What I ask is that if you think it right to take any action in the matter, my name may not be mentioned.

It would be considered an act of spite on my part, which it is not; and perhaps I may mention to you that I have special reasons for wishing that Miss Atherton, at least, should not think worse of me than I deserve.

She would certainly misunderstand it if my name were mentioned.

I feel I have only done my duty, and I assure you it will be a great relief to me to know that you are rid of one who cannot fail to exercise a fatal influence on the pure and honest mind of my friend Percy.
"Believe me, dear Mrs Rimbolt, most sincerely yours,-- "E.

Scarfe." The shock which this astounding communication gave to Mrs Rimbolt can be more easily imagined than described.