" said I, with nonchalance.

The waiter laid the letter on the table, and retired.

"How very odd, Timothy--this letter cannot be for me; and yet they are
my initials. It is as much like a J as an I. Depend upon it, it is
some fellow who has just gained this intelligence below, and has written
to ask for a subscription to his charity list, imagining that I am flush
of money, and liberal."

"I suppose so," replied Tim; "however, you may just as well see what he
says."

"But if I open it he will expect something. I had better refuse it."

"Oh no, leave that to me; I know how to put people off."

"After all, it is a fine thing to be a gentleman, and be petitioned."

I broke open the seal, and found that the letter contained an enclosure
addressed to another person. The letter was as follows:--

"My dear Nephew--[`Bravo, sir,' said Timothy; `you've found an uncle
already--you'll soon find a father.'] From the great uncertainty of
the post, I have not ventured to do more than hint at what has come to
light during this last year, but as it is necessary that you should be
acquainted with the whole transaction, and as you had not decided when
you last wrote, whether you would prosecute your intended three
months' trip to Sicily, or return from Milan, you may probably arrive
when I am out of town; I therefore enclose you a letter to Mr
Masterton, directing him to surrender to you a sealed packet, lodged
in his hands, containing all the particulars, the letters which bear
upon them, and what has been proposed to avoid exposure, which you may
peruse at your leisure should you arrive before my return to town.
There is no doubt but that the affair may be hushed up, and we trust
that you will see the prudence of the measure; as, once known, it will
be very discreditable to the family escutcheon. [`I always had an
idea you were of good family,' interrupted Tim.] I wish you had
followed my advice, and had not returned; but as you were positive on
that point, I beg you will now consider the propriety of remaining
incognito, as reports are already abroad, and your sudden return will
cause a great deal of surmise. Your long absence at the Gottingen
University, and your subsequent completion of your grand tour, will
have effaced all remembrance of your person, and you can easily be
passed off as a particular friend of mine, and I can introduce you
everywhere as such. Take then