Page:Artabanzanus (Ferrar, 1896).djvu/305

Rh '"I am his only son."

'"Ah! has he not another representative, a nephew, or young cousin?"

'"No, sir; the son of an old friend resides with him, and transacts business for him, but he is no relation."

'"What is his name? "

'"Banwell Reginald."

'"And what is your name?"

'"Julius Winbourne."

'"I knew your father, young man, years ago, before he went to live in Devonshire, and I respected him. He was a good Latin scholar; but I dare say he has forgotten me. I came to speak with him, but it is better perhaps that I should not see him; I will speak to you. My business is of great importance. Are we alone?"

'I went to the door, and opened it hastily, and, to my astonishment, there stood Reginald.

'"Kerford told me to give you this letter instantly," said he; and he turned and walked away quickly.

'"So," said I to myself, "a serpent; Helen is right."

'I now took proper precautions against being overheard, and returned to the visitor in the office.

'"I am sorry, sir," he began, "to be the vehicle of an unpleasant communication. I am only so by my own choice, on account of the respect which I always had for your father and his house; but perhaps what I have heard is false, and as Cicero says, 'Nihil est tarn volucre quam maledictum; nihil facilius emittitur, nihil citius encipitur, nihil latius dissipatatur."' (I shall give you English for this, Ubertus, as you might not remember it: "Nothing is so swift in its progress as calumny; nothing is more readily received, and nothing can be more widely spread abroad.")

'"May I have the pleasure of knowing, sir, to whom I have the honour of speaking?" I inquired, with something like awe.