Blood tore it open, and read it. His eye sparkled with fire, and his handsome features twitched as he perused its contents, which ran as follows:— “SIR,—Our first meeting, I fear, has caused much uneasiness and unhappiness to both. “But, notwithstanding your constant letters and frequent visits to Darlington, I fear that your intentions cannot be so disinterested towards me as your eloquent notes would have me believe. “This thought has often occurred to my mind since I first imprudently met you, and is more and more confirmed by the fact that you impress upon me the necessity of keeping our correspondence a secret from my dear old father, which no person, having honourable intentions, would ever propose to a simple country girl. “As a last favour I beg that you will no more insult me with your proposals of eloping from my father’s roof, or ever again presume to throw yourself purposely in my path to pour poisonous councils into my ears. “In fine, sir, I fear I have too long been the dupe of your designs, and until, as a virtuous girl, I can sign my name on the marriage register of the village church, I will never leave my father’s home, even should I love the man ever so much who bade me act otherwise. “Your humble servant, “ELLEN HARMER.” “Clever as she’s pretty; but quick and sharp as a needle,” thought Blood. “So much the better for King Charles.” “Did you miss the old man as usual?” asked Blood. “No, sir; for once he caught me,” said the servant, with a very rueful face. “Then you had an adventure. What said he to you?” “‘Oh! it’s you, is it? Here again, eh, and always when I’m out,’ says he, flourishing his walking, stick, and then he shouted to the dogs, ‘On to him Rover! give it him, Spot! hold tight, Jip!’ and all the while he was laying on to me with his thick stick without mercy. “Quite a pleasant affair,” said Blood, with a smile. “Yes, sir, to think about; but not very agreeable if you have to go through it.” “Well, well, I don’t wonder why old Harmer takes so much care of her, for she’s one of the daintiest little maidens that ever trod the earth,” said Blood. “No matter, if he had her locked up in a castle it would be all the same, she must be the king’s. To-night is the last time she’ll sleep under her father’s roof. Come, Jonas,” for such was his shivering servant’s name; “go change your clothes, and have a stiff glass of brandy, I shall want you about midnight to go to the miller’s house with me.” “Again to-night, sir?” gasped Jonas. “Why, only you look here,” and as he turned round he exhibited to his master the seat of his trousers, his cloak, and other parts of his attire all in ribands. “Never mind, Jonas, you always had a reputation for courage; here’s a guinea for you. Go, prepare yourself.” Midnight was passed, and at an appointed time Jonas met his master, and both proceeded towards the miller’s.