CHAPTER VI.
PERKINS' NARRATIVE.
THE efforts made by Perkins to find the residence of the stranger proved unavailing.

Half suspecting that Michael had deceived him, he returned to the shop of Mr.Berlaps, and asked the direction anew.
It was repeated precisely as at first given.
"But I have been there." "Well, wasn't she at that number ?" "No." "I don't know any thing about her, then.

It often happens that these sewing girls deceive us as to their whereabouts ?" Perkins turned away disappointed, but with his interest in the stranger more than ever excited.
"Who and what can she be?
and why do I feel so deep an interest in a perfect stranger, who cannot possibly be any thing to me ?" were involuntary questions which the young man endeavored, but in vain, to answer.
That night, as he sat alone in his room, his friend Milford came in and found him with the miniature before alluded to in his hand.
"Whose sweet face is that?
Bless me! But she is a lovely creature!" said Milford, as his eye caught a glimpse of the picture which Perkins made a movement to conceal.

"Aha! Mr.Sober-sides! have I found you out at last ?" But seeing that his remarks had the effect to disturb, even agitate his friend, he said, in a changed tone-- "Forgive me if I have thoughtlessly jarred a string that vibrates painfully! I knew not that you carried in your heart an unhealed wound." "And yet I do, my friend.

A wound that, I fear, will never cicatrize.