But, save when his thoughts turned in the direction of Laura Bray, which complication in his affairs troubled him, Charley Vining felt lighter of heart; for though Max held that ring, and so ostentatiously displayed it, there was no reason why he might not have obtained it by some hazard, as he himself had once gained possession of a plain golden cross. Matters were not so desperate after all, and he need not give up hope. And yet what misery for her to leave Lexville like that, without one word of farewell--flying, as it were, from his persecution, as well as from that of Max Bray! Thinking over the words, too, of Nelly, how he could imagine the wretched life the poor girl must have led! and then, with brightened eye, he determined to find out where she had taken refuge. But London-- the place of all others where a quest seemed vain. Charley's musings were interrupted by one of the servants handing him a letter. "John Dudgeon, Mr Bray's man, sir, gave it to our Thomas this morning." Charley hastily tore open the thimble-sealed epistle, to find it written on a very dirty sheet of paper, and in a character that was almost undecipherable; but fortunately the note was not long, and he read as follows: "Hon'd Sur,--This comes hoppin to fine you verry wel, as it leves me at presen. Mr Maxy Million comes a hordrin an a swerin at a pore suvvant lik ennythink, an thare aint know pleesing im. An that ante the wa 2 get ennythink out of him as nose. E say wairs Mis Bedfors bocksis drecty 2, an off korse I wasn goin 2 tel he; but mi gal jain, she se an rede em bofe, an I lik doin gents a good turn as has sivil tungs for a por suwant, and shes gon to missus Brandins Kops all laintun; an if Mr Macks Million wan 2 no, dont let im kum to ure umbel suwant to kommarn, "Jhon Dugegin. "P.S. Wich you wone sa i tole u, ples, or yung marsta wil get me the sak." Mrs Brandon's, Copse Hall, Laneton! Why, across country that was, not above a dozen miles off, on a branch of the South Midland Railway. Nothing could have happened more fortunately. He would have the dogcart and drive over at once--no, not at once: he would go the next day; and, come what might, he would see her again. Surely she would not be so hard, so cruel, with him-- His musings were brought to an end by the entrance of Sir Philip with a note in his hand. The old gentleman looked pale and troubled, but his words were gentle, as he said: "A note from Mr Bray, Charley: he asks us to dinner there to-morrow. Shall I say that we will go?" "To the Elms?--to-morrow?" said Charley. "No, I cannot; I have an engagement." "An engagement!--to-morrow, Charley!" said Sir Philip sadly. "Yes, I am going out--I cannot go," said Charley hastily.