was just and honourable, and it was comparatively child’s work to arrange the modus operandi.  A common trick occurred to him.  In former transactions with his wife, he had pledged his word of honour to repay her.  It had become a stale pledge, and very worthless, as Michael felt.  What if he put his life in pawn!  Ah, capital idea!  This would secure to her every farthing of her debt.  Dear me, how very easy!  He had but to insure his life for the amount he wanted, and let what would happen, she was safe.  His spirit rejoiced.  Oh, it was joy to think that she could save him from perdition, and yet not suffer a farthing’s loss.  Loss!  So far from this, his ready mind already calculated how she might be a gainer by the arrangement.  He was yet young.  Let him insure his life at present for twenty thousand pounds, and how much more would it be worth—­say that he lived for twenty years to come?  He explained it to his lady—­to his own perfect satisfaction.  The willing Margaret required no more.  He could not ask as freely as the woman’s boundless love could grant.  He, with all his reasoning, could not persuade his conscience to pronounce the dealing just.  She, with her beating heart for her sole argument and guide, looked for no motive save her strong affection—­no end but her beloved’s happiness and peace.  Woe is me, the twenty thousand pounds were griped—­the precious life of Mr Allcraft was insured—­the London house was satisfied.  A very few weeks flew over the head of the needy man, before he was reduced to the same pitiable straits.  Money was again required to carry the reeling firm through unexpected difficulties.  Brammel was again dispatched to London.  The commissioner, grown bolder by his first success, was ill prepared for hesitation and reproof, and awkward references to “that last affair.”  Ten thousand pounds were the most they could advance, and all transactions of the kind must close with this, if there should be any deviation from the strictest punctuality.  Brammel attempted to apologise, and failed in the attempt, of course.  He came home disgusted, shortening his journey by swearing over half the distance, and promising his partners his cordial forgiveness, if ever they persuaded him again to go to London on a begging expedition!

Oh, Margaret!  Margaret!  Oh, spirit of the mild and gentle Mildred!  Must I add, that your good money paid this second loan—­and yet a third—­a fourth—­a fifth?  When shall fond woman cease to give—­when shall mean and sordid man be satisfied with something less than all she has to grant?

CHAPTER IV.

A DISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP.