She entered, and, presenting me a letter, desired me to deliver it to Mr.Welbeck.I had no pretext for deferring my departure, but was unwilling to go without obtaining possession of the portrait.

An interval of silence and irresolution succeeded.

I cast significant glances at the spot where it lay, and at length mustered up my strength of mind, and, pointing to the paper,--"Madam," said I, "_there_ is something which I recognise to be mine: I know not how it came into your possession, but so lately as the day before yesterday it was in mine.

I lost it by a strange accident, and, as I deem it of inestimable value, I hope you will have no objection to restore it." During this speech the lady's countenance exhibited marks of the utmost perturbation.

"Your picture!" she exclaimed; "you lost it! How?
Where?
Did you know that person?
What has become of him ?" "I knew him well," said I."That picture was executed by himself.