"My faithful friend," said Ellen, "I am about to put your goodness to another test. But before I explain what I require of you, I beseech that you will not now endeavour to penetrate my motives. You shall know all the day after to-morrow."
"Speak, Miss; I am always ready to do any thing I can for you," said Marian.
"In the evening," continued Ellen, "you must find a pretence to go out for two or three hours. In the first instance you must call at Mr. Greenwood's house—"
"Mr. Greenwood's?" ejaculated Marian.
"Yes—but your business is not this time with him. On the contrary, he must not know the real motive of your visit, which is to deliver this note into the hands of his Italian valet Filippo. You have never seen Filippo—for he entered the service of Mr. Greenwood since you called there some months ago. You cannot, however, mistake him. He is a tall, dark man, with long black curling hair. Moreover, he speaks English with a strong foreign accent."
"The description is sufficient, Miss," said Marian; "I shall not be mistaken."
"This note is to be delivered into his hand—and his only," continued Ellen. "Should you meet Mr. Greenwood by accident, you may say, 'I come from Miss Monroe to inform you that your child is well and thriving.' This will be an excuse; I must leave the rest to you; but I implore you to do all you can to obtain an interview with Filippo."
"I will follow your wishes, Miss, to the utmost of my power," returned Marian.
"And when you know the motives of my present proceeding," said Ellen, "you will be satisfied with the part you have taken in it."
"I do not doubt you, Miss," observed Marian. "Have you seen the dear little baby lately?"