Unless I get some kind of clue, the business will seem a hopeless one.

But I cannot imagine that the advertisements will fail completely.

If she left Lidford to be married, there must be some record of her marriage.

Should my first advertisements fail, my next shall be inserted with a view to discover such a record." "And if, after infinite trouble, you should find her the wife of another man, what reward would you have for your wasted time and lost labour ?" "The happiness of knowing her to be in a safe and honourable position.

I love her too dearly to remain in ignorance of her fate." "Well, Gilbert, I know that good advice is generally thrown away in such a case as this; but I have a fixed opinion on the subject.