“You are mistaken. She referred to it in the only letter I have received from her for years. Indeed, I began to think, as my last letter had remained so long unanswered, that I was quite forgotten by you all, and the letter which you received in Munich was sent on chance. I purposely wrote in general terms, and signed with my initials, knowing that either your father or mother would recognise the handwriting, and you, or one of your brothers would have no difficulty in filling the blank and be glad to have our address.” “I assure you, however, I was extremely puzzled when I received your letter; nor can I conceive why my father made such a secret of an arrangement which naturally interests me so much. He seemed indifferent whether I passed next winter in Munich or Vienna, and left me perfectly free to choose which I preferred.” “Perhaps because he knew that I had left Munich.” “But he never spoke of any German friend or acquaintance in the least resembling you! He never, I am sure, mentioned your name!” “It seems, then, I am quite forgotten; but, as I have expatriated myself, I have no right to complain, and it would be unreasonable to expect people to remember me now, or speak of me to their children. Nevertheless, I cannot forget that I have experienced much kindness from your father and mother in former times, and that I have spent months in their house when you were at school. I shall be very glad if I can in any way be of use to you.” “Thank you. I _cannot_ imagine what motive my father could have had for secrecy and mystery on this occasion,” said Hamilton, musingly. “The idea is excellent, if I could only put it in practice. Perhaps you will be so kind as to give me your advice and assistance?” “Most willingly; and I shall begin by giving you my advice to wait until you know something about your commission before you negotiate with any family whatever.” “I am not going into the army—my uncle will not allow me to go to India, so my father intends me to try my fortune in the diplomatic line, and my principal object is to perfect myself in speaking German. A respectable family, could one be found willing to receive me, would answer all my purposes and fulfil all my wishes.” “A diplomat! Then you must endeavour to conquer the _mauvaise honte_ with which you seem overpowered when speaking to strangers, or it will never do. You are now natural and at your ease, and I tell you honestly, I can scarcely imagine you to be the same person who a quarter of an hour ago stood before me, blushing and squeezing his hat as if in an agony of embarrassment?”