write you about a matter that I beg you will attend to, for my sake,
thoroughly. I learned this morning, upon receipt of a letter from
Mr. Pursely, that Miranda Ayleff, of whom we spoke together, and to
whom I presume you have already delivered my communication, is
receiving the visits of one Philip Searle, to whom, some two years
since, she was much attached. _Entre nous_, Arthur, I can tell you,
the man is a scoundrel of the deepest dye. Not only a drunkard and a
gambler, but dishonest, and unfit for any decent girl's society. He
is guilty of forgery against me, and, against my conscience, I
hushed the matter only out of consideration for her feelings. I
would still have concealed the matter from her, had this resumption
of their intimacy not occurred. But her welfare must cancel all
scruples of that character; and I therefore entreat you to see her
at once, and unmask the man fully and unequivocally. If necessary
you may show my letter for that purpose. I would go on to New York
myself immediately, were I not employed upon a State mission of
exceeding delicacy and importance; but I have full confidence in
your good judgment. Spare no arguments to induce her to return
immediately to Richmond.

"Oriana has not been well; I know not what ails her, but, though she
makes no complaint, the girl seems really ill. She knows not of my
writing, for I would not pain her about Miranda, of whom she is very
fond. But I can venture, without consulting her, to send you her
good wishes. Let me hear from you in full about what I have written.
Your friend.

"BEVERLY WEEMS."

"P.S.--Knowing that you must yet be weak with your late illness, I