e
idea in consequence of Tom's silence; which he regretted, as
possibly things might have happened otherwise, had he known the
state of the case. It was too late now, however; and the less
said the better about what might have been. As to New Zealand, he
should not oppose Tom's going, if, after some time, he continued
in his present mind. It was very natural for him just now to wish
to go. They would talk it over as soon as Tom came home, which
Mr. Brown begged him to do at once, or, at any rate, as soon as
he had seen his friend off. Home was the best place for him.

Tom sighed as he folded it up; the hopes of the last three days
seemed to be fading away again. He spent another restless day;
and by night had persuaded himself that Drysdale's mission had
been a complete failure, and that he did not write and kept out
of the way out of kindness for him.

"Why, Tom, old fellow, you look as down in the mouth as ever
to-night," East said, when Tom opened the door for him about
midnight, on his return from his club; "cheer up; you may depend
it's all to go right."

"But I haven't seen Drysdale again, and he hasn't written to
me."

"There's nothing in that. He was glad enough to do you a good
turn, I dare say, when it came in his way, but that sort of
fellow never can keep anything up. He has been too much used to
having his own way, and following his own fancies. Don't you lose
heart because he won't put himself out for you."

"Well, Harry, you are the best fellow, in the world. You would
put a backbone into anyone."

"Now, we'll just have a quiet cheroot, and then turn in; and see
if you don't have good news to-morrow. How hot it is! The Strand
to-night is as hot as the Punjaub, and the reek of it--phah! my
throat is full of it still."

East took off his coat, and was just throwing it on a chair, when
he stopped, and, feeling in his pocket, said--

"Let's see, here's a note for you. The porter gave it to me as I
knocked in."

Tom took it carelessly, but the next moment was tearing it open
with trembling fingers. "From my cousin," he said. East watched
him read, and saw the blood rush to his face, and the light come
into his eyes.

"Good news, Tom, I see. Bravo, old boy. You've had a long fight
for it, and deserve to win."

Tom got up, tossed the note across the table, and began walking
up and down the room; his heart was too full for speech.

"May I read?" said East, looking up. Tom nodded, and he read--