(no doubt to Miss Milroy), and shouting to the waiter that he
wanted a bed at the hotel. I had calculated on his staying, as a matter
of course, where he found his friend staying. It was pleasant to find my
anticipations realized, and to know that I have as good as got him now
under my own eye.

"After promising to let Midwinter know where he could see me to-morrow,
I went away in the cab to hunt for lodgings by myself.

"With some difficulty I have succeeded in getting an endurable
sitting-room and bedroom in this house, where the people are perfect
strangers to me. Having paid a week's rent in advance (for I naturally
preferred dispensing with a reference), I find myself with exactly
three shillings and ninepence left in my purse. It is impossible to ask
Midwinter for money, after he has already paid Mrs. Oldershaw's note
of hand. I must borrow something to-morrow on my watch and chain at the
pawnbroker's. Enough to keep me going for a fortnight is all, and
more than all, that I want. In that time, or in less than that time,
Midwinter will have married me."

"July 29th.--Two o'clock.--Early in the morning I sent a line to
Midwinter, telling him that he would find me here at three this
afternoon. That done, I devoted the morning to two errands of my own.
One is hardly worth mentioning--it was only to raise money on my watch
and chain. I got more than I expected; and more (even supposing I buy
myself one or two little things in the way of cheap summer dress) than I
am at all likely to spend before the wedding-day.

"The other errand was of a far more serious kind. It led me into an
attorney's office.

"I was well aware last night (though I was too weary to put it down in
my diary), that I could not possibly see Midwinter this morning--in the
position he now occupies toward me--without at least _appearing_ to take
him into my confidence on the subject of myself and my circumstances.
Excepting one necessary consideration which I must be careful not
to overlook. There is not the least difficulty in my drawing on my
invention, and telling him any story I please--for thus far I have
told no story to anybody. Midwinter went away to London before it was
possible to approach the subject. As to the Milroys (having provided
them with the customary reference), I could fortunately keep them at
arms-length on all questions relating purely to myself. And lastly, when
I affected my reconciliation with Armadale on the drive in f