all for the best. I will now write one note to Major
Carbonnell, introducing you as my particular friend, and requesting that
he will make London agreeable. He knows everybody, and will take you
everywhere."

"When does your lordship start for the country?"

"To-morrow; so we may as well part to-night. By-the-by, you have credit
at Drummond's, in the name of Newland, for a thousand pounds; the longer
you make it last you the better."

His lordship gave me the letter of introduction. I returned to him the
sealed packet, shook hands with him, and took my departure.

"Well, sir," said Timothy, rubbing his hands, as he stood before me,
"what is the news; for I am dying to hear it--and what is this secret?"

"With regard to the secret, Tim, a secret it must remain. I dare not
tell it even to you." Timothy looked rather grave at this reply. "No,
Timothy, as a man of honour, I cannot." My conscience smote me when I
made use of the term; for, as a man of honour, I had no business to be
in possession of it, "My dear Timothy, I have done wrong already, do not
ask me to do worse."

"I will not, Japhet; but only tell me what has passed, and what you
intend to do?"

"That I will, Timothy, with pleasure;" and I then stated all that had
passed between his lordship and me. "And now, you observe, Timothy, I
have gained what I desired, an introduction into the best society."

"And the means of keeping up your appearance," echoed Timothy, rubbing
his hands. "A thousand pounds will last a long while."

"It will last a very long while, Tim, for I never will touch it; it
would be swindling."

"So it would," replied Tim, his countenance falling; "well, I never
thought of that."

"I have thought of much more, Tim; recollect I must, in a very short
time, be exposed to Lord Windermear, for the real Mr Neville will soon
come home."

"Good heavens! what will become of us?" replied Timothy, with alarm in
his countenance.

"Nothing can hurt you, Tim, the anger will be all upon me; but I am
prepared to face it, and I would face twice as much for the distant hope
of finding my father. Whatever Lord Windermear may feel inclined to do,
he can do nothing; and my possession of the secret will insure even more
than my safety; it will afford me his protection, if I demand it."

"I hope it may prove so," replied Timothy, "but I feel a little
frightened."

"I do not: to-morrow I shall give my letter of introduction, and then I
w