CHAPTER XIII.
A MYSTERIOUS LETTER .-- A DUEL .-- THE DEPARTURE OF ONE OF THE FAMILY.
THE next morning I communicated to the Abbe my intention of proceeding to London.

He received it with favour.

"I myself," said he, "shall soon meet you there: my office in your family has expired; and your mother, after so long an absence, will perhaps readily dispense with my spiritual advice to her.

But time presses: since you depart so soon, give me an audience to-night in your apartment.

Perhaps our conversation may be of moment." I agreed; the hour was fixed, and I left the Abbe to join my uncle and his guests.