r a time. Madam, I entreat that you will
either write to her or see her; that you will sustain and console her as
far as in you lies, and endeavor, if possible, to throw some obstruction
in the way of this accursed marriage; whether through your influence
with herself, or her father, matters not. I beg, madam, to apologize for
the liberty I have taken in addressing you upon this painful but deeply
important subject, and I appeal to yourself whether it is possible to
know Miss Gourlay, and not to feel the deepest interest in everything
that involves her happiness or misery.

"I have the honor to be, madam,

"Your obedient, faithful servant, and Her Sincere Friend.

"P. S.--I send this letter by my servant, as I am anxious that it should
reach no hands, and be subjected to no eyes, but your own; and I refer
you to Miss Gourlay herself, who will satisfy you as to the honor and
purity of my motives in writing it."

Having sealed this communication, the stranger rang for Dulcimer, who
made his appearance accordingly, and received his instructions for its
safe delivery.

"You must deliver this note, Dandy," said he, "to the lady to whom
Miss Gourlay and her maid drove, the morning you took the unwarrantable
liberty of following them there."

"And for all that," replied Dandy, "it happens very luckily that I
chance, for that very raison, to know now where to find her."

"It does so, certainly," replied his master. "Here is money for
you--take a car, or whatever kind of vehicle you prefer. Give this note
into her own hand, and make as little delay as you can."

"Do you expect an answer, sir?" replied Dandy; "and am I to wait for
one, or ask for one?"

"I am not quite certain of that," said the other; "it is altogether
discretionary with her. But there can be no harm in asking the question,
at all events. Any other Mrs. Norton in the way, Dandy?"

"Deuce a once, sir. I have sifted the whole city, and, barrin' the three
dozen I made out already, I can't find hilt or hair of another. Faith,
sir, she ought to be worth something when she's got, for I may fairly
say she has cost me trouble enough at any rate, the skulkin' thief,
whoever she is; and me to lose my hundre' pounds into the bargain--bad
scran to her!"

"Only find me the true Mrs. Norton," said his master, "and the hundred
pounds are yours, and for Fenton fifty. Be off, now, lose no time, and
bring me her answer if she sends any."

Dandy's motions were all