“I've thought it all out,” said Mr. Kemp, nodding. “She mustn't know I'm not rich till after we're married; then I 'ave a letter from New Zealand saying I've lost all my money. It's just as easy to have that letter as the one you spoke of.” “And I'm to find you money to play the rich uncle with till you're married, I suppose,” said Mr. Wright, in a grating voice, “and then lose Bella when Mrs. Bradshaw finds you've lost your money?” Mr. Kemp scratched his ear. “That's your lookout,” he said, at last. “Now, look here,” said Mr. Wright, with great determination. “Either you go and tell them that you've been telegraphed for--cabled is the proper word--or I tell them the truth.” “That'll settle you then,” said Mr. Kemp. “No more than the other would,” retorted the young man, “and it'll come cheaper. One thing I'll take my oath of, and that is I won't give you another farthing; but if you do as I tell you I'll give you a quid for luck. Now, think it over.” Mr. Kemp thought it over, and after a vain attempt to raise the promised reward to five pounds, finally compounded for two, and went off to bed after a few stormy words on selfishness and ingratitude. He declined to speak to his host at breakfast next morning, and accompanied him in the evening with the air of a martyr going to the stake. He listened in stony silence to the young man's instructions, and only spoke when the latter refused to pay the two pounds in advance. The news, communicated in halting accents by Mr. Kemp, was received with flattering dismay. Mrs. Bradshaw refused to believe her ears, and it was only after the information had been repeated and confirmed by Mr. Wright that she understood. “I must go,” said Mr. Kemp. “I've spent over eleven pounds cabling to-day; but it's all no good.” “But you're coming back?” said Mr. Hills. “O' course I am,” was the reply. “George is the only relation I've got, and I've got to look after him, I suppose. After all, blood is thicker than water.” “Hear, hear!” said Mrs. Bradshaw, piously. “And there's you and Bella,” continued Mr. Kemp; “two of the best that ever breathed.” The ladies looked down. “And Charlie Hills; I don't know--I don't know _when_ I've took such a fancy to anybody as I have to 'im. If I was a young gal--a single young gal--he's--the other half,” he said, slowly, as he paused--“just the one I should fancy. He's a good-'arted, good-looking----” “Draw it mild,” interrupted the blushing Mr. Hills as Mr. Wright bestowed a ferocious glance upon the speaker. “Clever, lively young fellow,” concluded Mr. Kemp. “George!” “Yes,” said Mr. Wright. “I'm going now. I've got to catch the train for Southampton, but I don't want you to come with me. I prefer to be alone. You stay here and cheer them up. Oh, and before I forget it, lend me a couple o' pounds out o' that fifty I gave you last night. I've given all my small change away.”