find my father as cheerful and serene as usual, which he quickly accounted
for by telling me that he had just had a long conversation with Frank, who
had convinced him that there was no ground for the terrors I had inspired
him with the night before. He could not forbear a little acrimony on the
impropriety of my interference, and I tacitly acquiesced in the censure. I
found that he knew nothing of the sum I had lent, and I thought not proper
to mention it.

That day, notwithstanding his promises of payment, passed away without
hearing from my brother. I had never laid any stress upon the promise, but
drew a bad omen from this failure.

A few days elapsed without any material incident. The next occasion on
which my brother was introduced into conversation with Mrs. Fielder took
place one evening after my friend had returned from spending the day
abroad. After a pause, in which there was more significance than usual,--
"Pray, have you seen Frank lately?"

I made some vague answer.

"He has been talked about this afternoon, very little, as usual, to his
advantage."

I trembled from head to foot.

"I fear," continued she, "he is going to ruin, and will drag your
father down the same precipice."

"Dearest madam! what new circumstance?"