back us; but you never had any family, and the least said about mine
the better, so we have to be our own ancestors. And just as we had
succeeded in getting a footing, in placing ourselves so that our
children will be all right, your brother must go and do his best to
ruin it all! You see how necessary it is for you to be on the spot. We
may be able to break the engagement off before it is too late. Leave
the mine to take care of itself, or go to pieces if need be. One mine
more or less won't make any difference to us. Besides, you must think
of your children! Your brother, too; he's sure to regret it.

I am ill over this thing. Can't sleep, and have frightful indigestion.
Everybody's talking about it, and the newspapers are full this morning.
My new costume came home from Mme. V----'s yesterday; but there's no
pleasure now in wearing it!

With love,

ANNIE.

January 19th.

And the ball we were going to give next month! What about the ball?
Mrs. W---- had promised me we should have some of the smartest people
here! This will ruin everything. Telegraph me when you will come. I am
suicidal.

II

_A Bill._

Mr. Fred'k Strong, Dr.

To the ---- Private Detective Agency, for services rendered,
$---- --.

Rec'd payment,
---- --

Feb. 10th, 189-.

III

_A Letter from Miss Beatrice North to Richard Strong, sent by special
delivery to his Club._

February 11th.

My Darling Dick:

What is the meaning of this letter from a lawyer? Who has been trying
to damage my character? To ruin my happiness? Who hates me? I have
never willingly harmed any one. I can't and won't believe this letter
was sent with your approval. But why didn't you come to see me
yesterday? My dearest in the world, you wouldn't believe evil stories
of me, surely! You to whom I have told all my life, everything, for
there has been nothing to hide. No, no; I am sure you don't know
anything about this cruel letter, and for God's sake hurry and tell me
so yourself, hurry and tell me so, and let me kiss the words as they
come to your lips.

Thine,

BEATRICE.

IV

_Letter from the Same to the Same._

The evidence that you have proves nothing whatever, and even then much
of it is exaggerated, which I, in my turn, can prove. I shall sue you
for breach of promise.

BEATRICE NORTH.

V

_From the Same to the Same, a day later.