 It was because I heard
of it that I came to you. You are her nearest friend; you can speak to her as
others would not venture to. I ask only for five minutes. I entreat her to grant
me that.«
    To add to her perturbation, Letty was in dread of hearing Alfred's ring at
the door, she durst not prolong this interview.
    »I will tell her,« she said. »If I can, I will see her tonight.«
    »And how can I hear the result? I am afraid to ask you - if you would write
one line to me at Agworth? I am staying at my mother's house.«
    He mentioned the address. Letty, who felt herself caught up above the world
of common experiences and usages, gave her promise as a matter of course.
    »I shall not try to thank you,« Hubert said. »But you will not doubt that I
am grateful?«
    Letty said no more, and it was with profound relief that she heard the door
close behind her visitor. But even yet the danger was not past; Alfred might at
this moment be approaching, so as to meet Hubert near the house. And indeed this
all but happened, for Mr. Waltham presented himself very soon. Letty had had
time to impose secrecy on her sisters, such an extraordinary proceeding on her
part that they were awed, and made faithful promise of discretion.
    Letty drew her lover into the fireless room; she had blown out the candles
and turned the lamp low again, fearful lest her face should display signs
calling for comment.
    »I did so want you to come!« she exclaimed. »Tell me about Adela.«
    »I don't know that there's anything to tell,« was Alfred's stolid reply.
»It's settled, that's all. I suppose it's all right.«
    »But you speak as if you thought it mightn't be, Alfred?«
    »Didn't know that I did. Well, I haven't seen her since I got home. She's
upstairs.«
    »Can't I see her to-night? I do so want to.«
    »I dare say she'd be glad.«
    »But what is it, my dear boy? I'm sure you speak as if you weren't quite
satisfied.«
    »The mater says it's all right. I suppose she knows.«
    »But you've always been
