have got a girdle of land round those three outlets, bought by the acre; in two years I shall sell it by the yard.  Believe me, sir, English fortunes, even the largest, are mere child’s play, compared with the colossal wealth a man can accumulate, if he looks beyond these great discoveries to their consequences, and lets others grub for him.  But what is the use of it all to me?” said this Bohemian, with a sigh.  “I have no taste for luxuries; no love of display.  I have not even charity to dispense on a large scale; for there are no deserving poor out there; and the poverty that springs from vice, that I never will encourage.”

John heard nearly all this, and took it into the kitchen; and henceforth Adoration was the only word for this prince of men, this rare combination of the Adonis and the millionnaire.

He seldom held such discourses before Rosa; but talked her father into an impression of his boundless wealth, and half reconciled him to Rosa’s refusal of Lord Tadcaster, since here was an old suitor, who, doubtless, with a little encouragement, would soon come on again.

Under this impression, Mr. Lusignan gave Falcon more than a little encouragement, and, as Rosa did not resist, he became a constant visitor at the villa, and was always there from Saturday to Monday.

He exerted all his art of pleasing, and he succeeded.  He was welcome to Rosa, and she made no secret of it.

Emily threw herself in his way, and had many a sly talk with him, while he was pretending to be engaged with young Christie.  He flattered her, and made her sweet on him, but was too much in love with Rosa, after his fashion, to flirt seriously with her.  He thought he might want her services:  so he worked upon her after this fashion; asked her if she would like to keep an inn.

“Wouldn’t I just?” said she frankly.

Then he told her that, if all went to his wish in England, she should be landlady of one of his inns in the Cape Colony.  “And you will get a good husband out there directly,” said he.  “Beauty is a very uncommon thing in those parts.  But I shall ask you to marry somebody who can help you in the business—­or not to marry at all.”

“I wish I had the inn,” said Emily.  “Husbands are soon got when a girl hasn’t her face only to look to.”

“Well, I promise you the inn,” said he, “and a good outfit of clothes, and money in both pockets, if you will do me a good turn here in England.”

“That I would, sir.  But, laws, what can a poor girl like me do for a rich gentleman like you?”

“Can you keep a secret, Emily?”

“Nobody better.  You try me, sir.”

He looked at her well; saw she was one of those who could keep a secret, if she chose, and he resolved to risk it.

“Emily, my girl,” said he sadly, “I am an unhappy man.”

“You, sir!  Why, you didn’t ought to be.”

“I am then.  I am in love; and cannot win her.”