I am obliged to sail for Smyrna soon, on business, or I would not trouble you to attend to this." Mr.Talbot smiled significantly, as he said, "These young ladies must be very charming, to inspire so deep an interest in their welfare." The young man, clad in the armor of an honest purpose, did not feel the point of the arrow, and answered quietly: "They _are_ very charming.

I saw them for a few hours only, and never expect to see them again.

Their father and mine were very intimate friends, and I feel it a duty to protect them from misfortune if possible." When the business was completed, and they had exchanged parting salutations, he turned back to say, "Do you happen to know anything of Mr.Fitzgerald of Savannah ?" "I never had any acquaintance with him," replied Mr.Talbot; "but he has the name of being something of a _roue_, and rather fond of cards." "Can the death of Floracita be apocryphal ?" thought Alfred.

"Could he be capable of selling her?
No.

Surely mortal man could not wrong that artless child." He returned to his lodgings, feeling more fatigued and dispirited than usual.