He looked into the post-basket.
Was there any danger of discovery by the servants?
The footman was absent, attending his mistress on her way to the lecture.

None of the female servants were on the stairs.

He took up Carmina's letter, and looked at the address: _To Ovid Vere, Esq._ His eyes twinkled furtively; his excellent memory for injuries reminded him that Ovid Vere had formerly endeavoured (without even caring to conceal it) to prevent Mrs.Gallilee from engaging him as her music-master.

By subtle links of its own forging, his vindictive nature now connected his hatred of the person to whom the letter was addressed, with his interest in stealing the letter itself for the possible discovery of Carmina's secrets.

The clock told him that there was plenty of time to open the envelope, and (if the contents proved to be of no importance) to close it again, and take it himself to the post.