When I tell you that there has been a correspondence I must explain that I have written one long letter to the Duke, and that in answer I have received a very short one.

That has been the whole correspondence.

Here is your father's letter to me." Then she brought out of her pocket a note, which Lady Mary read,--covered with blushes as she did so.

The note was as follows: The Duke of Omnium understands from Mrs.Finn's letter that Mrs.Finn, while she was the Duke's guest at Matching, was aware of a certain circumstance affecting the Duke's honour and happiness,--which circumstance she certainly did not communicate to the Duke.

The Duke thinks that the trust which had been placed in Mrs.Finn should have made such a communication imperative.