 arrived the following day; she was a good deal startled on my proposing her going to my house; but having assured her I knew not in what part of the town her Aunt resided, though it should

be my first business to enquire, was compelled to acquiesce, being as ignorant of it as myself, and having no other friend in this place.
It was too late that evening to begin my search, of course she was obliged to accept an apartment for the night, not without the greatest reluctance; but what else could she do?
I took care that my behaviour should be such as to banish every apprehension, in case she had formed any; it was tender and respectful; I judged it time enough to let her guess my design when I had pretended to make the enquiries she was so anxious about.
How she spent the night, I know not; but I, Charles, never closed my eyes; and was a thousand times tempted to put an end to her suspense at once—Can you wonder at it?—So wholly in my power—I did not, however, interrupt her repose.
The next morning I sent up my compliments intreating she would indulge me with her company at breakfast; her answer was, she had slept but little, begged I would excuse her, and permit her to

have a cup of tea in the dressing-room; adding, she hoped I would not a moment delay the business I knew was so interesting to her.
This message she sent by my housekeeper, who delivered it very distinctly; this I readily granted, ordering her to pay the lady every possible mark of respect and attention; but in case she should ask for writing materials, to take care not letters were sent out of the house till I had seen them.
This encreased Watson's curiosity; which I saw, by her looks, was highly excited on our first arrival. I did not, however, think proper to indulge it just then, though I believe, Charles, I might have trusted her, as she knows me pretty well, and has not hitherto presumed to see farther into these kind of affairs than I would have her; she is persectly satisfied with her situation, and justly concludes I have a right to render mine as agreeable, by any means I please; I am master, and she has been accustomed to obey me as such.
That point settled, and some other orders given to Frank on the same subject,

I sallied forth, not with hopes of finding our good Aunt, but my good friend Dalton. I would rather have staid
