“I have no more to say.  If you ever speak about me to Norah, tell her that a day may come when she will see me again—­the day when we two sisters have recovered our natural rights; the day when I put Norah’s fortune into Norah’s hand.

“Those are my last words.  Remember them the next time you feel tempted to meddle with me again.

“MAGDALEN VANSTONE.”

IV.

From Mr. Loscombe to Mrs. Noel Vanstone.

“Lincoln’s Inn, November 6th.

“DEAR MADAM—­This morning’s post has doubtless brought you the same shocking news which it has brought to me.  You must know by this time that a terrible affliction has befallen you—­the affliction of your husband’s sudden death.

“I am on the point of starting for the North, to make all needful inquiries, and to perform whatever duties I may with propriety undertake, as solicitor to the deceased gentleman.  Let me earnestly recommend you not to follow me to Baliol Cottage, until I have had time to write to you first, and to give you such advice as I cannot, through ignorance of all the circumstances, pretend to offer now.  You may rely on my writing, after my arrival in Scot-land, by the first post.  I remain, dear madam, faithfully yours,

“JOHN LOSCOMBE.”

V.

From Mr. Pendril to Miss Garth.

“Serle Street, November 6th.

“DEAR MISS GARTH—­I return you Mrs. Noel Vanstone’s letter.  I can understand your mortification at the tone in which it is written, and your distress at the manner in which this unhappy woman has interpreted the conversation that she overheard at your house.  I cannot honestly add that I lament what has happened.  My opinion has never altered since the Combe-Raven time.  I believe Mrs. Noel Vanstone to be one of the most reckless, desperate, and perverted women living; and any circumstances that estrange her from her sister are circumstances which I welcome, for her sister’s sake.

“There cannot be a moment’s doubt on the course you ought to follow in this matter.  Even Mrs. Noel Vanstone herself acknowledges the propriety of sparing her sister additional and unnecessary distress.  By all means, keep Miss Vanstone in ignorance of the visit to Kensington, and of the letter which has followed it.  It would be not only unwise, but absolutely cruel, to enlighten her.  If we had any remedy to apply, or even any hope to offer, we might feel some hesitation in keeping our secret.  But there is no remedy, and no hope.  Mrs. Noel Vanstone is perfectly justified in the view she takes of her own position.  Neither you nor I can assert the smallest right to control her.

“I have already taken the necessary measures for putting an end to our useless inquiries.  In a few days I will write to Miss Vanstone, and will do my best to tranquilize her mind on the subject of her sister.  If I can find no sufficient excuse to satisfy her, it will be better she should think we have discovered nothing than that she should know the truth.  Believe me most truly yours,