But could he do that, in honor, in truthfulness?
Would it not be better to write and confess all?
Yes,--EVERYTHING.
Fortunately for his still boyish impulsiveness, it was at this time that the discovery of his own financial ruin came to him.

The inquest on the body of Pedro Valdez and the confession of his confidant had revealed the facts of the fraudulent title and forged testamentary documents.
Although it was correctly believed that Pedro had met his death in an escapade of gallantry or intrigue, the coroner's jury had returned a verdict of "accidental death," and the lesser scandal was lost in the wider, far-spreading disclosure of fraud.

When he had resolved to assume all the liabilities of his purchase, he was obliged to write to Mrs.
Peyton and confess his ruin.

But he was glad to remind her that it did not alter HER status or security; he had only given her the possession, and she would revert to her original and now uncontested title.

But as there was now no reason for his continuing the stewardship, and as he must adopt some profession and seek his fortune elsewhere, he begged her to relieve him of his duty.