s trouble was that
he could not tell how he would ever be able to make his discovery known.
He did not doubt that, to his dear friend, "Cobbler" Horn, and to the
young secretary, the communication of it would impart great joy. But he
was restrained by a fear, which would arise, notwithstanding his feeling
of certainty, lest he should prove to be mistaken after all; and his fear
was reinforced by an inward persuasion which he had that he was the most
awkward person in the world by whom so delicate a communication could be
made.

Yet he told himself he was quite sure that the young secretary was no
other than little Marian come back. His doubts had vanished when he had
seen her sitting in the old arm-chair, just as when she was a child; and
every time he had seen her since that day his assurance had been made more
sure. But, as long as he was compelled to keep his discovery to himself,
it was almost the same as though he had not made it at all.

Tommy almost wished that some one else had made the great discovery, as
well as himself. His thoughts had turned to his brother John; and he had
resolved to put him to the test, which he had subsequently done with
considerable tact. On the evening of the day following that of the first
visit of Miss Owen to their house, the brothers had been sitting by the
fire before going to bed.

"John," Tommy had said, seizing his opportunity, "you saw the young lady
who was here the other day?"

"Yes."

"She's the secretary, you know."

"Yes," said John again, yawning; for he was sleepy.

"Well, what did you think of her?"

John started, and regarded his brother with a stare of astonishment. It
was the first time Tommy had ever asked his opinion on such a subject. Was
he thinking of getting married, or what? John Dudgeon had a certain broad
sense of humour which enabled him to perceive such ludicrous elements of a
situation as showed themselves on the surface.

"Ah!" he exclaimed slyly; "are you there?"

Tommy put out his hands in some confusion.

"No, no," he said, "not what you think! But did you notice anything
particular about the young lady?"

"Well no," replied John, "except that I thought she was a very nice young
person. But, Tommy, isn't she rather too young? If you really are thinking
of getting married, wouldn't it be better to choose some one a little
nearer your own age?"

John would not be dissuaded from the idea that his brother was intent on
matrimonial though