Several times over there was a faint whisper breathed into Mrs Brandon's ear that the sufferer had much to say; but invariably Mrs Brandon closed those pale lips with a kiss. "Wrong or right, my poor child," she said sadly, "rest in peace, for this is your home." But there was an air of trouble and appeal in Ella's face that would not be gainsayed; and one night Mrs Brandon was seated by her side, when her lips parted to faintly whisper: "If I am to go, let me know that you all believe in me." As she spoke, her trembling little hand drew a large envelope from beneath her pillow--a crumpled and bruised envelope. "Do you wish me to read this?" said Mrs Brandon tenderly. Ella's lips formed the word "Yes." Volume 3, Chapter XXIII. IT NEVER RAINS BUT IT POURS. The first paper Mrs Brandon drew from the envelope was one in a bold lady's-hand, evidently written hastily, and contained but the following words: "Dear Max,--I will take him into the waiting-room, where there is a good view of the platform. I can keep him there, _I think_. But you must be quick. Recollect, a momentary glance will do. Run by, if you can, at the very last minute. But pray, pray be careful. _It is victory or ruin; for he would never forgive either_. Laura. "P.S. _Burn this_, and every note I send." Mrs Brandon's face wore a troubled puzzled expression as she glanced at Ella, whose lips moved. "I found that in my reticule since I have lain here," she whispered. "Read on, and you will understand." Mrs Brandon took out from the envelope another paper, and read, in a round legal hand: "Cliff-terrace, Penzance,--18-- "Sir,--I am requested by my patient, Mr Charles Vining, to enclose the note here contained, one which, at his wish, I have addressed as you see. He tells me that he is doubtful of its reaching the lady if sent by post, and desires me to implore you to be its bearer, delivering it yourself, and adding your persuasions if she should decline compliance. He would have written more, but the note enclosed was penned in my brief absence, and I sternly forbade farther exertion. By way of explanation, I may tell you that my patient came in here, with two more gentlemen, in a yacht, driven to the bay by stress of weather. The next night there was a fearful wreck close in shore, and Mr Vining and one of his friends volunteered, and were out in the lifeboat. I regret to say that their gallant attempt only added to the long list of those gone to their account. Two of the lifeboat's crew were drowned, while your friend was cast upon the rocks fearfully injured. "Let me assure you that he has had the best advice the town affords.-- I am, sir, your obedient servant, "Henry Penellyn, M.R.C.S. "To Maximilian Bray, Esq. "P.S. Mr Vining bids me tell you that the above is his last request. "_I do not read to him the following_: Not a moment is to be lost, for internal haemorrhage has set in."