ference by inquiring of Mr. Olliphant if he had received her letter.

"It is that letter that has occasioned our visit," replied the lawyer. "We thought it was much better to see you than to write; and we should have been here before, but I was out of town when your letter arrived; and my clerk considered the business of too private a nature for him to interfere in."

"Well," said Fanny, "you have seen Harry—what do you think of him?"

"I never saw a finer lad," returned the gentleman—"and it would be a thousand pities that his prospects were blighted for want of a little money," added Mr. Simpson.

"Wouldn't it?" said Fanny, "and that was why I wrote to you, Mr. Olliphant. Unfortunately, Mr. Gaveston does not see him with our eyes; but in a case like this, where I know I should have my dear father's approbation, I shall venture to act for myself. What is there in my power that I can give to Harry?"

"Nothing," replied the lawyer—"not a stiver."

"Oh," exclaimed Fanny, in the greatest alarm, "you don't mean to say I can do nothing for him?"