go.

"Honour me with a visit to-morrow," said Obenreizer, "and we will settle
it then. Do have a grog before you go! No? Well! well! we will reserve
the grog till you have your three thousand a year, and are ready to be
married. Aha! When will that be?"

"I made an estimate, some months since, of the capacities of my
business," said Vendale. "If that estimate is correct, I shall double my
present income--"

"And be married!" added Obenreizer.

"And be married," repeated Vendale, "within a year from this time. Good-
night."



VENDALE MAKES MISCHIEF


When Vendale entered his office the next morning, the dull commercial
routine at Cripple Corner met him with a new face. Marguerite had an
interest in it now! The whole machinery which Wilding's death had set in
motion, to realise the value of the business--the balancing of ledgers,
the estimating of debts, the taking of stock, and the rest of it--was now
transformed into machinery which indicated the chances for and against a
speedy marriage. After looking over results, as presented by his
accountant, and checking additions and subtractions, as rendered by the
clerks, Vendale turned his attention to the stock-taking department next,