And, returning in his glee to the library, Louis found Mary explaining how ‘a gentleman at Lima,’ who had long professed to covet so good a clerk as Madison, had, on the break-up of their firm, offered him a confidential post, for which he was well fitted by his knowledge of the Spanish language and the South American trade, to receive the cargoes sent home.  ‘In truth,’ said Louis, coming in, ’I had reason to be proud of my pupil.  We could never have found our way through the accounts without him; and the old Cornish man, whom we sent for from the mines, gave testimony to him such as will do Mr. Holdsworth’s heart good.  But nothing is equal to Frampton’s taking him for a Spanish Don!’

‘And poor Delaford’s witness was quite as much to his credit,’ said Mary.

’Ay! if Delaford had not been equally willing to depose against him when he was the apparent Catiline!’ said Louis.  ’Poor Delaford! he was very useful to us, after all; and I should be glad to know he had a better fate than going off to the diggings with a year’s salary in his pocket!’

(Footnote.  A recent writer relates that he found the near relation of a nobleman gaining a scanty livelihood as shoe-black at the diggings.  Query.  Might not this be Mr. Delaford?)

‘Then everything is settled?’ asked his father.

’Almost everything.  The mines are off our hands, and the transfer will be completed as soon as Oliver has sent his signature; and there’s quite enough saved to make them very comfortable.  You have told me nothing of them yet?’

’They are all very well.  James has been coming here twice a-week since I have been at home, and has been very attentive and pleasant; but I have not been at the Terrace much.  There never was such a houseful of children.  Oliver’s room is the only place where one is safe from falling over two or three.  However, they seem to like it, and to think, the more the better.  James came over here the morning after the boy was born, as much delighted as if he had had any prospects.’

’A boy at last!  Poor Mr. Dynevor!  Does he take it as an insult to his misfortunes?’

’He seems as well pleased as they; and, in fact, I hope the boy may not, after all, be unprovided for.  Mr. Mansell wrote to offer to be godfather, and I thought I could not do otherwise than ask him to stay here.  I am glad I did so, for he told me that now he has seen for himself the noble way they are going on in, he has made up his mind.  He has no relation nearer than Isabel, and he means to make his will in favour of her son.  He asked whether I would be a trustee, but I said I was growing old, and had little doubt you would be glad enough.  You will have plenty of such work, Louis.  It is very dangerous to be known as a good man-of-business, and good-natured.’

‘Pray, how does Jem bear it?’

’With tolerable equanimity.  It may be many years before the child is affected by it, if Mrs. Mansell has it for her life.  Besides, James is a wiser man than he used to be.’