le with his first
feeling of disappointment. He wrote at once to Mr. Rambert, mentioning
the discovery he had just made, and sent the note off by his groom, with
orders to the man to wait for an answer.

The reply with which the servant returned was almost insolent in the
shortness and coolness of its tone. Mr. Rambert had no books in his
library which were not in perfect condition. The volume of the _Times_
had left his house perfect, and whatever blame might attach to the
mutilation of it rested therefore on other shoulders than those of the
owner.

Like many other weak men, Mr. Carling was secretly touchy on the subject
of his dignity. After reading the note and questioning his servants, who
were certain that the volume had not been touched till he had opened it,
he resolved that the missing number of the _Times_ should be procured
at any expense and inserted in its place; that the volume should be sent
back instantly without a word of comment; and that no more books from
Mr. Rambert's library should enter his house.

He walked up and down the study considering what first step he should
take to effect the purpose in view. Under the quickening influence of
his irritation, an idea occurred to him, which, if it had only entered
his mind the day before, might probably have proved the means of saving
him from placing himself under an obligation to Mr. Rambert. He resolved
to write immediately to his bookseller and publisher in London (who knew
him well as an old and excellent customer), mentioning the date of
the back number of the _Times_ that was required, and authorizing the
publisher to offer any reward he judged necessary to any person who
might have the means of procuring it at the office of the paper or
elsewhere. This letter he wrote and dispatched in good time for the
London post, and then went upstairs to see his wife and to tell her what
had happened. Her room was still darkened and she was still on the
sofa. On the subject of the missing number she said nothing, but of
Mr. Rambert and his note she spoke with the most sovereign contempt. Of
course the pompous old fool was mistaken, and the proper thing to do was
to send back the volume instantly and take no more notice of him.

"It shall be sent back," said Mr. Carling, "but not till the missing
number is replaced." And he then told her what he had done.

The effect of that simple piece of information on Mrs. Carling was so
extraordinary and so unaccountab