I was still as ignorant as ever of the young lady's name and address.
My first visit was to the studio of my excellent artist-friend, whom I have already presented to the reader under the sympathetic name of "Dick." He greeted me with a letter in his hand.

It was addressed to me--it had been left at the studio a few days since; and (marvel of all marvels!) the handwriting was Mr.Batterbury's.

Had this philanthropic man not done befriending me even yet?
Were there any present or prospective advantages to be got out of him still?
Read his letter, and judge.
"SIR--Although you have forfeited by your ungentlemanly conduct toward myself, and your heartlessly mischievous reception of my dear wife, all claim upon the forbearance of the most forbearing of your relatives, I am disposed, from motives of regard for the tranquillity of Mrs.
Batterbury's family, and of sheer good-nature so far as I am myself concerned, to afford you one more chance of retrieving your position by leading a respectable life.

The situation I am enabled to offer you is that of secretary to a new Literary and Scientific Institution, about to be opened in the town of Duskydale, near which neighborhood I possess, as you must be aware, some landed property.

The office has been placed at my disposal, as vice-president of the new Institution.