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Rh cash down across the counter. I've always wanted to own a shop. I'm essentially democratic in my tastes, although I try to do my duty by the aristocracy. I'll buy out the store of cutlery and put your husband in as manager at a good salary. I fear I should not make a good shopman, especially in the sale of pocket-knives, for if any boy came in who hadn't quite enough money for the weapon he wanted, I fear that sympathy with his desire would overcome my shrewdness as a tradesman and I should let the knife go under cost price."

Mrs. Bendale smiled wanly; something of the young man's enthusiasm reminded her of him as a lad; then the sadness returned to her face.

"You are very generous, my lord, but, of course, it would not be right to dispose of a business for five thousand pounds which is worth less than a thousand—yes, much less, now that it is overburdened with debt."

"Oh, that doesn't matter," said Stranleigh airily.

"What you propose is impossible, my lord, and to show why it is impossible I must now speak to you of my husband, which I didn't quite wish to do. He is really a very excellent business man, and, as I have said, a kind man, but this contest has wrought a serious change in his disposition, so much so that it is not ruin I fear but a tragedy. He has become embittered against Brassard to such