"And she is ignorant of the peril through which her former lover, Edward Layton, has passed, and in which he still stands?"
"She is ignorant of it," said Mrs. Rutland.
"Have any letters arrived for her during her illness?"
"Yes, two. One in the handwriting of Mr. Layton, the other from my dear boy Eustace."
"Have you those letters?"
"Yes."
"Have you opened them?"
"No. My daughter made me give her a solemn promise that I would never open one of her letters, and I have not done so."
"But," said Dr. Daincourt, "this is a matter of life and death. I must ask you to give me those letters, and I will take upon myself the responsibility of opening them. I must ask you for something more. Your daughter has a desk?"
"Yes."