"BUT when I tell you," cried the inconsiderate Lady Winterfield, as Basil drew near,-(little suspecting that a third person was within reach, to note the artifices by which she was attempting to recommend herself to the hard heart of the Moneylender,)—" when I tell you that this is the last time I will ever trouble you with an application ?—_—_—_—____”

"You have told me the same thing, Ma

dam, these half-a-dozen last times!" replied, in his coldest and most deliberate voice, the imperturbable Abednego. "I had the honour of assuring you, during the hurried visit you made to town from Brighton, before Christmas, that it would be totally out of my power to accommodate you further. My advances already exceed the value of the jewels deposited."

"Nonsense!-Don't I know the sum of money they cost Lord Winterfield, on our marriage, only five years ago? I have still by me the jeweller's bills, which I can shew you!"

"Can you also shew me the jeweller's conscience?" retorted Abednego. "Such

articles are invariably sold at two-thirds beyond their intrinsic value. To convince you, Madam, of this, so far from making you a further loan, I am most anxious to replace the diamonds in your keeping, on receiving back, with interest, the amount advanced on such security."