And, as Albert phrased it to himself that night, the ten thousand dollars was every cent clean money, for his father had been a man of integrity.

On this ten thousand, he felt sure, Plausaby, Esq., was speculating in a way that might make him rich and respected, or send him to State's-prison, as the chance fell out, but at any rate in a way that was not promotive of the interests of those who traded with him.

Of the thousand set apart for Katy's education Plausaby was guardian, and Kate's education was not likely to be greatly advanced by any efforts of his to invest the money in her intellectual development.

It would not be hard to persuade the rather indolent and altogether confiding Katy that she was now old enough to cease bothering herself with the rules of syntax, and to devote herself to the happiness and comfort of Smith Westcott, who seemed, poor fellow, entirely unable to exist out of sight of her eyes, which he often complimented by singing, as he cut a double-shuffle on the piazza, "_Her eyes_ so bright Dey shine at night When de moon am far away!" generally adding, "Ya! ya! dat am a fack, Brudder Bones! He! he! By George!" As Charlton's thoughts forecast his sister's future, it seemed to him darker than before.

He had little hope of changing her, for it was clear that all the household authority was against him, and that Katy was hopelessly in love.