‘I am unable to tell you my own feelings on this matter, as I have not yet had time to realise them even to myself. The surprise is too sudden—the disappointment I experience in you too keen. I am quite aware that many men keep stage-artistes for their own amusement in hours of leisure, but I do not think they are accustomed to do so on their wives’ earnings. It would be inexpressibly painful to me to have to talk this over with you; it is a subject I could not possibly discuss. I therefore deem it best to leave you for a few days in order that we may both, apart from one another, have leisure in which to consider our positions and arrange what is best to do for the future. In order to save all unnecessary gossip and scandal, I shall return to town in time for Lady Dexter’s “crush,” to which we are both especially invited. I am going to Broadstairs, and will telegraph my address on arrival. ‘DELICIA VAUGHAN.’ When she had written all she had to say, she placed the letter in an envelope, addressed it, and, calling Robson, bade him deliver it to his master directly he returned. Robson glanced at her deferentially, wondering within himself at the extreme pallor of her face and feverish brightness of her eyes. ‘His lordship said he would probably not return to-night,’ he ventured to observe. Delicia started slightly, but quickly controlled herself. ‘Did he? Well, whenever he does return, give him that letter.’ ‘Yes, my lady.’ He withdrew, and Delicia went quietly upstairs to her bedroom and summoned her maid. ‘I am going down to the sea for a few days, Emily,’ she said; ‘to Broadstairs. Just put my things together, and be ready yourself by ten o’clock to-morrow morning.’ Emily, a bright-looking young woman, who had none of the airs and graces about her which are too frequently assumed by ladies’ maids, and who, moreover, had the further recommendation of being devotedly attached to her mistress, received her instructions with her usual pleased readiness, and set about loosening her lady’s hair for the night. As she unwound the glistening mass and let it fall, Delicia suddenly started up with a smothered cry of pain. ‘Oh, my lady, what is it?’ exclaimed Emily, startled. Delicia stood trembling and looking at her. ‘Nothing, nothing,’ she faltered at last, faintly forcing a smile. ‘I have just found out something, that is all—something I did not quite understand before. I understand it now—I understand—my God, I understand! There, Emily, don’t look so frightened. I am not ill; I am only a little tired and puzzled. You can go now; I would rather be alone. Be sure you call me in good time for the train, and have everything packed in readiness. I shall take Spartan with me.’ ‘Yes, my lady,’ stammered Emily, still looking a trifle scared. ‘Are you sure you are not ill? Can’t I do anything for you?’ ‘No, nothing,’ answered Delicia, gently. ‘Go to bed, Emily, and get up early, that’s all. Good-night!’