And the groom, laying down the work on which he was engaged, followed his master out of the stable. CHAPTER XXV. THE MYSTERY UNSOLVED. “Sit down, Conyers,” said Sir Ronald, pointing to an old wooden bench. “I want you to carry your memory back to three years ago.” “I can do that, Sir Ronald,” he replied; “my memory is a good one.” “Three years ago I called you and gave you a letter to take to Leeholme Park; it was for Lady Hermione Lorriston, and you promised me to place it in her own hands.” “I remember perfectly, Sir Ronald.” “Tell me what you did.” “I drove straight to the hall and asked for her ladyship. She had gone to Thringston with a party of guests staying in the house----” “And then,” interrupted Sir Ronald, impatiently. “I waited for her until I was afraid to wait any longer, and I asked to see her maid. She is a young woman, sir, whom I have known for many years; her name is Susan Fielding. She came to me, and I told her you had intrusted me with a very particular letter, and I asked her would she promise to give it to her ladyship. She said yes, and I came away.” “That is all you know about it?” asked Sir Ronald. “Every word,” replied the man. “Will you swear that you neither dropped it, changed it, or knew its contents?” There was genuine surprise in the honest face. “I will swear, Sir Ronald; I will swear, as I hope to go to heaven, that the letter was never for one moment out of my possession until I placed it in Susan Fielding’s hand. I sat the whole time in the servants’ hall. As for its contents, I never even thought of what they were.” “And, before God, that is the truth?” “Before God I vow it,” said the groom, quickly. “That letter never reached Lady Hermione Lorriston, Conyers; and if you will help me find what became of it, I will reward you richly.” “I will do my best, Sir Ronald.” But the groom was evidently puzzled, and his master saw it. “I need not tell you there are many reasons why I object to having it known that I am making any inquiries in the matter; but do you think, Conyers, you could bring that maid, Susan Fielding, to see me?” “Yes; I can manage that, Sir Ronald; but unless you wish every one to know it, you had better go to see her.” “I cannot go to Leeholme,” he interrupted. “There is no need, sir. If you wish to see Susan Fielding, I will ask her to wait in the Thringston road, say to-morrow morning, and then your interview will seem to have been accidental.” “That will do. Ah! see, I am trusting you, despite all I had said about honest men. Do not tell why I wish to see her; promise that.” “I will not mention it; and mind, I should like you to be present as well. If there has been any error we shall discover it then.” That very evening Stephen Conyers went over to Leeholme and contrived to see the lady’s maid. Pretty, coquettish Susan was slightly agitated. “What can Sir Ronald Alden want with me?” she asked. “Is May Thorne leaving Lady Clarice?”