"At present in London, but he leaves for his seat in Cheshire to-morrow. Bertie," the Jesuit exclaimed, "if what you have to do is with him it must be postponed. To seek out Fordingbridge now would be your undoing."
"And his wife--does--does she go too?"
"No," the other replied, "she stays in London. Bertie, I have brought you a letter from her."
"A letter from Kate--Lady Fordingbridge--to me! To me! What does it mean? What can have caused her to write to me?"
"Best read the letter," replied the other. "And as you read it think--try to think--kindly of her. Remember, too, that whatever she was to you once, she is now another man's wife. However great a villain he may be, remember that."
"Give me the letter," Elphinston said briefly.
Sholto took from his pocket the little packet; then, as he gave it to the other, he said, "Douglas and I will leave you to its perusal. The night is fine, he can walk with me to Battersea. Farewell."
"Farewell," returned Elphinston. "And--and--tell her ladyship if there is aught to answer such answer will be sent."
"Be careful of your messengers. Remember. Danger surrounds you."
"I shall remember."