"She handed over the note, and told me to put it in my bosom for fear of its being seen. So I did; and came here, but not till I had read Mr. Lawrence's name on the outside. Now, Miss Hyde, just tell me what to do."
"There is one thing you must not do, Lottie, and that is, tempt any of the men from their duty."
"But then that dress! Light green foulard, with bunches of roses—sweet roses!"
"Wait a moment, Lottie; we must not do anything without Mr. Lee's sanction: that will never answer."
I went up to Mr. Lee, who was sitting in the window recess, apparently reading, and asked if he could spare a horse and man long enough to ride over to Mr. Bosworth's.
"Who wishes to send?" he inquired, indifferently.
"Mrs. Dennison," I answered, not unwilling to give him the information.
He held the paper a little tighter in his hand, repeating:
"Mrs. Dennison! What correspondent has she at Mrs. Bosworth's?"
There was an effort at indifference in his voice, but it did not conceal that he was touched.