her trunk with her. How she had got it
out of the house was the profoundest mystery. We questioned the
servants; but they all denied stoutly. Whether to believe them or
not I cannot tell, but I doubt the housemaid.

The early afternoon post brought Virginie a note. I inclose it. It
tells you all I can tell. I write immediately, distressed by what
has occurred, more than I can say. I earnestly trust the poor child
has not thrown herself away. I hope with all my heart it may not be
so bad as at first sight if seems. Believe me my dear sir, truly
sorry for what has occurred, and I trust you will acquit me of
blame.

With the deepest sympathy, I remain,

Yours, sincerely,
Mathilde Leblanc.

[Miss Rose Danton to Mlle. Virginie Leblanc. Inclosed in the preceding.]

Wednesday Night.

My Darling Virginie:--When you read this, we shall have
parted--perhaps forever. My pet, I am married! To-day, when
I drove away, it was not to call on Mrs. Major Forsyth, but be
married. Oh, my dearest, dearest Virginie, I am so happy, so
blessed--so--so--oh! I can't tell you of my unutterable joy! I am
going away to-night, in half an hour. I shall kiss you good-bye as
you sleep. In a day or two I leave Canada forever, to be happy,
beyond the power of words to describe, in another land. Adieu, my
pet. If we never meet, don't forget your happy, happy
Rose.

[Miss Grace Danton to Doctor Frank Danton.]

Danton Hall, May 21, 18--.

My Dear Frank:--Do you recollect your last words to me as you
left St. Croix: "Write to me, Grace. I think you will have news
to send me before long." Had you, as I had, a presentment of what
was to come? My worst forebodings are realized. Rose has eloped.
Reginald Stanford is a villain. They are married. There are no
positive proofs as yet, but I am morally certain of the fact. I
have long suspected that he admired that frivolous Rose more than
he had any right to do, but I hardly thought it would come to this.
Heaven forgive them, and Heaven pity Kate, who loved them both so
well! She knows nothing of the matter as yet. I dread the time when
the truth will be revealed.

The morning of the 19th brought Captain Danton a letter from
Quebec, in a strange hand. It came after breakfast, and I carried
it myself into his