which
young
ladies
sometimes
choose
to
entertain
,
in
opposition
to
the
wishes
of
their
parents
.
"
"
My
lord
,
I
have
no
power
over
volition
,
"
exclaimed
Isabella
,
with
difficulty
restraining
her
tears
.
"
This
is
very
provoking
,
Isabella
—
very
!
"
said
the
count
,
drinking
his
claret
with
rapidity
.
"
This
man
is
in
every
way
worthy
of
you
—
rich
,
genteel
,
and
good-looking
.
As
for
his
rank
—
it
is
true
that
he
has
no
title
:
but
of
what
avail
to
us
are
rank
and
title
—
exiled
as
we
are
from
our
native
land
—
"
"
Oh
!
my
dear
father
!
"
cried
Isabella
,
wiping
her
eyes
;
"
do
not
fancy
so
ill
of
me
as
to
suppose
that
I
languish
for
rank
,
or
care
for
honour
!
No
—
let
me
either
possess
that
title
which
is
a
reflection
of
your
own
when
in
Castelcicala
;
—
or
let
me
be
plain
Signora
Isabella
in
a
foreign
land
.
Pomp
and
banishment
—
pride
and
exile
,
are
monstrous
incongruities
!
"
"
That
is
spoken
like
my
own
dear
daughter
,
"
exclaimed
the
count
.
"
The
sorrows
of
my
own
lot
are
mitigated
by
the
philosophy
and
firmness
with
which
you
and
your
dear
mother
support
our
change
of
fortunes
;
—
and
,
alas
!
I
see
but
little
chance
of
another
re-action
in
our
favour
.
O
my
dear
country
!
shall
I
ever
see
thee
more
?
Wilt
thou
one
day
recognise
those
who
really
love
thee
?
"
A
profound
silence
ensued
:
neither
of
the
ladies
chose
to
interrupt
the
meditations
of
the
patriot
;
and
he
himself
rose
and
paced
the
room
with
agitated
steps
.
"
And
it
is
this
despair
when
I
contemplate
my
future
prospects
,
"
continued
the
nobleman
,
after
a
long
pause
,
"
that
induces
me
to
wish
to
see
you
speedily
settled
and
provided
for
,
my
dearest
Isabella
.
What
other
motive
can
I
have
but
your
good
?
"
"
Oh
!
I
know
it
—
I
know
it
,
my
dear
father
,
"
cried
the
charming
girl
;
"
and
it
is
that
conviction
which
makes
me
wretched
when
I
think
how
reluctant
I
am
to
obey
you
in
this
instance
.
But
do
not
grieve
yourself
,
my
dear
father
—
and
do
not
be
angry
with
me
!
I
will
be
as
civil
and
friendly
as
I
can
to
this
Mr.
Greenwood
;
and
if
—
and
if
—
—
"
The
beautiful
Italian
could
say
no
more
:
her
heart
was
full
—
almost
to
bursting
;
and
throwing
herself
into
her
mother
's
arms
,
she
wept
bitterly
.
The
count
,
who
was
passionately
attached
to
his
daughter
,
was
deeply
affected
and
greatly
shocked
by
this
demonstration
of
her
feelings
.
He
had
flattered
himself
that
her
repugnance
to
Mr.
Greenwood
was
far
from
being
deeply
rooted
,
and
was
merely
the
result
of
a
young
girl
's
fears
and
anxieties
when
she
found
that
she
was
not
romantically
attached
to
her
suitor
.
But
he
little
suspected
that
she
cherished
a
sincere
and
tender
passion
for
another
—
a
passion
which
she
might
essay
in
vain
to
conquer
.
"
Bella
,
my
darling
,
"
he
exclaimed
,
"
do
not
give
way
to
grief
:
you
cannot
think
that
I
would
sacrifice
you
to
gold
—
mere
gold
?
No
—
never
,
never
!
Console
yourself
—
you
shall
never
be
dragged
a
victim
to
the
altar
!
"
"
My
dearest
father
,
"
cried
Isabella
,
turning
towards
the
count
and
embracing
him
fondly
,
—
"
God
,
who
reads
all
my
actions
,
knows
that
I
would
make
any
sacrifice
to
please
you
—
to
spare
you
one
pang
—
to
forward
your
views
!
Oh
!
believe
me
,
I
am
too
well
aware
of
the
deep
responsibility
under
which
I
exist
towards
my
parents
—
too
deeply
imbued
with
gratitude
for
all
your
kindness
towards
me
,
not
to
be
prepared
to
obey
your
wishes
!
"
"
I
will
exact
no
sacrifice
,
dearest
girl
,
"
said
the
count
.
"
Compose
yourself
—
and
do
not
weep
!
"
At
that
moment
a
loud
double
knock
at
the
front
door
resounded
through
the
house
;
and
scarcely
had
Isabella
,
recovered
her
self-possession
,
when
Mr.
Greenwood
was
announced
.
"
Ladies
,
excuse
this
late
visit
,
"
said
the
financier
,
sailing
into
the
room
with
his
countenance
wreathed
into
the
blandest
smiles
;
"
but
the
truth
is
,
I
had
business
in
the
neighbourhood
,
and
I
could
not
possibly
pass
without
stopping
for
a
few
moments
at
a
mansion
where
there
are
such
attractions
.
"
These
last
words
were
addressed
pointedly
to
Isabella
,
who
only
replied
to
the
compliment
by
a
cold
bow
.
"
Count
,
"
said
Mr.
Greenwood
,
now
turning
towards
the
nobleman
,
"
I
have
not
seen
you
since
your
adventure
upon
the
highway
!
But
I
was
delighted
to
learn
that
you
had
received
no
injury
.
"
"
My
only
regret
is
that
I
did
not
shoot
the
villains
,
"
answered
the
count
.
"
Have
you
had
another
deed
prepared
,
to
replace
the
one
stolen
from
me
on
that
occasion
?
"
"
I
have
given
my
solicitors
the
necessary
instructions
,
"
answered
Greenwood
.
"
In
a
few
days
—
—
"
"
Every
thing
with
you
is
in
a
few
days
,
Greenwood
,
"
interrupted
the
count
,
somewhat
pointedly
.
