“Don’t be surprised at any thing, Mr Allcraft.  Take things as they come, if you wish to be happy.”

Michael, very uneasy indeed, wished to make a remark, but he looked at the man in crimson plush, and held his tongue.  Mr Bellamy observed him.

“You have something to say?  Can I give you any advice, my friend?  Pray, command me, and speak without reserve.  As much as you please, and as quickly as you please, for I assure you time is precious.  In half an hour I have twenty men to see, and twice as many things to do.”

Again Michael glanced at the stout footman, who was pretending to throw his mind into the coming week, and to appear oblivious of every thing about him.

“I have a question to ask,” proceeded Michael hesitatingly; “but it can be answered in a moment, and at another opportunity—­in a little while, when you are quite at leisure.”

“As you please; only remember I have no end of engagements, and if I am called away I cannot return to you.”

Poor Michael!  His expectations were again at a fearful discount.  The language and demeanor of Mr Bellamy seemed decisive of his intentions.  What could he do?  What—­but fasten on his man, and not suffer him to leave his sight without an explanation, which he dreaded to receive.  Mr Bellamy continued to be very polite and very talkative, and to prosecute his repast with unyielding equanimity.  At the close of the meal the servant removed the cloth, and departed.  At the same instant the landed proprietor rose from his chair, and was about to depart likewise.  Michael, alarmed at the movement, touched Mr Bellamy gently on the sleeve, and then, less gently, detained him by the wrist.

“What do you mean, sir?” asked Bellamy, turning sharply upon his partner:  “What do you mean?  What is your object?”

“Mr Bellamy,” said Allcraft, pale as death, and much excited; “you must not go until you have satisfied me on a point of life and death to both of us.  Your conduct is a mystery.  I cannot explain it.  I know not what are the motives which actuate you.  These are known to yourself.  Let them be so.  But I have a question to ask, and you must and shall answer it.”

“Must and shall, Mr Allcraft!  Take care—­pray, take care of your expressions.  You will commit yourself.  When will you cease to be a very young man?  I will answer voluntarily any questions put to me by any gentleman. Must and shall never forced a syllable from my lips yet.  Now, sir—­ask what you please.”

“Mr Bellamy,” continued Allcraft, “your property is announced for public sale.”

“It is,” said Bellamy.

“And the announcement has your sanction?”

“It has.”

“And with the sum realized by that sale, you propose to”—­

Michael stopped, as though he wished his partner to fill up the sentence.

“Go on, sir,” said the proprietor.