distinguished families.
One that, if known, the trumpet of scandal would have blazoned forth to
the disgrace of the aristocracy. It would have occasioned bitter tears
to some, gratified the petty malice of many, satisfied the revenge of
the vindictive, and bowed with shame the innocent as well as the guilty.
It is not necessary, nor, indeed, would I, on any account, state any
more. I finished the last paper, and then fell into a reverie. This
is, indeed, a secret, thought I; one that I would I never had possessed.
In a despotic country my life would be sacrificed to the fatal
knowledge--here, thank God, my life as well as my liberty are safe.

The contents of the papers told me all that was necessary to enable me
to support the character which I had assumed. The reason why the party,
whom I was supposed to be, was intrusted with it, was, that he was in a
direct line, eventually heir, and the question was whether he would
waive his claim with the others, and allow death to bury crime in
oblivion. I felt that were I in his position I should so do--and
therefore was prepared to give an answer to his lordship. I sealed up
the papers, dressed myself, and went to dinner; and after the cloth was
removed, Lord Windermear, first rising and turning the key in the door,
said to me, in a low voice, "You have read the papers, and what those,
nearly as much interested as you are in this lamentable business, have
decided upon. Tell me, what is your opinion?"

"My opinion, my lord, is, that I wish I had never known what has come to
light this day--that it will be most advisable never to recur to the
subject, and that the proposals made are, in my opinion, most judicious,
and should be acted upon."

"That is well," replied his lordship; "then all are agreed, and I am
proud to find you possessed of such honour and good feeling. We now
drop the subject for ever. Are you inclined to leave town with me, or
what do you intend to do?"

"I prefer remaining in town, if your lordship will introduce me to some
of the families of your acquaintance. Of course I know no one now."

"Very true; I will introduce you, as agreed, as Mr Newland. It may be
as well that you do not know any of our relations, whom I have made to
suppose, that you are still abroad--and it would be awkward, when you
take your right name by-and-by. Do you mean to see your mother?"

"Impossible, my lord, at present; by-and-by I hope to be able."

"Perhaps it's