Now, these were the very articles Mr. Jones wanted, and which he would have to purchase in a day or two.  But he affected indifference as he inquired the price.  The current market rates were mentioned.

“No temptation,” said Mr. Jones, coldly.

“They are prime articles, all; none better to be had,” said the dealer.

“If I was in immediate want of them, I could give you an order; but”——­

“Will you make me an offer?” inquired Armor, somewhat earnestly.  “I have a good deal of money to raise to-day, and for cash will sell at a bargain.”

Mr. Jones mused for some time.  He was not certain whether, in making or requiring an offer, he would get the best bargain out of his needy customer.  At last he said—­

“Put down your prices to the very lowest figure, and I can tell you at a word whether I will close out these lots for you.  As I said before, I have a good stock of each on hand.”

For what a small gain will some men sacrifice truth and honour!

The dealer had notes in bank that must be lifted, and he saw no way of obtaining all the funds he needed, except through forced sales, at a depression on the market prices.  So, to make certain of an operation, he named, accordingly, low rates—­considerably below cost.

Mr. Jones, who was very cunning, and very shrewd, accepted the prices on two or three articles, but demurred to the rest, and these the most important of the whole.  Finally, an operation was made, in which he was a gainer, in the purchase of goods for which he had almost immediate sale, of over two hundred dollars, while the needy merchant was a loser by just that sum.

“That paid!” was the self-congratulatory ejaculation of Mr. Jones, “and handsomely, too.  I should like to do it over again, about a dozen times before night.  Rather better than widow speculations—­ha! ha!”

We shall see.  On leaving the store of his neighbour, Mr. Smith went to the hotel at which he understood Mrs. Lloyd had taken lodgings, and made inquiry for her.  A lady in deep mourning, accompanied by two daughters, one a lovely girl, not over twenty years of age, and the other about twelve, soon entered the parlour.

“Mrs. Lloyd, I believe,” said Mr. Smith.

The lady bowed.  As soon as all parties were seated, the gentleman said—­

“My name is Smith.  During your former residence in this city, I was well acquainted with your husband.  Permit me to offer my heartfelt sympathy in the painful bereavement you have suffered.”

There was a slight pause, and then Mr. Smith resumed—­

“Hearing of your return to this city, I have called to ask if there are any good offices that I can render you.  If you have any plans for the future—­if you want advice—­if a friend in need will be of service—­do not hesitate to speak freely, My high regard for your husband’s memory will not suffer me to be indifferent to the welfare of his widow and children.”