'To be sure. It is the time for me to be forgiving every one,' he
answered, with a long tightly-drawn breath.

Much distressed, the Doctor paused, in uncertainty whether Leonard
were actuated by dread of the disclosure or resentment at the breach
of confidence; but ere he spoke, the struggle had been fought out,
and a sweet sad face was turned round to him, with the words, 'Poor
old Aubrey! Tell him not to mind. There will be worse to be told
out than our romancings together, and he will feel it more than I
shall! Don't let him vex himself.'

'Thank you,' said the father, warmly. 'I call that pardon.'

'Not that there is anything to forgive,' said Leonard, 'only it is
odd that one cares for it more than--No, no, don't tell him that,
but that I know it does not signify. It must not come between us, if
this is to be the end; and it will make no difference. Nothing can
do that but the finding my receipt. I see that book night and day
before my eyes, with the very blot that I made in the top of my L.'

'You know they are searching the garden and fields, and advertising a
reward, in case of its having been thrown away when rifled, or found
to contain no valuables.'

'Yes!' and he rested on the word as though much lay behind.

'Do you think it contained anything worth keeping?'

'Only by one person.'