“Garnet Seabright?” exclaimed Mrs. Garnet, in a tone of surprise and displeasure.
“My little sister Nettie,” said Hugh, bending forward with interest.
“Can you read it aloud, doctor?” inquired Elsie, in a low voice.
“Yes, dear,” replied Dr. Hardcastle, stooping to pick up a second letter, that had fallen out of the first, and retaining the one in his hand while he read the other, as follows:
“Mount Calm, March 1, 18—.
“Dr. Hardcastle.
“Dear Sir: Will you do me the favor of transmitting the inclosed letter to Dr. Hugh Hutton, of whose address I am entirely ignorant? Pray, pardon me for urging your prompt attention to my request, as its subject is of the utmost importance to Dr. Hutton, and requires his instant action.
“Very respectfully,
“Garnet Seabright.”
“Here, Hugh, after all, the matter concerned only you. Here is your letter,” said Dr. Hardcastle, handing over the inclosed epistle to Hugh, who took it with a look of amazed interest, tore it open, and read it in silence. Suddenly he sprung up, overturning the chair, and dropping the letter, as he exclaimed vehemently: