Emily sometimes seems to think that she would like to give up business, and London, and all sublunary troubles, in order that she might settle herself for life under an Italian sky.

But the idea does not generally remain with her very long.

Already she is beginning to show symptoms of home sickness in regard to Manchester Square.
Yours always most faithfully, FERDINAND LOPEZ.
To this letter Lopez received no reply;--nor did he expect one.
Between Emily and her father a few letters passed, not very long; nor, as regarded those from Mr.Wharton, were they very interesting.
In none of them, however, was there any mention of money.

But early in January Lopez received a most pressing,--we might almost say an agonising letter from his friend Parker.

The gist of the letter was to make Lopez understand that Parker must at once sell certain interests in a coming cargo of guano,--at whatever sacrifice,--unless he could be certified as to that money which must be paid in February, and which he, Parker, must pay, should Ferdinand Lopez be at that moment unable to meet his bond.