“Under such circumstances as these, it is in the last degree important—­for more reasons than I need mention here—­that I should see Mr. Vanstone, and come to an explanation with him, at the earliest possible opportunity.  You will find that my maid thoughtfully kept her letter open until the last moment before post-time—­without, however, having any later news to give me than that Mrs. Lecount was to sleep at the cottage last night and that she and Mr. Vanstone were to leave together this morning.  But for that last piece of intelligence, I should have been on my way back to Scotland before now.  As it is, I cannot decide for myself what I ought to do next.  My going back to Dumfries, after Mr. Vanstone has left it, seems like taking a journey for nothing —­and my staying in London appears to be almost equally useless.

“Will you kindly advise me in this difficulty?  I will come to you at Lincoln’s Inn at any time this afternoon or to-morrow which you may appoint.  My next few hours are engaged.  As soon as this letter is dispatched, I am going to Kensington, with the object of ascertaining whether certain doubts I feel about the means by which Mrs. Lecount may have accomplished her discovery are well founded or not.  If you will let me have your answer by return of post, I will not fail to get back to St. John’s Wood in time to receive it.  Believe me, dear sir, yours sincerely,

“MAGDALEN VANSTONE.”

II.

From Mr. Loscombe to Mrs. Noel Vanstone.

“Lincoln’s Inn, November 5th.

“DEAR MADAM—­Your letter and its inclosure have caused me great concern and surprise.  Pressure of business allows me no hope of being able to see you either to-day or to-morrow morning.  But if three o’clock to-morrow afternoon will suit you, at that hour you will find me at your service.

“I cannot pretend to offer a positive opinion until I know more of the particulars connected with this extraordinary business than I find communicated either in your letter or in your maid’s.  But with this reserve, I venture to suggest that your remaining in London until to-morrow may possibly lead to other results besides your consultation at my chambers.  There is at least a chance that you or I may hear something further in this strange matter by the morning’s post.  I remain, dear madam, faithfully yours,

“JOHN LOSCOMBE.”

III.

From Mrs. Noel Vanstone to Miss Garth.

“November 5th, Two o’Clock.

“I have just returned from Westmoreland House—­after purposely leaving it in secret, and purposely avoiding you under your own roof.  You shall know why I came, and why I went away.  It is due to my remembrance of old times not to treat you like a stranger, although I can never again treat you like a friend.