ge a cook himself in town, send her out in the course of the
morning, and that Horniman could go.

Horniman came up to interview her mistress soon after Martin's
departure. She was penitent now, and willing to stay; but nothing
would induce Martin himself to forgive her, and, in consequence, Mrs.
Martin did not dare to do so. The woman was paid her wages in full,
and dismissed. Then it occurred to Mrs. Martin that here was her
opportunity to send a short note of warning to Maggie. Why she did not
send it by post it is hard to ascertain; but she thought that it would
go more swiftly and surely if Tildy were the messenger.

Accordingly she sent for Tildy and told her what she expected her to
do.

"Matilda," she said, "cook has gone, and I shall be quite content with
tea and toast and a lightly boiled egg for my lunch. After lunch you
can take the train to London and convey a message from me to Miss
Maggie."

"Oh mum, 'ow beauteous!" said Tildy.

"I will have a letter ready which you are, if possible, to put into
her own hands."

"Yes, 'um; and don't I long to see 'er, jest!"

"Well, this is the address," said Mrs. Martin. "Get everything cosy
and comfortable in the house, and bring me my tea by one o'clock. A
train will take you to Victoria at half-past one, which you ought to
catch. You can easily be back here between four and five; by that time
the new cook will have arrived."

"Things ain't dull a bit to-day'," said Tildy. "They're much more
Shepherd's Bushy, and I like 'em a sight better than I did."

"Well, go now, and attend to your business," said Mrs. Martin.

Having secured a messenger, Mrs. Martin next prepared to write to poor
Maggie:

"MY DEAR CHILD,--Most unfortunately your father has discovered
the letter you wrote to me. He doesn't say much, but I can see
that he is furiously angry. He intends to take me with him to
call on you next Saturday--I presume, some time in the
afternoon. I will try to make him dress in as gentlemanly a
manner as possible, and also will endeavor to prevent his
talking about the shop. You must make the very best of things
you can, dear; for there's no possible way of keeping him from
Aylmer House.--Your affectionate mother,

"VICTORIA MARTIN."

When the letter was finished Mrs. Martin put it into an envelope,
addressed to Miss Maggie Howland, Aylmer House, Randal Square, South
Kensington, and put it