faintest idea that her husband was one penny richer by the death of the head of the firm. Gray had intended that she should benefit, but, like many another cautious husband, he feared that sudden wealth might turn her brain. He would break it to her gently, at the rate of a pound a week at first. Having got thus far, he looked about for the best way of presenting the legacy. No opening had presented itself until to-night, but he believed that he had at last solved the problem. 

 Mrs. Gray was on the doorstep when her husband arrived at the Leytonstone villa. 

 "How late you are, James!" 

 James replied by kissing her affectionately, much to her surprise. 

 "Couldn't help it, Em. One of the men away from the office, and Jimmy had to stay. 

 he sang. 

 He was in a most amiable mood, a fact that would not have passed the notice of his wife if she hadn't happened to be in an amiable mood also. They sat down to a meat tea, and Gray attacked a steak vigorously. 

 "Jim," said Mrs. Gray, dimpling, and sipping a cup of tea, "what do you think?" 

 Gray arrested the progress of a piece of steak to his mouth, and said, "What?" keeping his mouth open, apparently to take in the answer with the meat. 

 "Guess," said Mrs. Gray, stirring the tea-leaves in the bottom of her cup. 

 "Can't," said Gray. "Anything the matter?" 

 "No, you old stupid," said his wife, placing her cup firmly down in the saucer; "only that I have some good news, Jim." 

 "For me, dear?" 

 "Good news for both of us, Jim," said Mrs. Gray. 

 Gray smiled. "So have I, Emily. I've some good news for both of us also." 

 Mrs. Gray opened her eyes wide, and then pouted. 

 "Oh, you know all about it. You are a nasty thing." 

 "I don't know," said Gray. "I only know what I have to tell you, and that isn't what you have to tell me." 

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