In the present case, his dearest interests were concerned in inducing Isabel to reconsider her decision.

He was still vainly trying to shake her resolution, when the afternoon post brought a letter for Miss Pink which introduced a new element of disturbance into the discussion.

The letter was nothing less than Lady Lydiard's reply to the written announcement of Isabel's engagement, despatched on the previous day by Miss Pink.
Her Ladyship's answer was a surprisingly short one.

It only contained these lines: "Lady Lydiard begs to acknowledge the receipt of Miss Pink's letter requesting that she will say nothing to Mr.Hardyman of the loss of a bank-note in her house, and, assigning as a reason that Miss Isabel Miller is engaged to be married to Mr.Hardyman, and might be prejudiced in his estimation if the facts were made known.

Miss Pink may make her mind easy.