Do not give yourself any trouble concerning the salary which you kindly offered me.

I am not in need of it, and have only been too glad to render you the little assistance within my power, knowing, as I do, that you have no easy case on your hands.
"Trusting we shall meet in the future, I am, with great esteem, "Very truly yours, "H.

SCOTT.
As Mr.Whitney read and reread this note, the words of the detective regarding the private secretary were recalled to his mind, and he muttered,-- "Yes, Merrick was right.

It is very evident the young man is not 'looking for a job;' but I'll be blessed if I know what to think of him!" Upon Mr.Whitney's return to Fair Oaks, he found the guests assembled on the veranda, overlooking the river, Mr.Merrick, who had just returned from a few days' absence, being also included in the company.
There were many exclamations of surprise and considerable comment when Mr.Whitney told of the sudden disappearance of the secretary.
"Now, that is too bad!" cried Edith Thornton.

"He was so interesting, and we were all beginning to like him so much." "I don't know that any of us were so charmed with him as one might be led to suppose from your remark, Edith," said Isabel Mainwaring, with a disdainful glance towards the attorney, who had seated himself beside Miss Carleton; "but here, almost any one will answer for a diversion, and he was really quite entertaining." "It is not to be expected that you would see or appreciate his good points," said her brother, with half a sneer; "but Scott is a fine fellow and a gentleman, and I shall miss him awfully." Miss Carleton remained silent; but for some reason, unexplainable to herself, she was conscious of a vague sense of disappointment and injury.