For what a small gain will some men sacrifice truth and honour!

The dealer had notes in bank that must be lifted, and he saw no way
of obtaining all the funds he needed, except through forced sales,
at a depression on the market prices. So, to make certain of an
operation, he named, accordingly, low rates--considerably below
cost.

Mr. Jones, who was very cunning, and very shrewd, accepted the
prices on two or three articles, but demurred to the rest, and these
the most important of the whole. Finally, an operation was made, in
which he was a gainer, in the purchase of goods for which he had
almost immediate sale, of over two hundred dollars, while the needy
merchant was a loser by just that sum.

"That paid!" was the self-congratulatory ejaculation of Mr. Jones,
"and handsomely, too. I should like to do it over again, about a
dozen times before night. Rather better than widow speculations--ha!
ha!"

We shall see. On leaving the store of his neighbour, Mr. Smith went
to the hotel at which he understood Mrs. Lloyd had taken lodgings,
and made inquiry for her. A lady in deep mourning, accompanied by
two daughters, one a lovely girl, not over twenty years of age, and
the other about twelve, soon entered the parlour.

"Mrs. Lloyd, I believe," said Mr. Smith.

The lady bowed. As soon as all parties were seated, the gentleman