’Risky, risky! what!—Ophir a risk! My dear Herring, I know better than you where security lies. The young lady’s money will be invested in a gold mine—in the gold of Ophir! I said seven per cent., but I am sanguine of a rise to ten, fifteen, twenty, twenty-five. What do you think of that, eh?’ ’Mr. Trampleasure,’ said Mirelle, ’if I have any voice in this matter——’ ’You have none—none whatever.’ ’And if I particularly entreat you not to run risks with my money in gold or other mines, but to dispose of it for the relief of the Battishills——’ ’Then I shall turn a deaf ear to you. I am responsible to no one. Your father has left me supreme judge in the matter, and I shall act as my own conscience and your interest direct.’ ’Surely, Mr. Trampleasure——’ ’Surely you cry to a stone wall. I shall discharge the obligation your father laid on me with strict fidelity. I am a man of wide experience, and I venture to think that Mr. Herring’s knowledge of money investments is recent and partial. I object to his interference, and, but for the respect I owe to the memory of his father, Jago Herring, I should resent it.’ ’I have no right, I admit,’ said Herring, ’other than that I derive from an interest in the welfare of both the Countess and the Battishills, and from the request she has made me to speak in her name and make a proposal which will benefit both parties.’ ’I refuse what is offered,’ said Tramplara, his natural insolence breaking through the varnish of politeness he had assumed. ’I refuse to be dictated to; and I shall act as I choose with both missie’s money and with that owl of a Squire.’ ’One moment,’ said Herring, whose cheek was flushed with anger. ’I ask one question of the Countess. Is it still your wish that the Battishills be saved from ruin?’ ’Certainly I wish it.’ ’Allow me to ask further, supposing the means of relieving them were at your disposal, would you act in the way I have suggested? That is, supposing you had money independent of Mr. Trampleasure, would you invest it in the West Wyke mortgages?’ ’I would do so.’ ’You are quite sure of your own mind?’ ’I do not speak without meaning what I say.’ ’Then, Mr. Trampleasure, you shall not lay a finger on the estate. It is safe. The money shall be forthcoming on the day you name to receive it.’ ’Are you going to find it?’ ’That in no way concerns you.’ ’If you are, you are softer than I supposed.’ ’The money will be ready for you.’ Mirelle rose, and, stepping up to Herring, held out her hand. There was more feeling in her voice and warmth in her hand than before. ’I thank you, Mr. Herring. I am not ungrateful.’ ’What for?’ asked Tramplara, rudely. ’For crossing your plans,’ she said, and turned to look out of the window at the view. *CHAPTER XVIII.* *SALTING A MINE.*