"There is love, however, and contentment." "Don't believe it. Love may be purchased; and as for contentment, there is no such thing. It is a dream, a fable, a pretty story that babes may swallow." "Yet they tell us money is the root of all evil." "Not money, but the love of it," replies she, quickly. "Do not lose heart, Philip; he cannot last forever; and this week how ill he has been!" "So he has, poor old wretch," her companion interrupts her hastily. "Well, I have just one clear week before me, and then,--I suppose I had better have recourse to my friends, the Jews. That will be a risky thing, if you like, under the circumstances. Should he find that out----" "How can he? They are always so secret, so safe. Better do it than eat your heart out. And who is to betray you?" "You." With a laugh. "Ay, tremble!" says she, gayly; then softly, "If that is all you have to fear, Philip, you are a happy man. And when you have got the two thousand pounds, will you be free?" "No, but comparatively easy for awhile. And who knows, by that time----" "He may die?" "Or something may turn up," exclaims he, hurriedly, not looking at her, and therefore unable to wonder at the stolidity and utter unconcern of her expression. At this moment a querulous, broken voice comes to them from some inner room. "Marcia, Marcia!" it calls, with trembling impatience; and, with a last flick at the unoffending peacock, she turns to go, yet lingers, as though loath to leave her companion. "Good-bye,--for awhile," she says. "Good-bye," replies he, and, clasping her lightly round the waist, presses a kiss upon her cheek,--not upon her lips. "You will be here when I return?" asks she, turning a face slightly flushed by his caress toward him as she stands with one foot placed upon the bow-window sill preparatory to entering the room beyond. There is hope fully expressed in her tone. "No, I think not," replies he, carelessly. "The afternoon is fine; I want to ride into Longley, for----" But to the peacocks alone is the excuse made known, as Marcia has disappeared. * * * * *