furtively under his shaggy brows, while she waited for his decision.

"I don't approve of it at all," he said, at last.

"Don't say that," she pleaded. "I've hoped so much that you'd--"

"At the same time I won't say that the thing isn't feasible. I'll just
verify these bonds and certificates, and--"

He took them, one by one, from the bag, and, having compared them with
the list, replaced them.

"And," he continued, "you can come and see me again at this time
to-morrow."

"Oh, thank you!"

"You can thank me when I've done something--not before. Very likely I
sha'n't do anything at all. But in the mean while you may leave your
satchel here, and not run the risk of being robbed in the street. If I
refuse you to-morrow--as is probable I shall--I'll send a man with you
to see you and your money safely back to Hargous."

He touched a bell, and a young man entered. On directions from the
banker the clerk left the room, taking the bag with him; while Diane,
feeling that her errand had been largely accomplished, rose to leave.

"You can't go without the receipt for your securities. How do you know
I'm not stealing them from you? What right would you have to claim them
when you came again? Sit down now and tell me something more about