"
That
deed
would
not
occupy
one
day
to
engross
,
now
that
the
copy
is
at
your
attorney
's
office
;
and
it
would
have
been
a
mark
of
goodwill
on
your
part
—
"
"
Pray
do
not
blame
me
!
"
exclaimed
the
financier
,
smiling
so
as
to
display
his
very
white
teeth
,
of
which
he
seemed
not
a
little
proud
.
"
I
believe
that
for
a
man
who
has
so
much
business
upon
his
hands
,
and
the
interests
of
so
many
to
watch
and
care
for
,
I
am
as
punctual
to
my
appointments
as
most
people
.
"
"
I
do
not
speak
of
want
of
punctuality
in
keeping
appointments
,
"
said
the
nobleman
:
"
but
I
allude
to
the
neglect
of
a
matter
which
to
you
may
appear
trivial
,
but
which
to
me
is
of
importance
.
"
"
Oh
!
my
dear
count
—
we
will
repair
this
little
error
the
day
after
to-morrow
—
or
the
next
day
,
"
answered
Mr.
Greenwood
:
"
I
wish
that
every
body
was
as
regular
and
as
punctual
with
me
,
as
I
endeavour
to
be
with
others
;
and
that
punctuality
on
my
part
,
my
dear
sir
,
has
been
the
origin
of
my
fortune
.
I
do
not
like
to
speak
of
myself
,
ladies
—
I
hate
egotism
—
but
really
,
"
he
added
with
another
smile
,
"
when
one
is
attacked
,
you
know
—
—
"
At
that
moment
a
domestic
entered
the
room
,
and
handed
a
letter
to
the
countess
,
who
immediately
opened
it
,
glanced
towards
the
signature
,
and
exclaimed
almost
involuntarily
,
"
From
Richard
Markham
!
"
"
Richard
Markham
!
"
cried
Mr.
Greenwood
:
"
I
thought
I
understood
you
that
that
gentleman
had
ceased
to
visit
or
correspond
with
you
?
"
"
So
I
said
—
and
so
I
shall
maintain
!
"
exclaimed
the
count
.
"
My
dear
,
we
will
return
that
letter
without
reading
it
.
"
"
But
I
have
already
commenced
the
perusal
of
it
,
"
said
the
countess
,
without
taking
her
eyes
off
the
paper
:
"
and
—
—
"
"
Then
read
no
more
,
"
cried
the
count
,
angrily
.
"
Excuse
me
—
I
shall
read
it
all
,
"
answered
the
countess
significantly
:
"
and
so
will
you
.
"
"
What
means
this
?
"
ejaculated
the
count
.
"
Have
I
lost
all
authority
in
my
own
house
?
Madam
,
I
command
you
—
—
"
"
There
—
I
have
finished
it
,
and
I
implore
you
to
read
it
yourself
.
Its
contents
are
highly
important
,
and
do
not
in
any
way
relate
to
certain
recent
events
.
Indeed
he
has
purposely
avoided
any
thing
which
may
appear
obtrusive
,
either
in
the
shape
of
explanation
or
apology
.
"
The
count
took
the
letter
with
a
very
ill
grace
,
and
requested
Mr.
Greenwood
's
permission
to
read
it
.
This
was
of
course
awarded
;
and
the
nobleman
commenced
the
perusal
.
He
had
not
,
however
,
read
many
lines
,
before
he
gave
a
convulsive
start
,
and
looked
mistrustfully
upon
Mr.
Greenwood
(
who
noticed
his
emotion
)
,
and
hastily
ran
his
eye
over
the
remainder
of
the
letter
's
contents
.
He
then
folded
up
the
letter
,
and
appeared
to
be
absorbed
in
deep
thought
for
several
moments
.
Mr.
Greenwood
saw
that
the
note
bore
some
allusion
to
himself
,
and
prepared
his
mind
for
any
explanation
,
or
any
storm
.
The
countess
sate
,
pale
and
unhappy
,
in
deep
meditation
;
and
the
eyes
of
Isabella
wandered
anxiously
from
one
to
the
other
.
At
length
the
count
,
in
a
tone
which
showed
with
how
much
difficulty
he
suppressed
an
outbreak
of
his
irritated
feelings
,
turned
abruptly
towards
Mr.
Greenwood
,
exclaiming
,
"
Pray
,
sir
,
how
long
is
it
since
you
were
acquainted
with
one
George
Montague
?
"
Mr.
Greenwood
was
not
taken
at
all
aback
.
This
was
a
question
to
which
he
was
always
liable
,
and
for
which
he
was
constantly
prepared
.
He
accordingly
answered
,
with
his
usual
smile
of
complaisance
,
in
the
following
manner
:
—
"
Oh
!
my
dear
sir
,
I
presume
you
are
acquainted
with
the
fact
that
my
name
was
once
Montague
,
since
you
ask
me
that
question
.
I
may
also
suppose
that
some
one
has
communicated
that
circumstance
to
you
with
a
desire
to
prejudice
me
in
your
opinion
;
but
I
can
assure
you
that
I
have
not
changed
my
name
for
any
sinister
purpose
.
My
only
motive
was
the
request
of
an
old
lady
,
who
left
me
a
considerable
property
some
time
ago
,
upon
that
condition
.
"
"
And
you
can
also
explain
,
perhaps
,
the
nature
of
your
dealings
with
a
certain
Mr.
Allen
?
"
demanded
the
count
,
staggered
at
the
assurance
with
which
Mr.
Greenwood
met
an
accusation
that
the
nobleman
imagined
would
have
overwhelmed
him
with
confusion
.
"
My
dear
sir
,
"
replied
the
financier
,
very
far
from
betraying
any
embarrassment
,
whatever
he
might
have
felt
,
"
I
can
explain
that
and
every
other
action
of
my
life
.
I
was
myself
misled
—
I
was
duped
—
I
was
involved
in
an
enterprise
which
entailed
ruin
upon
myself
and
all
connected
with
me
.
I
suffered
along
with
the
others
,
and
gave
up
all
to
the
creditors
.
I
have
,
however
,
been
enabled
to
build
up
my
fortunes
again
by
means
of
the
property
left
to
me
,
and
a
series
of
successful
operations
.
