I find by the card you gave me last night, that the name of Mordaunt was only assumed to conceal the blackest designs and most detestable perfidy.
If you do not mean to plead your privilege, I demand a meeting with you on Wimbolton Common to-morrow morning at seven o'clock, when I hope to wash out my wrongs, and those of the injured Ellen, in the blood of a villain.
I shall bring pistols and a friend.
Charles Ross.
Eight o'Clock, Wednesday morning.
To this St. Aubyn returned the following answer:—
Sir,
I shall be at the place appointed at the time you mention. Sir Edward Leicester will be with me.
St. Aubyn.
After dispatching this laconic reply, the Earl went to Ellen's dressing-room. Laura had just left her; Jane only was with her: at the moment he entered, Ellen was reading a note, which, when she saw him, she hastily folded together, and put within the bosom of her morning dress: she seemed a little agitated, and the tears stood in her eyes, but hastening to meet him, she said:—