"There are letters and letters," Mrs. Neligage observed with a smile. "When Mrs. Harbinger gave me this one last night I began to see that it might be good for something. You are to exchange this with the Count. You needn't mention May's name." Jack took the letter, and looked at it. "This is to Barnstable," he said. "Yes; he gave it to Letty to be shown to people. Barnstable is the silliest fool that there is about." "And you think the Count would give up that letter for this?" "I am sure he would if he thought there was any possibility that this might fall into the hands of Miss Wentstile." "If it would send the damned adventurer about his business," growled Jack, "I'd give it to Miss Wentstile myself." "Oh, don't bother about that. I can stop that affair any time," his mother responded lightly. "I've only to tell Sarah Wentstile what I've seen myself, and that ends his business with her." "Then you'd better do it, and stop his tormenting Alice." "I'll do anything you like, Jack, if you'll be nice about May." He got up from his seat and walked back and forth a few turns, his head bowed, and his manner that of deep thought. Then he went to his desk and wrote a couple of notes. He read them over carefully, and filled out a check. He lit a cigarette, and sat pondering over the notes for some moments. At last he brought them both to his mother, who had sat watching him intently, although she had turned her face half away from him. Jack put the letters into her hand without a word. The first note was as follows:-- DEAR MAY,--My mother has just brought me your note, and I am going out at once to find the Count. I hope to bring you the letter before night. I need not tell you that I am very proud of the confidence you have shown in me and of the honor you do me. Until I see you it will, it seems to me, be better that you do not speak of our engagement. Very sincerely yours, JOHN T. NELIGAGE. The second note was this:-- SIBLEY LANGDON, ESQ. _Sir_,--I have just heard from my mother that she is indebted to you for a loan of $6000. I inclose check for that amount with interest at four per cent. As Mrs. Neligage has doubtless expressed her gratitude for your kindness I do not know that it is necessary for me to add anything. JOHN T. NELIGAGE. "You are right, of course," he said. "I can't show him that I know his beastly scheme without a scandal that would hurt you. He'll understand, though. But why in the world you've let him browbeat you into receiving his attentions I cannot see." "I felt so helpless, Jack. I didn't know what he would do; and he could tell about the necklace, you see. He's been a millstone round my neck. He's never willing I should do anything with anybody but himself." Jack ground his teeth, and held out his hand for the letters. "But, Jack," Mrs. Neligage cried, as if the thought had just struck her. "You can't have $6000 in the bank."