was not to be doubted for a moment.  But that she would receive the same unremitting attention, while he was courting Catherine, which would have been offered to her under other circumstances, was not to be hoped.  Be the results, however, what they might, Randal could see but one plain course before him now.  He decided on hastening Sydney’s introduction to Bennydeck, and on writing at once to prepare the Captain for that event.

Even this apparently simple proceeding required examination in its different bearings, before he could begin his letter.

Would he be justified in alluding to the report which associated Bennydeck with Catherine?  Considerations of delicacy seemed to forbid taking this liberty, even with an intimate friend.  It was for the Captain to confirm what Mrs. Presty had said of him, if he thought it desirable to touch on the subject in his reply.  Besides, looking to Catherine’s interest—­and not forgetting how she had suffered—­had Randal any right to regard with other than friendly feelings a second marriage, which united her to a man morally and intellectually the superior of her first husband?  What happier future could await her—­especially if she justified Randal’s past experience of all that was candid and truthful in her character—­than to become his friend’s wife?

Written under the modifying influence of these conclusions, his letter contained the few words that follow: 

“I have news for you which I am sure you will be glad to hear.  Your old friend’s daughter has abandoned her sinful way of life, and has made sacrifices which prove the sincerity of her repentance.  Without entering into particulars which may be mercifully dismissed from notice, let me only assure you that I answer for Sydney Westerfield as being worthy of the fatherly interest which you feel in her.  Shall I say that she may expect an early visit from you, when I see her to-morrow?  I don’t doubt that I am free already to do this; but it will encourage the poor girl, if I can speak with your authority.”

He added Sydney’s address in a postscript, and dispatched his letter that evening.

On the afternoon of the next day two letters were delivered to Randal, bearing the Sydenham postmark.

The first which he happened to take up was addressed to him in Mrs. Presty’s handwriting.  His opinion of this correspondent was expressed in prompt action—­he threw the letter, unopened, into the waste-paper basket.

The next letter was from Bennydeck, written in the kindest terms, but containing no allusion to any contemplated change in his life.  He would not be able (he wrote) to leave Sydenham for a day or two.  No explanation of the cause of this delay followed.  But it might, perhaps, be excusable to infer that the marriage had not yet been decided on, and that the Captain’s proposals were still waiting for Catherine’s reply.

Randal put the letter in his pocket and went at once to Sydney’s lodgings.