"I write to apologise for the somewhat unconventional manner in which I am leaving your house; but as your plans for my disposal to-day did not accord with my own ideas of what is fitting, I have thought it best to leave thus early, and so avoid any awkwardness which might arise from conflicting arrangements. I wish you to know that I shall be with friends by this evening, so that you need feel no anxiety about my position. Pray accept my thanks for your hospitality, which I am sure my husband will much appreciate, and believe me,
"Yours respectfully,
"Mabel Scarsdale."
This communication her ladyship tore up into small fragments, and then snapped out:
"Is there anything more?"
"Yes, if you please, my lady," replied the maid; "a note for you from Mr. Allingford, left in his room."
Lady Melton took it as gingerly as if it were fresh from some infected district, and, spreading it out on the bed before her, read it with a contemptuous smile.
"Your Ladyship," wrote the Consul, "I have the honour to inform you that I am leaving at the earliest possible moment, not wishing to impose my company longer than is absolutely necessary where it is so evidently undesired. That there may be no burden of obligation between us, I beg you to accept a trunk belonging to me, which will arrive this morning, as compensation for my board and lodging.
"I remain
"Your Ladyship's Obedient Servant,
"Robert Allingford,
"U.S. Consul, Christchurch, England.
"P.S.—I mail you to-day a deed of gift of the property in question, legally attested, so that there may be no question of ownership.
"R. A."