Claudia opened her writing desk; but paused long, pen in hand, reflecting how she had better write this letter. If she should tell her father at once of all the horror of her position the sudden news might throw him into a fit of apoplexy and kill him instantly. And on the other hand, if she were to conceal all this and merely write him a pressing invitation to come over immediately, he might take his time over it. Speed Claudia felt to be of the utmost importance to her cause. So, after due reflection, she dipped her pen in ink, and commenced as follows: "Castle Cragg, near Banff, Buchan, Scotland. "My Dearest Father: We are all in good health; therefore do not be alarmed, even though I earnestly implore you to drop everything that you may have in hand, and come over to me immediately, by the very first steamer that sails after your receipt of this letter. Father, you will comply with my entreaty when I inform you that I have been deceived and betrayed by him who swore to protect and cherish me. My life and honor are both imperiled. I will undertake to guard both for a month, until you come. But come at once to your wronged, though "Loving child, "Claudia." She sealed the letter very carefully, directed it, and gave it into the hands of her old servant, saying: "Katie, listen to every word I say, and obey to the very letter. Take this downstairs and give it to Jim privately. Let no one see, or hear, or even suspect what you are doing. Tell him to steal out carefully from the castle and walk to the nearest roadside inn, and hire a horse and ride to Banff, and mail this letter there; and then come back and report progress to you. Now, Katie, do you understand what you have got to do?" "Yes, Miss Claudia." "Repeat it to me, then." Katie rehearsed her instructions. "That will do. Hurry now and obey them." When Katie had gone Lady Vincent closed her writing desk, threw herself back in her chair, covered her face with her hands, and wept. She was startled by the entrance of Lord Vincent. She hastily dried her eyes, and shifted her position so that her back was to the light and her face in deep shadow. "You are sitting up late, my lady. I should think you would be tired after your long journey," he said, as he took another armchair and seated himself opposite to her. "I was just thinking of retiring," answered Claudia, putting severe constraint upon herself. "But since I find you sitting up, if it will not fatigue you too much, I will answer some questions you asked me concerning Mrs. Dugald," said his lordship. "Yes?" said Claudia, scarcely able to breathe the single syllable. "Yes. You inquired of me who she was. I told you she was my sister. You did not believe me; but you should have done so, for I told you the truth. She is my sister."