"Yes, he slept at my house—Lord Ravenel, the Earl of Luxmore, I mean. Much good will his title do him! My head clerk is better off than he. He has stripped himself of every penny, except—bless me, I forgot; Mr. Halifax, he gave me a letter for you."
John walked to the window to read it; but having read it, passed it openly round the circle; as indeed was best.
"MY DEAR FRIEND,
"You will have heard that my father is no more."
("He used always to say 'the earl,'" whispered Maud, as she looked over my shoulder.)
"I write this merely to say, what I feel sure you will already have believed—that anything which you may learn concerning his affairs, I was myself unaware of, except in a very slight degree, when I last visited Beechwood.
"Will you likewise believe that in all I have done, or intend doing, your interests as my tenant—which I hope you will remain—have been, and shall be, sedulously guarded?
"My grateful remembrance to all your household.
"Faithfully yours and theirs,
"LUXMORE."
"Give me back the letter, Maud my child."