me, and which caused, as you may
remember, a momentary embarrassment between us.

"This morning the subject of Miss Gwilt has been brought to my notice
again in a manner which has caused me the utmost astonishment. In plain
words, Mrs. Milroy has informed me that Miss Gwilt has exposed herself
to the suspicion of having deceived us by a false reference. On my
expressing the surprise which such an extraordinary statement caused
me, and requesting that it might be instantly substantiated, I was still
further astonished by being told to apply for all particulars to no
less a person than Mr. Armadale. I have vainly requested some further
explanation from Mrs. Milroy; she persists in maintaining silence, and
in referring me to yourself.

"Under these extraordinary circumstances, I am compelled, in justice to
all parties, to ask you certain questions which I will endeavor to put
as plainly as possible, and which I am quite ready to believe (from my
previous experience of you) that you will answer frankly on your side.

"I beg to inquire, in the first place, whether you admit or deny
Mrs. Milroy's assertion that you have made yourself acquainted with
particulars relating either to Miss Gwilt or to Miss Gwilt's reference,
of which I am entirely ignorant? In the second place, if you admit
the truth of Mrs. Milroy's statement, I request to know how you became
acquainted with those particulars? Thirdly, and lastly, I beg to ask you
what the particulars are?

"If any special justification for putting these questions be
needed--which, purely as a matter of courtesy toward yourself, I am
willing to admit--I beg to remind you that the most precious charge in
my house, the charge of my daughter, is confided to Miss Gwilt; and that
Mrs. Milroy's statement places you, to all appearance, in the position
of being competent to tell me whether that charge is properly bestowed
or not.

"I have only to add that, as nothing has thus far occurred to justify
me in entertaining the slightest suspicion either of my governess or her
reference, I shall wait before I make any appeal to Miss Gwilt until
I have received your answer--which I shall expect by return of post.
Believe me, dear sir, faithfully yours,

"DAVID MILROY."

This transparently straightforward letter at once dissipated the
confusion which had thus far existed in Allan's mind. He saw the snare
in which he had been caught (though he was still necessarily at a loss
to underst