But, oh, how Seaton's heart yearned at all this! What? mustn't _he_ say a word to comfort her; he who, at that moment, would have thought no more of dying to serve her or to please her than he would of throwing one of those pebbles into that slimy water. Well, her pure tears somehow cooled his hot brain, and washed his soul, and left him wondering at himself and his misdeeds this night. His guardian angel seemed to go by and wave her dewy wings, and fan his hot passions as she passed. He kneeled down and thanked God he had not met Arthur Wardlaw in that dark lane. Then he went home to his humble lodgings, and there buried himself; and from that day seldom went out, except to seek employment. He soon obtained it as a copyist. Meantime the police were on his track, employed by a person with a gentle disposition, but a tenacity of purpose truly remarkable. Great was Seaton's uneasiness when one day he saw Hexham at the foot of his stair; greater still, when the officer's quick eye caught sight of him, and his light foot ascended the stairs directly. He felt sure Hexham had heard of his lurking about General Rolleston's premises. However, he prepared to defend himself to the uttermost. Hexham came into his room without ceremony, and looking mighty grim. "Well, my lad, so we have got you, after all." "What is my crime now?" asked Seaton sullenly. "James," said the officer, very solemnly, "it is an unheard-of crime this time. You have been running away from a pretty girl. Now that is a mistake at all times; but, when she is as beautiful as an angel, and rich enough to slip a flyer into Dick Hexham's hands, and lay him on your track, what _is_ the use? Letter for _you,_ my man." Seaton took the letter, with a puzzled air. It was written in a clear but feminine hand, and slightly scented. The writer, in a few polished lines, excused herself for taking extraordinary means to find Mr. Seaton; but hoped he would consider that he had laid her under a deep obligation, and that gratitude will sometimes be importunate. She had the pleasure to inform him that the office of shipping clerk at Messrs. White & Co.'s was at his service, and she hoped he would take it without an hour's further delay, for that she was assured that many persons had risen to wealth and consideration in the colony from such situations. Then, as this wary but courteous young lady had no wish to enter into a correspondence with her ex-gardener, she added: "Mr. Seaton need not trouble himself to reply to this note. A simple 'yes' to Mr. Hexham will be enough, and will give sincere pleasure to Mr. Seaton's "Obedient servant and well-wisher, "HELEN ANNE ROLLESTON." Seaton bowed his head over this letter in silent but deep emotion. Hexham respected that emotion, and watched him with a sort of vague sympathy.