It was not without some hesitation that Anthony made up his mind to enquire at this office. He did not mean to disclose any connection that he had with the poor hack writer, but he felt as if it was his duty to make some enquiry. The editor of the journal was quite accustomed to such questions being asked, and took them as a matter of business.
"I did not know Mr. Staunton at all. It was before my time that he was on the Palladium, but I recollect a short obituary notice appearing in the journal about three years ago, or perhaps not quite so much. It was an accidental death —instantaneous I believe. I'll look over the files and find it for you if you wish for fuller information. It was to Mr. Loder the information was sent, and he is unfortunately out of town, on the continent, in fact; but my impression is that the little girl wrote the 'circumstances to Mr. Loder—our proprietor, you know."
"And what became of the little girl?" asked Anthony nervously.
"Oh, so far as I know, she fell on her feet. She was adopted by some wealthy Australians— squatters, I suppose—and treated like one of the family. Better luck for her than if she had been left in London."
"Are you sure of this?" asked Anthony.