All
people
in
commercial
and
financial
affairs
are
liable
to
disappointment
and
embarrassment
:
the
most
cautious
may
over-speculate
or
miscalculate
;
and
how
can
I
be
blamed
more
than
another
?
"
"
I
will
admit
that
a
particular
enterprise
may
fail
,
"
said
the
count
:
"
but
the
writer
of
this
letter
explained
to
me
on
one
or
two
occasions
,
enough
to
enable
me
to
comprehend
the
whole
machinery
of
fraud
which
you
put
into
motion
to
obtain
money
from
the
public
;
and
though
he
never
mentioned
any
names
until
to-day
,
in
his
letter
,
I
might
—
—
"
"
Every
man
has
his
enemies
,
"
said
Mr.
Greenwood
,
calmly
:
"
I
cannot
hope
to
be
without
mine
.
They
may
assert
what
they
choose
:
upright
and
impartial
men
never
listen
to
one-sided
statements
.
But
perhaps
the
writer
of
that
letter
—
—
"
"
He
is
the
Mr.
Markham
of
whom
I
have
often
spoken
to
you
,
and
concerning
whom
you
were
always
asking
me
questions
.
I
could
not
conceive
,
"
proceeded
the
count
,
"
why
you
were
so
curious
to
pry
into
his
affairs
,
especially
as
when
I
mentioned
you
to
him
by
the
name
of
Greenwood
,
he
did
not
seem
to
know
any
thing
about
you
.
But
I
can
now
well
understand
why
you
should
wish
to
know
something
of
a
man
whom
you
ruined
!
"
"
I
ruined
!
"
cried
Mr.
Greenwood
,
now
excited
for
the
first
time
since
the
commencement
of
this
dialogue
,
and
speaking
with
an
air
of
unfeigned
astonishment
.
"
There
must
be
some
mistake
in
this
!
I
never
had
any
dealings
with
him
in
my
life
,
which
could
either
cause
his
ruin
or
establish
his
prosperity
.
"
"
You
took
very
good
care
,
it
would
appear
,
not
to
do
the
latter
,
"
said
the
count
.
"
But
probably
Mr.
Markham
's
letter
will
explain
to
you
that
which
you
appear
to
have
forgotten
.
"
Count
Alteroni
handed
the
letter
to
Mr.
Greenwood
,
who
perused
its
contents
with
intense
interest
and
anxiety
.
The
count
,
the
countess
,
and
the
signora
watched
his
countenance
as
he
read
it
.
Proficient
in
the
art
of
duplicity
as
he
was
,
—
skilled
in
all
the
wiles
of
hypocrisy
and
deceit
,
he
could
not
conceal
his
emotions
now
.
There
was
something
in
that
letter
which
chased
the
colour
from
his
cheeks
,
and
convulsed
his
whole
frame
with
extreme
agony
.
"
This
is
indeed
singular
!
"
he
murmured
,
turning
the
letter
over
and
over
in
his
hand
.
"
Who
would
have
suspected
that
Allen
was
merely
an
agent
?
who
could
have
foreseen
where
that
blow
was
to
strike
?
Strange
—
unaccountable
concatenation
of
unfortunate
circumstances
!
"
"
Is
the
writer
of
that
letter
correct
in
his
statement
?
"
demanded
the
count
imperiously
.
"
The
information
given
to
you
by
Mr.
Markham
,
relative
to
the
losses
experienced
by
a
certain
Mr.
Allen
,
is
correct
,
"
returned
Mr.
Greenwood
,
apparently
labouring
under
considerable
excitement
.
"
But
,
I
take
my
God
to
witness
,
that
,
until
this
moment
,
I
was
unaware
that
either
Mr.
Monroe
or
Mr.
Markham
were
in
the
remotest
way
connected
with
that
affair
;
and
I
also
solemnly
protest
that
I
would
have
given
worlds
sooner
than
have
been
the
means
of
injuring
either
of
them
!
"
"
You
admit
,
then
,
that
you
defrauded
the
people
who
at
that
time
placed
their
funds
in
your
hands
?
"
said
the
count
.
"
I
admit
nothing
of
the
kind
,
"
returned
the
financier
,
now
recovering
his
presence
of
mind
:
"
I
admit
nothing
so
base
as
your
insinuation
implies
.
"
"
Then
wherefore
were
you
so
agitated
when
you
perused
that
letter
from
Mr.
Richard
Markham
?
"
"
Count
Alteroni
,
I
am
not
aware
that
I
owe
you
any
explanation
of
my
own
private
feelings
.
It
is
true
,
I
was
agitated
—
and
I
am
still
deeply
grieved
,
to
think
that
my
want
of
judgment
and
foresight
in
a
certain
speculation
should
have
involved
in
ruin
those
whom
I
wish
well
!
But
I
suffered
as
well
as
they
—
I
lost
as
many
thousands
as
they
did
,
"
continued
Mr.
Greenwood
,
passing
once
more
into
that
system
of
plausible
,
specious
,
and
deceptive
reasoning
,
which
lulled
so
many
suspicions
,
and
closed
the
eyes
of
so
many
persons
with
regard
to
his
real
character
:
"
and
although
I
have
done
nothing
for
which
I
can
be
blamed
by
the
world
,
I
may
still
reproach
myself
when
I
find
that
others
whom
I
care
for
have
suffered
by
my
speculations
.
"
The
count
was
staggered
at
this
expression
and
honourable
manifestation
of
feeling
on
the
part
of
one
whom
he
had
a
few
minutes
ago
begun
to
look
upon
as
a
selfish
adventurer
,
callous
to
all
humane
emotions
and
philanthropic
sentiments
.
Mr.
Greenwood
continued
:
—
"
When
that
unfortunate
speculation
of
mine
took
place
,
I
was
not
so
experienced
in
the
sinuosities
of
the
commercial
and
financial
worlds
as
I
am
now
.
—
I
lost
my
all
,
and
poverty
stared
me
in
the
face
.
"
Mr.
Greenwood
's
voice
faltered
,
although
he
was
now
once
more
uttering
a
tissue
of
falsehoods
.
"
But
by
dint
of
some
good
fortune
and
much
hard
toil
and
unwearied
application
to
business
,
I
retrieved
my
circumstances
.
