"From Kitty!" said the brother. Rupert's face changed a little, but he did not speak. Angela handed the letter first to Percival.
"Dear Miss Vivian," Kitty's letter began, "I am sorry to trouble you, but I want to know whether you will give a message for me to Mr. Brian Luttrell. Mrs. Luttrell is a little better, and is able to say one or two words. She calls for 'Brian' almost incessantly. I should be so glad if he would come, and Elizabeth too. If you know where they are, will you tell them so? But they must not say that I have written to you. And please do not answer this letter. If they cannot come, could not you? It is asking a great deal, I know; but Mrs. Luttrell would be happier if you were with her, and I should be so glad, too. I have nobody here whom I can trust, and I do not know what to do. I think you would help me if you knew all.—Yours very truly,
"Catherine Luttrell."
Percival read it through aloud, then laid it down in silence. "What does she mean?" he said, perplexedly.
"It means that there is something wrong," answered Rupert. "Are your people at Strathleckie now, Percival?"
"No, they are in London."
"Why don't you go down? You have not seen her since her marriage?"
"Hum. I haven't time."
"Then I will go."
"And I with you," said Angela, quickly. But Rupert shook his head.