"Dear Harry," ran the note--"Could you find time to come up to me this morning?
Sir Hugh has gone to North Priory.

Ever yours, H.C." Harry, of course, went, and as he went, he wondered how Sir Hugh could have had the heart to go to North Priory at such a moment.

North Priory was a hunting seat some thirty miles from Clavering, belonging to a great nobleman with whom Sir Hugh much consorted.

Harry was grieved that his cousin had not resisted the temptation of going at such a time, but he was quick enough to perceive that Lady Clavering alluded to the absence of her lord as a reason why Harry might pay his visit to the house with satisfaction.
"I'm so much obliged to you for coming," said Lady Clavering.

"I want to know if you can do something for me." As she spoke, she had a paper in her hand which he immediately perceived to be a letter from Italy.
"I'll do anything I can, of course, Lady Clavering." "But I must tell you, that I hardly know whether I ought to ask you.