Will you please take your hand from the lock and open the door ?" Wynn mechanically opened the door.

The young girl flew up-stairs.

In a very few moments she returned with two notes: one contained a few lines of formal invitation to Dunn; the other read as follows:-- "DEAR MR.

DORMAN: My father will tell you how deeply I regret that our recent botanical excursions in the Carquinez Woods have been a source of serious misapprehension to those who had a claim to my consideration, and that I shall be obliged to discontinue them for the future.

At the same time he wishes me to express my gratitude for your valuable instruction and assistance in that pleasing study, even though approaching events may compel me to relinquish it for other duties.