Now
,
answer
me
candidly
,
Count
Alteroni
;
is
there
any
thing
dishonourable
in
my
career
?
Will
you
judge
a
man
upon
an
ex-parte
statement
?
Is
not
one
story
very
good
until
another
be
told
?
Why
,
if
all
persons
viewed
their
affairs
constantly
in
the
same
light
,
would
there
be
any
business
for
the
civil
tribunals
?
Do
not
plaintiff
and
defendant
invariably
survey
the
point
at
issue
between
them
under
discrepant
aspects
?
If
they
did
not
,
wherefore
do
they
go
to
law
?
You
may
allow
Mr.
Markham
and
Mr.
Monroe
to
entertain
their
views
;
you
will
also
permit
me
to
enjoy
mine
?
"
"
Mr.
Greenwood
,
"
said
the
count
,
"
I
am
afraid
I
have
been
too
severe
—
nay
,
even
rude
in
my
observations
.
You
will
forgive
me
?
"
"
My
dear
sir
,
say
not
another
word
,
"
ejaculated
the
financier
,
chuckling
inwardly
at
the
triumphant
victory
which
he
had
thus
gained
over
the
suspicions
of
the
Italian
nobleman
.
At
that
moment
a
servant
entered
the
room
,
and
informed
Count
Alteroni
"
that
the
Earl
of
Warrington
was
in
the
drawing-room
,
and
requested
an
interview
,
at
which
his
lordship
would
not
detain
the
count
above
ten
minutes
.
"
The
count
,
having
desired
Mr.
Greenwood
not
to
depart
until
his
return
,
and
apologising
for
his
temporary
absence
,
proceeded
to
the
drawing-room
,
where
the
Earl
of
Warrington
awaited
him
.
The
earl
rose
when
the
count
entered
the
apartment
;
and
that
proud
,
wealthy
,
and
high-born
English
peer
wore
an
air
of
profound
respect
and
deference
,
as
he
returned
the
salutation
of
the
Italian
exile
.
"
Your
lordship
,
"
said
the
earl
,
"
will
,
I
hope
,
pardon
this
intrusion
at
so
unseemly
an
hour
—
—
"
"
The
Earl
of
Warrington
is
always
welcome
,
"
interrupted
Count
Alteroni
;
"
and
if
I
cannot
give
him
so
princely
a
reception
in
England
as
I
was
proud
to
do
in
Italy
,
it
is
my
means
and
not
my
will
,
which
is
the
cause
.
"
"
My
lord
,
I
beseech
you
not
to
allude
to
any
discrepancy
in
that
respect
—
a
discrepancy
which
I
can
regret
for
your
lordship
only
,
and
not
for
myself
,
"
said
the
earl
.
"
Indeed
,
I
am
so
far
selfish
on
the
present
occasion
,
that
I
am
come
to
ask
a
favour
.
"
"
Name
the
matter
in
which
my
poor
services
can
avail
your
lordship
,
"
returned
the
count
,
"
and
I
pledge
myself
in
advance
to
meet
your
wishes
.
"
"
My
lord
,
"
said
the
Earl
of
Warrington
,
"
I
must
inform
your
lordship
that
I
am
somewhat
interested
in
a
cousin
of
mine
of
the
name
of
Eliza
Sydney
.
This
lady
loved
a
man
who
was
unworthy
of
her
—
a
wretch
whose
pursuits
are
villany
,
and
who
enriches
himself
at
the
expense
of
the
unwary
and
confiding
.
The
heartless
scoundrel
to
whom
I
allude
,
and
the
full
measure
of
whose
infamy
was
only
exposed
to
me
this
day
,
has
endeavoured
to
possess
himself
of
the
person
of
Eliza
in
a
manner
the
most
atrocious
and
cowardly
.
My
lord
,
he
employed
a
confederate
to
administer
soporific
drugs
to
her
;
but
Providence
moved
that
confederate
's
heart
,
and
frustrated
the
damnable
scheme
.
"
"
And
can
such
conduct
go
unpunished
in
this
land
of
excellent
laws
and
unerring
justice
?
"
inquired
the
count
.
"
Ah
!
my
lord
,
"
replied
the
earl
,
"
this
man
is
possessed
of
great
wealth
,
and
consequently
of
great
influence
;
for
,
in
England
,
money
is
power
!
Moreover
,
the
complete
chain
of
evidence
is
wanting
;
and
then
exposure
to
the
female
in
such
a
case
is
almost
equal
to
a
stigma
and
to
shame
!
To
continue
my
brief
tale
,
my
lord
—
this
man
,
with
a
demon
heart
,
is
one
who
will
persecute
my
cousin
Eliza
to
the
very
death
.
A
lady
of
my
acquaintance
,
who
can
also
tell
a
tale
of
the
unequalled
villany
of
this
George
Montague
Greenwood
—
—
"
"
What
!
"
ejaculated
the
count
;
"
do
I
hear
aright
?
or
do
my
ears
deceive
me
?
What
name
did
you
give
the
miscreant
who
administered
opiate
drugs
to
a
woman
with
the
foulest
of
motives
?
"
"
George
Montague
Greenwood
,
"
repeated
the
earl
.
"
O
God
!
"
ejaculated
the
count
,
sinking
back
in
his
chair
,
and
covering
his
face
with
his
hands
;
"
I
thank
thee
that
thou
hast
intervened
,
ere
it
was
too
late
,
to
prevent
that
fearful
sacrifice
of
my
daughter
!
"
"
Pardon
me
,
my
lord
,
"
exclaimed
the
earl
,
"
if
I
have
awakened
any
disagreeable
reminiscences
,
or
produced
impressions
—
—
"
"
Your
lordship
has
done
me
an
infinite
service
,
in
fully
opening
my
eyes
to
the
villany
of
a
man
whose
damnable
sophistry
glosses
over
his
crimes
with
so
deceptive
a
varnish
,
that
the
sight
is
dazzled
when
contemplating
his
conduct
.
"
As
the
count
uttered
these
words
he
wrung
the
hands
of
the
English
peer
with
the
most
friendly
and
grateful
warmth
.
"
Another
time
,
my
lord
,
"
continued
the
Italian
noble
,
"
I
will
explain
to
you
the
cause
of
my
present
emotions
.
