Rule shook his head. "It isn't possible that he could have been ignorant. How could he be ignorant, ma'am? God knows I have not a word to say against Mr. Vernon—but to think he should forsake us in our moment of trial!" "Forsake you!" A sudden flush flew over Miss Vernon's face—a spark shot out of her eyes. Indignation and yet doubt was in her face. "That is not possible," she cried, holding her head high; and then she said anxiously, "Mr. Rule, tell me what you mean?" "I dare say it is the falsity of appearances," said poor Rule. "I am sure I hope so. I hope Mr. Vernon has gone away to get help, personally: you can do that so much better than writing: and that he may be back in time to-morrow." "Has he gone away?" she said in a low tone. "Unfortunately, Miss Vernon—I can't help saying unfortunately, for it paralyses everybody else. We can do nothing at the bank. But I cling to the hope that he will be back before the bank is opened. Oh, yes, I cling to the hope. Without that——" "Everything will be lost?" "Everything!" cried he, who was so proud of being the head clerk at Vernon's, with tears in his eyes. [Pg 27] [Pg 27] And then there was a pause. For a minute or two not a word was said. The daughter of the house was as much overcome by the thought as was its faithful servant. At last she said faintly, but firmly— "Mr. Rule, I cannot believe but that you will see John to-morrow when the bank is opened, with means to meet every demand." "Yes, Miss Vernon, that is my conviction too." But in what a faltering voice was this conviction stated! The room was not very light, and they did not distinguish very clearly each other's faces. "But in case of any failure—" she said, "for of course one never can tell, the most tiresome nothings may detain you just when speed is most important; or he might not have succeeded as he hoped. In case of any—delay—I shall be there, Mr. Rule; you may calculate upon me, with every penny I can muster——" "You, Miss Vernon!" the clerk said, with a cry of
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