But consider, my relative was sixty years old, and I was twenty- one.

My relative took several months to consider, and had the advice of her lawyers before she acceded to my request.

And I made it at the instigation of Mr.Brough, who dictated the letter which I wrote, and who I really thought then was as rich as Mr.Rothschild himself." "Your friend placed her money in your name; and you, if I mistake not, Mr.Titmarsh, were suddenly placed over the heads of twelve of your fellow-clerks as a reward for your service in obtaining it ?" "It is very true, sir,"-- and, as I confessed it, poor Mary began to wipe her eyes, and Gus's ears (I could not see his face) looked like two red- hot muffins--"it's quite true, sir; and, as matters have turned out, I am heartily sorry for what I did.

But at the time I thought I could serve my aunt as well as myself; and you must remember, then, how high our shares were." "Well, sir, having procured this sum of money, you were straightway taken into Mr.Brough's confidence.

You were received into his house, and from third clerk speedily became head clerk; in which post you were found at the disappearance of your worthy patron!" "Sir, you have no right to question me, to be sure; but here are a hundred of our shareholders, and I'm not unwilling to make a clean breast of it," said I, pressing Mary's hand.