23 SOUTHWICK CRESCENT, W., _October_ 14, 1906. Dear Robin--In furious haste, am just off and have really no time for anything. I am more sorry than I can say to hear your news. I must confess that I had feared something of the kind; matters seemed working to a climax when I was with you. As to advice, it is almost impossible; I really don't know what to say, it is so hard for me to judge of all the circumstances. But it seems to me that your father can have had no warrant for the course that he took. One is naturally chary of delivering judgment in such a case, but it was, obviously, his duty to adapt himself to his environment. He cannot blame you for reminding him of that fact. Out of loyalty to your aunt, I do not see that you can do anything until he has apologised. But I will think of the matter further, and will write to you from abroad.--In great haste, your friend, LANCELOT RANDAL. "THE FLUTES," PENDRAGON, CORNWALL, _October_ 13, 1906. Dear Miss Feverel--I must apologise for forcing you to realise once more my existence. Any reminder must necessarily be painful after our last meeting, but I am writing this to request the return of all other reminders of our acquaintance that you may happen to possess; I enclose the locket, the ring, your letters, and the tie that you worked. We discussed this matter the other day, but I cannot believe that you will still hold to a determination that can serve no purpose, except perhaps to embitter feelings on both sides. From what I have known of you I cannot believe that you are indulging motives of revenge--but, otherwise, I must confess that I am at a loss.--Expecting to receive the letters by return, I am, yours truly, ROBERT TROJAN. 9 SEA VIEW TERRACE, PENDRAGON, CORNWALL, _October_ 14, 1906. Dear Mr. Trojan--Thank you for the locket, the ring, and the letters which I have received. I regret that I must decline to part with the letters; surely it is not strange that I should wish to keep them.--Yours truly, DAHLIA FEVEREL. "THE FLUTES," _October_ 15, 1906. What do you mean? You have no right to them. They are mine. I wrote them. You serve no purpose by keeping them. Please return them at once--by return. I have done nothing to deserve this. Unless you return them, I shall know that you are merely an intriguing--; no, I don't mean that. Please send them back. Suppose they should be seen?--In haste, R. T. 9 SEA VIEW TERRACE, PENDRAGON, CORNWALL, _October_ 15, 1906. My decision is unalterable. D. F. But Dahlia sat in the dreary little drawing-room watching the grey sea with a white face and hard, staring eyes. She had sat there all day. She thought that soon she would go mad. She had not slept since her last meeting with Robin; she had scarcely eaten--she was too tired to think.