CHAPTER XXX.
DIFFICULTIES.
While we walked together towards Meurice, I explained to Trevanion the position in which I stood; and having detailed, at full length, the fracas at the Salon, and the imprisonment of O'Leary, entreated his assistance in behalf of him, as well as to free me from some of my many embarrassments.
It was strange enough--though at first so pre-occupied was I with other thoughts, that I paid but little attention to it--that no part of my eventful evening seemed to make so strong an impression on him as my mention of having seen my cousin Guy, and heard from him of the death of my uncle.

At this portion of my story he smiled, with so much significance of meaning, that I could not help asking his reason.
"It is always an unpleasant task, Mr.Lorrequer, to speak in any way, however delicately, in a tone of disparagement of a man's relatives; and, therefore, as we are not long enough acquainted--" "But pray," said I, "waive that consideration, and only remember the position in which I now am.

If you know any thing of this business, I entreat you to tell me--I promise to take whatever you may be disposed to communicate, in the same good part it is intended." "Well, then, I believe you are right; but, first, let me ask you, how do you know of your uncle's death; for I have reason to doubt it ?" "From Guy; he told me himself." "When did you see him, and where ?" "Why, I have just told you; I saw him last night at the Salon." "And you could not be mistaken ?" "Impossible! Besides, he wrote to me a note which I received this morning--here it is." "Hem--ha.

Well, are you satisfied that this is his handwriting ?" said Trevanion, as he perused the note slowly twice over.
"Why, of course--but stop--you are right; it is not his hand, nor do I know the writing, now that you direct my attention to it.

But what can that mean?
You, surely, do not suppose that I have mistaken any one for him; for, independent of all else, his knowledge of my family, and my uncle's affairs, would quite disprove that." "This is really a complex affair," said Trevanion, musingly.