Chapter 6

_From Francis Clare, Sen., to Magdalen_.

_[Inclosing the preceding Letter.]_

"I always told your poor father my son was a Fool, but I never knew he
was a Scoundrel until the mail came in from China. I have every reason
to believe that he has left his employers under the most disgraceful
circumstances. Forget him from this time forth, as I do. When you and
I last set eyes on each other, you behaved well to me in this business.
All I can now say in return, I do say. My girl, I am sorry for you,

"F. C."