“This morning.”
I looked towards his desk.
“It is not there,” he said; “if you will be kind enough to feel in my breast pocket you will find a letter—”
It was in my hand before he finished his sentence.
“Excuse my eagerness,” I said. “This kind of business is new to me, you know.”
He smiled indulgently at a very old and faded picture hanging on the wall before him.
“Eagerness is not a fault; only the betrayal of it.
But read out what you have there.
Let us hear what my friend Brown has to tell us of Mr. Henry Ritchie Clavering, of Portland Place, London.”
I took the paper to the light and read as follows:
“Henry Ritchie Clavering, Gentleman, aged 43.
Born in —, Hertfordshire, England. His father was Chas. Clavering, for short time in the army.
Mother was Helen Ritchie, of Dumfriesshire, Scotland; she is still living.
Home with H.
R.
C., in Portland Place, London.
H.
R.
C. is a bachelor, 6 ft. high, squarely built, weight about 12 stone.
Dark complexion, regular features.
Eyes dark brown; nose straight.
Called a handsome man; walks erect and rapidly.
In society is considered a good fellow; rather a favorite, especially with ladies.
Is liberal, not extravagant; reported to be worth about 5000 pounds per year, and appearances give color to this statement.
Property consists of a small estate in Hertfordshire, and some funds, amount not known.
Since writing this much, a correspondent sends the following in regard to his history.
In ’46 went from uncle’s house to Eton.
From Eton went to Oxford, graduating in ’56.
Scholarship good.
In 1855 his uncle died, and his father succeeded to the estates.
Father died in ’57 by a fall from his horse or a similar accident.
Within a very short time H.
R.
C. took his mother to London, to the residence named, where they have lived to the present time.
“Travelled considerably in 1860; part of the time was with —, of Munich; also in party of Vandervorts from New York; went as far east as Cairo.
Went to America in 1875 alone, but at end of three months returned on account of mother’s illness.
Nothing is known of his movements while in America.
“From servants learn that he was always a favorite from a boy.
More recently has become somewhat taciturn.
Toward last of his stay watched the post carefully, especially foreign ones.
Posted scarcely anything but newspapers.
Has written to Munich.
Have seen, from waste-paper basket, torn envelope directed to Amy Belden, no address.
American correspondents mostly in Boston; two in New York.
Names not known, but supposed to be bankers.
Brought home considerable luggage, and fitted up part of house, as for a lady.
This was closed soon afterwards.
Left for America two months since.
Has been, I understand, travelling in the south.
Has telegraphed twice to Portland Place.