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164 BLACK SHEEP.might almost have justified his daring faith in hisluck, but recognised of late as inevitable, must berealised when the identity of the murdered manmust be known, and the perilous investigationmust begin. So be it, he yvas ready to meet theclanger if it must be met; but he hoped no suchnecessity would arise. His influence oyrer thebeautiful womanwhom he now really- loved withall the passion he hacl at first feigned yvas becomingevery- day stronger and more complete.He kneyv that the strength of his nature hadsubdued her; she had no pride, she had onlyvanity; ancl Stewart Routh made the mistaketo which selfish and interestednatures are prone.He forgot to calculate upon the influence ofselfishness and calculation when their employmust necessarily be in opposition to him. Hisegotism injured the balance of his intellect, andnow he had not the aid of Harriet's calm, cool,unerring judgment in his scheme to restore thatbalance. His position with regard toHarriet wasthe most troublesome topic of his thoughts justnow. He tried to forget it often,but he did notsucceed; not that any sentimental obstacle to the