"Dear Annie," it ran, "I promised to let you know if your uncle was worse and if your presence here was a necessity. I grieve to say that it is; he is very far from well, and the doctor is in constant attendance. Your uncle does not know that I am writing this letter; but then, I am sorry to tell you that he has not often known during the last few days what is passing around him. He is quite confined to his bed, and lives, I believe, in a sort of dream. In that dream he is always talking of you. He often imagines that you come into the room, and over and over he begs that you will hold his hand. There is not the least doubt that he is pining for you very much, and it is your absolute duty to return to him at once. I hope this letter will be forwarded from the Grand Hotel in Paris, as you have forgotten, my dear Annie, to give us any further address. I am, therefore, forced to send it there. If you will send me a wire on receipt of this, I will manage to meet you in London; and in case you happen to want money for your return journey-- which seems scarcely likely--I am enclosing two five-pound notes for the purpose. Do not delay to come, for there is imminent danger, and in any case your place is by the dear old man's bedside.--I am, dear Annie, your affectionate cousin, John Saxon." Annie had barely read this letter and crushed it with its precious two five-pound notes into her pocket before Lady Lushington and Mabel made their appearance. Mabel looked rather white and worried. Lady Lushington, on the contrary, was in a good-humour, and seemed to have forgotten her vexation of the previous day; but Annie's scarlet face and perturbed manner could not but attract the good lady's attention. "What is the matter, Miss Brooke? Is anything troubling you?" "Oh no; at least, not much," said Annie. She reflected for a minute, wondering what she could safely say. "The fact is, Uncle Maurice--the dear old uncle with whom I live--is not quite well. He is a little poorly, and confined to bed." "Then you would, of course, like to return to him," said Lady Lushington, speaking quickly and with decision. "Oh," said Annie hastily and scalding herself with hot coffee as she spoke, "that is the very last thing Uncle Maurice wishes. It is quite a passing indisposition, and he is so glad that I am here enjoying my good time. I will wire, dear Lady Lushington, if you will permit me, after breakfast, and give my uncle and the cousin who is with him our address at Zermatt. Then if there should be the slightest danger I can go to him immediately, can I not?" "Of course, child," said Lady Lushington, helping herself to some toast; "but I should imagine that if he were ill your place now would be at his bedside." "Oh, but it would distress him most awfully--that is, of course, unless you wish to get rid of me--" "You know we don't wish that, Annie," said Mabel.