CHAPTER XX.
MR. SOMERS’S STORY.
“I have been a very unfortunate man,” said old Mr. Somers, to a gentleman visiting him. “Not that I wish to parade my troubles, but I speak of them with the constant hope of receiving some important information.”
“I am in a trade where a good deal of important information comes in,” said the visitor. “Perhaps I may help you.”
“You are a stranger to me, sir, but I judge from your manner you can sympathize with a father’s misfortune. I will tell you my story.”
“I will listen, and make no promises,” said his visitor, smiling.
He had called on Mr. Somers and asked him a variety of questions which some would have considered impertinent. But his manner was easy and quiet, and the old gentleman answered him without hesitation.
“I am a lonely old man now,” he proceeded, “yet I have a son and daughter, still living, I hope, though I have lost sight of them for years.”
“Indeed,” said his visitor.
“It has been the one aim of my life to find them. I have not yet succeeded, and fear I never shall.”