Stephens pressed the hand of the too-confiding being, over whom his dangerous eloquence and subtle reasoning possessed an influence so omnipotent for purposes of evil; and he then again launched out into glowing descriptions of the sources and means of happiness within her reach. This reasoning, aided by the hope that in a few hours she should be enabled to quit London for ever, restored the lady's disposition to that same easy and pliant state, to which Stephens had devoted nearly five years to model it. At length the hackney-coach stopped at the Bank of England. Stephens hurried to the rotunda to obtain the assistance of a stock-broker, for the purpose of transferring and selling out the immense sum which now appeared within his reach, and to obtain which he had devoted his time, his money, and his tranquillity! Walter and the lawyer awaited his return beneath the porch of the entrance. After the lapse of a few moments he appeared, accompanied by a broker of his acquaintance. They then all four proceeded together to the office where the business was to be transacted. The broker explained the affair to a clerk, and the clerk, after consulting a huge volume, received the documents which Lord Warrington had handed over to Sydney. Having compared those papers with the entries in the book, the clerk made a sign to three men who were lounging at the upper end of the office, near the stove, and who had the appearance of messengers, or porters. These men moved hastily forward, and advanced up to Stephens, Mac Chizzle, and Walter Sydney. A deadly pallor spread over the countenance of Stephens; Mac Chizzle appeared alarmed; but Walter remained still unsuspicious of danger. "Those are the persons," said the clerk, significantly, as he pointed to the three conspirators, to whom he observed, almost in the same breath, "Your plans are detected--these men are officers!" "Officers!" ejaculated Sydney; "What does this mean?" "We are here to apprehend you," answered the foremost of those functionaries. "Resistance will be vain: there are others outside in readiness." "Merciful heavens!" cried Walter, joining her hands in agony: "Oh! Stephens, to what have you brought me!" That unhappy man hung down his head, and made no reply. He felt crushed by this unexpected blow, which came upon him at the very instant when the object of his dearest hopes seemed within his reach. As for Mac Chizzle, he resigned himself with dogged submission to his fate. The officers and their prisoners now proceeded to the Mansion House, accompanied by the clerk and the stock-broker. Sydney--a prey to the most dreadful apprehensions and painful remorse--was compelled to lean for support upon the arm of the officer who had charge of her. Sir Peter Laurie sat for the Lord Mayor.