n consider then what is to
be done."

CHAPTER XLIV

THE INTERCEPTED LETTER-BAG

"Dear Katie;--At home, you see, without having answered your last
kind letter of counsel and sympathy. But I couldn't write in
town, I was in such a queer state all the time. I enjoyed
nothing, not even the match at Lord's, or the race; only walking
at night in the square, and watching her window, and seeing her
at a distance in Rotten Row."

"I followed your advice at last, though it went against the grain
uncommonly. It did seem so unlike what I had a right to expect
from them--after all the kindness my father and mother had shown
them when they came into our neighborhood, and after I had been
so intimate there, running in and out just like a son of their
own--that they shouldn't take the slightest notice of me all the
time I was in London. I shouldn't have wondered if you hadn't
explained; but after that, and after you had told them my
direction, and when they knew that I was within five minutes'
walk of their house constantly (for they knew all about Grey's
schools, and that I was there three or four times a week), I do
think it was too bad. However, as I was going to tell you, I went
at last, for I couldn't leave town without trying to see her; and
I believe I have finished it all off. I don't know. I'm very low
about it, at any rate, and want to tell you all that passed, and
to hear what you think. I have no one to consult but you, Katie.
What should I do without you? But you were born to help and
comfort all the world. I shan't rest till I know what you think
about this last crisis in my history."

"I put off going till my last day in town, and then called twice.
The first time, 'not at home.' But I was determined now to see
somebody and make out something; so I left my card, and a message
that, as I was leaving town next day, I would call again. When I
called again at 6 o'clock, I was shown into the library, and
presently your uncle came in. I felt very uncomfortable, and I
think he did too; but he shook hands cordially enough, asked why
I had not called before, and said he was sorry to hear I was
going out of town so soon. Do you believe he meant it? I didn't.
But it put me out, because it made it look as if it had been my
fault that I hadn't been there before. I said I didn't know that
he would have liked me to call, but I felt that he had got the
best of the start."

"Then he asked after all at home, and talked of h