After my return home, I sate down to reflect upon the conversation I had had with Jessie--as also to seek some explanation of what had appeared mysterious in the conduct, not only of Cannon, but of Jessie's father and mother. I had learnt that Mr H--, like many of the Australian wool growers, after having made his fortune in the colonies, had returned to his native land--intending to end his days in London. I had also learnt that Vane--after that occasion on which he accompanied Cannon and myself, had often revisited the family on the Yarra Yarra; and had become a professed candidate for the hand of Jessie. In the colony he had received but little encouragement to continue his advances, either from her father or mother. Since their arrival in London, however, Vane had come into possession of some property; and Mr H--had not only listened with favour to his proposals, but was strongly urging his daughter to do the same. A matrimonial alliance with Vane would have been considered advantageous by most people in the social position of the H--family; and Jessie, like many other young ladies, was likely to be married to a man, who held but a second place in her affections. Thousands do this, without surrendering themselves to a life of misery; and Jessie H--could scarce be expected to differ from others of her age and sex. In fact, as I soon afterwards learnt, she had yielded to her father's solicitations, rather than to the suit of the wooer; and had given a reluctant consent to the marriage. It was to take place in about ten days from that time. I also learnt that Vane and Cannon had quarrelled, before leaving Melbourne. I did not ascertain the exact cause. It was no business of mine; and I did not care to be made acquainted with it. With the conduct of the latter I had some reason to be dissatisfied. He had endeavoured to make use of me, as a means of obtaining revenge against his enemy--Vane. I could not think of any other object he might have, in bringing me once more into the presence of Jessie. To a certain extent he had succeeded in his design. Without vanity I could not shut my eyes to the fact of Jessie's aversion to her marriage with Vane; and I was convinced that, after seeing me, it became stronger. I was by no means pleased at the idea of being made a cat's paw for the gratification of Cannon's revenge; and, next day, when his name was announced at my lodgings, I resolved that that meeting should be our last. "Mr Cannon," said I, before he had even seated himself, "will you tell me why you took me to see Jessie H--, when you had reason to believe that neither of us desired to meet the other again?"