His acute intellect was not, however, to be so easily thwarted. The very nature of his occupation gave a tone of inquiry to his mind; and in the getting up of evidence—on which service he had been frequently employed—he had found so much advantage result from pushing investigation beyond what appeared to be its natural limits, that he resolved not to pause at the point he had now reached.
Often what we seek is to be found in places where we deem it least likely to be situated. Charley knew this, and he cast about for some other acquaintance or friend of Lotte’s who might be able to drop even a hint upon which he could act.
He thought eventually of Miss Wilton, and at once made his way to the Regent’s Park, to see whether the family was in town: if not, he determined to write as soon, as he reached his lodgings.
Having absolutely no claim to insist on seeing Miss Wilton, if she were to be denied to him—presuming that she was at the town house—he determined upon his mode of proceeding.
By an accident, he mistook Mr. Grahame’s residence for Mr. Wilton’s, and commenced those operations upon the porter there which were intended for the functionary next door.
He was skilled and successful. Whelks, being called into the conference and fee’d, it was resolved that Mr. Clinton should see Mr. Grahame’s youngest daughter—the eldest being from home, and the next at the opera with her mamma.
Charley had explained that his business was of importance, and had nothing whatever to do with any charitable institution, or case of urgent distress recommended by the vicar of his parish; therefore, it was considered that a few words with Miss Evangeline—who, after all, was not looked upon as holding any position in the family—could result in nothing likely to turn out unpleasant to the parties paid to effect the interview.
Accordingly, Charles Clinton and Evangeline Grahame were brought face to face.
He was a little embarrassed at first, but when he began to explain that he came to put a few questions to her, which he hoped she would be able to answer, respecting a missing young lady, he at once lost his embarrassment, and grew interested in observing a flush mount to her cheek, and her eyes glisten while in earnestness she rested her small hand upon his arm, and looked up into his face watching his countenance and listening to his words with intense avidity.
She did not notice that he addressed her as Miss Wilton, but when he mentioned that it was his sister who was missing, she turned from him with an air of grievous disappointment.