.

As Jack Pringle was going down at any rate, they saw no necessity for
personal interference; and he proved that there was not, by presently
returning with a note which he said had been thrown over the gate by a
lad, who then scampered off with all the speed he could make.

The note, exteriorly, was well got up, and had all the appearance of
great care having been bestowed upon its folding and sealing.

It was duly addressed to "Admiral Bell, Bannerworth Hall," and the word
"immediate" was written at one corner.

The admiral, after looking at it for some time with very great wonder,
came at last to the conclusion that probably to open it would be the
shortest way of arriving at a knowledge of who had sent it, and he
accordingly did so.

The note was as follows:--

"My dear sir,--Feeling assured that you cannot be surrounded
with those means and appliances for comfort in the Hall, in its
now deserted condition, which you have a right to expect, and so
eminently deserve, I flatter myself that I shall receive an
answer in the affirmative, when I request the favour of your
company to breakfast, as well as that of your learned friend.
Mr. Chillingworth.

"In consequence of a little accident which occurred last evening
to my own residence, I am, _ad interim_, until the county build
it up for me again, staying at a house called Walmesley Lodge,
where I shall expect you with all the impatience of one
soliciting an honour, and hoping that it will be conferred upon
him.

"I trust that any little difference of opinion on other subjects
will not interfere to prevent the harmony of our morning's meal
together.

"Believe me to be, my dear sir, with the greatest possible
consideration, your very obedient, humble servant,

"FRANCIS VARNEY."

The admiral gasped again, and looked at Mr. Chillingworth, and then at
the note, and then at Mr. Chillingworth again, as if he was perfectly
bewildered.

"That's about the coolest piece of business," said Mr. Chillingworth,
"that ever I heard of."

"Hang me," said the admiral, "if I sha'n't like the fellow at last. It
is cool, and I like it because it is cool. Where's my hat? where's my
stick!"

"What are you going to do?"

"Accept his invitation, to be sure, and breakfast with him; and, my
learned friend, as he calls you, I hope you'll come likewise. I'll take
the fellow at his word. By fair means,