sudden pressure of confusion and alarm--may be used to Magdalen's
prejudice by the woman who purposely startled her into giving the
information. I can only prevent her from taking some desperate step
on her side--some step by which she may forfeit the friendship and
protection of the excellent people with whom she is now living--by
reminding her that if Mrs. Lecount traces her master by means of the
postmark on the letter, we may trace Magdalen at the same time, and by
the same means. Whatever objection you may personally feel to renewing
the efforts for the rescue of this miserable girl which failed so
lamentably at York, I entreat you, for Norah's sake, to take the same
steps now which we took then. Send me the only assurance which will
quiet her--the assurance, under your own hand, that the search on our
side has begun. If you will do this, you may trust me, when the time
comes, to stand between these two sisters, and to defend Norah's peace,
character, and future prosperity at any price.

"Most sincerely yours,

"HARRIET GARTH."

XI.

_From Mrs. Lecount to Mr. de Bleriot._

"October 28th.

"DEAR SIR--I have found the trace you wanted. Mrs. Noel Vanstone has
written to her sister. The letter contains no address, but the postmark
is Allonby, in Cumberland. From Allonby, therefore, the inquiries must
begin. You have already in your possession the personal description
of both husband and wife. I urgently recommend you not to lose one
unnecessary moment. If it is possible to send to Cumberland immediately
on receipt of this letter, I beg you will do so.

"I have another word to say before I close my note--a word about the
discovery in Mr. Loscombe's office.

"It is no surprise to me to hear that Mr. Noel Vanstone has made his
will since his marriage, and I am at no loss to guess in whose favor the
will is made. If I succeed in finding my master, let that person get
the money if that person can. A course to follow in this matter has
presented itself to my mind since I received your letter, but my
ignorance of details of business and intricacies of law leaves me still
uncertain whether my idea is capable of ready and certain execution.
I know no professional person whom I can trust in this delicate and
dangerous business. Is your large experience in other matters large
enough to help me in this? I will call at your office to-morrow at two
o'clock, for the purpose of consulting you on the subject. It is of the