“That is the dearest wish of your hearts, is it not?” he said, a kindly smile lighting up the drawn face. “Well, God bless you both, and give you all the happiness you deserve. Sweet little Rosabelle has always been as dear to me as if she had been my own child. You, Richard, will resume your place in my house as an adopted son. But I would wish you to defer your return for a week or two till all this painful business is over. When you come back, we will draw a close curtain shutting out that hateful past. I shall live for the future, for you and Rosabelle—for your children.” * * * * * A few months later Richard Croxton was married to his loving and faithful Rosabelle, and rewarded with a partnership in the famous firm. Mr. Morrice still believes in his wonderful safe, although he does not talk about it as much as he used, but he is very particular now about his two keys which he carries himself. He does not leave them lying about in odd places, and his memorandum of the mechanism is securely locked up. Mrs. Morrice lives with the friend of her youth, Alma Buckley, and that friendship is the only comfort in her miserable life. Jack Graham has dropped the name of Archie Brookes, and, still helped by his unhappy mother, has turned over a new leaf and is now in the way of earning an honest livelihood in the commercial world. The fate of his former protector, Sir George, struck terror into him, and proved a salutary warning of what can befall a man who enters upon evil courses. The Croxtons have a charming home in one of the prettiest spots in Surrey, within easy distance of London by rail or car. But the greater portion of the year is spent in Deanery Street, with the grey-bearded financier whose experience of matrimony was so bitter, and who is never so happy as when he is in their society. The bad time they all went through is forgotten in their present happiness, and the name of Mrs. Morrice never passes their lips. The tender-hearted Rosabelle often thinks compassionately of her, but there is no forgiveness for her in the hearts of either of the two men whom she so deeply wronged. THE END Transcriber’s Notes pg 47 Changed: If the criminal know as “Tubby” to: If the criminal known as “Tubby” pg 155 Changed: If could not be Rosabelle to: It could not be Rosabelle pg 172 Changed: His face frew darker and darker to: His face grew darker and darker pg 224 Changed: it was in any cricumstances to: it was in any circumstances