"I fancy this will be as disagreeable to you as it is to me. The poor child is in a sad state, much disposed, I fear, to regard me as her ruthless enemy, and like to fall ill if she be kept long in idle suspense. Do you think it worth while to come to Naples? It is very annoying that your time should be wasted by foolish children. I had given Cecily credit for more sense. For my own part, I cannot think with patience of her marrying Mr. Elgar; or rather, I cannot think of it without dread. We must save her from becoming wise through bitter sorrow, if it can in any way be managed. I hope and trust that nothing may happen to prevent your receiving this letter to-morrow, for I am very uneasy, and not likely to become less so as time goes on. "Believe me, dear Mr. Mallard, "Sincerely yours, "EDITH LESSINGHAM." At seven o'clock in the evening, Mallard was in Naples. He did not go to Casa Rolandi, but took a room in one of the musty hotels which overlook the port. When he felt sure that Mrs. Gluck's guests must have dined, he presented himself at the house and sent his name to Mrs. Lessingham. She took his hand with warm welcome. "Thank you for coming so promptly. I have been getting into such a state of nervousness. Cecily keeps her room, and looks ill; I have several times been on the point of sending for the doctor, though it seemed absurd." Mallard seated himself without invitation; indeed, he had a difficulty in standing. "Hasn't she been out to-day?" he asked, in a voice which might have signified selfish indifference. "Nor yesterday. Mrs. Spence was here this morning, but Cecily would not see her. I made excuses, and of course said nothing of what was going on. I asked the child if she would like to see Mrs. Baske, but she refused." Mallard sat as if he had nothing to say, looking vaguely about the room. "Have you heard from Mr. Elgar?" Mrs. Lessingham inquired. "No. I know nothing about him. I haven't been to Casa Rolandi, lest I should meet him. It was better to see you first." "You were not prepared for this news?" "His failure to return made me speculate, of course. I suppose they have met several times at Mrs. Baske's?" "That at once occurred to me, but Cecily assures me that is not so. There is a mystery. I have no idea how they saw each other privately at Pompeii on Monday. But, between ourselves, Mr. Mallard, I can't help suspecting that he had learnt from his sister the particulars of the excursion." "You think it not impossible that Mrs. Baske connived at their meeting in that way?" "One doesn't like to use words of that kind, but--" "I suppose one must use the word that expresses one's meaning," said Mallard, bluntly. "But I didn't think Mrs. Baske was likely to aid her brother for such a purpose. Have you any reason to think the contrary?" "None that would carry any weight." Mallard paused; then, with a restless movement on his chair exclaimed: