Two years ago I went and had inquiries made at Exeter.

Nothing could be found out.

She and her father had left the place immediately after my departure, and nothing was known about them." "I wonder that you didn't go yourself ?" "What for?
I didn't care about seeing her or finding her." "Do you think she's alive yet ?" "I'm afraid she is.

You see she always had excellent health, and there's no reason why she should not live to be an octogenarian." "Yet she may be dead." "_May_ be! And what sort of comfort is that to me in my present position, I should like to know?
_May_ be?
Is that a sufficient foundation for me to build on?
No.

In a moment of thoughtlessness I have allowed myself to forget the horrible position in which I am.