The noise of the footsteps, also of hushed subdued voices had awakened her--what could they be?
Gently, on tip-toe, she crossed the room and opened the door to listen; not a sound--that peculiar stillness of the early morning when sleep with all mankind is at its heaviest.

But the noise had made her nervous, and when, suddenly, at her feet, on the very doorstep, she saw something white lying there--a letter evidently--she hardly dared touch it.

It seemed so ghostlike.

It certainly was not there when she came upstairs; had Louise dropped it?
or was some tantalising spook at play, showing her fairy letters where none existed?
At last she stooped to pick it up, and, amazed, puzzled beyond measure, she saw that the letter was addressed to herself in her husband's large, businesslike-looking hand.

What could he have to say to her, in the middle of the night, which could not be put off until the morning?
She tore open the envelope and read:-- "A most unforeseen circumstance forces me to leave for the North immediately, so I beg your ladyship's pardon if I do not avail myself of the honour of bidding you good-bye.