arest, dearest Nan, don't be angry. By the time you get this Jack
and I will be married. It is all for the best, dear Nan; and you will
pacify them; and it is no use following us; for we shall be in France
until it is all smoothed down. Not a single bridesmaid--we
daren't--but what wouldn't I do for Jack's sake? It is time I did
something to make up for all he has suffered--he was looking so ill--in
another month he would have _died_. He worships me. You never saw
anything like it. Jack has just come back; so good-bye; from your
loving, loving sister, MARGARET HANBURY.--Do you know who that is, Nan?'

Nan, not a little frightened, took the letter to her brother, and gave
it him without a word. But Mr. Tom's rage was at once prompt and
voluble. That she should have disgraced the family--for, of course,
the whole thing would be in the papers! That she should have cheated
and jilted his most particular friend! But as for this fellow
Hanbury----

'I said it all along. I told you what would come of it! I knew that
fellow was haunting her like a shadow. Well, we'll see how a shadow
likes being locked up on bread and water. Oh, it's no use your
protesting, Nan; I will let the law take its course. We'll see how he
likes that. "Stone walls do not a prison make"--that's what love-sick
fellows say; don't they? Wait a bit. Mr. Jack Hanbury will find that
stone walls make a very good imitation of a prison, at all events----'

'But, Tom--dear Tom,' Nan pleaded, 'it is no use making matters worse.
Let us try to make them better. If Madge is married, it can't be
helped now. We must make the best of it----'

He paid no attention to her; he was still staring at the ill-written
letter.

'That's all gammon about their going to France. He hasn't money for
travelling. She spent all hers in nick-nacks--to propitiate people,
the sneak! They're in London.'

He looked at his watch.

'I can just catch the 5.45 express. Nan, you go and tell the others;
they needn't squawk about it all over Brighton.'

'What are you going to do, Tom?' said his sister, breathlessly.

'Find out where they are first. Then Colonel Fitzgerald and Mr. Mason
must take it up. Then Mr. Jack Hanbury will suddenly find himself
inside Millbank prison.'

She caught him by the hand.

'Tom, is it wise?' she pleaded again. 'They are married. What is the
use of revenge? You don't want to make your own sister miserable?----'

'She has bro