My Master’s Story. 165
stayed,” said Mr. Hurst, “ keeping off from her the
duns and creditors who now beset our door, bringing
bills that we knew nothing of, others that we had

elieved discharged long ago; but we had no proofs,
we could dispute nothing. Nevertheless, we made
enquires with a view to tracing my father, and
did finally trace him to London, where he had
employment in the orchestra of some theatre ;
what other means of subsistence he might have, I
know not.”

“You went to him, then ?”

“Tt was some months afterwards, and I could
not. I wrote; my letter was returned, and my
father shortly afterwards went to France. There,
in course of time, he died ; and I received, through
the kindness of the curé of the parish, such few
things as remained after his funeral expenses were
paid (his violin was one), and a repentant, self-
accusing letter, addressed to my mother. Peace be
with his ashes! it is not for me to judge or to
accuse him.”