Banker, much irritated, "the matter shall not pass off so. I have friends waiting for. me, and I am determined with them to return to the Club-house

immediately."

"Oh!" said Mr. Francville, "what amends can I ever-"

"Talk not of amends," replied the Banker: "let me first see whether I can extricate you from this horrid difficulty. I'll make no delay in my procedure with these artful sharpers."

Francville could now only remain in a state of the utmost suspense ;-till at last he suddenly met Hazard, who, with a companion, had been lurking about during the afternoon in and about the neighbourhood. The meeting was rather boisterous in the street, till Hazard entreated him, with his friend, to adjourn to a neighbouring tavern, and every thing should be arranged to his utmost satisfaction.

As soon as Francville began to be a little pacified, Hazard immediately changed his language, and spoke of so large a sum as due to him, that the most absolute ruin must be the consequence.

The gentleman who was in company with Hazard appeared to be more a man of character, and endeavoured to mediate between them: but Hazard now became peremptory in his demand for instant payment; and Francville making use of such expressions as left no doubt of his vile opinion of him, Hazard insisted immediately upon

satisfaction; "but as he was probably a greater master of the sword, ordered him, without delay, to procure pistols and a Second."

Francville instantly rushed out, and entreated a particular friend, with pistols, duly prepared, to accompany him; and they all agreed to meet within an hour near Kensington. Carriages were directly engaged; the utmost secrecy, as to the purpose, was observed; and both parties punctually attended at the time and place of their destination.

The ground being measured, it was agreed that they should fire together, when Francville instantly fell. A surgeon was sent for from Kensington, who desired "that the unfortunate gentleman might be conveyed to his house, where the best care should be taken of him."

Hazard now appeared to be inconsolable, and made his grief" to roar upon the Quell."

The Seconds behaved with apparent discretion, and endeavored to administer all the assistance in their power.

"Let me pause," cried Francville, "for a few moments, before I determine how to proceed, and inform my relatives."-Then, turning to the surgeon, he said, "Oh, Sir, I have a wife. If this is communicated abruptly to her, it will be death. Could any

any friend go to my house?"-"Yes, Sir, my son," replied the surgeon, "is here in readiness." Mr. Francville then desired him "to enquire privately for either Mr. Worth or Mr. Arrowdale,

and request one or both of them to return in the coach with him, that he might be carried back to his own house as safely and as privately as possible."

The young surgeon made no delay punctually to obey his orders; and found the two gentlemen in Mr. Francville's coach, just returned to the door.

The dreadful news was carefully communicated, and all three drove back as soon as possible to Kensington.

The gentlemen, with the surgeon, conveyed poor Francville, with the utmost tenderness, to his own home, and on enquiring found that Mrs. Francville still remained up-stairs, but in a state of stupefaction.

The physician was soon recalled; and a consultation took place, in a distant room, as to what was best to be done immediately with the wounded patient. He was conveyed to bed; and it was agreed that no operation whatever could take place at present, but it was wished that the surgeon's son should remain in attendance, till further assistance should be found necessary.

Every thing was carried on with such stillness, that Miss Arrowdale, till called out of the room, was not aware of the horrible disaster.

Mr. Francville, from loss of blood, becoming very weak, it was now thought most advisable that nothing more should be attempted till the physi

cian should meet the surgeon again on the succeeding day.

The situation of the family during the night may be better guessed at than described. Mr. Worth seemed almost the only person that re

tained his faculties.

Mr. Arrowdale said to his sister, "I have always boasted of my fortitude; yet, you perceive now, when I am wanted to act, I am annihilated.""And as for me," cried Miss Arrowdale, " could I have foreseen the distress that was to have come upon me, but for you and Fidelia, I would have shut myself up for life, as I once intended, in a nunnery."—"No nunnery, my dear sister. True religion is best placed between extremes. It may be hard to combat, but it is cowardice to fly."

Miss Arrowdale returned again to Mrs. Francville's chamber; but she continued in such a state that nothing could possibly be disclosed.

Next morning the Faculty met, and, as hinted by the physician, with the aid of an additional surgeon; but the patient was so weak that no attempt at extracting the ball could be resorted to.

Whilst they were debating, Mr. Francville was seized with a shivering fit; and whilst the physician was endeavouring to administer a cordial to him, he suddenly raised himself up, gave a deep sigh, and instantly expired.

Mr. Arrowdale flew directly to his daughter, who, from his look and agony, perceived that some

thing dreadful must have happened, and, being somewhat restored to her recollection, desired they might be left alone.

Mr. Arrowdale now was compelled by degrees to communicate the worst. "He expired, my dearest child, I hope without pain; and it was better to die 'sinned against, than sinning;' for on what tortures must those minds lie, which were capable of inflicting such complicated injuries!"

She then entreated him " to suffer her for a short time to remain alone, which she meant to pass in meditation and prayer, for, from the medicine which had been given her, she had been strangely bewildered."

Mr. Arrowdale complied, and returned to the chamber of the deceased. "A Coroner's Inquest must be held. There was no doubt but wilful murder would be brought in against Hazard. He had already absconded; but orders would be issued for his apprehension.-Nothing could be resolved on at present with regard to the funeral. Of course Mr. Francville would be interred in Yorkshire.An express had been sent off to Lady Altamont, who was in Kent, but would be soon in town. The estate would finally devolve upon her son."

The physician, with the family party, now returned to Mrs. Francville; and ventured to mention some few particulars for her future consideration.

She said, "she could only thank them with her