profit. In view of this object, I have been for two days engaged in an
investigation of your character."

"Really, Mr. Stillinghast!" began the young man, with a haughty look.

"Investigating your character, sir. I have made inquiries of your
friends and foes concerning your habits, your business associations,
your antecedents--"

"For what purpose, sir?" inquired Walter Jerrold, flushing up.

"_To see if I might trust you._"

"And the result of this strange procedure?"

"Is favorable throughout. I congratulate you, sir, on being without
reproach in your business relations. You will suit me to a nicety. I
lost two years ago the old man who sat at this desk for the last forty
years. He was the only friend I had in the wide earth. He was my prop
and support, and now that he is gone, I feel tottering and weak. I
want some one to assist me in the cares of my immense business; a
partner, young, active, and possessed of just the requisites which you
have."

Walter Jerrold's eyes lit up with an expression of wild triumph. He
could scarcely believe his own ears; he thought it was a cheating dream
that the millionnaire, Stillinghast--the bitter, inaccessible old man,
should offer him something so far beyond his most sanguine hopes;
advantages which he had intended to intrigue, and toil unceasingly for,
but which were now thrown into his very hands.