After All;

" Oh , my dear sir , you have been a second father to me . If it had not been for your prompt and generous treatment of myself when but a boy , I know not what I might have been now , " said Humberton warmly , and willing to forget Mr . Phane ' s harshness in connection with his daughter . "No , no , no , let that pass ; ' twas merely my duty to a deserving , friendless youthand I undid all that by my subsequent treatment . My unfeeling conduct

, towards you , too , when yon happened that misfortune with the money , was simply cruel and unpardonable ; but your guilt seemed so palpable , and the action ( regarded as felonious ) so treacherous to myself , for the hand of whose daughter you had sued , that I rashly closed my ears to every explanation . Ton have now heaped coals of fire upon my head . Bulliker always had a grudge against you somehow , and the whole affair was doubtless a scheme to

get rid of you , mysterious as it appears . I begin to strongly suspect that man , and I fear that I may suffer from him before long . I should like to find a way of dispensing with his services , for I am afraid that I have trusted him too well , far better than he deserved . " "I am sure of it , " broke in Arthur , "and I never could bear that man . I always thought there was something lurking underneath that shaggy countenance other than the honesty he would have you suppose . But perhaps you will imagine I am prejudiced against him for his treatment of myself F " he asked .

" No , no ; I am sure you will say what you think , without malice . " "Well , if my advice is of any use to you , I should advise you to get rid of him ; or , better still , search his books , and I think you will soon find a cause for dispensing with his services . It was because I was a little too inquisitive , and found out a few suspicious occurrences in connection with him , that he played me such a detestable trick , thus handicapping me in every way . I had very strong suspicions about the robbery from myselfthough I am still in the

, dark concerning it . I should not speak so positively about Mr . Bulliker if I was not so certain of the truth of what I say against him . I have waited , and thought my turn would come at last , and I now take the first opportunity of warning you against him . " " I dare say you have already warned me in those letters I so inconsideratel y burnt without opening , " said Mr . Phane , in a regretful voice .

" I did , " returned Arthur . " But it is not too late yet . I can't understand poor Merrisslope being so completely in his power . I am certain there is something wrong there , and I fancy your books might show something . I should suggest an instant examination , say , to-morrow night . " ' Oh , dear ! I beg your pardon—I mean , yes , if it is not too late . The horrible truth flashes through my mind . That villain , Bulliker , has ruined

me , " groaned Mr . Phane , now beginning to see that he had been thoroughly duped by a man whom he had trusted too well . " Let us hope not , Mr . Phane , " said Arthur , encouragingly ; " all may yet be right . " " The man in whom I have placed so much faith , too ; I can hardly believe it . But we shall see to-morrow . Let us forget the painful subject till then , when we shall know the truth . I suppose they never found the body of the unfortunate Merrisslope ? " he asked , to change the subject . " No ; all search was unsuccessful , " said Arthur , in reply .

" Poor fellow . Ton know I can't help feeling glad that my daughter was not sac—I mean , refused him after all . I think she would never have been happy with him . She has ever loved you , I believe , and I think you are still attached to her ? " queried Mr . Phane . " Tou are certainl y right about the latter statement ; I adore your dau g hter , but I am not perfectly certain whether she reciprocates my sentiments and still cares for me . I have been so peculiarly circumstanced that I have not been able , with propriety , to test the matter thoroughly ; but I trust that every-