The curiosity of everyone was now roused to the highest point, and Una asked the next question amid a breathless silence.
"To whom is the letter addressed?"
A profound silence ensued, during which the proverbial pin might have been heard to drop, as the lawyer replied solemnly and slowly,
"The letter is addressed to 'Mr. Reginald Blake, Vicarage, Garsworth.'"
"Addressed to me?" cried Reginald in an astonished voice, springing to his feet. "Impossible!"
"See for yourself," replied Bolby, handing him the letter.
Reginald took it in silence and stood holding it irresolutely for a few moments, during which time he glanced round at the astonished faces present. At last with an effort he tore open the envelope, but overcome with emotion seemed unable to proceed further, and crossing the room, gave the opened envelope to the vicar. Dr. Larcher arose from his seat as he took the letter and looked steadily at the young man.
"Do you wish me to read it?" he asked slowly.
Reginald bowed silently, and sat down in the vicar's chair.
Whereupon Dr. Larcher took the letter out of the envelope, leaving the ring still inside, and having opened it, read the contents in a slow, deliberate manner. Everyone listened in amazement to the extraordinary disclosure, and every eye was fixed on Reginald, who sat in his chair with his face buried in his hands.