ask (with some alarming reason for putting
the question) for information on the subject of her younger sister's
whereabouts, and of any peculiarities in her personal appearance
which might enable a stranger to identify her. The third chance was to
penetrate the mystery of Mrs. Bygrave's seclusion, and to ascertain at
a personal interview whether the invalid lady's real complaint might
not possibly be a defective capacity for keeping her husband's secrets.
Resolving to try all three chances, in the order in which they are here
enumerated, and to set her snares for Magdalen on the day that was now
already at hand, Mrs. Lecount at last took off her dressing-gown and
allowed her weaker nature to plead with her for a little sleep.

The dawn was breaking over the cold gray sea as she lay down in her
bed again. The last idea in her mind before she fell asleep was
characteristic of the woman--it was an idea that threatened the captain.
"He has trifled with the sacred memory of my husband," thought the
Professor's widow. "On my life and honor, I will make him pay for it."

Early the next morning Magdalen began the day, according to her
agreement with the captain, by taking Mrs. Wragge out for a little
exercise at an hour when there was no fear of her attracting the public
attention. She pleaded hard to be left at home; having the Oriental
Cashmere Robe still on her mind, and feeling it necessary to read her
directions for dressmaking, for the hundredth time at least, before
(to use her own expression) she could "screw up her courage to put the
scissors into the stuff." But her companion would take no denial, and
she was forced to go out. The one guileless purpose of the life which
Magdalen now led was the resolution that poor Mrs. Wragge should not be
made a prisoner on her account; and to that resolution she mechanically
clung, as the last token left her by which she knew her better-self.

They returned later than usual to breakfast. While Mrs. Wragge was
upstairs, straightening herself from head to foot to meet the morning
inspection of her husband's orderly eye; and while Magdalen and the
captain were waiting for her in the parlor, the servant came in with a
note from Sea-view Cottage. The messenger was waiting for an answer, and
the note was addressed to Captain Wragge.

The captain opened the note and read these lines:

"DEAR SIR--Mr. Noel Vanstone desires me to write and tell you that he
proposes enjoying this fin