need to tell her that. I wish Howel the--Well, I won't say more,
but remain your affectionate father, DAVID PROTHERO.'

Miss Gwynne was very anxious to tell Netta that Howel was supposed to be
in America, and that it was well known he could not return; and at last
Rowland took Mr Wenlock into full confidence and asked him whether it
would be advisable to do so. He said that he feared she would be
frightened at first, and then consider it a _ruse_ to get her away.
However, something must be done. To tell her that her husband was a
felon would kill her; and she would die if she remained in that close
air. He would think the matter over, and decide.

It was, however, decided for them the following morning. Netta was the
first to hear, as usual, the postman's rap. Manoeuvre as she would,
Gladys could not prevent this, and it always brought on considerable
excitement. This morning, however, there was actually a letter for
Netta, and Sarah went upstairs with it to Gladys. Although she called
Gladys out of the room to give it to her, Netta suspected something, ran
into the passage, and seized the letter.

Gladys was obliged to support her back to the sofa, and give her some
medicine, before she was sufficiently herself to open it When she
recovered, she waited for Gladys to leave the room, which she thought it
best to do, and then broke the seal. The letter contained the following
words:--

'DEAREST,--You had better go to your mother or mine. Kiss our child
for me. Believe that I love you. God bless you.'

When Gladys returned to the sitting-room, upon a cry from Minette, she
found Netta in a swoon. The letter was tightly clasped in her hand, the
envelope was on the floor. She ventured to look at the address and
postmark. The former was to Mrs Mills, the latter some illegible place
in America. She wanted no more information, and asked for none. She
brought poor Netta to herself with difficulty, and let her put the
letter in its envelope, and both in her bosom, without a question. Netta
lay on the sofa, with her eyes closed, and said not a word. All that
Gladys or Minette could do to attract her attention was unavailing. But
when Rowland came, she roused herself sufficiently to say, 'I am ready
to go home now, Rowland: I must go directly.' And then she relapsed into
a state of passive inaction. Rowland went for Mr Wenlock, and was
fortunate in finding him at home. He accompanied him to Netta, and said