After All;

Arthur , however , generously offered to relieve the merchant of all embarrassment by paying off every applicant in cash with his own means . He was enabled to do this , because of the money he had made and saved , and the considerable fortune left to him b y Mr . Chirrup , who died and left him all his property , on account of his having taken such a fancy to Arthur Humberton , and felt such an interest in his welfare . Now had Humberton ' s opportunit

y arrived for practically showing his gratitude to Mr . Phane , and that gentleman was overcome by his liberal conduct . So the merchant ' s honour was saved , and a true friend tried and found trusty . There was rejoicing that day for the evil vanquished , ancl the bri ghter prospects suddenly opened out to them all . The change had been very sudden , and Mr . Phane could hardly believe it yet . He wanted some time to think and ponder over it before he could

thoroughly accept the pleasant fact . Mr . Chirrup had been suddenl y taken ill , and Arthur had been to see him , and attended to his small wants a good deal during his short illness ; but the result of the widower ' s will was a perfect surprise to him . However , he determined not to let the Phane ' s know , if possible , so that his wealth might not be any consideration with the merchant in marrying his daughter , as Arthur had

still full hopes of doing . At that time Humberton had no idea that Mr . Phane was practically insolvent . He had no other motives than those that were thoroughly disinterested , as his subsequent conduct had shown . Humberton was looking forward expectantl y to the consummation of his long courtship , the aim of all his desires , the centre of his exertions , his marriage with the beautiful Olivia . He had little fear now that anything would happen to prevent itand Olivia shared his happy confidence in briht hopes for the

, g future . Mr . Phane was rapidly regaining his old cheery spirit to a certain extent ,- though that was never really altogether possible . His troubles and misfortunes had told greatly upon him , but he would now be able to live to a peaceful ancl contented old age . Oakrush estates had been decreed his , and they were rapidly being restored and made read y for the coming marriage . Humberton took an active share in the business , and was quickly working it up to its

old proportions . As for poor Mrs . Bulliker , a handsome allowance was made toher as a compensation for all her past misery . Humberton had also sought the able assistance of Redtaper in managing the affairs of the firm of Phane and Co ., which now practically consisted of these two young men , Humberton and Redtaper . They certainly fulfilled their position worthily , and did the name of the firm credit , a credit which for a long time had been unsustained , because of the villainous machinations of the dishonest cashier .

Mr . ancl Mrs . Redtaper now lived happy and comfortable lives . Mrs . Violet Cumberland Redtaper had seen the foll y of her craze for notoriet y , and had succumbed to her husband ' s wishes , thus securing to herself and him a greater happiness . Their union had been blessed with a beautiful girl , a miniature representation of Violet . They now often met at the Phane ' s , and talked of the all-important marriage so fast approaching . Olivia had completely recovered from her serious illness

, ancl never was in better spirits . Little Dolly , too , prattled more merrily than ever , and happy indeed were their social meetings . They could now discuss all their misfortunes and mishaps of the past , for Time hacl laid his softening hand upon their memories , and they gratefully thanked the Giver of All for His many bounties and blessings . Their present pleasure ancl contentment was all the sweeter for the pain that had gone

before . Sweet strains of music enlivened their meetings , and once more the rich voice of Violet thrilled through them , and reminded them of the olden times , while at other times her brother fascinated them equally with his wonderful performance on the violin , which , however , had lost some of its perfection for want of practice ; Olivia ' s sweet voice blendedwith the others in sympathetic harmony , ancl Humberton composed fresh tunes for their delectation , never forgetting to put in an especially pretty part for Olivia .