This he sent by hand to Sir Charles's house, and ordered his servants--but that the reader knows.
Sir Charles found the admiral's letter in his letter-rack.

It ran thus: "SIR--We have learned your connection with a lady named Somerset, and I have ascertained that you went from my daughter to her house this very day.
"Miss Bruce and myself withdraw from all connection with you, and I must request you to attempt no communication with her of any kind.

Such an attempt would be an additional insult.
"I am, sir, your obedient servant, "JOHN URQUHART BRUCE." At first Sir Charles Bassett was stunned by this blow.

Then his mind resisted the admiral's severity, and he was indignant at being dismissed for so common an offense.

This gave way to deep grief and shame at the thought of Bella and her lost esteem.