"Mr. Dowsett, having to receive you in his house as a son and to look after your education, doubtless was in receipt of a fair consideration for his services?" "O, yes. Until I was twenty-one years of age he was to draw six hundred pounds a year out of the funds invested for me. The balance accumulated for my benefit until I came of age." "He drew this money regularly?" "Yes, as he was entitled to do." "How old are you now?" "Twenty-four." "You are living still with Mr. Dowsett, and you still regard him as your guardian?" "I have a great affection for him; he has treated me most kindly." "What do you pay him for your board and lodging?" "He continues to receive the six hundred a year. It is all he has to depend on." "Was this last arrangement of his own proposing, or yours?" "Of mine. I cannot sufficiently repay him for his care of me." "In your father's will what was to become of your fortune in the event of your death?" "If I died before I came of age, my guardian was to have the six hundred a year, and the rest was to be given to various charities." "And after you came of age?" "It was mine absolutely, to do as I pleased with." "Have you made a will?" "Yes." "Who proposed that?" "My guardian." "What are the terms of this will?" "I have left everything to him. I have no relatives, and no other claims upon me." "When I came to see you this afternoon you mentioned a name which was new to me. You said that your guardian had gone to Margate with his wife and 'Letitia.' I supposed he was married, and your speaking of Mrs. Dowsett did not surprise me. But who is Letitia?" "Their daughter." "An only child?" "Yes." "What is her age?" "Twenty-two." "Has she a sweetheart? Is she engaged to be married?" "No." "That answer seems to me to be given with constraint." "Well," said Carton, "it is hardly right, is it, to go so minutely into my guardian's private family affairs?" "It is entirely right. I am engaged upon a very solemn task, and I can see, probably, what is hidden from you. Why were you partly disinclined to answer my last question?" "It is a little awkward," replied Carton, "because, perhaps, I am not quite free from blame." "Explain your meaning. Believe me, this may be more serious than you imagine. Speak frankly. I am acting, indeed, as your true friend." "Yet, after all," said Carton, with hesitation, "I never made love to her, I give you my honour." "Made love to whom? Miss Dowsett?"