The country post, always irregular, for once favoured her anxiety, and only two days afterwards came a hurried note, bringing the best possible answer.

Mr.Strafford wrote, "The fact of one of my people being in such trouble would bring me to Cacouna if I had no other reason for coming.

I shall be with you, therefore, the day after you receive this.

No one, I should think, need, for the present at least, know of any connection whatever between your family affairs and my visit.

My errand is to try what can be done for the unhappy prisoner, and, as an old friend, I shall ask your hospitality during my stay.