“Put it in an envelope and address it. And now, where are you to find Harding, or whoever you mean to take with you?” “That's easy enough; they 'll be at supper at the Club by this time. I'll go in at once. But the money?” “Here it is. I have not counted it; he gave me the pocket-book as you see.” “There's more than he said. There are two hundred and eighty-five pounds. He must be in funds.” “Don't lose time. It is very late already,--nigh two o'clock; these men will have left the Club, possibly?” “No, no; they play on till daybreak. I suppose I'd better put my traps in a portmanteau at once, and not require to come back here.” “I 'll do all that for you.” “How amiable a wife can be at the mere prospect of getting rid of her husband!” “You will send me a telegram?” “Very likely. Good-bye. Adieu.” “_Adieu et bonne chance_,” said she, gayly. “That means a good aim, I suppose,” said he, laughing. She nodded pleasantly, kissed her hand to him, and he was gone. CHAPTER XXIV. A MOMENT OF CONFIDENCE Mrs. Sewell's maid made two ineffectual efforts to awaken her mistress on the following morning, for agitation had drugged her like a narcotic, and she slept the dull, heavy sleep of one overpowered by opium. “Why, Jane, it is nigh twelve o'clock,” said she, looking at her watch. “Why did you let me sleep so late?” “Indeed, ma'am, I did my best to rouse you. I opened the shutters, and I splashed the water into your bath, and made noise enough, I 'm sure, but you did n't mind it all; and I brought up the doctor to see if there was anything the matter with you, and he felt your pulse, and put his hand on your heart, and said, No, it was just overfatigue; that you had been sitting up too much of late, and hadn't strength for it.” “Where 's Colonel Sewell?” asked she, hurriedly. “He's gone off to the country, ma'am; leastways, he went away early this morning, and George thinks it was to Killaloe.” “Is Dr. Beattie here?” “Yes, ma'am; they all breakfasted with the children at nine o'clock.” “Whom do you mean by all?” “Mr. Lendrick, ma'am, and Miss Lucy. I hear as how they are coming back to live here. They were up all the morning in his Lordship's room, and there was much laughing, as if it was a wedding.” “Whose wedding? What were you saying about a wedding?” “Nothing, ma'am; only that they were as merry,--that's all.” “Sir William must be better, then?”