Esq., formerly of Zurich, had ever
achieved in his life was the action he performed at Brighton on the 29th
instant.

Finding the dead silence in the room singularly unpleasant under
existing circumstances, I thought I would make a remark. My regard
for my own interests supplied me with a subject. I mentioned the
Entertainment.

"After what has happened," I said, "I presume we go on with our
performances as usual?"

"No," she answered, behind the veil. "We go on with my inquiries."

"Inquiries after a dead man?"

"Inquiries after the dead man's son."

"Mr. Noel Vanstone?"

"Yes; Mr. Noel Vanstone."

Not having a veil to put down over my own face, I stooped and picked up
the newspaper. Her devilish determination quite upset me for the moment.
I actually had to steady myself before I could speak to her again.

"Are the new inquiries as harmless as the old ones?" I asked.

"Quite as harmless."

"What am I expected to find out?"

"I wish to know whether Mr. Noel Vanstone remains at Brighton after the
funeral."

"And if not?"

"If not, I shall want to know his new address wherever it may be."

"Yes. And what next?"

"I wish you to find out next if all the father's money goes to the son."

I began to see her drift. The word money relieved me; I felt quite on my
own ground again.

"Anything more?" I asked.

"Only one thing more," she answered. "Make sure, if you please, whether
Mrs. Lecount, the housekeeper, remains or not in Mr. Noel Vanstone's
service."

Her voice altered a little as she mentioned Mrs. Lecount's name; she is
evidently sharp enough to distrust the housekeeper already.

"My expenses are to be paid as usual?" I said.

"As usual."

"When am I expected to leave for Brighton?"

"As soon as you can."

She rose, and left the room. After a momentary doubt, I decided on
executing the new commission. The more private inquiries I conduct for
my fair relative the harder she will find it to get rid of hers truly,
Horatio Wragge.

There is nothing to prevent my starting for Brighton to-morrow. So
to-morrow I go. If Mr. Noel Vanstone succeeds to his father's property,
he is the only human being possessed of pecuniary blessings who fails to
inspire me with a feeling of unmitigated envy.

IX.

_Chronicle for June_.

_9th_.--I returned yesterday with my information. Here it is, privately
noted down for convenience of future reference:

Mr. Noel Vanstone has left Brighton, and has r