I remember his once mentioning an elder son of the Squire who had been reported dead, and that was all I ever heard of the matter from him or anybody else.

But only last week, in a bundle of documents relating to Mr Morris's own affairs, which, as his executor, it was my duty to examine, I came upon a letter which, though evidently private at the time, seems as if it ought at least to be seen by you and your ward now.

It proves that ten years ago the elder son was alive, and being in his handwriting, it may be important evidence if you have to deal with the claim of an impostor." The tutor expressed considerable discomfort at this new complication, and regarded the document in the banker's hand as if it were an infernal machine.
"It's private, you say.

Would it not be better to regard it as such ?" "I think it should be seen.

If you prefer I will submit it to Mr Pottinger." This settled the business.