You
will
then
perceive
how
confirmed
a
miscreant
is
this
Greenwood
.
In
the
meantime
tell
me
how
I
can
aid
your
lordship
?
"
"
I
was
about
to
inform
you
,
my
lord
,
"
continued
the
Earl
of
Warrington
,
"
that
Miss
Sydney
,
alarmed
and
appalled
at
the
persecution
of
this
man
,
who
seems
to
spare
neither
expense
nor
crime
to
accomplish
any
purpose
upon
which
he
has
once
set
his
mind
,
has
determined
to
sojourn
for
a
time
upon
the
Continent
.
Your
lordship
is
aware
that
I
possess
a
humble
villa
in
the
suburbs
of
Montoni
—
—
"
"
A
beautiful
residence
,
on
the
contrary
,
"
said
the
count
;
"
and
where
,
"
he
added
with
a
sigh
,
"
in
happier
times
I
have
partaken
of
your
hospitality
.
"
"
Yes
,
your
lordship
has
honoured
me
with
your
society
at
that
retreat
,
"
said
the
earl
,
with
a
low
and
deferential
bow
.
"
It
is
to
that
villa
that
I
now
propose
to
despatch
my
cousin
,
in
order
that
she
may
escape
the
persecutions
and
the
plots
of
this
vile
Greenwood
.
The
object
of
my
present
visit
is
to
solicit
your
lordship
for
a
few
letters
of
introduction
for
Miss
Sydney
to
some
of
those
families
in
Montoni
with
whom
she
may
experience
the
charms
of
profitable
and
intellectual
society
.
"
"
With
much
pleasure
,
"
answered
the
count
.
"
When
does
Miss
Sydney
propose
to
leave
England
?
"
"
The
day
after
to-morrow
,
my
lord
.
"
"
To-morrow
evening
your
lordship
shall
receive
the
letters
which
Miss
Sydney
requires
.
They
will
of
course
be
unsealed
—
both
in
observance
of
the
rules
of
etiquette
,
and
on
account
of
the
custom-house
officers
in
the
continental
states
;
but
your
lordship
will
take
care
that
they
be
not
opened
in
England
.
"
"
I
comprehend
you
,
my
lord
.
The
incognito
which
your
lordship
chooses
to
preserve
in
this
country
shall
not
be
disturbed
by
any
indiscretion
on
the
part
of
myself
or
of
those
connected
with
me
.
"
The
Earl
of
Warrington
then
took
his
leave
.
The
moment
he
had
departed
,
the
count
rang
the
bell
,
and
said
to
the
servant
who
answered
the
summons
,
"
Request
Mr.
Greenwood
to
favour
me
with
his
company
in
this
room
—
here
!
"
In
another
minute
the
financier
was
introduced
into
the
saloon
which
the
count
was
pacing
with
uneven
and
agitated
steps
.
"
Mr.
Greenwood
,
"
said
the
Italian
nobleman
,
"
I
think
you
recollect
the
subject
of
our
conversation
when
I
was
called
away
by
the
visit
of
the
Earl
of
Warrington
?
"
"
Perfectly
,
"
answered
the
financier
,
who
perceived
that
there
was
again
something
wrong
.
"
I
remember
that
you
made
many
accusations
against
me
,
all
of
which
I
most
satisfactorily
explained
—
insomuch
that
you
very
handsomely
apologised
for
the
severity
of
your
language
.
"
"
Then
,
sir
,
"
continued
the
count
,
with
difficulty
restraining
his
impatience
while
Mr.
Greenwood
thus
delivered
himself
,
"
if
you
be
really
such
an
honourable
and
such
an
injured
man
as
you
would
represent
,
and
if
you
be
really
grieved
when
you
hear
that
a
fellow-creature
has
been
ruined
by
the
failure
of
your
speculations
,
have
the
kindness
to
return
me
the
money
which
I
have
confided
to
you
,
and
I
shall
be
inclined
to
think
of
you
as
you
choose
to
think
of
yourself
.
To
tell
the
truth
,
I
am
already
sick
of
the
uncertainty
of
speculation
;
and
would
rather
withdraw
from
the
enterprise
altogether
.
"
"
Really
,
my
dear
sir
,
"
said
Mr.
Greenwood
,
"
this
demand
is
so
very
irregular
—
so
exceedingly
unbusiness-like
—
—
"
"
We
will
not
place
it
upon
the
footing
of
business
,
sir
,
"
interrupted
the
count
emphatically
;
"
we
will
place
it
upon
the
basis
of
honour
.
"
"
Honour
and
business
with
me
,
my
dear
sir
,
are
synonymous
,
"
said
the
financier
with
a
smile
.
"
So
much
the
better
!
"
ejaculated
the
count
:
"
I
see
that
we
shall
not
dispute
over
this
matter
.
The
whole
is
summed
up
in
a
few
words
:
return
me
the
money
I
have
placed
in
your
hands
.
"
"
These
things
cannot
be
done
in
a
hurry
,
my
dear
sir
,
"
said
Mr.
Greenwood
,
playing
with
a
very
handsome
gold
guard-chain
which
festooned
over
his
waistcoat
.
"
Either
you
have
made
away
with
my
money
,
or
you
have
it
in
your
possession
still
,
"
exclaimed
the
count
.
"
If
you
have
it
,
give
me
a
cheque
upon
your
banker
for
the
amount
:
if
you
have
placed
it
out
at
interest
,
give
me
security
.
"
I
must
observe
to
you
that
the
whole
proceeding
is
most
irregular
,
"
said
Mr.
Greenwood
:
"
and
the
business
requires
mature
reflection
.
Moreover
,
all
my
funds
are
locked
up
for
the
moment
.
"
"
Then
how
would
you
carry
out
the
enterprise
for
which
I
embarked
my
capital
?
"
demanded
the
count
.
"
You
must
be
aware
,
"
replied
the
financier
,
"
that
capitalists
—
like
me
—
always
lay
out
their
cash
to
the
greatest
advantage
,
and
make
use
of
bills
and
negotiable
paper
of
various
descriptions
.
Thus
,
I
could
build
a
dozen
steam-packets
in
a
few
weeks
,
and
pay
for
them
all
without
actually
encroaching
upon
my
capital
!
