Mr. Simeon merely mentioned the temptation of talking about the affair, because it was really an extraordinary case. Not that it was a rare thing for ladies to want money; but that they usually employed agents to procure it. How indeed should it be otherwise? since not one woman in five thousand understood even the forms of business; and these solitary exceptions were in a class which had no dealings with moneylenders. On this, followed a series of narratives of fair ones’ difficulties for want of cash, which amused Letitia exceedingly, from the romance of adventure which was mixed up with the most sordid borrowing transactions. The heroines were only A. B. and C.; but they became real personages in Letitia’s imagination on the instant; and she was almost sorry when Mr. Simeon was called into the next room to review his securities and perform his promises. It seemed an age before Mr. Waldie threw open the door, announcing that all was well. He briefly thanked Letitia for having saved him; urged them to return home and rest from their anxieties; and was only sorry that he could not accompany them, or even promise to follow them for some days, as he should be incessantly occupied till the expected cargo was secured. He perceived that his wife’s countenance fell on hearing this, and rallied her; asking what there was now left to be afraid of?—She did not know, but—— “She is worn out,” said Letitia. “I will take care that she shall recruit herself, and wait patiently, unless you try her too long.—You may be quite easy,” she continued to her sister, when Waldie’s last grave smile dismissed them. “All is safe, with him as well as with his affairs. How calm he is! How entirely himself! He will speculate no more, believe me.” Maria shook her head, as her tears fell fast. It was not only that her nerves and spirits were shaken by what she had gone through. Her confidence was utterly overthrown, and she felt the present relief to be no more than a respite. -------------- CHAPTER VIII. CONSEQUENCES.