"Perhaps I may," said Vinton, "and perhaps I might not do better than that if I tried." "All right," said William; "I will not burden you with instructions at present, and you will proceed according to your own judgment, only remember what we want to discover, and succeed if you can." With these words Vinton took his departure. A few days passed uneventfully by and no report came from Vinton. He was evidently looking over the ground, and as undue haste would avail nothing in a matter of this kind William forbore to push him. Vinton, however, had not been idle, and his inquiries had developed the fact that the young servant of Mrs. Andrews was a regular attendant at church on Sunday afternoon, when she was allowed her liberty from her domestic duties. The following Sunday, therefore, found him wending his way toward the church. The day was bright and balmy, and the streets were thronged with pedestrians all bedecked in their Sunday attire, and apparently enjoying to the full their day of rest. Vinton reached the church, a magnificent structure, with its many spires glistening in the rays of the sun, and its chime of bells which were ringing out their harmonious cadences upon the air. He had been fortunate to find among his acquaintances a young man who also attended this church, and in his company he repaired to the sacred edifice, and joined in the services of the hour. When the last hymn had been sung and the congregation had been dismissed, Vinton and his companion hurried out to the sidewalk, where they could observe all who came out. Soon the doors were filled with little groups of men and women, all exchanging friendly greetings, and indulging in pleasant gossip before seeking their homes, and to the intense delight of Vinton, he noticed among a company of young ladies, the face and form of Mary Crilly, the pretty servant of the sister of Newton Edwards. Finding his gaze riveted upon this group, his companion lightly pulled him by the arm, exclaiming: "What's the matter, Vinton. Has Mary Crilly captivated your senses?" "I don't know who you allude to, but there is one of the prettiest girls I have seen for a long time." "I know who _you_ mean, though," said his companion laughingly, "and she is one of the nicest girls I know. Although she is simply a servant, she is both pretty, intelligent and industrious." "Do you know her?" asked Vinton, both delighted and surprised. "Certainly I do," answered his companion; "her name is Mary Crilly, and she is living with a family on Logan Place." "Can't you introduce me?" inquired Vinton anxiously. "Yes, if you want me to; that's my sister she is talking to now, they are fast friends, and Mary will probably spend the evening at our house. Come along, and perhaps you will lose your heart." The apples had certainly fallen right into his lap, and fortune had favored him this time, if never before.