her a short answer by return of post. It contained hardly more than a
thanksgiving that his life had not been sacrificed, and in a day or
two she had written again, letting him know that she had determined
to consult her father. Then on the last day of the month he received
the following letter:--

Dresden, March 27th, 18--.

MY DEAR FRIEND,--

At last we have resolved that we will go back to England,
--almost at once. Things have gone so rapidly that I
hardly know how to explain them all, but that is Papa's
resolution. His lawyer, Mr. Forster, tells him that it
will be best, and goes so far as to say that it is
imperative on my behalf that some steps should be taken
to put an end to the present state of things. I will
not scruple to tell you that he is actuated chiefly by
considerations as to money. It is astonishing to me that
a man who has all his life been so liberal should now in
his old age think so much about it. It is, however, in no
degree for himself. It is all for me. He cannot bear to
think that my fortune should be withheld from me by Mr.
Kennedy while I have done nothing wrong. I was obliged to
show him your letter, and what you said about the control
of money took hold of his mind at once. He thinks that
if my unfortunate husband be insane, there can be no
difficulty in my obtaining a separation on terms which
would oblige him or his friends to restore this horrid
money.

Of course I could stay if I chose. Papa would not refuse
to find a home for me here. But I do agree with Mr.
Forster that something should be done to stop the tongues
of ill-conditioned people. The idea of having my name
dragged through the newspapers is dreadful to me; but if
this must be done one way or the other, it will be better
that it should be done with truth. There is nothing that
I need fear,--as you know so well.

I cannot look forward to happiness anywhere. If the
question of separation were once settled, I do not know
whether I would not prefer returning here to remaining in
London. Papa has got tired of the place, and wants, he
says, to see Saulsby once again before he dies. What can I
say in answer to this, but that I will go? We have sent to
have the house in Portman Square got ready for us, and I
suppose we shall be there about the 15th of next month.
Papa has instructed Mr. Forster to tell Mr