The heart of this strong, confident man of the world was sore and lonely. For perhaps the first time he felt the need of support and sympathy. He drew his beautiful daughter, whom thus far he had scarcely more than admired, down upon his lap and buried his face upon her shoulder. A breath of divine impulse swept aside for a moment the stifling curtains of his sordid life, and he caught a glimpse of the large happy realm of love. "And would you really give up anything for the sake of your old father?" he asked in a low tone. "Everything," cried Edith, much moved by the unusual display of affection and feeling on the part of her father. "The others would not," said he bitterly. "Indeed, papa, I think they would if they only knew. We would all do anything to see you your old jovial self again. Give up this wretched struggle; tell Mr. Fox to do his worst. I am not afraid of being poor; I am sure we could work up again." "You know nothing about poverty," sighed her father. "When you are down, the world that bowed at your feet will run over and trample on you. I have seen it so often, but never thought of danger to me and mine." "But this party," said the practical Edith, "why not give this up? It will cost a great deal." "By no means give it up," said her father. "It may help me very much. My credit is everything now. The appearance of wealth which such, a display insures will do much to secure the wealth. I am watched day and night, and must show no sign of weakness. Go on with the party and make it as brilliant as possible. If I fail, two or three thousand will make no difference, and it may help me to succeed. Whatever strengthens my credit for the next few days is everything to me. My stock is rising, only it is too slow. Things look better--if I could only gain time. But I am very uneasy--my head troubles me," and he put his hand to his head, and Edith remembered how often, she had seen him do that of late. "By the way," said he, abruptly, "tell me how you get on with Mr. Fox." "Oh, never mind about that now; do rest a little, mind and body." "No, tell me," said her father sharply, showing how little control he had over himself. "Well, I think I have beaten him so far. He is very demonstrative, and acts as if I belonged to him. Did I not manage to always meet him in company with others, he would come at once to an open declaration. As it is, I cannot prevent it much longer. He is coming this evening, and I fear he will press matters. He seems to think that the asking is a mere form, and that our extremity will leave no choice." "You must avoid him a little longer. Come, we will go to the theatre, and then you might be sick for a few days." In a few minutes they were off, and were scarcely well away when Mr. Fox, dressed in more style than he could carry gracefully, appeared. "Miss Edith am out," said Hannibal loftily. "I half believe you lie," muttered Mr. Fox, looking very black.