unlooked-for interruption chained him to the spot. An old man, with a
long beard and a glittering eye, was among them before they were aware
of him; he fixed his eye upon Meadows, and spoke a single word--but
that word fell like a sledge-hammer.

"No!!" said Isaac Levi in the midst. "No!!" repeated he to John
Meadows.

Meadows understood perfectly what "No" meant; a veto upon all his
plans, hopes and wishes.

"Young man," said Isaac to George, "you shall not wander forth from
the home of your fathers. These old eyes see deeper than yours (and he
sent an eye-stab at Meadows); you are honest--all men say so--I will
lend you the money for your rent, and one who loves you (and he gave
another eye-stab at Meadows) will bless me."

"Oh! yes, I bless you," cried Susan innocently.

The late exulting Meadows was benumbed at this.

"Surely Heaven sends you to me," cried Susan. "It is Mr. Levi, of
Farnborough."

Here was a diversion. Meadows cursed the intruder, and his own evil
star that had raised him up so malignant an enemy.

"All my web undone in a moment," thought he, and despair began to take
possession of him.