and it is probable that the civility will be returned by an invitation from them.  Our isolation cannot long conceal our want.  Sacrifices of all kinds have already been made to prevent our being overwhelmed with mortification.”  As he uttered these last words he drew forth his hand from his pocket with about two francs in small change, which he held exposed on his palm before the notary.  “And now, behold,” continued he, with a bitter smile,—­“behold every cent I have in the world; and to-morrow rich people are to dine at my house!  If my poverty is betrayed by any thing, farewell to my child’s prospects!  For God’s sake, my good friend, be generous, and help me!”

“A thousand francs!” muttered the notary, shaking his head; “I can’t deceive my clients, sir.  What pledge can you give to secure the loan?  You possess nothing which is not already mortgaged beyond its value.”

“A thousand! five hundred! two hundred!” cried De Vlierbeck.  “Lend me, at least, something to relieve me from this cruel difficulty!”

“I have no disposable funds,” replied the notary, coldly.  “In a fortnight perhaps I may have some; but even then I could promise nothing positively.”

“Then, for the sake of friendship, I beseech you, lend me some money yourself!”

“I could never expect that you would return what I might lend,” said the notary, contemptuously; “and so it is an alms you ask of me?”

Poor De Vlierbeck trembled on his chair and became pale as ashes; his eyes flashed wildly and his brow knotted with frowns.  Yet he quickly curbed the unwonted agitation, bowed his head, and sighed, resignedly, “ALMS!  Alas! so be it! let me drink the very dregs of this bitter cup:  it is for my child!”

The notary went to a drawer and took from it some five-franc-pieces, which he offered to his visitor.  It is difficult to say whether the poor gentleman was wounded by the actual receipt of charity, or whether the sum was too small to be useful; but, without touching the money, he glanced angrily at the silver and fell back in his chair, covering his face with his hands.

Just at this moment a servant entered, announcing another visitor; and, as soon as the lackey left the apartment, Monsieur De Vlierbeck sprang from his chair, dashing away the tears that had gathered in his eyes.  The notary pointed to the money, which he laid on the corner of the table; but the mortified guest turned away his head with a gesture of repugnant refusal.

“Pardon my boldness, sir,” said he, “but I have now only one favor to ask of you”

“And it is—?”

“That you will keep my secret for my daughter’s sake.”

’Oh, as to that, make yourself easy.  You know me well enough to be aware of my discretion.  Do you decline this trifling aid?”

“Thanks! thanks!” cried the gentleman, pushing away the notary’s hand; and, trembling as if seized by a sudden chill, he rushed from the room and the house without waiting for the servant to open the door.