"Great heavens! what am I about to do? This troubled conscience is horrible. But shall I go to pieces financially? No! I must not give way to this weakness. What would the world say were I to become bankrupt?"
He resumed his seat by the table, began looking over his papers, and for an hour spoke no word, only an occasional sigh escaping him. At length he said:
"What a villain I am! Yet, isn't it better to save myself and my reputation than allow this opportunity to pass? Mannis and his fortune can save me: it is no time to turn back."
Putting on overcoat and hat he left the bank, and on entering his home met Belle, who gave him a kiss. To his conscience this token of affection was like molten lead, and leaving her he went directly to his own room, saying:
"My God! how can I strike this blow at her heart?"
At the tea-table he appeared uneasy and ate little, and being questioned by his wife and daughter only said:
"I have a slight headache—that is all; it will soon pass off."
Shortly afterward Belle came near him, and said:
"Papa, won't you stay home this evening? I will bathe your head, and perhaps it will relieve the pain."
"No, my daughter, I have very important business at the office this evening."