“Here, General,” said the young secretary.
The General put them on.
“My dear George,” he read.
It was a long letter, four pages closely written in Lady Linden’s strong, almost masculine hand.
“...I remember that when she visited me years ago, she told that me you were an old friend of her father’s. This being so, I think you should combine with me in trying to bring these two wrong-headed young people together. I have quarrelled with Hugh Alston, so I can do nothing at the moment; but you, being on the spot so to speak, in London, and Hugh I understand also being in London...”
“What the dickens is the woman drivelling about?” the General demanded. “Hudson!”
“Yes, sir!”
“Read this letter carefully, digest it, and then briefly explain to me what the dickens it is all about.”
The secretary took the letter and read it carefully.
“This letter is from Lady Linden, of Cornbridge Manor House, Cornbridge. She is deeply interested in a young lady, Miss Joan Meredyth. At least—” Hudson paused.