England, and it is your business to find them. Continue your search—quicken your wits—let me be better pleased with your success when I call again this day week—and meanwhile four pounds, if you please—as much more as you like."
"Why, I gave you four pounds the other day, besides six pounds for clothes; it can't be gone."
"Every penny."
"Dear, dear! can't you maintain yourself anyhow? Can't you get any one to play at cards? Four pounds! Why, with your talent for whist, four pounds is a capital!"
"Whom can I play with? Whom can I herd with?—Cracks- men and pickpockets. Fit me out; ask me to your own house; in vite your own friends; make up a rubber, and you will then see what I can do with four pounds; and may go shares if you like, as we used to do."
"Don't talk so loud. Losely, you know very well that what you ask is impossible. I've turned over a new leaf."
"But I've still got your handwriting on the old leaf."
"What's the good of these stupid threats? If you really wanted to do me a mischief, where could you go to, and who'd believe you?"
"I fancy your wife would. I'll try. Hillo—"
"Stop—stop—stop. No row, here. Sir. No scandal. Hold your tongue, or I'll send for the police."
"Do! Nothing I should like better. I'm tired out. I want to tell my own story at the Old Bailey, and have my revenge upon you, upon Darrell, upon all. Send for the police."
Losely threw himself at length on the sofa—(new morocco, with spring cushions)—and folded his arms.
"You could only give me five minutes—they are gone, I fear. I am liberal. I give you your own time to consider. I don't care if I stay to dine; I dare say Mrs. Poole will excuse my dress."
"Losely, you are such a—fellow! If I do give you the four pounds you ask, will you promise to shift for yourself somehow, and molest me no more?"
"Certainly not. I shall come once every week for the same sum. I can't live upon less—until—"
"Until what?"
"Until either you get Mr. Darrell to settle on me a suitable provision, or until you place me in possession of my daughter. and I can then be in a better condition to treat with him myself; for if I would make a claim on account of the girl, I must pro- duce the girl, or he may say she is dead. Besides, if she be as
