Shrewd Mrs. Ellmother suggested that it might be as well to read the letter first--and then to form an opinion. Emily read it. “Lasswade, near Edinburgh, Sept. 26th. “HONORED MISS--I take up my pen to bespeak your kind sympathy for my husband and myself; two old people thrown on the world again by the death of our excellent master. We are under a month’s notice to leave Redwood Hall. “Hearing of a situation at this place (also that our expenses would be paid if we applied personally), we got leave of absence, and made our application. The lady and her son are either the stingiest people that ever lived--or they have taken a dislike to me and my husband, and they make money a means of getting rid of us easily. Suffice it to say that we have refused to accept starvation wages, and that we are still out of place. It is just possible that you may have heard of something to suit us. So I write at once, knowing that good chances are often lost through needless delay. “We stop at Belford on our way back, to see some friends of my husband, and we hope to get to Redwood Hall in good time on the 28th. Would you please address me to care of Miss Redwood, in case you know of any good situation for which we could apply. Perhaps we may be driven to try our luck in London. In this case, will you permit me to have the honor of presenting my respects, as I ventured to propose when I wrote to you a little time since. “I beg to remain, Honored Miss, “Your humble servant, “R. ROOK.” Emily handed the letter to Mrs. Ellmother. “Read it,” she said, “and tell me what you think.” “I think you had better be careful.” “Careful of Mrs. Rook?” “Yes--and careful of Mrs. Delvin too.” Emily was astonished. “Are you really speaking seriously?” she said. “Mrs. Delvin is a most interesting person; so patient under her sufferings; so kind, so clever; so interested in all that interests _me_. I shall take the letter to her at once, and ask her advice.” “Have your own way, miss. I can’t tell you why--but I don’t like her!” Mrs. Delvin’s devotion to the interests of her guest took even Emily by surprise. After reading Mrs. Rook’s letter, she rang the bell on her table in a frenzy of impatience. “My brother must be instantly recalled,” she said. “Telegraph to him in your own name, telling him what has happened. He will find the message waiting for him, at the end of his journey.” The groom, summoned by the bell, was ordered to saddle the third and last horse left in the stables; to take the telegram to Belford, and to wait there until the answer arrived. “How far is it to Redwood Hall?” Emily asked, when the man had received his orders. “Ten miles,” Mrs. Delvin answered. “How can I get there to-day?” “My dear, you can’t get there.” “Pardon me, Mrs. Delvin, I must get there.” “Pardon _me_. My brother represents you in this matter. Leave it to my brother.”