Miller's residence, and to try if her references can
help me?"
"That is the only chance I see at present," answered the Treasurer. "I
heartily wish I could have been of some further assistance to you."
With those farewell words to comfort him Wilding set forth on the journey
of investigation which began from the Foundling doors. The first stage
to make for, was plainly the house of business of the bankers in Lombard
Street. Two of the partners in the firm were inaccessible to
chance-visitors when he asked for them. The third, after raising certain
inevitable difficulties, consented to let a clerk examine the ledger
marked with the initial letter "M." The account of Mrs. Miller, widow,
of Groombridge Wells, was found. Two long lines, in faded ink, were
drawn across it; and at the bottom of the page there appeared this note:
"Account closed, September 30th, 1837."
So the first stage of the journey was reached--and so it ended in No
Thoroughfare! After sending a note to Cripple Corner to inform his
partner that his absence might be prolonged for some hours, Wilding took
his place in the train, and started for the second stage on the
journey--Mrs. Miller's residence at Groombridge Wells.
Mothers and children travelled with him; mothers and children met each
other at the station; mothers and children were in the shops when he
entered them to inquire for Lime-Tree Lodge. Everywhere, the nearest and
dearest of human relations showed itself happily in the happy light of
day.
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