connection with the affair; but he got over this difficulty by supposing that Nizza’s mother, whoever she was, must have committed her to Macascree’s care when an infant, probably with strict injunctions, which circumstances might render necessary, to conceal her even from her father.  Such was Leonard’s solution of the mystery; and feeling convinced that he had made himself master of the stranger’s secret, he resolved to give him to understand as much as soon as he beheld him again.

More than half an hour having elapsed, and Thirlby not coming forth, Leonard began to think sufficient time had been allowed him for private conference with the piper, and he therefore walked towards the door, and coughing to announce his approach, raised the latch and entered the house.  He found the pair seated close together, and conversing in a low and earnest tone.  The piper had completely recovered from his alarm, and seemed perfectly at ease with his companion, while all traces of anger had disappeared from the countenance of the other.  Before them on the table lay several letters, taken from a packet, the cover of which Leonard recognised as the one that had been formerly intrusted to him.  Amidst them was the miniature of a lady—­at least, it appeared so to Leonard, in the hasty glance he caught of it; but he could not be quite sure; for on seeing him, Thirlby closed the case, and placing his hand on the piper’s mouth, to check his further speech, arose.

“Forgive my rudeness,” he said to the apprentice; “but I have been so deeply interested in what I have just heard, that I quite forgot you were waiting without.  I shall remain here some hours longer, but will not detain you, especially as I am unable to admit you to our conference.  I will meet you at Doctor Hodges’s in the evening, and shall have much to say to you.”

“I can anticipate some part of your communication,” replied Leonard.  “You will tell me you have a daughter still living.”

“You are inquisitive, young man,” rejoined Thirlby, sternly.

“You do me wrong, sir,” replied Leonard.  “I have no curiosity as regards yourself; and if I had, would never lower myself in my own estimation to gratify it.  Feeling a strong interest in Nizza Macascree, I am naturally anxious to know whether my suspicion that a near relationship subsists between yourself and her is correct.”

“I cannot enter into further explanation now,” returned Thirlby.  “Meet me at Doctor Hodges’s this evening, and you shall know more.  And now farewell.  I am in the midst of a deeply-interesting conversation, which your presence interrupts.  Do not think me rude—­do not think me ungrateful.  My anxiety must plead my excuse.”

“None is necessary, sir,” replied Leonard.  “I will no longer place any restraint upon you.”