avesend, and by which name he had been known
to Mrs Phillips and her daughter Emma, when he made occasional visits
to their house. He was admitted, and found himself once more in company
with his friend Emma, who was now fast growing up into womanhood. After
the first congratulations and inquiries, he stated his intentions in
coming down to Portsmouth, and their assistance was immediately
promised. They then requested a detail of his adventures since he
quitted Gravesend, of which Joey told everything that he safely could;
passing over his meeting with Furness, by simply stating that, while he
was asleep, his knife-grinder's wheel had been stolen by two men, and
that when he awoke he dared not offer an opposition. Mrs Phillips and
her daughter both knew that there was some mystery about our hero, which
had induced him to come to, and also to leave Gravesend; but, being
assured by Mary and himself; that he was not to blame, they did not
press him to say more than he wished; and, as soon as he finished his
history, they proposed introducing him to Mr Small, the brother of Mrs
Phillips, in whose house they were then residing, and who was then in
his office.

"But, perhaps, mamma, it will be better to wait till tomorrow, and in
the meantime you will be able to tell my uncle all about Joey," observed
Emma.

"I think it will be better, my dear," replied Mrs Phillips; "but there
is Marianne's tap at the door, for the second time; she wants me
downstairs, so I must leave you for a little while; but you need not go
away, O'Donahue; I will be back soon."

Mrs Phillips left the room, and our hero found himself alone with Emma.

"You have grown very much, Joey," said Emma; "and so have I, too, they
tell me."

"Yes, you have indeed," replied Joey; "you are no longer the little girl
who comforted me when I was so unhappy. Do you recollect that day?"

"Yes, indeed I do, as if it were but yesterday. But you have never told
me why you lead so wandering a life; you won't trust me."

"I would trust you with anything but that which is not mine to trust, as
I told you four years ago; it is not my secret; as soon as I can I will
tell you everything; but I hope not to lead a wandering life any longer,
for I have come down here to settle, if I can."

"What made you think of coming down here?" asked Emma.

"Because you were here; Mary told me so. I have not yet thanked you for
your present, but I have not forgotten your kindnes