He inquired for Miss Bride, and was presently led up to the private drawing-room, where Constance sat writing.

As they shook hands, their eyes scarcely met.
"Can you spare me a few minutes ?" asked the visitor.

"There's something here I wanted to show Lady Ogram; but I shall be still more glad to talk it over with you." Constance took the newspaper and Breakspeare's note.

As she read, her firm-set lips relaxed a little.

She handed the papers back with a nod.
"Has Lady Ogram heard ?" Dyce asked.
"Yes; she had a letter this morning, and I have answered it.