Tonight she would pack her clothing and Olga's; she would leave a letter for her husband; and early in the morning they would leave London.

Not for any distant hiding-place; it was better to be within easy reach of Dr.Derwent, and a retreat in Surrey would best suit their purposes, some place where lodgings could be at once obtained.

The subject of difference put aside, they talked again freely and affectionately of this sudden escape from a life which in any case Mrs.Hannaford could not have endured much longer.

About nine o'clock, the quiet of the house was broken by a postman's knock; Olga ran to take the letter, and exclaimed on seeing the address-- "Why, it's from Mr.Otway, and an English stamp!" Mrs.Hannaford found a note of a few lines.

Piers Otway had reached London that morning, and would be in town for a day or two only, before going on into Yorkshire.