say less.

"If I cannot prevail on you to follow my advice, you have only to say
so, and Mrs. Lecount shall have your address to-morrow. In this case
(which I cannot contemplate without the greatest unwillingness), let me
at least recommend you to stipulate that Miss Garth shall be present at
the interview. In any matter with which your sister is concerned, you
may want an old friend's advice, and an old friend's protection against
your own generous impulses. If I could have helped you in this way,
I would; but Mrs. Lecount gave me indirectly to understand that the
subject to be discussed was of too delicate a nature to permit of my
presence. Whatever this objection may be really worth, it cannot apply
to Miss Garth, who has brought you both up from childhood. I say, again,
therefore, if you see Mrs. Lecount, see her in Miss Garth's company.

"Always most truly yours,

"WILLIAM PENDRIL."

VIII.

_From Norah Vanstone to Mr. Pendril._

"Portland Place, Wednesday.

"DEAR MR. PENDRIL--Pray don't think I am ungrateful for your kindness.
Indeed, indeed I am not! But I must see Mrs. Lecount. You were not aware
when you wrote to me that I had received a few lines from Magdalen--not
telling me where she is, but holding out the hope of our meeting before
long. Perhaps Mrs. Lecount may have something to say to me on this very
subject. Even if it should not be so, my sister--do what she may--is
still my sister. I can't desert her; I can't turn my back on any one who
comes to me in her name. You know, dear Mr. Pendril, I have always been
obstinate on this subject, and you have always borne with me. Let me
owe another obligation to you which I can never return, and bear with me
still!

"Need I say that I willingly accept that part of your advice which
refers to Miss Garth? I have already written to beg that she will come
here at four to-morrow afternoon. When you see Mrs. Lecount, please
inform her that Miss Garth will be with me, and that she will find us
both ready to receive her here to-morrow at four o'clock. Gratefully
yours,

"NORAH VANSTONE."

IX.

_From Mr. de Bleriot to Mrs. Lecount._

"Private.

"Dark's Buildings, October 28th.

"DEAR MADAM--One of Mr. Loscombe's clerks has proved amenable to a small
pecuniary consideration, and has mentioned a circumstance which it may
be of some importance to you to know.

"Nearly a month since, accident gave the clerk in question an
opportunity of looking into o