lease don't
make game of me for confessing this, if you can help it. If you knew
what I am now suffering, I think you would be more inclined to pity than
to make game of me.

"I would enter into particulars, only I know your quick temper, and I
fear exhausting your patience. Perhaps it may be enough to say that
I have reason to believe the lady's past life has not been a very
creditable one, and that I am interested--more interested than words can
tell--in finding out what her life has really been, and in making the
discovery within a fortnight from the present time.

"Though I know very little about the ways of business in an office like
yours, I can understand that, without first having the lady's present
address, nothing can be done to help me. Unfortunately, I am not yet
acquainted with her present address. I only know that she went to town
to-day, accompanied by a gentleman, in whose employment I now am, and
who (as I believe) will be likely to write to me for money before many
days more are over his head.

"Is this circumstance of a nature to help us? I venture to say 'us,'
because I count already, my dear boy, on your kind assistance and
advice. Don't let money stand between us; I have saved a little
something, and it is all freely at your disposal. Pray, pray write to
me by return of post! If you will only try your best to end the dreadful
suspense under which I am now suffering, you will atone for all the
grief and disappointment you caused me in times that are past, and you
will confer an obligation that he will never forget on

"Your affectionate father,

"FELIX BASHWOOD."

After waiting a little, to dry his eyes, Mr. Bashwood added the date
and address, and directed the letter to his son, at "The Private Inquiry
Office, Shadyside Place, London." That done, he went out at once, and
posted his letter with his own hands. It was then Monday; and, if the
answer was sent by return of post, the answer would be received on
Wednesday morning.

The interval day, the Tuesday, was passed by Mr. Bashwood in the
steward's office at the great house. He had a double motive for
absorbing himself as deeply as might be in the various occupations
connected with the management of the estate. In the first place,
employment helped him to control the devouring impatience with which
he looked for the coming of the next day. In the second place, the more
forward he was with the business of the office, the more free he woul