THE SEALED PACKET.
Seeing Martin Gurwood's attitude of despair, and the horror-stricken expression on Humphrey Statham's face, Pauline started back in amazement.
'Is it possible,' she cried, 'that some one has been beforehand with me, that you already know the news which I come to bring? But no, that could not be.'
She addressed herself to Martin, but, after a brief glance at her, he had resumed his former attitude, and it was Statham who replied. 'You find us talking over a matter which has caused great surprise and pain to both of us, but it is not one,' he added quickly, seeing her start, 'in which, Madame Du Tertre, you could be interested, or of which, indeed, you could have any knowledge. From what you say you would appear to have some communication to make to us--does it concern Mrs. Claxton?'
'It does, indeed,' cried Pauline, with a deep sigh, and more than ever disconcerted at a glimpse of Martin Gurwood's tear-blurred face, which he lifted up as he heard her words; 'it does, indeed.'
Martin did not say a word, but kept his eyes upon her with a hard stony gaze. But Humphrey Statham cried out:
'For God's sake, woman, speak, and do not keep us longer in suspense! Is Alice ill--has anything happened to her?'
'What has happened to her you will be able to guess, when you read this slip of paper which, on my return from a false errand on which I had been lured, I found in an envelope addressed to me.'
She handed him a note as she spoke. Humphrey Statham took it, and read the following words in Alice's handwriting:
'I have found you and your accomplices out! I know my exact position now, and can guess why I was prevented from seeing John after his death!'