"Mr.
Talbot," said he, "I have come to New Orleans to inquire concerning the affairs of the late Mr.Alfred Royal, who was a particular friend of my father.

I have been surprised to hear that he died insolvent; for I supposed him to be wealthy." "He was generally so considered," rejoined Mr.Talbot.

"But he was brought down by successive failures, and some unlucky investments, as we merchants often are, you know." "Were you acquainted with him," asked Alfred.
"I knew very little of him, except in the way of business," replied the merchant.

"He was disinclined to society, and therefore some people considered him eccentric; but he had the reputation of being a kind-hearted, honorable man." "I think he never married," said Alfred, in a tone of hesitating inquiry, which he hoped might lead to the subject he had at heart.
But it only elicited the brief reply, "He was a bachelor." "Did you ever hear of any family not legitimated by law ?" inquired the young man.
"There was a rumor about his living somewhere out of the city with a handsome quadroon," answered the merchant.

"But such arrangements are so common here, they excite no curiosity." "Can you think of any one who had intimate relations with him, of whom I could learn something about that connection ?" "No, I cannot.