on my feet, and I felt every vestige of colour leave
my face.

'You have some news!' I cried.

For answer he quietly put a letter in my hand, and when I saw the
well-known writing the reaction was too much, I sat down and burst into
a flood of tears.

Miss Rayner wisely left me alone. She drew Hugh away, and took him
inside the drawing-room, saying, 'It has been a strain to the
child--this time of suspense, though she has taken it so quietly. She
will be better left to herself.'

And then when they had left me I opened my letter. It had evidently
met with some delay on the road, for it was written a long time past.
Only one sheet as follows:--

'MY DEAREST,--

'How you must have wondered at my silence, and how little I thought
what a test your love and trust would be put to during this long time!
When I reached New York I found it imperative to push on somewhere in
these remote regions, from where I date this letter. I had only time
to send you a card, but I little thought how long it would be before
you would hear from me again. A bad accident resulted in my being
stretched on a sick-bed for two whole months, and I am only now able to
write. But I am on the way to speedy recovery now, and as soon as I
can be moved I shall make the best of my way home to you. The business
I was called out here about is at an end. Circumstances have made me
wonder, as I lie on my bed, whether it is still right to allow you to
link your life with mine. But I cannot write it. I must see you face
to face, if God permits, and then we must talk it over. I am hoping to
be in England soon after you receive this. Till then, darling,
good-bye.

'Ever yours,
'P. STANTON.'

I sat with the letter in my hand, one thought after another following
in rapid succession. But what really filled me with anxiety and dismay
was the date on which the letter was posted. According to his
statement he ought to have arrived in England long before this, and why
had he not done so?

I rose from my seat and called Miss Rayner, who came to my side at once.

'Well? Good news, I hope!' she said cheerily.

'Why isn't he here?' I said, and I handed her the letter. She read it,
and told Hugh its contents, as I did not seem to have the voice to
speak.

'He may have been delayed,' Hugh said at once, 'I will go up to his
agents again in town, and find out if they know anything of his
movements.'

'Again!' I exclaimed. 'Have you been