to learn from any one but my uncle. I had referred to his wig and
overcoat, and had mentioned to her the name of Mr. Marcus Weatherley--a
name which I had never heard before in my life. I called Dr. Marsden's
attention to these matters, and asked him to explain them if he could.

"I admit," said the doctor, "that I don't quite see my way to a
satisfactory explanation just at present. But let us look the matter
squarely in the face. During an acquaintance of nearly thirty years, I
always found your uncle a truthful man, who was cautious enough to make
no statements about his neighbours that he was not able to prove. Your
informant, on the other hand, does not seem to have confined himself to
facts. He made a charge of forgery against a gentleman whose moral and
commercial integrity are unquestioned by all who know him. I know
Marcus Weatherley pretty well, and am not disposed to pronounce him a
forger and a scoundrel upon the unsupported evidence of a shadowy old
gentleman who appears and disappears in the most mysterious manner, and
who cannot be laid hold of and held responsible for his slanders in a
court of law. And it is not true, as far as I know and believe, that
Marcus Weatherley is embarrassed in his circumstances. Such confidence
have I in his solvency and integrity that I would not be afraid to take
up all his outstanding paper without asking a question. If you will
make inquiry, you will find that my opinion is shared by all the
bankers in the city. And I have no hesitation in saying that you will
find no acceptances with your uncle's name to them, either in this
market or elsewhere."

"That I will try to ascertain to-morrow," I replied. "Meanwhile, Dr.
Marsden, will you oblige your old friend's nephew by writing to Mr.
Junius Gridley, and asking him to acquaint you with the contents of the
letter, and the circumstances under which I received it?"