CHAPTER XI.
One morning the Rev.George Lind received a letter addressed in a handwriting which he did not remember and never thenceforth forgot.
Within the envelope he found a dainty little bag made of blue satin, secured by ribbons of the same material.

This contained a note written on scented paper, edged with gold, and decorated with a miniature representation of a _pierrot_, sitting cross-legged, conning a book, on the open pages of which appeared the letters L.V.The clergyman recognized the monogram no more than the writing.

But as it was evidently from a lady, he felt a pleasant thrill of expectation as he unfolded the paper.
"Laurel Grove West Kensington "Wednesday "Dear Mr.George "I have made poor little Lucy believe that Kew is the most heavenly place on earth to spend a May morning so Bob has had to promise to row her down there to-morrow (Thursday) after breakfast and I shall be at home alone from eleven to one this is very short notice I know but opportunities are scarce and another might not present itself for a month.
"Believe me Dear Mr.George "Yours sincerely Lalage Virtue." The Rev.George became thoughtful, and absently put the note in a little rack over the mantelpiece.

Then, recollecting that a prying servant or landlady might misinterpret it, he transferred it to his pocket.

After breakfast, having satisfied himself before the mirror that his dress was faultless, and his expression saintly, he went out and travelled by rail from Sloane Square to West Kensington, whence he walked to Laurel Grove.
An elderly maid opened the gate.