"It is your interest to say this. I can credit as much of it as I please."
"You are insulting! You presume on the power a knowledge of my affairs has given you. I will look for a more honourable agent the next time."
"Honourable! Ha! ha!" The visitor laughed in a low, guttural voice.
"Martin! I will not hear this from any living man."
The face of Jasper was almost purple with suppressed anger.
"Go!" he added. "Leave my house instantly. I defy you!"
Scarcely had these words passed his lips, ere Martin glided from the drawing-room, and in a few moments the street-door shut with a heavy, reverberating jar.
The merchant stood, like one bewildered, for a few moments, and then, as he sank into a chair, uttered a low groan. For a long time he remained as motionless as if sleeping.
CHAPTER XVI.
On leaving the house of Jasper, Martin—who, instead of having been in the city only a few hours, arrived two days previously—took his way to the office of Grind, the lawyer. He had seen this individual already several times, and now called on him again by appointment. The two men, on meeting, exchanged looks of intelligence.