A letter directed to herself lay there unopened.

She longed to break the seal, and to acquaint herself with the contents of this message from the dead.

She longed to read the letter, but she knew she could only do so at some quiet moment.

She must peruse those beloved words when she was alone and quite sure of being undisturbed.

She thought she might slip away into a little glade at the back of the house that afternoon, and there read her letter, and ponder over its contents.
Events, however, were to occur which would prevent Primrose carrying out this scheme.
Immediately after dinner Miss Martineau's well-known knock was heard at the hall-door, and Miss Martineau herself, bristling with excitement and curiosity, invaded the girls in their drawing-room.
"Now, my dears, tell me all about her.