Chapter XXXIX

I set off on a wild goose chase--and fall in with an old friend.

The next morning Timothy had procured me another valet, and throwing off
his liveries, made his appearance in the evening, sending up to say a
man wished to speak to me. He was dressed in highlow boots, worsted
stockings, greasy leather small clothes, a shag waistcoat, and a blue
frock overall. His face was stained of a dark olive, and when he was
ushered in, Harcourt, who was sitting at table with me, had not the
slightest recognition of him. As Harcourt knew all my secrets, I had
confided this; I had not told him what Timothy's intentions were, as I
wished to ascertain whether his disguise was complete. I had merely said
I had given Timothy leave for a few days.

"Perhaps you may wish me away for a short time," said Harcourt, looking
at Tim.

"Not at all, my dear Harcourt, why should I? There's nobody here but you
and Timothy."

"Timothy! excellent--upon my word, I never should have known him."

"He is going forth on his adventures."

"And if you please, sir, I will lose no time. It is now dark, and I know
where the gipsy hangs out."

"Success attend you then; but be careful, Tim. You had better write to
me, instead of calling."

"I had the same idea; and now I wish you a good evening."

When Timothy quitted the room, I explained our intentions to Harcourt.
"Yours is a strange adventurous sort of life, Newland; you are
constantly plotted against, and plotting in your turn--mines and
counter-mines. I have an idea that you will turn out some grand
personage after all; for if not, why should there be all this trouble
about you?"

"The trouble, in the present case, is all about Fleta; who must, by your
argument, turn out some grand personage."

"Well, perhaps she may. I should like to see that little girl, Newland."

"That cannot be just now, for reasons you well know; but some other time
it will give me great pleasure."

On the second day after Tim's departure, I received a letter from him by
the twopenny post. He had made the acquaintance of the gipsy, but had
not extracted any information, being as yet afraid to venture any
questions. He further stated that his new companion had no objection to
a glass or two, and that he had no doubt but that if he could contrive
to make him tipsy, in a few days he would have some important
intelligence to communicate. I was in a state of great mental agitation
during this time. I