"I am come to see you upon important business, Katherine," observed Richard. "But first let me inquire after the good people with whom you reside?" "I am sorry to say," answered Katherine, "that Mrs. Bennet experienced a relapse after her return from London; and she is not able to leave her chamber. She is, however, much better. Her husband is a kind-hearted, good man, and he behaves like a father to me. He is now occupied with the business of his farm, but will be in presently." "And now, Katherine, listen to the tidings which I have to communicate," said Markham. "Have you received any news from London within the last day or two?" "No—not a word," returned Katherine, already alarmed lest some new misfortune was about to be announced to her. "Compose yourself," said Richard; "the news that I have for you are good. But first I must inform you that your late master, Mr. Reginald Tracy, is no more." "Dead!" exclaimed Katherine. "He put a period to his own existence," continued Markham; "but not before he made you all the amends in his power for the deep injury which his own guilt entailed upon you." "Then he confessed his crime, and thus established my innocence beyond all doubt?" said Katherine. "And he has bequeathed to you his whole fortune, with the exception of a small legacy to Mrs. Bennet, whom his guilt deprived of a sister," added our hero. "Oh! then he died penitent!" exclaimed Katherine, weeping—for her goodness of heart prompted her to shed tears even for one who had involved her in such a labyrinth of misery as that from which she had only so recently been extricated. "He died by his own hands," said Richard; "and the world will not generally admit that such an act can be consonant with sincere penitence. That he attempted to make his peace with heaven ere he rushed into the presence of the Almighty, let us hope:—that he did all he could to recompense those whom his crime had injured, is apparent. But this letter will probably tell you more on that head." Richard handed to Katherine a letter, as he uttered these words. It was addressed, "_Miss Katherine Wilmot_." With a trembling hand the young girl opened it; and with tearful eyes she read the following words:—