"Now, Susan, for your revelation," said Sir John, as he took her little hand and held it caressingly.
"You remember, dear uncle," began Susan, "how Ralph came to us at Chiddingly last Sunday week, intending to pass at least ten days with us? Well, he left us on Wednesday night, at which I marvelled."
"So did I," interpolated Sir John.
"I must tell you," continued the fair girl, "that on that Sunday morning a messenger brought me a letter from Mr. Geoffrey Fynes."
"Ah! ah!" said Sir John, "this grows interesting."
Susan blushed prettily as she looked into her uncle's face, and shook her head reprovingly.
"Oh, uncle, you must be serious; I think you will be so when I have told you all!"
"Go on, my child," said Sir John gravely.
"Well, I have the letter here; I meant to show it to you last night; please read it."
The Treasurer took the letter, and as he read it his face assumed an increased expression of gravity.