He gathered together his letters, most of which he had not yet opened, and went out of the dining room, into his study. He locked the door, and sat down before his desk.
“Merciful Powers!” he murmured.
The blow had fallen. Mme. Van Der Dokjen was most hideously threatened.
Again he read the fatal letter.
Dear Mr. Phillips:
Having heard of your interest in Colonial history, and particularly in Mme. Van Der Dokjen, I feel sure you will be pleased to learn that I have discovered a letter written by her to an ancestor of mine—a certain Ephraim Ordway, captain in General Washington’s army.
Apparently Mme. V. took a pretty lively interest in Captain Ordway, and the letter may provide an amusing sidelight upon the lady’s history.
If you would care to see it, I shall be glad to bring it to you some day.
Very truly yours,
Stephen Ordway.
“This,” said Cousin Ronald to himself, “is blackmail. ‘An amusing sidelight—!’ Merciful Powers!”