of the children she had borne him, drove him
once more abroad, with his baby son, never again to take root, or to
return. And here Balder's story, as told by him, began. He seemed to
have matured very early, and to have taken hold of knowledge in all
its branches like a Titan. The precise age at which he had learned all
that European schools could teach him, it is not necessary to specify;
since it is rather with the nature of his mind than with the list of
his accomplishments that we shall have to do. It might be possible, by
tracing his-connection with French, or German, or English
philosophers, to make shrewd guesses at the qualities of his own!
creed; but these will perhaps reveal themselves less diffidently under
other tests.

The last four or five years of his life Balder had spent in acquiring
such culture as schools could not give him. Where he went, what he did
and saw, we shall not exercise our power categorically to reveal;
remarking only that his means and his social rank left him free to go
as high as well as low as he pleased,--to dine with English dukes or
with Russian serfs. But a fine chastity inherent in his Northern blood
had, whatever were his moral convictions, kept him from the mire; and
the sudden death of his father had given him a graver turn than was
normal to his years. Meanwhile, the financial crash, which at this
time so largely affected Europe, swallowed up the greater part of
Balder's fortune; and with the remnant (about a thousand pounds
sterling), and a potential independence (in the shape of a learned
profession) in his head, he sailed for Boston.

"I knew you were my uncle Hiero's bankers," he added, "and I supposed
you would be able to tell me about him. He is my only living
relative."

"Why, as to that, I believe it is a long time since the house has had
anything to do with his concerns," returned the venerable President,
abstractedly gazing at Balder's high boots; "but I'll ask Mr. Dyke. He
remembers everything."

That gentleman (who had not passed an easy moment since Mr. Helwyse's
arrival) was now called in, and his suspense regarding the mysterious
visitor soon relieved. In respect to Doctor Glyphic's affair he was
ready and explicit.

"No dollar of his money has been through our hands since winter of
Eighteen thirty-five--six, Mr. Helwyse, sir,--winter following your
and your respected father's departure for foreign parts," stated Mr.
Dyke, straightening his mouth, and p