gravely, kindly, yet commandingly. The heiress could not make this man her subject: in his gaze on her bright face there was no servility, hardly homage; but there was interest and affection, heightened by another feeling: something in his tone when he spoke, as well as in his words, marked that last sentiment to be gratitude.
"Your debtor bids you good-night!—May you rest safely and serenely till morning!"
"And you, Mr. Moore,—what are you going to do? What have you been saying to Mr. Helstone, with whom I saw you shake hands? Why did all those gentlemen gather round you? Put away reserve for once: be frank with me."
"Who can resist you? I will be frank: to-morrow, if there is anything to relate, you shall hear it."
"Just now," pleaded Shirley: "don't procrastinate."
"But I could only tell half a tale; and my time is limited,—I have not a moment to spare: hereafter I will make amends for delay by candour."
"But are you going home?"
"Yes."
"Not to leave it any more to-night?"
"Certainly not. At present, farewell to both of you!"
He would have taken Caroline's hand and joined it in the same clasp in which he held Shirley's, but somehow it was not ready for him; she had with-
