another
six months, and would remain in possession until the end of June in the
following year. We were then at the beginning of December only. I left
the agent with my mind relieved from all present fear of the Count's
escaping me.

The obligation I had to perform took me once more into the presence of
Mrs. Clements. I had promised to return, and to confide to her those
particulars relating to the death and burial of Anne Catherick which I
had been obliged to withhold at our first interview. Changed as
circumstances now were, there was no hindrance to my trusting the good
woman with as much of the story of the conspiracy as it was necessary
to tell. I had every reason that sympathy and friendly feeling could
suggest to urge on me the speedy performance of my promise, and I did
conscientiously and carefully perform it. There is no need to burden
these pages with any statement of what passed at the interview. It
will be more to the purpose to say, that the interview itself
necessarily brought to my mind the one doubtful question still
remaining to be solved--the question of Anne Catherick's parentage on
the father's side.

A multitude of small considerations in connection with this
subject--trifling enough in themselves, but strikingly important when
massed together--had latterly led my mind to a conclusion which I
resolved to verify. I obtained Marian's permission to write to Major
Donthorne, of Varneck Hall (where Mrs. Catherick had lived in service
for some years previous to her marriage), to ask him certain questions.
I made the inquiries in Marian's name, and described them as relating
to matters of personal history in her family, which might explain and
excuse my application. When I wrote the letter I had no certain
knowledge that Major Donthorne was still alive--I despatched it on the
chance that he might be living, and able and willing to reply.

After a lapse of two days proof came, in the shape of a letter, that
the Major was living, and that he was ready to help us.

The idea in my mind when I wrote to him, and the nature of my inquiries
will be easily inferred from his reply. His letter answered my
questions by communicating these important facts--

In the first place, "the late Sir Percival Glyde, of Blackwater Park,"
had never set foot in Varneck Hall. The deceased gentleman was a total
stranger to Major Donthorne, and to all his family.

In the second place, "the late Mr. Philip Fairlie, o