imate terms. After remaining a short time with him, I was
leaving the hotel, when I was attracted by some trunks in the entrance
hall. I started when I read the address of--"A. De Benyon, Esquire, to
be left at F--t Hotel, Dublin." I asked the waiter who was by, whether
Mr De Benyon had left the hotel. He replied that he had left it in his
own carriage that morning, and having more luggage than he could take
with him, had desired these trunks to be forwarded by the coach. I had
by that time resumed my serenity. I took out a memorandum book, wrote
down the address on the trunks, saying that I was sorry not to have seen
Mr De Benyon, and that I would write to him.

But if I composed myself before the waiter, how did my heart throb as I
hastily passed through Bond Street to my home! I had made up my mind,
upon what very slight grounds the reader must be aware, that this Mr De
Benyon either must be my father, or, if not, was able, to tell me who
was. Had not Mr Masterton said that there was a clue--had he not
written to Dublin? The case was to my excited imagination as clear as
the noon-day, and before I arrived at home, I had made up my mind in
what manner I should proceed. It was then about four o'clock. I
hastily packed up my portmanteau--took with me all my ready money, about
sixty pounds, and sent the servant to secure a place in the mail to
Holyhead. He returned, stating that there was a seat taken for me. I
waited till half-past five to see Harcourt, but he did not come home. I
then wrote him a short note, telling him where I was going, and
promising to write as soon as I arrived.

"Ireland is to be the ground of my future adventures, my dear
Harcourt. Call upon Mr Masterton, and tell him what I have done,
which he surely will approve. Open Timothy's letters, and let me have
their contents. I leave you to arrange and act for me in every
respect until I return. In the mean time believe me,--

"Ever yours,--

"J. Newland."

I gave the letter to the valet, and calling a coach drove to the office,
and in less than five minutes afterwards was rolling away to Holyhead,
felicitating myself upon my promptitude and decision, little imagining
to what the step I had taken was to lead.

It was a very dark night in November when I started on my expedition.
There were three other passengers in the mail, none of whom had yet
spoken a word, although we had made several miles of our journey.
Muf