ds all the races in the country, and
makes his livelihood by betting and gambling. And now, my dear brother,
make what use of this fact you think fit, though I fear there is
little hope of rescuing the poor youth from the fatal habits which are
hereditary in his family, and must be strong indeed not to have been
eradicated by such careful training as you say he has received. I leave
it entirely to you, trusting in your excellent judgment, and only hoping
you will not bring my name forward. Grieving much at having to be the
first to communicate such unpleasant tidings, which will occasion so
much vexation at Hollywell.'

'Your affectionate sister,
'MARGARET HENLEY.'

Captain Morville was alone when he received the latter of these letters.
At first, a look divided between irony and melancholy passed over his
face, as he read his sister's preface and her hearsay evidence, but,
as he went farther, his upper lip curled, and a sudden gleam, as of
exultation in a verified prophecy, lighted his eye, shading off
quickly, however, and giving place to an iron expression of rigidity
and sternness, the compressed mouth, coldly-fixed eye, and sedate
brow, composed into a grave severity that might have served for an
impersonation of stern justice. He looked through the letter a second
time, folded it up, put it in his pocket, and went about his usual
affairs; but the expression did not leave his face all day; and the next
morning he took a day-ticket by the railway to Broadstone, where, as it
was the day of the petty sessions, he had little doubt of meeting Mr.
Edmonstone. Accordingly, he had not walked far down the High Street,
before he saw his uncle standing on the step of the post-office, opening
a letter he had just received.

'Ha! Philip, what brings you here? The very man I wanted. Coming to
Hollywell?'

'No, thank you, I go back this evening,' said Philip, and, as he spoke,
he saw that the letter which Mr. Edmonstone held, and twisted with a
hasty, nervous movement, was in Guy's writing.

'Well, I am glad you are here, at any rate. Here is the most
extraordinary thing! What possesses the boy I cannot guess. Here's Guy
writing to me for--What do you think? To send him a thousand pounds!'

'Hem!' said Philip in an expressive tone; yet, as if he was not very
much amazed; 'no explanation, I suppose?'

'No, none at all. Here, see what he says yourse