"A simple letter," he said, very gravely, "in which the happiness of an honest gentleman's life is enclosed. There! Do not tremble. I am not going to say anything more serious just now, but said it must be soon, Emilia, and then I shall know what the future will be for me. And even if I were dumb and that letter was never recovered, another can be written which shall reach its destination. Why do you stop? Oh, yes, you wish me to say good-by here. Well, good-by, Emilia!" "Good-by, Mr. Paget." "Will you not call me Gerald? Such a little word, Emilia!" She fled; but not before she had given him a sweet and timid look which caused his heart to throb with hope, as it was already throbbing with love. CHAPTER XXIV. SLANDER. Later in the day Mrs. Seaton was informed that a gentleman was waiting to see her. Entering the room she saw Gerald Paget. She received him as usual with a frown, of which he took no notice. By this time he was hardened to the coldness of her receptions of him. Besides, he had prepared himself for the interview, and knew pretty well what he intended to say to her. "I thought, Mr. Paget," she said, "that I had made you understand it is not my wish to encourage your visits to any of my servants." "I did not inquire for any of your servants," he said, very politely, "but for you." "What have you to say to me?" "Something to the point--presently. First, however, I must correct you in a misconception into which you appear to have fallen. My visits to this house have been quite open, and have not been made to a servant." "Indeed! To whom, then?" "To a lady who accepted the position of governess to your children. It is not usual to call these gentlewomen servants." "I decline," said Mrs. Seaton, "to enter into any argument with you on the point. I know the exact position of persons in my employ and the proper titles to give them. You are a young man, and have much to learn." "I am aware of it, Mrs. Seaton; you, also, have something to learn. But I would impress strongly upon you the fact that Miss Braham is a lady, and--your equal." "By no means--but I shall not argue. Oblige me by coming at once to the purport of your visit to me." "The purport is a grave one, Mrs. Seaton, and I shall be sorry if the result is not satisfactory to you. A few days ago I addressed a letter to Miss Braham, which has not reached her hands." "What has that to do with me?" Mrs. Seaton asked this question without flinching. She had received the letter, read it, and if she had any fear of consequences she did not show it. Her manner was rather scornful than guilty. "A great deal I should say," replied Gerald. "It is no light matter to purloin a letter addressed to another person." "Purloin, sir!" "That is the word I have used, and intended to use. I wish to know what you have done with that letter?" "I have done nothing with it. No such letter was ever left at this house to my knowledge."