"You will see that I am being frank with you as regards the circumstances. I refrain only from the mention of names and places. I am fully aware that, by so doing, I put it out of your power to verify any part of my story. But what can I do? My uncle is furious at having paid down a large sum for my sister's training, only to lose her. He will leave no stone unturned to recapture her. He has set detectives upon our track, though he has not allowed the newspapers to make our flight known. I cannot even give you the address of the school at which my sister was educated, as this is the first place in which my uncle would make inquiries; and the lady-principal might think it her duty to answer them, should you let her know where we are. "My uncle is my sister's legal guardian until she comes of age. Any court of law would, on his application, restore her to his care, unless we could adduce satisfactory proof of his brutality, which would be very difficult. "I hope you will see that there are strong reasons for my reticence. Nevertheless, on reading this over, I feel that it is very likely that you may, even if you believe what I say, wish to disembarrass yourself of a charge who might quite possibly prove a difficulty should her guardian discover her place of refuge. "But I am perfectly determined that, whatever happens, she shall not go back to a life she justly loathes--a life in which she would be ruined, body and soul. Should you decide not to keep her, I will fetch her away, take her abroad with me, and manage as best I can for her. "I will add no more to a letter already long enough to need apology. Accept, then, madam, my profound thanks, and my assurance that, however you decide, I consider myself deeply your debtor. If you feel that you do not care to accept further responsibility in the matter, please let me know at once, as I must then make arrangements to fetch my sister.--I am, madam, your grateful and obliged servant, "DAVID SMITH. "P.S.--With the exception of the uncle in question, we have no relations." CHAPTER XIII THE FINISHED PRODUCT But on a day whereof I think One shall dip his hand to drink In that still water of thy soul, And its imaged tremors race Over thy joy-troubled face... From the hovering wing of Love The warm stain shall flit roseal on thy cheek. --FRANCIS THOMPSON. Summer sunshine lay broad and calm upon the lawns at Normansgrave. Over all brooded that peace and well-being, that calm which is like the hum of well-oiled machinery, or the sleeping of a top which, nevertheless, spins on in the apparent repose. It is pre-eminently a characteristic of English country life, this regulated prosperity, the result of long centuries of experiment, issuing in perfect achievement. In England we have thoroughly acquired the art of domestic comfort. And we have the means to carry our knowledge into effect.