Philip's high opinion of his own scientific discoveries; that part of his
letter seems to me very queer, and very flighty. But he evidently set his
heart on the publication of his work, in part if not in whole; and,
naturally, I must desire to comply with a wish so distinctly intimated by
one to whom I owe so much. I be, you, therefore, not to be too
fastidious. Some valuable hints in medicine, I have reason to believe,
the manuscript will contain, and those may help you in your profession,
Allen."

"You have reason to believe! Why?"

"Oh, a charming young fellow, who, with most of the other gentry resident
at L----, called on me at my hotel, told me that he. had travelled in the
East, and had there heard much of Sir Philip's knowledge of chemistry, and
the cures it had enabled him to perform."

"You speak of Mr. Margrave. He called on you?"

"Yes."

"You did not, I trust, mention to him the existence of Sir Philip's
manuscript."

"Indeed I did; and I said you had promised to examine it. He seemed
delighted at that, and spoke most highly of your peculiar fitness for the
task."

"Give me the manuscript," said I, abruptly, "and after I have looked at it
to-night, I may have something to say to you tomorrow in reference to Mr.
Margrave."