one or
two words. She calls for 'Brian' almost incessantly. I should be so glad
if he would come, and Elizabeth too. If you know where they are, will
you tell them so? But they must not say that I have written to you. And
please do not answer this letter. If they cannot come, could not you? It
is asking a great deal, I know; but Mrs. Luttrell would be happier if
you were with her, and I should be so glad, too. I have nobody here whom
I can trust, and I do not know what to do. I think you would help me if
you knew all.--Yours very truly,

"Catherine Luttrell."

Percival read it through aloud, then laid it down in silence. "What does
she mean?" he said, perplexedly.

"It means that there is something wrong," answered Rupert. "Are your
people at Strathleckie now, Percival?"

"No, they are in London."

"Why don't you go down? You have not seen her since her marriage?"

"Hum. I haven't time."

"Then I will go."

"And I with you," said Angela, quickly. But Rupert shook his head.

"No, dear, not you. We will write for Brian and Elizabeth. And, excuse
me, Percival, but if your sister is in any difficulty, I think it would
be only kind if you went to her assistance."

"Yes, Mr. Heron," said Angela. "Do go. Do help her if you can."

And this time Percival did not refuse.

CHAPTER XLIX.

KITTY'S WARNING.

"It's an odd thing," said Percival, with a puzzled look, "that Kitty
won't see me."

"Won't see you?" ejaculated Rupert.

They had arrived at Dunmuir the previous day, and located themselves at
the hotel. Arthur Fane had come with them, but he was at present in the
smoking-room, and the two friends had their parlour to themselves.

"Exactly. Sent word she was ill."

"Through whom?"

"A servant. A man whom I have seen with Luttrell several times. Stevens,
they call him."

"Did you see Hugo Luttrell?"

"No. I heard his voice."

"He was in the house then?"

"Yes. I suppose he did not care to see me."

"You are curiously unsuspicious for a man of your experience," said
Vivian, resting his head on one hand with a sort of sigh.

Percival started to his feet. "You think that it was a blind?" he cried.

"No doubt of it. He does not want you to see your sister."

"What for? Good Heavens! you don't mean to insinuate that he does not
treat her well?"

"No. I don't mean to insinuate anything."

"Then tell me in plain English what you do mean."

"I can't, Percival. I have vague suspicions,