obliged to
keep my bed. Remember, in future, to be sure of the right name
before you make an assertion. As for forgiving you, I shall think
of it, and when you return to town, you may call and receive my
sentence. Cecilia was quite frightened, poor dear girl, what a dear
affectionate child she is--she is a treasure to me, and I don't
think I ever could part with her. She sends her regards.

"Yours,

"C. Maelstrom."

"Come, Timothy, at all events this is better than I expected--but now
I'll tell you what I propose to do. Harcourt was with me yesterday, and
he wishes me to go down with him to ----. There will be the assizes, and
the county ball, and a great deal of gaiety, and I have an idea that it
is just as well to beat the country as the town. I dine with Mr
Masterton on Friday. On Saturday I will go down and see Fleta, and on
Tuesday or Wednesday I will start with Harcourt to his father's, where
he has promised me a hearty welcome. Was there anything at Coleman
Street?"

"Yes, sir; Mr Iving said that he had just received a letter from your
correspondent, and that he wished to know if the little girl was well; I
told him that she was. Mr Iving laid the letter down on the desk, and I
read the postmark, Dublin."

"Dublin," replied I. "I should like to find out who Melchior is--and so
I will as soon as I can."

"Well, sir, I have not finished my story. Mr Iving said, 'My
correspondent wishes to know whether the education of the little girl is
attended to?' 'Yes,' replied I, 'it is.' 'Is she at school?' 'Yes, she
has been at school ever since we have been in London.' 'Where is she at
school?' inquired he. Now, sir, as I never was asked that question by
him before, I did not know whether I ought to give an answer, so I
replied, 'that I did not know.' 'You know whether she is in London or
not, do you not?' 'How should I?' replied I, 'master had put her to
school before I put on his liveries.' 'Does he never go to see her?'
inquired he. 'I suppose so,' said I. 'Then you really know nothing
about it?--then look you, my lad, I am anxious to find out where she is
at school, and the name of the people, and if you will find out the
direction for me, it will be money in your pocket, that's all.' 'Um,'
replied I, 'but how much?' 'Why, more than you think for, my man, it
will be a ten-pound note.' 'That alters the case,' replied I; 'now I
think again, I have an idea that I do remember