to the theatre, and promising to meet the next day at noon, Harcourt
and the Major took their leave.

Mr Estcourt had indulged rather too much, and, after their departure,
became communicative. I plied the bottle and we sat up for more than an
hour; he talked of nothing but his family and his expectations. I took
this opportunity of discovering what his feelings were likely to be when
he was made acquainted with the important secret which was in my
possession. I put a case somewhat similar, and asked him whether in such
circumstances he would waive his right for a time, to save the honour of
his family.

"No, by G--d!" replied he, "I never would. What! give up even for a day
my right--conceal my true rank for the sake of relatives? never--nothing
would induce me."

I was satisfied, and then casually asked him if he had written to Lord
Windermear to inform him of his arrival.

"No," replied he; "I shall write to-morrow." He soon after retired to
his own apartment, and I rang for Timothy.

"Good heavens, sir!" cried Timothy, "what is all this--and what are you
about? I am frightened out of my wits. Why, sir, our money will not last
two months."

"I do not expect it will last much longer, Tim; but it cannot be
helped. Into society I must get--and to do so, must pay for it."

"But, sir, putting the expense aside, what are we to do about this Mr
Estcourt? All must be found out."

"I intend that it shall be found out, Tim," replied I; "but not yet. He
will write to his uncle to-morrow; you must obtain the letter, for it
must not go. I must first have time to establish myself, and then Lord
Windermear may find out his error as soon as he pleases."

"Upon my honour, Japhet, you appear to be afraid of nothing."

"I fear nothing, Tim, when I am following up the object of my wishes. I
will allow no obstacles to stand in my way, in my search after my
father."

"Really, you seem to be quite mad on that point, Japhet."

"Perhaps I may be, Tim," replied I, thoughtfully. "At all events, let us
go to bed now, and I will tell you to-morrow morning, all the events of
this day."

Mr Estcourt wrote his letter, which Tim very officiously offered to put
into the post, instead of which we put it between the bars of the grate.

I must now pass over about three weeks, during which I became very
intimate with the Major and Mr Harcourt, and was introduced by them to
the clubs, and almost every person of fashion. The idea of my we