"No. It was Frederick Leighbourne. That young man had a speculation one which threatened to fail for want of money. Vass, who was devoted to him heart and soul, got the money for him from Julia. Leighbourne gave the notes to a stockbroker as security, on condition that they were not to be put into circulation unless the speculation failed. It did not fail, and Leighbourne got back the notes, which he sent Vass to return to Manuel. So you see it was Leighbourne who restored the notes."
"The deuce!" said Torry. "Why doesn't Vass tell old Leighbourne?"
"He has done so out of revenge, and I heard from Vass that Master Frederick had bolted this morning to the Continent. Vass intends to follow him, and, I suppose, make it hot for him for not helping him to keep his situation."
"The jackal after the lion. I daresay they'll make it up again."
"Not if Lydia can help it."
"Why, what about that beauty?"
"She eloped with Frederick, and, I suppose intends to become Mrs. Leighbourne. She'll soon send Vass to the right about."
"H'm! A nice couple! She never loved Grent."
"No, nor Blake either; she only loves herself. By the way," added Frank, "do you think that the story told by Grent to Donna Maria was true?"
"Not all of it. He lied about the society, and that man he called Centa. For my part, I don't believe Centa exists. No, Darrel; all Grent's lies were invented to enable him to clear off with the money.