"There was a strong case against him." "I wish to sift that case." "Indeed. And you want to go through the papers." "What papers, sir?" "The brief for the defense." "Yes," said Helen, boldly, "would you trust me with that, sir? Oh, if you knew how deeply I am interested!" The tears were in her lovely eyes. "The brief has gone back to the solicitor, of course. I dare say he will let you read it upon a proper representation." "Thank you, sir. Will you tell me who is the solicitor, and where he lives?" "Oh, I can't remember who was the solicitor. That is the very first thing you ought to have ascertained. It was no use coming to me." "Forgive me for troubling you, sir," said Helen, with a deep sigh. "Not at all, madam; I am only sorry I cannot be of more service. But do let me advise you to employ your solicitor to make these preliminary inquiries. Happy to consult with him, and re-open the matter should he discover any fresh evidence." He bowed her out, and sat down to a brief while she was yet in sight. She turned away heart-sick. The advice she had received was good; but she shrank from baring her heart to her father's solicitor. She sat disconsolate awhile, then ordered another cab, and drove to Wardlaw's office. It was late, and Arthur was gone home; so, indeed, was everybody, except one young subordinate, who was putting up the shutters. "Sir," said she, "can you tell me where old Mr. Penfold lives?" "Somewhere in the subbubs, miss." "Yes, sir; but where?" "I think it is out Pimlico way." "Could you not give me the street? I would beg you to accept a present if you could." This sharpened the young gentleman's wits; he went in and groped here and there till he found the address, and gave it her: No. 3, Fairfield Cottages, Primrose Lane, Pimlico. She gave him a sovereign, to his infinite surprise and delight, and told the cabman to drive to the hotel. The next moment the man who had followed her was chatting familiarly with the subordinate, and helping him to put up the shutters. "I say, Dick," said the youngster, "Penfolds is up in the market; a duchess was here just now, and gave me a soy, to tell her where he lived. Wait a moment till I spit on it for luck." The agent, however, did not wait to witness that interesting ceremony. He went back to his hansom round the corner, and drove at once to Arthur Wardlaw's house with the information. Helen noted down Michael Penfold's address in her diary, and would have gone to him that evening, but she was to dine _tete-a-tete_ with her father.