"We are obliged to be cautious," he said, when it came to his turn to
speak, "about all inquiries which are made by strangers."

"You can hardly consider me a stranger," answered Wilding, simply. "I
was one of your poor lost children here, in the bygone time."

The Treasurer politely rejoined that this circumstance inspired him with
a special interest in his visitor. But he pressed, nevertheless for that
visitor's motive in making his inquiry. Without further preface, Wilding
told him his motive, suppressing nothing. The Treasurer rose, and led
the way into the room in which the registers of the institution were
kept. "All the information which our books can give is heartily at your
service," he said. "After the time that has elapsed, I am afraid it is
the only information we have to offer you."

The books were consulted, and the entry was found expressed as follows:

"3d March, 1836. Adopted, and removed from the Foundling Hospital, a
male infant, named Walter Wilding. Name and condition of the person
adopting the child--Mrs. Jane Ann Miller, widow. Address--Lime-Tree
Lodge, Groombridge Wells. References--the Reverend John Harker,
Groombridge Wells; and Messrs. Giles, Jeremie, and Giles, bankers,
Lombard Street."

"Is that all?" asked the wine-merchant. "Had you no after-communication
with Mrs. Miller?"

"None--or some reference to it must have appeared in this book."