l farm, which two
things go well together. Now you are, of all those I know, most
fitted to manage the inn, and I the farm. You were always my
good friend; and, if you be so still, then I charge you most
solemnly that you utter no word to any living soul about this
letter; but meet me privately where we can talk fully of these
matters; for I will not set foot in Hernshaw Castle. Moreover,
she told me once 't was hers; and so be it. On Friday I shall
lie at Stapleton, and the next day, by an easy journey, to the
place where I once was so happy.

"So then at seven of the clock on Saturday evening, be the same
wet or dry, prithee come to the gate of the grove unbeknown,
and speak to

"Your faithful friend
and most unhappy master,

"GRIFFITH GAUNT.

"Be secret as the grave. Would I were in it."

This letter set Caroline Ryder in a tumult. Griffith alive and well, and
set against his wife, and coming to her for assistance!

After the first agitation, she read it again, and weighed every
syllable. There was one book she had studied more than most of us,--the
Heart. And she soon read Griffith's in this letter. It was no
love-letter; he really intended business; but, weak in health and
broken in spirit, and alone in the world, he naturally turned to one who
had confessed an affection for him, and would therefore be true to his
interests, and study his happiness.

The proposal was every way satisfactory to Mrs. Ryder. To be mistress of
an inn, and have servants under her instead of being one herself. And
then, if Griffith and she began as allies in business, she felt very
sure she could make herself, first necessary to him, and then dear to
him.

She was so elated she could hardly contain herself; and all her
fellow-servants remarked that Mrs. Ryder had heard good news.

Saturday came, and never did hours seem to creep so slowly.

But at last the sun set, and the stars come out. There was no moon.
Ryder opened the window and looked out; it was an admirable night for an
assignation.

She washed her face again, put on her gray silk gown, and purple
petticoat,--_Mrs. Gaunt_ had given them to her,--and, at the last
moment, went and made up her mistress's fire, and put out everything she
thought could be wanted, and, five minutes after seven o'clock, tied a
scarlet handker