After a silence, the letter was discussed, especially its second paragraph.

Mallard was informed of the note which Miriam had received.
"I shall go to-morrow," he said, "and 'transact my business.' On the whole, it might as well be done through lawyers, but I had better be in London." "And then ?" asked Eleanor.
"I shall perhaps go and spend a week with the people at Sowerby Bridge.
But you shall hear from me." "Will you speak to Mrs.Baske ?" "I don't think it is necessary.

She has expressed no wish that I should ?" "No; but she might like to be assured that her brother won't be prosecuted for perjury." "Oh, set her mind at ease!" "Show Mallard the letter from Mrs.Lessingham," said Spence, with a twinkle of the eyes.
"I will read it to him." She did so.

And the letter ran thus: "Still no news?
I am uneasy, though there can be no rational doubt as to what form the news will take when it comes.

The material interests in question are enough to relieve us from anxiety.