“It is not possible, madam!”
“Yes, indeed. I was very much astonished to see it.”
“What in the world could have been his motive?”
“I cannot even form an idea. No motive was assigned in the paper.”
“And did he never mention his intention to you in any of his letters?”
“Never, Kate. But indeed, I have not heard from him for six weeks. I cannot tell the reason why he does not write. Perhaps his letters have been lost—the foreign mails are so irregular.
“Was he at Havana when you heard from him last, madam?”
“Yes, Catherine—but then he spoke of a speedy return home. They should have been here long before this time, or at least, he should have written to account for their delay. I send Henny regularly to the post-office—I have sent her to-day. I hope I may get a letter, though the chances seem to diminish.”
Even while they spoke, the girl came in with a letter in her hand. Mrs. Clifton took it and looked at it, saying—
“At last! It is from Havana, Catherine, from Archer.”