ady. Will
you tell her maid to go up and inform her that I am here, and wish to
speak with her immediately, as I have business which calls me to London
without delay." The man retired, and Marlow entered what was then called
the withdrawing room, walking up and down in thought. He had not
remained many minutes, however, when Emily herself appeared, with her
looks full of surprise and anxiety. "What is the matter, Marlow?" she
said. "Has any new evil happened?"

"Nay, nay, my love," said Marlow, embracing her tenderly. "You must not
let the few ills that have already befallen you, my Emily, produce that
apprehensiveness which long years of evil and mischance but too often
engender. Brighter days are coming, I trust, my love; so far from new
evils having arisen, I have been very fortunate in my inquiries, and
have got information which must lead to great results. I must pursue the
clue that has been afforded me without a moment's delay or hesitation;
for once the thread be broken I may have difficulty in uniting it again.
But if I judge rightly, my Emily, it will lead me to the following
results. To the complete exposure of a base conspiracy; to the
punishment of the offenders; to the restoration of your father's
property, and of his rank."

He held her hand in his while he spoke, and gazed into her beautiful
eyes; but Emily did not seem very much overjoyed. "For my own part," she
said, "I care little as to the loss of property or station, Marlow, and
still less do I care to punish offenders; but I think my father and
mother will be very glad of the tidings you give me. May I tell them
what you say?"

Marlow mused for a moment or two. He was anxious to give any comfort to
Mrs. Hastings, but yet he doubted her discretion, and he replied, "Not
the whole, dear Emily, except in case of urgent need. You may tell your
mother that I think I have obtained information which will lead to the
restoration of your father's property, and you may assure her that no
effort shall be wanting on my part to attain that object. Say that I am,
even now, setting out for London for the purpose, and that I am full of
good hopes. I believe I can prove," he added, after a moment's
consideration, and in reality more to lead Mrs. Hastings away from the
right track than from any other consideration, although the point he was
about to state was a fact, "I believe I can prove that the missing leaf
of the marriage register, which was supposed to have