"Certainly not, Mr. Ormsby. You are merely one more victim to the force of circumstances. You have already admitted that pecuniarily your position is not a very flourishing one. Of course, you have your regimental pay, but am I right in assuming that outside that your income is--what shall I call it?" "Call it strictly limited, Mrs. Jenwyn, and then you will be absolutely right," replied Guy, with a little jarring laugh. "In point of fact, as you have seen fit to tell me so much, I don't mind admitting to you that I haven't even my regimental pay to fall back upon. In other words, I've thrown up my commission, and am now a private gentleman at large, with empty pockets, and a hankering after the fleshpots of Egypt which I have no longer the means of gratifying." "That must be a very uncomfortable state of affairs for you." "It is; it is." "Well, now, I have a certain proposition to make to you," said Mrs. Jenwyn. Guy pricked up his ears and became all attention. "In the first place, you shall give me your solemn promise never to reveal to any one the secret which I have just confided to your keeping; and, in the second place, you shall write Anna a couple of notes which I will dictate to you. That is all. In return, if you care to accept of a little present of a hundred pounds, you will be very welcome to it." "If I care to accept it! My dear--my very dear--Mrs. Jenwyn! In the present state of my finances a hundred pounds will be like---- But never mind that. I am yours to command. There are writing materials on the side table, so that----" "I am quite ready, Mr. Ormsby." The first note, dictated by Mrs. Jenwyn and written by Guy, ran thus: Dearest: I have just been telegraphed for on account of my brother's illness, and must leave here at once. I will write you at greater length as soon as possible. Meanwhile, believe me, Devotedly yours, G. O. It was arranged that this note should be delivered to Anna by messenger next morning, after she and Fanny should have left the house for their usual forenoon ramble. The second note read as follows: Dear Miss Drelincourt: After what occurred between us at our last few meetings on the sands of Carthew Bay, you probably think it due to you that I should have written you before now; and, indeed, my omission to do so would have been unpardonable had not my silence been dictated by certain considerations which I have found it impossible to ignore. Into the nature of those considerations I have no wish to enter, nor would it, perhaps, be desirable that I should do so. It will be enough to state, in as few words as possible, to what conclusion they have gradually but surely led me. It is to this: That, unwittingly and unthinkingly, and as one walking blindfold, I have been guilty of the most deplorable mistake of my life.