Very sad at heart, he returned to the city and sought out a merchant with whom his father had been accustomed to transact business.  “Mr. Talbot,” said he, “I have come to New Orleans to inquire concerning the affairs of the late Mr. Alfred Royal, who was a particular friend of my father.  I have been surprised to hear that he died insolvent; for I supposed him to be wealthy.”

“He was generally so considered,” rejoined Mr. Talbot.  “But he was brought down by successive failures, and some unlucky investments, as we merchants often are, you know.”

“Were you acquainted with him,” asked Alfred.

“I knew very little of him, except in the way of business,” replied the merchant.  “He was disinclined to society, and therefore some people considered him eccentric; but he had the reputation of being a kind-hearted, honorable man.”

“I think he never married,” said Alfred, in a tone of hesitating inquiry, which he hoped might lead to the subject he had at heart.

But it only elicited the brief reply, “He was a bachelor.”

“Did you ever hear of any family not legitimated by law?” inquired the young man.

“There was a rumor about his living somewhere out of the city with a handsome quadroon,” answered the merchant.  “But such arrangements are so common here, they excite no curiosity.”

“Can you think of any one who had intimate relations with him, of whom I could learn something about that connection?”

“No, I cannot.  As I tell you, he never mixed with society, and people knew very little about him.  Ha! there’s a gentleman going by now, who may be able to give you some information.  Hallo, Signor Papanti!”

The Italian, who was thus hailed, halted in his quick walk, and, being beckoned to by Mr. Talbot, crossed the street and entered the store.

“I think you brought a bill against the estate of the late Mr. Alfred Royal for lessons given to some quadroon girls.  Did you not?” inquired the merchant.

Having received an answer in the affirmative, he said:  “This is Mr. King, a young gentleman from the North, who wishes to obtain information on that subject.  Perhaps you can give it to him.”

“I remember the young gentleman,” replied the Signor.  “Mr. Royal did introduce me to him at his store.”

The two gentlemen thus introduced bade Mr. Talbot good morning, and walked away together, when Mr. King said, “My father and Mr. Royal were as brothers, and that is the reason I feel interested to know what has become of his daughters.”

The Italian replied, “I will tell you, sir, because Mr. Royal told me you were an excellent man, and the son of his old friend.”

Rapid questions and answers soon brought out the principal features of the sisters’ strange history.  When it came to the fact of their being claimed as slaves, Mr. King started.  “Is such a thing possible in this country?” he exclaimed.  “Girls so elegant and accomplished as they were!”