ered to accompany me a few miles of the road. I accepted readily
the kind offer, and once more bowing to the ladies, withdrew. And thus
it is, thought I, that I leave all my long dreamed of happiness, and such
is the end of many a long day's ardent expectation. When I entered my
uncle's room, my temper was certainly not in the mood most fit for
further trials, though it was doomed to meet them.

"Harry, my boy, we are in great want of you here, and as time presses, we
must state our case very briefly. You are aware, Sir Guy tells me, that
your cousin Guy has been received among us as the suitor of my eldest
daughter. It has been an old compact between us to unite our families by
ties still stronger than our very ancient friendship, and this match has
been accordingly looked to, by us both with much anxiety. Now, although
on our parts I think no obstacle intervenes, yet I am sorry to say, there
appear difficulties in other quarters. In fact, certain stories have
reached Lady Jane's ears concerning your cousin, which have greatly
prejudiced her against him, and we have reason to think most unfairly;
for we have succeeded in tracing some of the offences in question, not to
Guy, but to a Mr. Morewood, who it seems has personated your cousin upon
more than one occasion, and not a little to his disadvantage. Now we
wish you to sift these matters to the bottom, by your going to Paris as
soon as you can venture to leave London--find out this man, and if
possible, make all straight; if money is wanting, he must of course have
it; but bear one thing in mind, that any possible step which may remove
this unhappy impression from my daughter's mind, will be of infinite
service, and never forgotten by us. Kilkee too has taken some dislike to
Guy. You have only, however, to talk to him on the matter, and he is
sure to pay attention to you."

"And, Harry," said my uncle, "tell Guy, I am much displeased that he is
not here, I expected him to leave Paris with me, but some absurd wager at
the Jockey Club detained him."

"Another thing, Harry, you may as well mention to your cousin, that Sir
Guy has complied with every suggestion that he formerly threw out--he
will understand the allusion."

"Oh yes," said my uncle, "tell him roundly, he shall have Elton Hall; I
have fitted up Marsden for myself; so no difficulty lies in that
quarter."

"You may add, if you like, that my present position with the government
enables me to offe