"
"
I
understand
you
,
sir
,
"
said
the
count
:
"
and
in
order
to
meet
your
convenience
,
I
am
ready
to
receive
the
securities
you
mention
,
payable
at
early
dates
,
instead
of
specie
.
"
"
Oh
!
well
—
that
alters
the
question
,
"
cried
Mr.
Greenwood
,
an
idea
apparently
striking
him
at
that
moment
.
"
I
am
acquainted
with
one
of
the
richest
bankers
in
London
—
intimately
acquainted
with
him
:
would
you
have
any
objection
for
him
to
take
my
place
in
respect
to
you
,
and
become
the
holder
of
your
capital
—
say
for
a
period
of
six
months
?
"
"
Who
is
the
banker
?
"
asked
the
count
.
"
James
Tomlinson
,
"
answered
the
financier
.
"
I
know
the
name
well
.
Are
you
serious
in
your
proposal
?
"
"
Call
upon
me
to-morrow
at
twelve
o'clock
,
and
we
will
proceed
together
to
Mr.
Tomlinson
's
banking
house
in
the
City
.
I
will
have
the
whole
affair
arranged
for
you
in
the
course
of
an
hour
after
our
arrival
at
his
establishment
.
"
"
I
rely
upon
your
word
,
Mr.
Greenwood
,
"
returned
the
count
.
The
financier
then
took
his
departure
.
CHAPTER
LIV
.
THE
BANKER
.
THE
native
of
London
is
as
proud
of
the
City
as
if
it
were
his
own
property
.
He
can
afford
to
be
called
a
cockney
for
having
been
born
within
the
sound
of
Bow
bells
,
for
there
are
merchant-princes
,
and
the
peers
and
monopolists
of
the
commerce
of
this
world
,
who
bear
the
nickname
as
well
as
he
.
And
well
may
the
Londoner
be
proud
of
his
city
in
numerous
respects
.
It
is
the
richest
and
the
most
powerful
that
the
world
has
ever
seen
!
The
dingy
back
parlours
in
Lombard
Street
,
the
upstairs
business
rooms
in
Cheapside
,
and
the
warehouses
with
shutters
half
up
the
windows
in
Wood
Street
and
its
neighbourhood
,
are
the
mysterious
places
in
which
the
springs
of
the
finance
and
trade
of
a
mighty
empire
are
set
in
motion
?
Half
a
dozen
men
in
the
City
can
command
in
an
hour
more
wealth
than
either
Rome
or
Babylon
had
to
boast
of
at
the
respective
periods
of
their
greatest
prosperity
.
And
neither
Rome
nor
Babylon
possessed
drapers
who
cleared
their
fifty
thousand
a-year
by
selling
gowns
and
shawls
,
nor
sugar-bakers
with
a
million
in
hard
cash
,
nor
grocers
with
a
plum
in
each
hand
,
nor
brewers
to
whom
the
rise
or
fall
of
one
halfpenny
per
pot
in
the
price
of
beer
makes
a
difference
of
forty
thousand
pounds
per
annum
!
Rome
,
Babylon
,
Thebes
,
and
Carthage
,
could
all
have
been
purchased
by
the
East
India
Company
—
with
perhaps
a
mortgage
upon
the
India
Docks
!
But
the
reader
must
not
imagine
that
all
which
glitters
is
gold
.
Amongst
the
most
splendid
establishments
in
London
,
and
those
most
wealthy
in
appearance
,
there
are
some
in
a
hopeless
state
of
insolvency
.
To
one
of
these
we
shall
now
introduce
those
who
may
choose
to
accompany
us
thither
.
The
well-known
banking-house
of
James
Tomlinson
was
situated
in
Lombard
Street
.
The
establishment
was
not
extensive
;
nor
were
there
a
great
many
clerks
,
because
it
did
little
agency
business
for
country
banks
,
but
was
chiefly
a
house
of
deposit
.
It
enjoyed
a
high
reputation
,
and
was
considered
as
safe
as
the
presumed
wealth
,
integrity
,
and
experience
of
its
proprietor
were
likely
to
render
it
.
It
was
moreover
believed
that
the
father
of
James
Tomlinson
was
a
sleeping
partner
;
and
as
the
old
gentleman
had
retired
from
the
business
of
oilman
with
an
immense
fortune
,
the
bank
was
presumed
to
possess
every
guarantee
of
stability
.
It
had
existed
for
upwards
of
sixty
years
,
having
been
founded
and
most
successfully
carried
on
by
an
uncle
of
James
Tomlinson
.
James
himself
had
originally
entered
the
establishment
as
a
clerk
,
whence
he
rose
to
be
a
partner
,
and
finally
found
himself
at
the
head
of
the
concern
at
his
uncle
's
death
.
James
Tomlinson
was
not
an
extravagant
man
;
but
he
was
not
possessed
of
the
ability
and
experience
for
which
the
world
gave
him
credit
.
In
the
year
1826
,
and
at
the
age
of
forty
,
he
found
himself
at
the
head
of
a
flourishing
and
respectable
establishment
.
He
was
indeed
the
sole
proprietor
,
for
his
father
was
in
reality
totally
unconnected
with
it
as
a
partner
.
James
was
intimately
acquainted
with
the
mechanical
routine
of
the
bank
business
;
but
he
was
deficient
in
those
powers
of
combination
and
faculties
of
foresight
which
were
necessary
to
enable
him
to
lay
out
to
the
best
advantage
the
moneys
deposited
in
his
hands
.
With
good
intentions
,
he
lacked
talent
.
He
was
an
excellent
head
clerk
or
junior
partner
;
but
he
was
totally
unfitted
for
supreme
management
.
Thus
was
it
that
in
two
or
three
years
he
experienced
serious
reverses
;
and
,
although
he
carefully
concealed
the
failure
of
his
operations
from
all
human
eyes
,
the
very
safety
of
his
establishment
was
seriously
compromised
.
The
French
Revolution
of
1830
ruined
a
Paris
house
to
which
Tomlinson
had
advanced
a
considerable
sum
;
and
this
blow
consummated
the
insolvency
of
his
bank
.
He
was
then
compelled
to
make
a
confidant
of
his
cashier
,
an
old
and
faithful
servant
of
his
uncle
,
and
of
frugal
habits
,
and
kind
but
eccentric
disposition
.
