ybil gave an exclamation of pleasure; it was MORLEY.

Book 3 Chapter 9

Morley greeted Gerard and his daughter with great warmth, and then
looked at Egremont. "Our companion in the ruins of Marney Abbey," said
Gerard; "you and our friend Franklin here should become acquainted,
Stephen, for you both follow the same craft. He is a journalist like
yourself, and is our neighbour for a time, and yours."

"What journal are you on, may I ask?" enquired Morley.

Egremont reddened, was confused, and then replied, "I have no claim to
the distinguished title of a journalist. I am but a reporter; and have
some special duties here."

"Hem!" said Morley, and then taking Gerard by the arm, he walked away
with him, leaving Egremont and Sybil to follow them.

"Well I have found him, Walter."

"What, Hatton?"

"No, no; the brother."

"And what knows he?"

"Little enough; yet something. Our man lives and prospers; these are
facts, but where he is, or what he is--not a clue."

"And this brother cannot help us?"

"On the contrary, he sought information from me; he is a savage, beneath
even our worst ideas of popular degradation. All that is ascertained
is that our man exists and is well to do in the world. There comes an
annual and anonymous contribution, and not a light one, to his brother.
I examined the post-marks of the letters, but they all varied, and were
evidently arranged to mislead. I fear you will deem I have not done
much; yet it was wearisome enough I can tell you."

"I doubt it not; and I am sure Stephen, you have done all that man
could. I was fancying that I should hear from you to-day; for what think
you has happened? My Lord himself, his family and train, have all been
in state to visit the works, and I had to show them. Queer that, wasn't
it? He offered me money when it was over. How much I know not, I would
not look at it. Though to be sure, they were perhaps my own rents, eh?
But I pointed to the sick box and his own dainty hand deposited the sum
there."

"'Tis very strange. And you were with him face to face?"

"Face to face. Had you brought me news of the papers, I should have
thought that providence had rather a hand in it--but now, we are still
at sea."

"Still at sea," said Morley musingly, "but he lives and prospers. He
will turn up yet, Walter."

"Amen! Since you have taken up this thing, Stephen, it is strange how my
mind has hankered after the old business, and yet it ruined my f