“Then there is one more cause for anxiety added to the rest of my troubles, that is all. Ah me, how foolishly I used to fret myself in days when there was no cause! Perhaps he never got the telegraph, and not understanding why the letter came to him, has transmitted it back to--to the person to whom it was addressed.--Mary, you had better presently run over to the _Lisgard Arms_, and see to that. Steve will give it up, if you explain to him that it is your handwriting. Tell him, if necessary, that I promise him he shall not lose the inn. I must have that letter. Mr Arthur could not possibly know the London address of--of that person, could he?” “Very likely, my Lady, yes--at least, I don't know.” “Mary!” “I beg your pardon, madam,” replied the waiting-maid, starting like one aroused from a dream. “I was not thinking what I said; I was thinking of something else.” “I think you might give me your attention, Mary,” returned my Lady sighing: “you cannot be thinking of anything so momentous as this matter, which involves sorrow, shame, and perchance utter ruin.” “Alas! but I can, my Lady,” answered the other gravely; “and I am doing it. There has something happened worse than anything you can guess at. Master Walter”---- “Great Heaven! has any accident happened to my boy? I saw him hut an hour ago; he came into my room, dear fellow, to bid me good-bye before he started for the station. The young horse was in the dog-cart----” “Mary, Mary, do not--do not tell me that my Walter is killed!” “He is quite well, my Lady, so far as I know--quite well in health.” “Thank Heaven for that! Bless you for that, Mary! Why did you frighten me so, if there is nothing the matter?” “There is something the matter, my Lady. Pray, command yourself; you will have need of all your fortitude. I would never tell it you--burdened as you are already--only you must know it; _you_, above all, and no one else, if we can help it.” “More secrets! more deception, Mary! Spare me, if you can, dear friend; I am sorely tried already.” “I cannot spare you, my Lady, or I would do so, Heaven knows; nay, I would almost take the shame upon my own shoulders, if that might shield you from the sorrow it must needs bring with it. Miss Letty”---- “It is not fit that Shame and my daughter should be mentioned in the same breath,” replied my Lady, rising, and speaking with dignity. “Do not continue; I forbid you to speak. What you were going to say is false, and I will not listen.” “It is true, my Lady--true as that the sun is shining now. Of course, Miss Letty has nothing to do with it; but it was through her I learned it.” “Does she _know_ it, then?” asked my Lady sternly.