Michael
Martin
was
this
individual
's
name
.
He
was
of
very
repulsive
appearance
,
stooping
in
his
gait
,
blear-eyed
,
and
dirty
in
person
.
He
took
vast
quantities
of
snuff
;
but
as
much
lodged
upon
his
shirt-frill
and
waistcoat
as
was
thrust
up
his
nose
.
Thus
his
linen
was
invariably
filthy
in
the
extreme
.
His
dress
was
a
suit
of
seedy
black
;
and
the
right
thigh
of
his
trousers
was
brown
and
grimy
with
the
marks
of
snuff
—
for
upon
that
part
of
his
attire
did
he
invariably
wipe
his
finger
and
thumb
after
taking
a
pinch
of
his
brown
rappee
.
Such
was
the
individual
whom
Tomlinson
took
into
his
confidence
,
when
the
affairs
of
the
bank
grew
desperate
.
Old
Martin
was
as
close
and
reserved
as
if
he
were
both
deaf
and
dumb
;
and
he
was
moreover
possessed
of
a
peculiar
craftiness
and
cunning
which
admirably
fitted
him
for
the
part
that
he
was
now
to
enact
.
Although
it
was
next
to
impossible
to
retrieve
the
affairs
of
the
bank
,
so
great
was
the
deficiency
,
—
still
Michael
Martin
assured
his
master
that
it
was
quite
probable
that
they
might
be
enabled
to
carry
on
the
establishment
for
a
length
of
time
—
perhaps
even
many
years
,
the
chances
that
the
draughts
upon
the
bank
would
not
equal
the
deposits
being
in
their
favour
.
Thus
was
this
insolvent
and
ruined
establishment
carried
on
,
with
seeming
respectability
and
success
,
by
the
perseverance
of
Tomlinson
,
and
the
skill
and
craft
of
old
Martin
.
We
shall
now
introduce
our
readers
into
the
parlour
of
the
bank
,
at
ten
o'clock
in
the
morning
after
the
incidents
related
in
the
preceding
chapter
.
James
Tomlinson
had
just
arrived
,
and
was
standing
before
the
fire
,
glancing
over
the
City
Article
of
The
Times
.
He
was
a
fine
,
tall
,
good-looking
man
,
plainly
dressed
,
and
without
the
slightest
affectation
either
in
manner
or
attire
.
The
bluntness
and
apparent
straightforwardness
of
his
character
had
won
and
secured
him
many
friends
amongst
a
class
of
men
who
regard
frankness
of
disposition
and
plainness
of
demeanour
as
qualities
indicative
of
solidity
of
position
and
regular
habits
of
business
.
Then
he
was
always
at
his
post
—
always
to
be
seen
;
and
hence
unlimited
confidence
was
placed
in
him
!
Having
glanced
over
the
newspaper
which
he
held
in
his
hand
,
he
rang
the
bell
.
A
clerk
responded
to
the
summons
.
"
Is
Mr.
Martin
come
yet
?
"
"
Yes
,
sir
.
"
"
Tell
him
to
step
this
way
.
"
The
clerk
withdrew
;
and
the
old
cashier
entered
the
room
,
the
door
of
which
he
carefully
closed
.
"
Good
morning
,
Michael
,
"
said
the
banker
.
"
What
news
?
"
"
Worse
and
worse
,
"
answered
the
old
man
,
with
a
species
of
savage
grunt
.
"
We
have
had
a
sad
time
of
it
for
the
last
three
months
.
"
"
For
the
last
seven
or
eight
years
,
you
may
say
,
"
observed
Tomlinson
,
with
a
sigh
;
and
then
his
countenance
suddenly
wore
an
expression
of
ineffable
despair
—
as
evanescent
as
it
was
poignant
.
"
At
first
the
work
was
easy
enough
,
"
said
Michael
:
"
a
little
combination
and
tact
enabled
us
to
struggle
on
;
but
latterly
the
concern
has
fallen
into
so
desperate
a
condition
,
that
I
really
fear
when
I
come
in
the
morning
that
it
will
never
last
through
the
day
.
"
"
My
God
!
my
God
!
what
a
life
!
"
exclaimed
Tomlinson
.
"
And
there
are
hundreds
and
thousands
who
pass
up
the
street
every
day
,
and
who
say
within
themselves
.
'
How
I
wish
I
was
James
Tomlinson
!
'
Heavens
!
I
would
that
I
were
a
beggar
in
the
street
—
a
sweeper
of
a
crossing
—
a
pauper
in
a
workhouse
—
—
"
"
Come
—
this
is
folly
,
"
interrupted
the
old
cashier
impatiently
.
"
We
must
go
on
to
the
end
.
"
"
What
is
the
state
of
your
book
this
morning
?
"
demanded
the
banker
,
putting
the
question
with
evident
alarm
—
almost
amounting
to
horror
.
"
Three
thousand
four
hundred
pounds
,
eighteen
shillings
,
in
specie
—
sixteen
hundred
and
thirty-five
in
notes
,
"
answered
the
cashier
.
"
Is
that
all
!
"
ejaculated
Tomlinson
.
"
And
this
morning
we
have
to
pay
Greenwood
the
two
thousand
pounds
he
lent
me
six
weeks
ago
.
"
"
We
ca
n't
part
with
the
money
,
"
said
the
cashier
rudely
.
"
Greenwood
knows
the
circumstances
of
the
bank
,
and
must
give
time
.
"
"
You
know
what
Greenwood
is
,
Michael
,
"
exclaimed
the
banker
.
"
If
we
are
not
punctual
with
him
,
he
will
never
lend
us
another
shilling
and
what
should
we
have
done
without
him
on
several
occasions
?
"
"
I
know
all
that
.
But
look
at
the
interest
be
makes
you
pay
,
"
muttered
the
cashier
.
"
And
look
at
the
risk
he
runs
,
"
added
the
banker
.
"
He
finds
it
worth
his
while
.
I
calculated
the
other
day
that
we
paid
him
three
thousand
pounds
last
year
for
interest
only
:
we
ca
n't
go
on
much
longer
at
that
rate
.
"
"
I
had
almost
said
that
the
sooner
it
ends
the
better
,
"
cried
Tomlinson
.
