ove there's nothing in it. If you
speak to her she will get round you, and say that Romer knew all about
it. My advice is, if you really want to put a stop to this
flirtation--I'm sure it's gossiped about--even Jane, who is the last
person in the world to talk, speaks of it to every one. If I were you, I
would speak to the young man himself."

"To Harry de Freyne? Yes, it's rather a good idea."

It struck Mrs. Wyburn that to do this would, perhaps, cause more
annoyance than anything else. She was now anxious to get rid of Miss
Westbury, who evidently had nothing more to impart. But that lady was
not so easy to dispose of. She broke into a long monologue on the
subject of regime, servants, and little dressmakers, occasionally
returning to the subject of the British Museum, and the shocking
frivolity there.

Mrs. Wyburn was just thinking of having a violent toothache or some
other ill, when Miss Westbury suddenly made up her mind to depart.

As soon as she had gone Mrs. Wyburn flew to the Blue Book, looked up
Harry's address, and wrote him the following note:--

"Dear Mr. de Freyne,

"Probably you hardly remember me, but I have met you on two or
three occasions at the house of my daughter-in-law, Mrs. Romer
Wyburn. There is something I want to say to you which I hardly
like to write. I should be glad if you would come and see me
to-morrow afternoon at four o'clock. I shall not keep you long.
You may think this a strange request, knowing you so slightly as
I do, but when we meet, I am sure you will understand.

"Yours truly,
"ISABELLA WYBURN."

Having written this note, Mrs. Wyburn felt too impatient to send it by
post; she was simply longing to know that Harry was feeling
uncomfortable, as he was very certain to feel when he got the letter.
Although she had a great suspicion and general dislike of the Messenger
Boy Service, she relented for once in their favour so far as to make use
of them, and the letter was sent by hand.

She was rewarded for thus conquering her prejudice. Harry was at home,
and accepted her invitation with most respectful alacrity. His
manners--especially on paper--were, with old and young ladies, always
equally perfect--unless he was out of temper.

Mrs. Wyburn eagerly hoped Harry would see Valentia, or somehow convey to
her about the letter, because it would b