He had sought permission to travel, and, this being refused by the absurd timidity of his parents, he had twice been frustrated in attempting to embark for Europe clandestinely.

They ascribed his disappearance to a third and successful attempt of this kind, and had exercised anxious and unwearied diligence in endeavouring to trace his footsteps.

All their efforts had failed.

One motive for their returning to Europe was the hope of discovering some traces of him, as they entertained no doubt of his having crossed the ocean.

The vehemence of Mrs.Wentworth's curiosity as to those particulars of his life and death may be easily conceived.