"It is abominable, abominable!" cried Mr. Moss. "Is there no law to punish such a slander? Is there no protection for such a man as you?" "For such a man as I?" echoed Aaron sadly. "Ah, my friend, you forget. There is no grave deep enough for sin and wrongdoing; the punishment meted out to me is just." "It is not--it is not!" "Hush! You will disturb Rachel." He stepped softly into the bedroom; Rachel was slumbering with a smile on her lips. As he stood by her side, contemplating her sweet and beautiful face, she awoke. "Aaron?" "Yes, my life." "Is it late? Has Mr. Moss gone?" "He is still here, Rachel. It is quite early." She encircled his neck with her arms, and drew him to her. "I have had such happy dreams, dear love. Some good fortune is going to happen to us." "What would life be without its delusions?" he said in a sad tone. "Do not speak so sadly, dear. It is not because we are poor, is it?" "No, love, it is not that. But if your dreams should not come true----" "Why, then," she answered, and her voice was like music in his ears, "we have faced trouble before, and can face it again. It will make no difference so long as we are together. God is all-merciful and in him I put my trust. To the last--to the last--dear and honored husband, we will not lose our trust in him. Do not be sad. All will come right--I feel it will. It is as if a divine voice is whispering to me." When Aaron rejoined his friend the color had returned to his face, his step was firmer, his eye brighter. "There is an angel by my side," he said. "Let my enemies do their worst. I am armed against them. Does this article make any change in our friendship?" "It binds me closer to you, Cohen." Aaron pressed Mr. Moss' hand. "Love and friendship are mine," he said simply. "What more can I desire?" CHAPTER XLII. RETRIBUTION. The following morning Aaron went to the office as usual, and quickly discovered that the poisoned arrow had found its mark. He was received with coldness, and the principals of the firm passed his desk without speaking to him. He observed the older employees whispering together, and looking at him furtively, avoiding his eye when he returned their gaze. His mind was soon made up; he would not wait for the dismissal he saw impending, and in an interview with his employers he tendered his resignation. "You have saved us from a difficulty, Mr. Cohen," they said. "We intended to speak to you before the day was over. But still, if the story we have seen in several papers is not true--if it does not, after all, refer to you----" "The story is true," he said, "and it refers to me." "We regret the necessity," was their reply; "the cashier will pay you a month's salary in lieu of notice." "I can accept only what is due to me," said Aaron; and shortly afterward he left the office.