The problem I had now to solve, consisted, Walter, of three parts. First, how Miss Valmont could have arrived at the knowledge of her fortune?--Secondly, how Mr. Valmont could know I had been in the castle?--Lastly, and of most importance, whether all circumstances duly considered it would be proper that I or my father should challenge Mr. Valmont? My researches on the first part of my problem showed me that it is highly probable I shall never know how Miss Valmont came by her information till she herself shall be in my power to tell me; and further that her knowledge of the affair will greatly tend to forward my projects, for no longer a dependent but a prisoner she will be rejoiced to free herself at any hazard from her uncle's galling tyranny.--Do you not perceive, Walter, how much my prospects are amended by this disaster? On the second part, I discovered that Mr. Valmont can have but an obscure and imperfect idea of my being in the castle, from his mention of a feigned name. I bore no name at all. Certainly my agents would not betray me. And Valmont must have spoken at random as to the means. Out of the foregone conclusions arises the answer to the third part of my problems. It would be highly improper for either me or my father to challenge Mr. Valmont. What a blessing it is, Sir Knight, to find sympathy in our griefs!--From the moment my father confided to me this important business, he seemed to have forgotten its nature and my apparent concern therein.--He was lighter than Gossamer.--And valiant too!--talked big and bluff about honour,--and satisfaction--and could but just be prevailed on by my intreaties only to write the following pacific answer, in which, were he not a gentleman, the Earl of Elsings, and my honoured father, you or I might be bold enough to say--He tells _a falsehood_, _an absolute falsehood_. TO GEORGE VALMONT ESQ. Sir, The charge you are pleased to make against me reflects infinitely more disgrace on yourself by its injustice than on me. Such an imputation deserves nothing but scorn, yet I will answer it so far as to say that neither my son, nor any person breathing has received from me the smallest intimation of Miss Valmont's fortune. My son never was in Valmont castle under any other name than that of Lord Filmar, where his behaviour kept pace with the dignity of his name, which will never suffer him to intrude himself or his alliance where it will not be rather courted than accepted. I am quite as desirous as you, Sir, can be of dropping the acquaintance; and till the time you mention I shall (as I have ever done) sacredly guard my trust--wishing you may do the same, I remain, Sir, Your humble servant, ELSINGS * * * * *