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Rh dreadful torments of enraged jealousy, through witnessing the loving communications of Charlie and Bella on the previous evening. On looking at the card he thought he had heard or seen the name coupled with that of his rival, and told Brown to admit him at once.

On entering, Melrose, with his usual tact and address, opened his business at once in the following manner:—"You see, my Lord, that my name is Melrose, and for a short time a member of the Scottish bar, but who, unfortunately, through the machinations of a villain, and a fellow member, has been expelled from that position."

"Oh!" interrupted his Lordship eagerly, and bethinking himself—"Are you the Melrose whom that scoun, I mean that Charlie Stuart brought charges against in Edinburgh; I read the whole of it in the papers."

"The same, my Lord, but I hope you are not led by such partial accounts, which I must declare, were not favourable to me, but rather one-sided."

"Not at all; I do not mind what the journals state, as they invariably side with the successful party; but what has that to do with your business with me? I am no judge or jury to enter into the matter."

"Pardon me, my Lord, I am aware of that; nor do I wish to renew the case; but hearing that my accuser has been reviling your Lordship also, and poisoning the ears of a certain young lady, and a neighbour of his, against you, I have therefore come before you with a proposition which, if you will help me in, will be of satisfaction to us both. The proposition I have to to make, is to supply me with funds to remove from your path this object of mischief to our common happiness."

"Surely you do not mean to take his life, and implicate me as your accomplice?"

"There are many ways of removing people, for a time, at least, my Lord, without taking life."

"And how much would satisfy you in that case?"

"To be plain with you, my Lord, I could not undertake the task for less than a thousand pounds."

"A thousand pounds is a large sum; however, I will meet your demands in this matter; I will give you five