The first not only did not contain the usual note enclosed for Mrs.Costello, but there was not the slightest message to, or mention of, either her or Lucia.

Mr.Leigh examined the letter, peeped into the envelope, shook the sheets apart (for Maurice's writing filled much space with few words), but found nothing.

The real explanation of this was simple enough.

Maurice had written his note to Mrs.Costello, and then, just as he was going to put it in the envelope, was called to his grandfather.

In getting up from the table he gave the note a push, which sent it down into a wastepaper basket.