expectedly upon Lady
R--. However, Lady R--said that what she was doing was for the best,
and was more liberal than usual; and that stopped our tongues.

"`Three years back your aunt left this place to find employment in
London, and has resided there ever since as a clear-starcher and
getter-up of lace; but she often sends me down money, quite sufficient
to pay for all the few comforts and expenses required by a bedridden old
man. There, Harry, now I've told you the whole story; and I am glad
that I am able to do so, and that at last she has done justice to the
lad, and there is no further a load upon my conscience, which often
caused me to lay down my Bible, when I was reading, and sigh.'

"`But,' said I, `are you sure that she has acknowledged him as her
nephew?'

"`Am I sure! Why, did not you say so?'

"`No; I only said that he was with her, travelling in her company.'

"`Well, but--I understood you that it was all right.'

"`It may be all right,' replied I, `but how can I tell? I only saw them
together. Lady R--may still keep her secret, for all I can say to the
contrary. I don't wonder at its being a load on your mind. I shouldn't
be able to sleep at nights; and, as for my reading my Bible, I should
think it wicked to do so, with the recollection always before me, that I
had been a party in defrauding a poor boy of his name, and, perhaps
fortune.'

"`Dear me! dear me! I've often thought as much, Harry.'

"`Yes, grandfather, and, as you say, on the brink of the grave. Who
knows but you may be called away this very night?'

"`Yes, yes, who knows, boy,' replied the old man, looking rather
terrified; `but what shall I do?'

"`I know what I would do,' replied I. `I'd make a clean breast of it at
once. I'd send for the minister and a magistrate, and state the whole
story upon affidavit. Then you will feel happy again, and ease your
mind, and not before.'

"`Well, boy, I believe you are right, I'll think about it. Leave me
now.'

"`Think about your own soul, sir--think of your own danger, and do not
mind Lady R--. There can be but a bad reason for doing such an act of
injustice. I will come again in an hour, sir, and then you will let me
know your decision. Think about what the Bible says about those who
defraud the widow and _orphan_. Good-bye for the present.'

"`No, stop, boy, I've made up my mind. You may go to Mr Sewell, the
clergyman, he often calls to see me, and I can speak to him