.

A SOUL WITHOUT HOPE.
When Mr.Fielden returned home, Lucretia had quitted the house.

She left a line for him in her usual bold, clear handwriting, referring him to his wife for explanation of the reasons that forbade a further residence beneath his roof.

She had removed to an hotel until she had leisure to arrange her plans for the future.

In a few months she should be of age; and in the meanwhile, who now living claimed authority over her?
For the rest, she added, "I repeat what I told Mr.Mainwaring: all engagement between us is at an end; he will not insult me either by letter or by visit.