If Davenport Dunn never gave way to a passion for revenge in life, it was in some sort because he deemed it a luxury above his means. He often fancied to himself that the time might come when he could indulge in this pleasure, just as now he revelled in a thousand others, which once had seemed as remote. His theory was that he had not yet attained that eminence whence he could dispense with all aid, and he knew not what man's services at any moment might be useful to him. Still, with all this, he never ceased to enjoy whatever of evil fortune befell those who even in times past had injured him. To measure their destiny with his now, was like striking a balance with Fate,--a balance so strong in his favor; and when he had not actually contributed to their downfall, he deemed himself high-minded, generous, and pure-hearted. It was reflecting in this wise he drove along, and at last drew up at Kellett's door; his knock was answered by Sybella herself, whose careworn features and jaded look scarcely reminded him of her appearance when first he saw her, flushed and excited by exercise. “I thought I'd come myself and ask after him,” said Dunn, as he explained the object of his visit. “He has scarce consciousness enough to thank you,” said she, mournfully, “but _I_ am very grateful to you;” and she preceded him into the room, where her father sat in the selfsame attitude as before. “He doesn't know me,” whispered Dunn, as the sick man's gaze was turned to him without the slightest sign of recognition,--“he does n't know me!” “I do. I know you well, Davenport Dunn, and I know why you come here,” said Kellett, with a distinctness that startled them both. “Leave us alone together, Bella darling; we want to talk privately.” Sybella was so astounded at this sudden show of intelligence that she scarcely knew how to take it, or what to do; but at a gesture from Dunn, she stepped noiselessly from the room, and left them together. “You must not excite yourself, Kellett, nor prejudice your prospect of recovery by any exertion; there will be time enough for matters of business hereafter--” “No, there won't; that's the reason I want to talk to you now,” said Kellett, sharply. “I know well enough my life is short here.” [Illustration: 284] Dunn began some phrase of cheering meaning; but the other stopped him abruptly, and said,--