It was the last communication she was destined to receive from her accomplished nephew.

There was a Note attached to it, which cannot fail to enhance its value in the estimation of all right-minded persons who assist the circulation of paper money.
The lines that follow are strictly confidential: "Note .-- Our excellent Moody informs me, my dear aunt, that you have decided (against his advice) on 'refusing to prosecute.' I have not the slightest idea of what he means; but I am very much obliged to him, nevertheless, for reminding me of a circumstance which is of some interest to yourself personally.
"I am on the point of retiring to the Continent in search of health.
One generally forgets something important when one starts on a journey.
Before Moody called, I had entirely forgotten to mention that I had the pleasure of borrowing five hundred pounds of you some little time since.
"On the occasion to which I refer, your language and manner suggested that you would not lend me the money if I asked for it.

Obviously, the only course left was to take it without asking.

I took it while Moody was gone to get some curacoa; and I returned to the picture-gallery in time to receive that delicious liqueur from the footman's hands.
"You will naturally ask why I found it necessary to supply myself (if I may borrow an expression from the language of State finance) with this 'forced loan.' I was actuated by motives which I think do me honor.

My position at the time was critical in the extreme.