Clare, thought that she might receive tidings of the adopted one which would be useful, and with this object she opened a correspondence with Lady Mary Quin.

Lady Mary Quin was a daughter of the Earl of Kilfenora, and was well acquainted with all County Clare.

She was almost sure to hear of the doings of any officers stationed at Ennis, and would do so certainly in regard to an officer that was specially introduced to her.

Fred Neville was invited to stay at Castle Quin as long as he pleased, and actually did pass one night under its roof.

But, unfortunately for him, that spirit of adventure which he was determined to indulge led him into the neighbourhood of Castle Quin when it was far from his intention to interfere with the Earl or with Lady Mary, and thus led to the following letter which Lady Scroope received about the middle of December,--just a week before Fred's return to the Manor.
QUIN CASTLE, ENNISTIMON, 14 December, 18--.
MY DEAR LADY SCROOPE, Since I wrote to you before, Mr.Neville has been here once, and we all liked him very much.