unter
enlivened by merry jokes and laughter. The lanes were fragrant as
ever, the air was full of larks and sunshine, but the cloud had risen
and overshadowed them, and Graeme guessed why Charles had come. There
was something he wanted to discuss with them alone, out of the hearing
of his mother and Lady Elspeth.

He was not surprised--when they had scrambled down into Port du
Moulin, and had passed through the arch, and were sitting on the rocks
above the first of the sea-gardens,--when Charles said, "There's
something I want to consult you about, and I couldn't do it at the
house, as I want it kept to ourselves. I got this, this morning. Will
you read it?" and he handed Graeme a letter. Graeme opened it and read
it out.

"99A HIGH STREET, ALDERNEY.

"MY DEAR CHARLES,--I will not at the moment attempt any
explanation of the calamity which has befallen our house. If you
knew all, you would not blame me as I fear you must be doing. Let
me say, however, that I have every reason to hope that in course
of time I may be able to redeem the position by making good all
deficiencies and so clearing our name of reproach. To do so, I
must get away--to Spain in the first instance, and for that I
need your assistance. The end came unexpectedly and took me
unawares, and I am almost penniless here. In asking your help, I
do so the more confidently as, in the path I have indicated, lies
the only hope of redemption. In assisting me you will not only be
doing what a prosperous son might reasonably be expected to do
for his father in his day of misfortune, but you will be acting
for the general weal in putting me into a position to make good
what I have all unwittingly become responsible for, and to that
sacred end the remainder of my life shall be most solemnly
dedicated.

"I came here from Cherbourg, and am for the moment safe from
oversight. As soon as you place me in position to do so, I shall
get away and begin my new life-work, which I am earnestly
desirous of doing at the earliest possible moment.

"Address me as above--Revd. J. Peace.

"Your affectionate FATHER."

Graeme kept the humorous wrinkles about his eyes and mouth in order
with difficulty as he read this very characteristic effusion, but
Margaret was the only one who saw it. Charles had kept his eyes
intently on the pool below, and Miss Penny had been regarding him
sympathetically.

"Wha