On the other hand, it is no less certain that, with the act of turning

homeward, the remedy which had gained its ground so steadily, began now,

just as steadily, to drop back. The nearer I drew to the country

which she inhabited, and to the prospect of seeing her again, the more

irresistibly her influence began to recover its hold on me. On leaving

England she was the last person in the world whose name I would have

suffered to pass my lips. On returning to England, she was the first

person I inquired after, when Mr. Bruff and I met again.

I was informed, of course, of all that had happened in my absence;

in other words, of all that has been related here in continuation of

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Betteredge's narrative--one circumstance only being excepted. Mr. Bruff

did not, at that time, feel himself at liberty to inform me of the

motives which had privately influenced Rachel and Godfrey Ablewhite in

recalling the marriage promise, on either side. I troubled him with no

embarrassing questions on this delicate subject. It was relief enough to

me, after the jealous disappointment caused by hearing that she had ever

contemplated being Godfrey's wife, to know that reflection had convinced

her of acting rashly, and that she had effected her own release from her

marriage engagement.

Having heard the story of the past, my next inquiries (still inquiries

after Rachel!) advanced naturally to the present time. Under whose care

had she been placed after leaving Mr. Bruff's house? and where was she

living now?

She was living under the care of a widowed sister of the late Sir John

Verinder--one Mrs. Merridew--whom her mother's executors had requested

to act as guardian, and who had accepted the proposal. They were

reported to me as getting on together admirably well, and as being now

established, for the season, in Mrs. Merridew's house in Portland Place.

Half an hour after receiving this information, I was on my way to

Portland Place--without having had the courage to own it to Mr. Bruff!

The man who answered the door was not sure whether Miss Verinder was at

home or not. I sent him upstairs with my card, as the speediest way

of setting the question at rest. The man came down again with an

impenetrable face, and informed me that Miss Verinder was out.

I might have suspected other people of purposely denying themselves to

me. But it was impossible to suspect Rachel. I left word that I would

call again at six o'clock that evening.

At six o'clock I was informed for the second time that Miss Verinder was

not at home. Had any message been left for me. No message had been left

for me. Had Miss Verinder not received my card? The servant begged my

pardon--Miss Verinder HAD received it.




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