When I read this, I more than congratulated myself upon the man’s being on the wrong scent, and that Timothy had hit upon his scheme.  Timothy continued:—­that they had indulged in very deep potations last night, and that the man had not scrupled to say that he was employed by a person of large fortune, who paid well, and whom it might not be advisable to refuse, as he had great power.  After some difficulty, he asked Timothy if he had ever heard the name of Melchior in his tribe.  Timothy replied that he had, and that at the gathering he had seen him and his wife.  Timothy at one time thought that the man was about to reveal everything, but of a sudden he stopped short, and gave evasive answers.  To a question put by Timothy, as to where they were to take the child if they obtained possession of her, the man had replied, that she would go over the water.  Such were the contents of the letter, and I eagerly awaited a further communication.

The next day I called at Long’s Hotel upon a gentleman with whom I was upon intimate terms.  After remaining a short time with him, I was leaving the hotel, when I was attracted by some trunks in the entrance hall.  I started when I read the address of—­“A.  De Benyon, Esq., to be left at F——­t Hotel, Dublin.”  I asked the waiter who was by, whether Mr De Benyon had left the hotel.  He replied that he had left it in his own carriage that morning, and having more luggage than he could take with him, had desired these trunks to be forwarded by the coach.  I had by that time resumed my serenity.  I took out a memorandum-book, wrote down the address on the trunks, saying that I was sorry not to have seen Mr De Benyon, and that I would write to him.

But if I composed myself before the waiter, how did my heart throb as I hastily passed through Bond Street to my home!  I had made up my mind, upon what very slight grounds the reader must be aware, that this Mr de Benyon either must be my father, or, if not, was able to tell me who was.  Had not Mr Masterton said that there was a clue—­had he not written to Dublin?  The case was to my excited imagination as clear as the noon-day, and before I arrived at home, I had made up my mind in what manner I should proceed.  It was then about four o’clock.  I hastily packed up my portmanteau—­took with me all my ready money, about sixty pounds, and sent the servant to secure a place in the mail to Holyhead.  He returned, stating that there was a seat taken for me.  I waited till half-past five to see Harcourt, but he did not come home.  I then wrote him a short note, telling him where I was going, and promising to write as soon as I arrived.

“Ireland is to be the ground of my future adventures, my dear Harcourt.  Call upon Mr Masterton, and tell him what I have done, which he surely will approve.  Open Timothy’s letters, and let me have their contents.  I leave you to arrange and act for me in every respect until I return.  In the meantime believe me,

     “Ever yours,