success without genius! John Ardworth, possess yourself of the
portraits,--win the character; seize the success."

"Madame," exclaimed Ardworth, rudely, "this is horrible!"

"Horrible it may be," said Madame Dalibard, gently, and feeling, perhaps,
that she had gone too far; "but it is the world's judgment. Seem, then,
as well as be. You have virtue, as I believe. Well, wrap yourself in
it--in your closet. Go into the world, and earn character. If you have
genius, let it comfort you. Rush into the crowd, and get success."

"Stop!" cried Ardworth; "I recognize you. How could I be so blind? It
is you who have written to me, and in the same strain; you have robbed
yourself,--you, poor sufferer,--to throw extravagance into these strong
hands. And why? What am I to you?" An expression of actual fondness
softened Lucretia's face as she looked up at him and replied: "I will
tell you hereafter what you are to me. First, I confess that it is I
whose letters have perplexed, perhaps offended you. The sum that I sent
I do not miss. I have more,--will ever have more at your command; never
fear. Yes, I wish you to go into the world, not as a dependant, but as
an equal to the world's favourites. I wish you to know more of men than
mere law-books teach you. I wish you to be in men's mouths, create a
circle that shall talk of young Ardworth; that talk would travel to those
who can advance your career. The very possession of money in certain
stages of life gives assurance to the manner, gives attraction to the
address."

"But," said Ardworth, "all this is very well for some favourite of birth
and fortune; but for me--Yet speak, and plainly. You throw out hints
that I am what I know not, but something less dependent on his nerves and