I have not seen him, but one of my people, Mary Wanita, who remembers you affectionately, brought me the news.

You may depend upon my guarding, with the utmost care, my knowledge of your retreat; but I thought it best to prepare you for the possibility of discovery, lest he should present himself unexpectedly to you or to Lucia.

If the matter on which you wished to consult me is one that can be entrusted to a letter, write fully, and I will give you the best advice I can; but send your letter to the post-office at Claremont, on the American side, and I will myself call there for it.

I shall also post my letters to you there for the present.
"With every good wish for you and for your child, believe me, sincerely yours, "A.

STRAFFORD." Lucia had looked for a solution of the mystery, but this letter was none.