"I have heard of you," said he, "but I fear your errand here is bound to be fruitless. No Harriet Smith, so far as I know, ever came to reside in this town. And I was born and bred in this street. Have you actual knowledge that one by that name ever lived here, and can you give me the date?" The answers Frank made were profuse but hurried; he had not expected to gain news of Harriet Smith; he had only used the topic as a means of introducing conversation. But when he came to the point in which he was more nearly interested, he found his courage fail him. He could not speak the name of Miss Cavanagh, even in the most casual fashion, and so the interview ended without any further result than the making on his part of a pleasant acquaintance. Subdued by his failure, Frank quitted the office, and walked slowly down the street. If he had not boasted of his intentions to Edgar, he would have left the town without further effort; but now his pride was involved, and he made that an excuse to his love. Should he proceed boldly to her house, use the knocker, and ask to see Miss Cavanagh? Yes, he might do that, but afterwards? With what words should he greet her, or win that confidence which the situation so peculiarly demanded? He was not an acknowledged friend, or the friend of an acknowledged friend, unless Edgar---- But no, Edgar was not their friend; it would be folly to speak his name to them. What then? Must he give up his hopes till time had paved the way to their realization? He feared it must be so, yet he recoiled from the delay. In this mood he re-entered Edgar's office. A woman in hat and cloak met him. "Are you the stranger lawyer that has come to town?" she asked. He bowed, wondering if he was about to hear news of Harriet Smith. "Then this note is for you," she declared, handing him a little three-cornered billet. His heart gave a great leap, and he turned towards the window as he opened the note. Who could be writing letters to him of such dainty appearance as this? Not she, of course, and yet---- He tore open the sheet, and read these words: "If not asking too great a favor, may I request that you will call at my house, in your capacity of lawyer. "As I do not leave my own home, you will pardon this informal method of requesting your services. The lawyer here cannot do my work. "Yours respectfully, "HERMIONE CAVANAGH." He was too much struck with amazement and delight to answer the messenger at once. When he did so, his voice was very business-like. "Will Miss Cavanagh be at liberty this morning?" he asked. "I shall be obliged to return to the city after dinner." "She told me to say that any time would be convenient to her," was the answer. "Then say to her that I will be at her door in half an hour." The woman nodded, and turned. "She lives on the road to the depot, where the two rows of poplars are," she suddenly declared, as she paused at the door.