"Nevertheless, it will be as well to lose no time in making ourselves acquainted with the contents," said Tait eagerly, for he was in a fever of impatience to know all. "It may be a confession by Hilliston."
"I think not. It is directed to me in the handwriting of Mrs. Hilliston."
"To Ferdinand Paynton?"
"No. To Captain Larcher."
"H'm!" said Tait, with a start. "How did Mrs. Hilliston know you were Captain Larcher? Did she see you at Thorston?"
"No. But her husband doubtless informed her of my real name. However, we will learn all from this," said Larcher, breaking the seal. "I believe this is a confession by Mrs. Hilliston."
"But what can she have to confess?" cried Claude, as his father smoothed out a closely written letter. "She can know nothing of the tragedy."
"You forget," said Tait, with a sudden recollection, "Louisa Sinclair; she was at Horriston, and, according to Mona Bantry, was in the garden of The Laurels on that night. I would not be surprised if she saw the committal of the crime."
"What! Do you think she is about to betray her husband?"
"Oh," said Tait significantly, "we are by no means sure of Hilliston's guilt!"