“I know you will forgive me, or rather see that I do not need pardon for rescuing my sister. Anywhere in England she would be in danger of being reclaimed to worse than death. Dolores will tell you all the situation, and I will send a letter as soon as we arrive at New York. No time for more, except that I am as much as ever “Your own, my Cherie’s own, “GERALD.” There followed directions how to send letters to him through the office of the ‘Censor’. Then she opened, written on the same day, a letter from Dolores Mohun, sent in obedience to his telegram, when he found that time for details failed him. It began-- “DEAR MRS. GRINSTEAD, “I know you will be shocked and grieved at the step that your nephew has taken, but when you understand the circumstances, I think you will see that it was unavoidable for one of so generous and self-sacrificing a nature. I may add, that my aunt Lily is much touched, and thoroughly approves, and my uncle Jasper says imprudence is better than selfishness.” After this little preamble ensued a full and sensible account of Ludmilla’s situation and sufferings at the circus, and the history of her escape, demonstrating (to the writer’s own satisfaction) that there was no other means of securing the poor child. Of course the blow to Geraldine was a terrible one. “We have lost him,” she said. “That does not follow,” said Clement. “It is quite plain that he does not mean to cut himself off from us, and America is not out of reach.” “It is just the restless impatience that you warned him against. As if he could not have taken her to the Hendersons.” “She would not have been safe there, unless acts of cruelty could have been proved.” “Or to us, out here.” “My dear Cherry, imagine his sudden arrival with such an appendage! I really think the boy has acted for the best.” “Giving up Oxford too!” “That can be resumed.” “And most likely that wretched little girl will run off in a month’s time. It is in the blood.” “Come, come, Cherry. I can’t have you in this uncharitable mood.” “Then I mustn’t say what I think of that Dolores abetting him.” “No, I like her letter.”