“A letter to Lady Augusta?” repeated Bramleigh, dwelling on each word, as though by the effort he could recall to his mind something that had escaped him. “I mean, sir, with reference to this appointment,--the chaplaincy,” interposed L'Estrange; for he was offended at the hesitation, which he thought implied reluctance or disinclination on Colonel Bramleigh's part, and he hastened to show that it was not any claim he was preferring to her ladyship's acquaintance, but simply his desire to obtain her interest in his behalf. “Influence! influence!” repeated Bramleigh to himself. “I have no doubt she has influence; such persons generally have. It is one of the baits that catch them. This little glimpse of power has a marvellous attraction--and these churchmen know so well how to display all their seductive arts before the eager eyes of the newly won convert. Yes, I am sure you are right, sir; Lady Augusta is one most likely to have influence--you shall have the letter you wish for. I do not say I will write it to-day, for I have a heavy press of correspondence before me; but if you will come up to-morrow, by luncheon time, or to dinner--why not dine here?” “I think I 'd rather come up early, sir.” “Well, then, early be it. I 'll have the letter for you. I wish I could remember something I know I had to say to you. What was it? What was it? Nothing of much consequence, perhaps; but still I feel as if--eh--don't you feel so too?” “I have not the slightest clew, sir, to what you mean.” “It wasn't about the mine,--no. I think you see your way _there_ clearly enough. It may be a good thing, or it may not. Cutbill is like the rest of them; not a greater rogue, perhaps, nor need he be. They _are_ such shrewd fellows; and as the money is your sister's,--trust money, too,--I declare, I'd be cautious.” L'Estrange mumbled some words of assent; he saw that Bramleigh's manner betokened exhaustion and weariness, and he was eager to be gone. “Till to-morrow, then, sir,” said he, moving to the door. “You 'll not dine with us? I think you might, though,” muttered Bramleigh, half to himself. “I'm sure Culduff would make no show of awkwardness, nor would your sister, either--women never do. But do just what you like; my head is aching so, I believe I must lie down for an hour or two. Do you pass Belton's?” “I could without any inconvenience. Do you want him?” “I fancy I 'd do well to see him; he said something of cupping me the last day he was here,--would you mind telling him to give me a call?” “May I come up in the evening, sir, and see how you are?”