He had Primrose's letter in his pocket, and he thought himself very lucky to have so nicely secured her quarter's allowance.

He returned to his own house in Eden Street, and in the privacy of his back parlor opened Mr.
Danesfield's letter.

It was a short letter, and, as it happened was not written by Mr.Danesfield at all.

Dove, however, by patient spelling and peering, presently mastered its contents.
"The Bank, "High Street, Rosebury, "April 21.
"MADAM, "In Mr.Danesfield's absence, I send you a cheque for L17 10_s._, according to his orders.

The cheque will require your signature at the back, and if you will kindly sign it you, or any one else, can obtain cash for the amount at the Metropolitan Bank, Strand.
"I expect Mr.Danesfield home in about six weeks; he has been wintering abroad.
"Yours faithfully, "JOHN DAVIS." Dove took the greater part of an hour to make this letter out; next he fingered the cheque, turning it backwards and forwards; then his face grew very blank--for, unsigned, that cheque was valueless.