I preferred to remain where I was, in Australia, till the full term of my disgrace was ended, and I was at liberty as a free and unfettered man to show my face once more in England.

It is not two years since I returned.

No one knew me.

Even in--my name had been forgotten.

The ivy-covered cottage belonged to a stranger, and no one could tell me what had become of the forger's children who once lived there.