CHAPTER V.
PUZZLED--EXPLANATION--MAKES BAD WORSE--THE DEED "Any letters ?" said her ladyship to a servant, as she crossed the hall.
"Only one, my lady--for Mr.Lorrequer, I believe." "For me!" thought I; "how is this ?" My letters had been hitherto always left in Kilrush.

Why was this forwarded here?
I hurried to the drawing-room, where I found a double letter awaiting me.

The writing was Curzon's and contained the words "to be forwarded with haste" on the direction.

I opened and read as follows:-- "Dear Lorrequer,--Have you any recollection, among your numerous 'escapades' at Cork, of having grievously insulted a certain Mr.Giles Beamish, in thought, word, or deed?
If you have, I say, let me know with all convenient despatch, whether the offence be one admitting of apology -- for if not, the Lord have mercy on your soul--a more wrothy gentleman than the aforesaid, it having rarely been my evil fortune to foregather with.

He called here yesterday to inquire your address, and at my suggestion wrote a note, which I now enclose.