"Yes; only place me face to face with her, and I do not think there would be much question as to that. But that she should forsake me of her own free will! It is so unlike my Marian—my patient, long-suffering Marian; I can scarcely believe such a thing possible. But that question can soon be put at rest. Write to her, Gilbert; tell her that I have been at death's door; that my chance of recovery hangs upon her will. Father or no father, that will bring her to my side."
"I will do so, directly I know her address."
"You do not know where she is?"
"Not yet. I am expecting to obtain that information every day. I have taken measures to ascertain where she is."
"And how do you know that she is with her father?"
"I have the lawyer's authority for that; a lawyer whom the old man, Jacob Nowell, trusted, whom he left sole executor to his will."
It was necessary above all things that John Saltram's mind should be set at rest; and in order to secure this result Gilbert was fain to affect a supreme faith in Mr. Medler.
"You believe this man, Gilbert?" the invalid asked anxiously.
"Of course. He has no reason for deceiving me."
"But why withhold the father's address?"