ut I don't know where he lives, and how to find him I
know not. His name is William Wharncliffe. Do you think you could find
him out?"

"Yes, ma'am, with a little trouble it might be done. They ought to know
where he is at Lady Auburn's."

"Yes, some of the servants might--but how will you get to them?"

"That, ma'am, I must find out. It may not be done in one day, or two
days, but if you will look every morning under this brick, if there is
anything to communicate you will find it there."

"You can write and read, then?"

"I should hope so, ma'am," replied I, laughing.

"I don't know what to make of you. Are you really a waterman?"

"Really, and--" She turned her head round at the noise of a window
opening.

"You must go--don't forget the brick;" and she disappeared.

I shoved my wherry along by the side of the wall, so as to remain
unperceived until I was clear of the frontage attached to the cottage;
and then, taking my sculls, pulled into the stream; and as I was
resolved to see if I could obtain any information at Lady Auburn's, I
had to pass the garden again, having shoved my boat down the river
instead of up, when I was under the wall. I perceived the young lady
walking with a tall man by her side; he speaking very energetically, and
using much gesticulation, she holding down her head. In another minute
they were shut out from my sight. I was so much stricken with the
beauty and sweetness of expression in the young lady's countenance that
I was resolved to use my best exertions to be of service to her. In
about an hour-and-a-half I had arrived at the villa, abreast of which we
had met the young gentleman, and which the young lady had told me
belonged to Lady Auburn. I could see no one in the grounds, nor indeed
in the house. After watching a few minutes, I landed as near to the
villa as I could, made fast the wherry, and walked round to the
entrance. There was no lodge, but a servant's door at one side. I
pulled the bell, having made up my mind how to proceed as I was walking
up. The bell was answered by an old woman, who, in a snarling tone,
asked me "what did I want?"

"I am waiting below, with my boat, for Mr Wharncliffe; has he come
yet?"

"Mr Wharncliffe! No--he's not come; nor did he say that he would come;
when did you see him?"

"Yesterday. Is Lady Auburn at home?"

"Lady Auburn--no; she went to town this morning; everybody goes to
London now, that they may not see the flo