Old Andy, recalled by some curious instinct to a momentary activity, shuffled about the room, snuffing the candles, or muttering a faint prayer at the bedside; but she did not notice him any more than the figure who, in an attitude of deep devotion, knelt at the foot of the bed. This was Hanserl, who, book in hand, recited the offices with all the fervent rapidity of a true Catholic. Twice he started and looked up from his task, disturbed by some noise without; but when it occurred a third time, he laid his book gently down and stole noiselessly from the room. Passing rapidly through the little chamber which used to be called Nelly's drawing-room, he entered the larger dining-room, in which now three or four ill-dressed men were standing, in the midst of whom was Abel Kraus in active colloquy with Mr. Purvis. Hanserl made a gesture to enforce silence, and pointed to the room from whence he had just come. “Ah!” cried Scroope, eagerly, “You 're a kind of co-co-connection, or friend, at least, of these people, ain't you? Well, then, speak to this wo-worthy man, and tell him that he mustn't detain our things here; we were merely on a visit.” “I will suffer nothing to leave the house till I am paid to the last kreutzer,” said Kraus, sternly; “the law is with me, and I know it.” “Be patient; but, above all, respect the dead,” said Hans, solemnly. “It is not here nor at this time these things should be discussed.” “But we wa-want to go; we have ta-ta-taken our apartments at the 'Russie.' The sight of a funeral and a--a--a hearse, and all that, would kill my sister.” “Let her pay these moneys, then, and go in peace,” said Kraus, holding forth a handful of papers. “Not a gr-groschen, not a kreutzer will we pay. It's an infamy, it's a sh-sh-shameful attempt at robbery. It's as bad as st-stopping a man on the highway.” “Go on, sir,--go on. You never made a speech which cost you dearer,” said Kraus, as he took down the words in his pocket-book. “I--I--I did n't mean that; I did n't say you were a housebreaker.” “Speak lower,” said Hans, sternly. “And you, sir; what is this demand?” “Two thousand francs,----rent of this house; which, with damage to the furniture and other charges, will make two thousand eight hundred.” “I will pay it,” said Hans, stopping him. “Your credit would be somewhat better, Master Hans, had you not given a certain bail bond that you know of,” said Kraus, sneeringly. “I have wherewith to meet my debts,” said Hans, calmly. “I will claim my bond within a week; I give you notice of it,” said Kraus. “You shall be paid to-morrow. Let us be in peace to-night; bethink you what that room contains.” “He ain't black, is he? I--I would n't look at him for a thousand pounds,” said Purvis, with a shudder. “If she remain here after noon, to-morrow,” said Kraus, in a low voice, “a new month will have begun.” “To-morrow afternoon; Lord! how close he r-ran it,” exclaimed Purvis.