“Here are the papers—shut the door—and here is the advertisement: ‘If Mr. William Smith, son of Jeremiah Smith, who formerly rented the farm of Shipdale-Bury, under the late Right Hon. Charles Leopold Beaufort (that’s your uncle), and who emigrated in the year 18— to Australia, will apply to Mr. Barlow, Solicitor, Essex Street, Strand, he will hear of something to his advantage.’”
“Good Heavens! why did not you mention this to me before?”
“Because I did not think it of any importance. In the first place, there might be some legacy left to the man, quite distinct from your business. Indeed, that was the probable supposition;—or even if connected with the claim, such an advertisement might be but a despicable attempt to frighten you. Never mind—don’t look so pale—after all, this is a proof that the witness is not found—that Captain Smith is neither the Smith, nor has discovered where the Smith is!”
“True!” observed Mr. Beaufort: “true—very true!”
“Humph!” said Lord Lilburne, who was still rapidly glancing over the file—“Here is another advertisement which I never saw before: this looks suspicious: ‘If the person who called on the — of September, on Mr. Morton, linendraper, &c., of N——, will renew his application personally or by letter, he may now obtain the information he sought for.’”
“Morton!—the woman’s brother! their uncle! it is too clear!”
“But what brings this man, if he be really Philip Morton, what brings him here!—to spy or to threaten?”
“I will get him out of the house this day.”
“No—no; turn the watch upon himself. I see now; he is attracted by your daughter; sound her quietly; don’t tell her to discourage his confidences; find out if he ever speaks of these Mortons. Ha! I recollect—he has spoken to me of the Mortons, but vaguely—I forget what. Humph! this is a man of spirit and daring—watch him, I say,—watch him! When does Arthur came back?”
“He has been travelling so slowly, for he still complains of his health, and has had relapses; but he ought to be in Paris this week, perhaps he is there now. Good Heavens! he must not meet this man!”