which we,
ourselves, belong. Surely there is nothing objectionable in all this;
indeed, I should have thought that he would have been grateful for her
advice. But no--he fired up in the most absurd manner, accused us of
unfairness and prejudice, declared his intention of going his own way,
and gave us all his conge. In fact, he was extremely rude to my aunt,
and I cannot forgive him for some of the things that he said. His
attitude has been absurd from the first, and I cannot see that we could
have acted otherwise, but the situation is now peculiar, and what will
come of it I don't know. I must dress for dinner--I am curious to see
whether he will appear--he was out for lunch. Let me have a line if
you have a spare moment. I scarcely know how to act.--Yours,

ROBERT TROJAN.

23 SOUTHWICK CRESCENT, W.,
_October_ 14, 1906.

Dear Robin--In furious haste, am just off and have really no time for
anything. I am more sorry than I can say to hear your news. I must
confess that I had feared something of the kind; matters seemed working
to a climax when I was with you. As to advice, it is almost
impossible; I really don't know what to say, it is so hard for me to
judge of all the circumstances. But it seems to me that your father
can have had no warrant for the course that he took. One is naturally
chary of delivering judgment in such a case, but it was, obviously, his
duty to adapt himself to his environment. He cannot blame you for
reminding him of that fact. Out of loyalty to your aunt, I do not see
that you can do anything until he has apologised. But I will think of
the matter further, and will write to you from abroad.--In great haste,
your friend, LANCELOT RANDAL.

"THE FLUTES," PENDRAGON, CORNWALL,
_October_ 13, 1906.

Dear Miss Feverel--I must apologise for forcing you to realise once
more my existence. Any reminder must necessarily be painful after our
last meeting, but I am writing this to request the return of all other
reminders of our acquaintance that you may happen to possess; I enclose
the locket, the ring, your letters, and the tie that you worked. We
discussed this matter the other day, but I cannot believe that you will
still hold to a determination that can serve no purpose, except perhaps
to embitter feelings on both sides. From what I have known of you I
cannot believe that you are indulging motives of revenge--but,
otherwise, I must confess that I am at a loss.--Expecti