‘And he would;—­if he had the spirit to take it,’ answered Marie.

This was another reason for sticking to the Nidderdale plan.  He would no doubt lose the immediate income, but in doing so he would secure the Marquis.  He was therefore induced, on weighing in his nicest-balanced scales the advantages and disadvantages, to leave the Longestaffes unpaid and to let Nidderdale have the money.  Not that he could make up his mind to such a course with any conviction that he was doing the best for himself.  The dangers on all sides were very great!  But at the present moment audacity recommended itself to him, and this was the boldest stroke.  Marie had now said that she would accept Nidderdale,—­or the sweep at the crossing.

On Monday morning,—­it was on...