ear explicit, think in what a maze fortune has involved me, and
how much must necessarily depend on the chapter of accidents.

"Yesterday I may be said to have opened my siege, for I presented
myself before Clara. I had no very flattering reception--that was of
little consequence, for I did not expect one. By alarming her fears,
I made an impression thus far, that she acquiesces in my appearing
before her as her brother's guest, and this is no small point
gained. She will become accustomed to look on me, and will remember
with less bitterness the trick which I played her formerly; while I,
on the other hand, by a similar force of habit, will get over
certain awkward feelings with which I have been compunctiously
visited whenever I look upon her.--Adieu! Health and brotherhood.

"Thine,
"ETHERINGTON."

FOOTNOTE:

[II-5] See Editor's Notes at the end of the Volume. Wherever a similar
reference occurs, the reader will understand that the same direction
applies.

CHAPTER VIII.

THE REPLY.

Thou bear'st a precious burden, gentle post,
Nitre and sulphur--See that it explode not!

_Old Play._

"I have received your two long letters, my dear Etherington, with
equal surprise and interest; for what I knew of your Scottish
adventures before, was by no means sufficient to prepare me for a
statement so perversely complicated. The Ignis Fatuus which, you
say, governed your father, seems to have ruled the fortunes of your
whole house, there is so much eccentricity in all that you have told
me. But _n'importe_, Etherington, you were my friend--you held me up
when I was completely broken down; and, whatever you may think, my
services are at your command much more from reflections on the past,
than hopes for the future. I am no speechmaker, but this you may
rely on while I continue to be Harry Jekyl. You have deserved some
love at my hands, Etherington, and you have it.

"Perhaps I love you the better since your perplexities have become
known to me; for, my dear Etherington, you were before too much an
object of envy to be entirely an object of affection. What a happy
fellow! was the song of all who named you. Bank, and a fortune to
maintain it--luck sufficient to repair all the waste that you could
make in your income, and skill to back that luck, or supply it
should it for a m