“Mr. Dalton knows there are thousands could have told him so that his daughter may be a princess to-morrow if she wishes it. She has but to choose her rank and her nationality, and there is not a land in Europe in whose peerage she may not inscribe her name. It is too late for reserve,” said he, quickly, “and consequently too late for resentment. You must not be angry with me now; I am but speaking in your presence what all the world says behind your back. Hearing this, and believing it, as all believe it, what is there more natural than that he should address himself to her at whose disposal lie all that wealth can compass? The sun bestows many a gleam of warmth and brightness before he reaches the zenith. Do not mistake me. This request was scarcely fair; it was ill-advised. Your freedom should never have been jeopardized for such a mere trifle. Had your father but seen with his own eyes your position here, he would never have done this; but, being done, there is no harm in it.” “But what am I to do?” said Kate, trembling with embarrassment and vexation together. “Send the money, of course,” said he, coolly. “But how from what source?” “Your own benevolence, none other,” said he, as calmly. “There is no question of a favor, no stooping to an obligation necessary. You will simply give your promise to repay it at some future day, not specifying when; and I will find a banker but too happy to treat with you.” “But what prospect have I of such ability to pay? what resources can I reckon upon?” “You will be angry if I repeat myself,” said Jekyl, with deep humility. “I am already angry with myself that I should have listened to your proposal so indulgently; my troubles must, indeed, have affected me deeply when I so far forgot myself.” Jekyl dropped his head forward on his breast, and looked a picture of sorrow; after a while he said, “Sir Stafford Onslow would, I well know, but be honored by your asking him the slight favor; but I could not counsel you to do so. Your feelings would have to pay too severe a sacrifice, and hence I advise making it a mere business matter; depositing some ornament a necklace you were tired of, a bracelet, anything in fact, a nothing and thus there is neither a difficulty nor a disclosure.” “I have scarcely anything,” said Kate; “and what I have, have been all presents from Lady Hester.” “Morlache would be quite content with your word,” said Jekyl, blandly. “And if I should be unable to acquit the debt, will these few things I possess be sufficient to do it?” “I should say double the amount, as a mere guess.” “Can I dare I take your counsel?” cried she, in an accent of intense anxiety. “Can you reject it, when refusal will be so bitter?” Kate gave a slight shudder, as though that pang was greater than all the rest.