Nor will I relate any other circumstances which occurred at this period, as they would have no direct bearing upon my narrative.

Though I still wrote to my brother at frequent intervals, as not wishing to neglect a duty, no word from him ever came in reply.
About the end of March, indeed, Parnham returned to Worth Maltravers, saying that his master had paid him a half-year's wages in advance, and then dispensed with his services.

He had always been an excellent servant, and attached to the family, and I was glad to be able to offer him a suitable position with us at Worth until his master should return.
He brought disquieting reports of John's health, saying that he was growing visibly weaker.

Though I was sorely tempted to ask him many questions as to his master's habits and way of life, my pride forbade me to do so.

But I heard incidentally from my maid that Parnham had told her Sir John was spending money freely in alterations at the Villa de Angelis, and had engaged Italians to attend him, with which his English valet was naturally much dissatisfied.
So the spring passed and the summer was well advanced.
On the last morning of July I found waiting for me on the breakfast-table an envelope addressed in my brother's hand.