e property. After the expiration of a week, he
discontinued the notice, and finally ordered the pearls removed from
their gold frames. When I had given him the names of the originals, he
consented that I should take the portraits which were now worthless to
him, and gave me also the name of the boy. It was not until two days
afterward that I succeeded in finding Thomas Donovan, a lad about
fourteen years old, whose mother Phoebe is a laundress, and does up
laces and fine muslins. When I called and stated the object of my
visit he seemed much confused, but sullenly repeated the assertion
made to the jeweller. Yesterday I went again and had a long
conversation with his mother, who must be an honest soul, for she
assured me she knew nothing of the matter, and would investigate it
immediately. The boy was absent, but she promised either to send him
here this morning or come in person, to acquaint me with the result. I
offered a reward if he would confess where he obtained them; and if he
proved obstinate, threatened to have him arrested. Now, Dr. Grey, you
can understand why I have so tediously made a full revelation of my
past, for I wish to enlist your sympathy and claim your aid in my
search for my long-lost friend. These portraits inadequately represent
the fascinating beauty of one of the originals, and the sweetness and
almost angelic purity of the other."

She held up the somewhat defaced and faded miniatures for the
inspection of her companion, but scarcely glancing at them, he said,
abstractedly,--

"You are sure they belong to Mrs. Carlyle?"

"Yes. As she put on her diamonds just before going down stairs she
showed me the portraits in her jewelry casket, where she had also
placed a similar one of myself. Ah! at this instant I seem to see her
beaming face, as she bent down, and sweeping her veil aside, kissed my
picture and Maurice's."

"Do you imagine that she is in America?"

"No; I fear she is dead, and that these were stolen from the old
nurse. Who is that yonder? Ah, yes,--Phoebe Donovan. Now I shall hear
the truth."

Forgetting her shawl, and unmindful of the fact that the sun was
streaming full on her head and face, she hurried to meet the woman who
was ascending the avenue, and very soon they entered the house.

A quarter of an hour elapsed ere Phoebe came out, and walked rapidly
away; and, unwilling to prolong his suspense, Dr. Grey went in search
of the governess.

He met her in the hall, and s