"For the sake of the community at large let us hope for this much-to-be-desired metamorphosis." But the next morning brought news of Evelyn in the shape of a letter addressed to Grace, which came on the first delivery of the mail for the day.

With eager fingers Grace opened it.

A slip of blue paper fluttered to the floor as she unfolded it.

Picking it up she saw it was a money order made payable to Evelyn Ward, then she read: "DEAR MISS HARLOWE: "When you receive this letter I shall be far away from Harlowe House.

I have done dreadful things and I cannot face you.