I am just starting for Town, but I cannot go without writing one line to tell you that I have made the most wonderful discovery in the world. That wonderful Sergeant Smith about whom everyone is talking is--who do you think? Why, no other than my dear old schoolfellow and friend, Wilfred Manwaring, and the brother of our Miss Manwaring, or of _your_ Miss Manwaring, as I ought rather to say. I had come here to call on Captain Parkhurst, and was waiting in his quarters, as he was out, when Serjeant Smith entered the room, and we met face to face. Further _incognito_ was impossible, and I had the whole matter out with him. He is the noblest fellow. He met his sister only this very day, and they were made known to each other, but they do not wish the secret divulged, except to you, until the day after to-morrow, when they will have had time to hear from their old lawyer in the North. I got leave to tell you, for I know how fond you are of Miss Manwaring, and how glad you will be to hear I have found my friend. And now for another secret. Smith, or rather Manwaring, who is a V. C. man--in fact, you saw him invested by the Queen yourself--is to be given his Commission, and I believe Colonel Hawkins, who commands his regiment, is to come over from Hounslow on Thursday to give it to him in person. I am so happy. Your most affectionate son, FRANK. On the receipt of this letter, the Duchess immediately sat down and wrote the following note:-- H. C., _Tuesday_. MY DEAR EVELYN, Will you come over and see me this evening any time after nine, as I am very anxious to see you about a matter which concerns you nearly. Yours ever, CATHARINE R. and S. No sooner was this note despatched, than the following note from Evelyn was brought in to the Duchess:-- MY DEAR DUCHESS, Your great and constant kindness emboldens me to ask a favour at your hands. If you are alone this evening, may I come across and see you, as I have something of great importance to communicate? I am your always grateful and affectionate EVELYN MANWARING. To this the Duchess sent an immediate line in return:-- DEAR E.,--I shall expect you at nine. Our notes crossed. Yours, C. R. & S. Having sent off this note, the Duchess sat for some time buried in thought, and then she wrote the following:-- Hampton Court, _Tuesday Evening_. DEAR LADY LAVINIA, I cannot say how grieved I was to receive your communication. I fear I shall be unable to see you until Thursday evening, when you and your friends, Lady M’Adam and Miss Scheimes, have kindly promised to come to me.