Mrs. Middleton sank into her chair, quite overcome. Her joy was clouded, for the reward of her long and toilsome journey was snatched from her.
"Did he not leave any message?" she asked. "Did he not call before he went away?"
"Yes, mum. He left a note."
"Give it to me quick. Why did you not mention it to me before?"
"It's the first chance I got, mum. The letter is in my own chamber. I took the best care of it. I will get it directly."
"Do go, Sarah."
Mrs. Middleton awaited the return of Sarah with nervous impatience. Perhaps the captain had thrown her over, after all, and, loving him as she did, this would have torn the heart of the intriguing woman, who, cold and selfish as she was so far as others were concerned, really loved the handsome captain.
Sarah speedily reappeared with the letter.
"Here it is, mum," she said. "I have taken the best care of it."