y opinion as you did
before this explanation, and I must make allowances for the excitement
under which I perceive you to labour on one subject; but now, sir, allow
me to put one question, and I beg that you will answer candidly. What
price do you demand for your secrecy on this important subject?"

"My lord!" replied I, rising with dignity; "this is the greatest affront
you have put upon me yet; still I will name the price by which I will
solemnly bind myself, by all my future hopes of finding my father in
this world, and of finding an eternal Father in the next, and that
price, my lord, is a return of your good opinion."

His lordship also rose, and walked up and down the room with much
agitation in his manner. "What am I to make of you, Mr Newland?"

"My lord, if I were a swindler, I should have taken your money; if I had
wished to avail myself of the secret, I might have escaped with all the
documents, and made my own terms. I am, my lord, nothing more than an
abandoned child, trying all he can to find his father" My feelings
overpowered me, and I burst into tears. As soon as I could recover
myself, I addressed his lordship, who had been watching me in silence,
and not without emotion. "I have one thing more to say to you, my lord."
I then mentioned the conversation between Mr Estcourt and myself, and
pointed out the propriety of not making him a party to the important
secret.

His lordship allowed me to proceed without interruption, and after a few
moments' thought said, "I believe that you are right, Mr Newland; and I
now begin to think that it was better that this secret should have been
entrusted to you than to him. You have now conferred an obligation on
me, and may command me. I believe you to be honest, but a little mad,
and I beg your pardon for the pain which I have occasioned you."

"My lord, I am more than satisfied."

"Can I be of any assistance to you, Mr Newland?"

"If, my lord, you could at all assist me, or direct me in my search--"

"There I am afraid I can be of little use; but I will give you the means
of prosecuting your search, and in so doing, I am doing but an act of
justice, for in introducing you to Major Carbonnell, I am aware that I
must have very much increased your expenses. It was an error which must
be repaired, and therefore, Mr Newland, I beg you will consider the
money at the bank as yours, and make use of it to enable you to obtain
your ardent wish."

"My lord--"

"I wi