He had a cousin in England who was a great heiress, and whom his father wanted him to marry.

Arthur disliked the idea extremely; and as the lady was supposed to be very well inclined towards him, he was anxious to avoid danger by prolonging his tour abroad.

He had arranged to go on to Rome with them, the Hills; but only yesterday, his father, Sir Arthur Noble, had met him in Paris, urging him to give up the project, and return at once to England.

He, Sir Arthur, had lost heavily by the failure and bad conduct of a London banker--a gentleman who had been his personal friend.

My heart beat thickly as I heard her say this; but I did not dare to ask the name of that banker.