Transcriber's Notes: 1. Page scan source: the Web Archive https://archive.org/details/24181300.2250.emory.edu (The Emory University--Robert W. Woodruff Library) THE MAN WITH A SECRET. A Novel. BY FERGUS HUME Author of "THE MYSTERY OF A HANSOM CAB," "MADAME MIDAS," "THE GIRL FROM MALTA," "THE PICCADILLY PUZZLE," ETC., ETC. There are those in this world whose egotism is so profound, that they look upon creation as designed for their sole benefit, and take advantage of all opportunities furnished by Fate, to gain unto themselves exceeding riches and honour, although prosperity to one may mean ruin to many. _THIRD EDITION_. LONDON: F. V WHITE & CO., 31, SOUTHAMPTON STREET, STRAND. 1892. PRINTED BY KELLY AND CO., LIMITED, GATE STREET, LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS, AND KINGSTON-ON-THAMES. CONTENTS. CHAP. I. An Unexpected Meeting II. His Evil Genius III. Village Gossip IV. An Extraordinary Patient V. The Family Circle VI. A Morning Walk VII. The Housekeeper VIII. The Blind Organist IX. The Views of a Cynic X. The Ghost of a Dead Love XI. Mr. Beaumont makes a Discovery XII. The Parable of the Sower XIII. Dick's Opinion XIV. The Diplomacy of Basil Beaumont XV. A Fantastic Theorist XVI. The Village Concert XVII. Anteros XVIII. The Fall of Man XIX. Jam, Jam efficaci do manus scientiae XX. When in Doubt--Play Trumps XXI. The Good Samaritan XXII. Phantasmagoria XXIII. The End of all Things XXIV. Mr. Beaumont Wins his Case XXV. A Dexterous Arrangement XXVI. Una makes a Confession XXVII. The Squire's Will XXVIII. The Bitterness of Death XXIX. From Dr. Nestley's Point of View XXX. A Mother's Affection XXXI. Psalm, cvii. 19 XXXII. London XXXIII. Circe's Cup XXXIV. A Word in Season XXXV. A Voice from the Past XXXVI. The Calm before the Storm XXXVII. A Ruined Life XXXVIII. Mater Dolorosa XXXIX. Father and Son XL. Beaumont Plays his Last Card XLI. A Woman's Heart XLII. The Dawn of a New Life TO My Dear Father, JAMES HUME, This Book is Affectionately Dedicated By His Son, FERGUS. The mocking fiend who near us stands Entices us to evil deeds; He binds our souls in sensual bands The mocking fiend who near us stands; But some good woman-angel pleads For mercy at Almighty hands; With such for guide what mortal heeds The mocking fiend who near us stands? THE MAN WITH A SECRET. CHAPTER I. AN UNEXPECTED MEETING. "With anxious dread have I avoided thee, Thou haunting evil of my early days, Yet by some trick of Fate we meet again; I pray thee, sir, let me go far away. And place the roaring seas between us twain, There is but sorrow in our comradeship."