When he had given Little time to recover some little composure, he said, “Mr. Little, you were always too much of a gentleman to gossip about the lady you love; and it was not my business to intrude upon that subject; it was too delicate. But, of course, with what I have picked up here and there, and what you have let drop, without the least intending it, I know pretty well how the land lies. And, sir, a man does not come to my time of life without a sore and heavy heart; if I was to tell you how I came to be a bachelor—but, no; even after ten years I could not answer for myself. All I can say is that, if you should do me the honor to consult me on something that is nearer your heart than revenge, you would have all my sympathy and all my zeal.”
“Give me your hand, old fellow,” said Little, and broke down again.
But, this time, he shook it off quickly, and, to encourage him, Mr. Ransome said, “To begin, you may take my word Mr. Carden knows, by this time, where his daughter is. Why not sound him on the matter?”
Henry acted on this advice, and called on Mr. Carden.
He was received very coldly by that gentleman.
After some hesitation, he asked Mr. Carden if he had any news of his daughter.
“I have.”
The young man's face was irradiated with joy directly.
“Is she well, sir?”
“Yes.”