The plot we will not here disclose.

Maxwell listened attentively, occasionally interrupting the speaker, by asking for details, or pointing out dangers But the foul wrong intended towards her for whom he entertained warmer sentiments than those of friendship shocked even his hardened sensibilities, and he strongly objected to its consummation.  It would also, by stripping her of her broad lands, and stigmatizing her birth, render her undesirable as a wife.  But Jaspar was firm in his purpose, and refused to listen to any other scheme.  This one, he contended, was the safest and surest.

“But it is a diabolical transaction,” suggested Maxwell.

“Call it what you will, it is the only one that will work well.”

Maxwell remained silent.  He was studying to make this scheme subservient to his own purpose.  He was obliged to confess to himself that his hopes with the heiress were worse than folly, and he judged that the execution of Jaspar’s scheme would remove his rival.  He looked forward years, and saw his own purpose gained by means of Jaspar’s plan.  It was true that he and Jaspar both could not have her estates; but then Jaspar was a villain, and it would be a good service, at a convenient season, to be a traitor to him.  His plans were arranged, and he determined to encourage his companion to proceed, though, at the same time, to seem unwilling, and to keep his own hands clean from all participation in it.

After this long interval of silence, which Jaspar had endured with patience, for he recognized the truth of the saying, that “He who deliberates is damned,” Maxwell said,

“I cannot consent to stain my hands with such gross injustice.”

“You cannot!” sneered Jaspar.

“It would ruin me.”

“It was part of my intention to keep the transaction a secret,” said Jaspar, sarcastically.

“Of course, and your confidence in me shall not be misplaced.”

Jaspar’s fists were clenched, and a demoniacal expression rested on his countenance, as he said, savagely,

“You know your own interest too well to do otherwise.”

“I am not to be intimidated,” replied Maxwell, who despised his companion most heartily, and did not relish his tyrannical manner.  “Your confidence, I repeat, is safe. Honor will keep your secret,—­threats will not compel me to do so.”

“Honor! ha, ha, ha!” chuckled Jaspar.  “Do you know, Maxwell, that you are a ——­ fool, to talk to me of your honor?”

“Would you insult me, sir?” said, Maxwell, with vehemence.

“O, no, my fine fellow! Your honor!—­ha, ha!” returned Jaspar, taking from his pocket a little slip of paper.  “Look here, my honorable worthy, do you know this check?”

Maxwell’s face assumed a livid hue, and a convulsive tremor passed through his frame, as he read the check.