whom he once encountered while staying with me at Starkey Manor-
house. I remember that the meeting seemed to have produced some
extraordinary effect upon his mind, as though he had suddenly
discovered some connection which she might have had with his previous
life. I beg you to let me know if I can be of any further service to
you. Your uncle once rendered me a good turn, and I will gladly
repay it, so far as in me lies, to his nephew."

I was now apparently close on the discovery which I had striven so
many months to attain. But success had lost its zest. I put my
letters down, and seemed to forget them all in thinking of the
morning I had passed that very day. Nothing was real but the unreal
presence, which had come like an evil blast across my bodily eyes,
and burnt itself down upon my brain. Dinner came, and went away
untouched. Early in the afternoon I walked to the farm-house. I
found Mistress Clarke alone, and I was glad and relieved. She was
evidently prepared to tell me all I might wish to hear.

"You asked me for Mistress Lucy's true name; it is Gisborne," she
began.

"Not Gisborne of Skipford?" I exclaimed, breathless with
anticipation.

"The same," said she, quietly, not regarding my manner. "Her father
is a man of note; although, being a Roman Catholic, he cannot take
that rank in this country to which his station entitles him. The
consequence is that he lives much abroad--has been a soldier, I am
told."