This he sealed in an envelope, and walked to the village to post it himself. After two days' rending agony and suspense, he received the following reply:-- "Chitworth College, Berks. "Dear Sir John, "I am very sorry to inform you that, owing to a grave despondency which of late troubled Oscar Otwell, one of my able and talented assistants, I was compelled, though reluctantly, to allow him either one month's leave of absence or six weeks' if he so desired, in order to recruit him somewhat. I strongly advised him to seek a change of air, which I believe he did. I myself, on receipt of your note, visited his lodgings to ascertain from his landlady when he was likely to return. She informs me she has never heard from him since he left, and cannot give the least clue as to his present quarters. She adds that he took all his belongings with him.--Trusting you enjoy good health. "Believe me, "Very sincerely yours, "D. O'SULLIVAN, Pres." "Merciful Father!" exclaimed Sir John, as he finished reading the President's note, which he laid on the table. "God strengthen me to bear this un-Christian-like calamity. Oh, my son, my son! What disgrace shall this not bring upon you, my child, my all!" Pacing the floor in profound agony, Sir John rang for his housekeeper to convey the tidings he had just received. Rachel suspected this beforehand, but dare not even hint at such a thing to him, who had already enough to bear. Speaking in terms which shewed manifest symptoms of sorrow, combined with rage and perplexity, he ordered her for ever from his service. "You," said he, "are solely to blame. Of this I am positively convinced, and through that door march, as I never wish again to set eyes on such a worthless woman." Here Rachel, who was grievously affected, passed for ever from the presence of him who dared to be questioned. Next of all, he ordered the footman, Tom Hepworth, into his room. "You," said he, "are well aware of my present calamity, and might I ask of you how my wife and Marjory Mason effected their escape from below? Had you not the hall doors locked and likewise all the others?" Replying in the affirmative, the footman shook like a poplar, knowing well that instead of having in his room during the hours of repose all the keys of the various doors which led to the outside, he allowed them to remain where they were during the day. "Had you all those keys in your own room at night, according to my orders since Lady Dunfern was obliged to be dealt with in the manner already described?" demanded Sir John angrily. The honest-hearted footman, being trapped, frankly acknowledged he had not. "Go, then," said his master "and seek employment elsewhere. You are no longer fit to be here. You have neglected to carry out my orders, therefore you must go." So saying, the sturdy footman bowed and retired.