It was no longer "Dear Dr.
Cumberledge" now, but "Hubert." That was something gained, at any rate.
I read on with a beating heart.

What had Hilda to say to me?
"DEAR HUBERT,--By the time this reaches you, I shall be far away, irrevocably far, from London.

With deep regret, with fierce searchings of spirit, I have come to the conclusion that, for the Purpose I have in view, it would be better for me at once to leave Nathaniel's.

Where I go, or what I mean to do, I do not wish to tell you.

Of your charity, I pray, refrain from asking me.