"
What
low
trickery
—
what
meanness
—
what
abominable
craft
,
have
we
been
compelled
to
resort
to
!
Oh
!
if
that
affair
with
the
Treasury
three
years
ago
had
only
turned
up
well
—
if
we
could
have
secured
the
operation
,
we
should
have
retrieved
all
our
losses
,
enormous
as
they
are
—
we
should
have
built
up
the
fortunes
of
the
establishment
upon
a
more
solid
foundation
than
ever
.
"
"
That
was
indeed
a
misfortune
,
"
observed
the
cashier
,
taking
a
huge
pinch
of
snuff
.
"
And
how
the
Chancellor
of
the
Exchequer
obtained
his
information
about
me
—
at
the
eleventh
hour
—
after
all
previous
inquiries
were
known
to
be
satisfactory
,
"
continued
Tomlinson
,
"
I
never
could
conjecture
.
At
that
time
the
secret
was
confined
to
you
and
me
,
and
my
father
,
to
whom
I
communicated
it
,
you
remember
,
in
that
letter
which
I
wrote
to
him
soliciting
the
fifty
thousand
pounds
.
"
"
Which
sum
saved
the
bank
at
that
period
,
"
observed
Michael
.
"
Never
shall
I
forget
the
day
when
I
called
at
the
Treasury
for
the
decision
of
the
government
relative
to
my
proposal
,
"
returned
Tomlinson
.
"
The
functionary
who
received
me
,
said
in
so
pointed
a
manner
,
'
Mr.
Tomlinson
,
you
have
not
dealt
candidly
with
us
relative
to
your
true
position
;
your
secret
is
known
to
us
;
but
rest
assured
that
,
although
we
decline
any
negotiation
with
you
,
we
will
not
betray
you
.
'
This
announcement
came
upon
me
like
a
thunder-stroke
:
I
was
literally
paralysed
.
The
functionary
added
with
a
sort
of
triumphant
and
yet
mysterious
smile
,
'
There
is
not
a
secret
connected
with
the
true
position
of
any
individual
of
any
consequence
in
the
City
which
escapes
our
knowledge
.
The
government
,
sir
,
is
omniscient
!
'
God
alone
can
divine
the
sources
of
this
intimate
acquaintance
with
things
locked
up
,
as
it
were
,
in
one
's
own
bosom
!
"
added
the
banker
,
thoughtfully
.
"
And
this
is
not
the
only
case
in
which
such
secrets
have
been
discovered
by
the
government
,
"
said
the
old
cashier
,
again
regaling
his
nose
with
a
copious
pinch
of
snuff
.
"
Yes
,
I
myself
have
heard
of
other
instances
,
"
observed
the
banker
,
with
a
shudder
.
"
I
have
known
great
firms
expend
large
sums
of
money
to
obtain
particular
information
from
Paris
,
Frankfort
,
and
Madrid
,
by
means
of
couriers
;
and
this
information
has
been
despatched
by
letter
to
their
agents
at
Liverpool
and
Manchester
,
and
elsewhere
,
to
answer
certain
commercial
or
financial
purposes
.
Well
,
that
information
has
been
known
to
government
within
a
few
hours
,
and
the
government
broker
has
bought
or
sold
stock
accordingly
!
"
"
But
how
could
the
government
obtain
that
information
?
"
demanded
Martin
.
"
Some
treachery
—
—
"
"
No
—
impossible
!
The
government
has
gleaned
its
knowledge
when
every
human
precaution
against
treachery
and
fraud
was
adopted
.
Look
at
my
own
case
!
"
continued
Tomlinson
.
"
You
,
my
father
,
and
myself
alone
,
knew
my
secret
.
On
you
I
can
reckon
as
a
man
can
reckon
upon
his
own
self
:
my
father
was
incapable
of
betraying
me
;
and
I
of
course
should
not
have
divulged
my
own
ruin
.
And
yet
the
secret
became
known
to
the
government
.
I
shudder
,
Michael
—
oh
!
I
shudder
when
I
think
that
we
dwell
in
a
country
which
vaunts
its
freedom
,
yet
where
there
exists
the
secret
,
dark
,
and
mysterious
element
of
the
most
hideous
despotism
!
"
At
this
moment
a
clerk
entered
,
and
informed
the
cashier
that
he
was
wanted
in
the
public
office
.
As
soon
as
Michael
had
disappeared
,
the
banker
walked
up
and
down
his
parlour
,
a
prey
to
the
most
maddening
reflections
.
There
were
but
five
thousand
pounds
left
in
the
safe
;
two
thousand
were
to
be
paid
to
Greenwood
;
and
every
minute
a
cheque
,
or
two
or
three
cheques
might
be
presented
,
which
would
crush
the
bank
at
one
blow
.
"
One
hundred
and
eighty
thousand
pounds
of
liability
,
"
murmured
Tomlinson
to
himself
,
"
and
five
thousand
pounds
to
meet
it
!
"
Ah
!
little
thought
those
who
passed
by
the
banking-house
at
that
moment
,
what
heart-felt
,
horrible
tortures
were
endured
by
the
master
of
the
establishment
in
his
own
parlour
!
At
length
Martin
returned
.
His
countenance
never
revealed
any
emotions
;
but
he
took
snuff
wholesale
—
and
that
was
a
fearful
omen
.
"
Well
?
"
said
Tomlinson
,
in
a
hoarse
and
hollow
voice
.
"
Alderman
Phipps
just
drawn
for
twelve
hundred
pounds
,
and
Colonel
Brown
for
eight
hundred
,
"
replied
the
cashier
.
"
Two
thousand
gone
in
a
minute
!
"
ejaculated
the
banker
.
"
Shall
I
pay
any
more
?
"
asked
the
cashier
.
"
Yes
—
pay
,
pay
up
to
the
last
farthing
!
"
answered
Tomlinson
.
"
An
accident
—
a
chance
may
save
us
,
as
oftentimes
before
!
And
yet
methinks
,
Michael
,
that
we
never
stood
so
near
the
verge
of
ruin
as
we
do
to-day
.
"
"
Never
,
"
said
the
old
man
coldly
.
"
And
is
there
no
expedient
by
which
we
can
