WEALTH WITHOUT WINGS. 193

 

to the library-door, and announced a gentleman who
wished to see him.

‘¢ What is his name?” asked Jasper.

“He said it was no difference. He was a
friend.”

“Tt might make a great difference,’ Jasper mut-
tered in an undertone. “Show him up,” he said
aloud.

The servant retired, and Jasper waited for his
visitor to appear. He was not long in suspense.
The door soon reopened, and a man, poorly clad,
and with a face bearing strong marks of intempe-
rance and evil passions, came in.

“You do not know me,” said he, observing that
the merchant, who had risen to his feet, did not
recognise him.

Jasper shook his head.

“ Look closer.” There was an air of familiarity
and rude insolence about the man.

“Martin!” exclaimed Jasper, stepping back a
few paces. ‘Is it possible !”’

“Quite possible, friend Jasper,” returned the
man, helping himself to a chair, and sinking into it
with the air of one who felt himself at home.

Surprise and perplexity kept the merchant
dumb for some moments. He would quite as lief
have been confronted with a robber, pistol in
hand.

“Ido not wish to see you, Martin,” said he, at
length, speaking in a severe tone of voice. “ Why

ave you intruded on me again? Are you not
satisfied ? Have you no mercy ?”

“None, Leonard Jasper, none,’ replied the man

17