Mr.Muir knew little in favor of his companion, and not much against him, but devoutly hoped that he would be the winning man in the contest for Miss Wildmere.

He also knew that the firm to which Mr.Arnault belonged had held their heads well up in the fluctuations of the street.

Both gentlemen deplored the present state of affairs, and hoped that there might soon be more confidence.

"By the way, Mr.
Muir," Mr.Arnault remarked, casually, "if you need accommodation we have some money lying idle for a short time, which we would like to put out as a call loan, and would be glad to place it in good conservative hands, like yours." "Thank you," said Mr.Muir, with some cordiality.
He went to his office and looked matters over carefully.

He was convinced that a crisis was approaching.