He tried the latch; it was unfastened, and he entered.

The first object he saw was Charlie, tied to a chair, with a small saucer of untasted food beside him.

The little dog capered to the length of his ribbon, and mutely expressed the absence of his kind mistress, while Angus, bewildered, looked round the deserted dwelling in amazement.

All at once his eyes caught sight of the letter addressed to him, and he tore it open.

It was very brief, and ran thus-- "My Dearest, "When you read this, I shall be gone from you.