d
itself, standing straight in her way.

There was no time to forward her letter in the ordinary manner by post.
It must be taken to its destination by a private messenger. Lady Janet's
servants had hitherto been, one and all, at her disposal. Could she
presume to employ them on her own affairs, when she might be dismissed
from the house, a disgraced woman, in half an hour's time? Of the two
alternatives it seemed better to take her chance, and present herself at
the Refuge without asking leave first.

While she was still considering the question she was startled by a knock
at her door. On opening it she admitted Lady Janet's maid, with a morsel
of folded note-paper in her hand.

"From my lady, miss," said the woman, giving her the note. "There is no
answer."

Mercy stopped her as she was about to leave the room. The appearance of
the maid suggested an inquiry to her. She asked if any of the servants
were likely to be going into town that afternoon.

"Yes, miss. One of the grooms is going on horseback, with a message to
her ladyship's coach-maker."

The Refuge was close by the coach-maker's place of business. Under the
circumstances, Mercy was emboldened to make use of the man. It was a
pardonable liberty to employ his services now.

"Will you kindly give the groom that letter for me?" she said. "It will
not take him out of his way. He has only to deliver it--nothing more."

The woman willingly complied with the request. Left once more by
herself, Mercy looked at the little note which had been placed in her
hands.

It was the first time that her benefactress had employed this formal
method of communicating with her when they were both in the house. What
did such a departure from established habits mean? Had she received her
notice of dismissal? Had Lady Janet's quick intelligence found its way
already to a suspicion of the truth? Mercy's nerves were unstrung. She
trembled pitiably as she opened the folded note.

It began without a form of address, and it ended without a signature.
Thus it ran:

"I must request you to delay for a little while the explanation which
you have promised me. At my age, painful surprises are very trying
things. I must have time to compose myself, before I can hear what you
have to say. You shall not be kept waiting longer than I can help. In
the meanwhile everything will go on as usual. My nephew Julian, and
Horace Holmcroft, and the lady whom I found in the dining-room, will,